NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

Israel-Palestine conflict: Saudi Arabia hosts Global Alliance meeting

276 total views today

 

By Mufutau Ojo

Saudi Arabia Minister of Foreign Affairs, Faisal bin Farhan, has inaugurated the first meeting of the Global Alliance on implementation of a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

The coalition, announced last month in partnership with international allies, was to mobilise global support for a viable and sustainable two-state resolution of the conflict.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration of the meeting on Wednesday in Riyadh, underscores Saudi Arabia leadership in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

 

Opening the meeting, the foreign minister welcomed Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and other international delegations dedicated to the peace-building efforts.

 

He expressed concern at the escalating violence in Palestine and Lebanon, stressing the urgent need for the international community’s intervention to halt actions that threaten regional stability.

 

The minister called for an immediate ceasefire while advocating the release of hostages and detainees as well as the establishment of accountability mechanisms to address ongoing violations.

 

The minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for UNRWA’s crucial role in delivering humanitarian aid amid the ongoing challenges in Palestinian territories.

 

He urged the global community to bolster efforts toward preserving the two-state solution as the foundation for long-term peace in the region.

 

The minister outlined the commitment of Saudi Arabia and its regional partners to practical and time-bound steps to resolve the conflict.

 

He emphasised the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian state and ending the occupation.

 

The minister reiterated his country’s condemnation of actions undermining Palestinian and Lebanese security.

 

NAN reports that as a follow-up to the developments, Saudi Arabia announced its intention to convene a joint Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on Nov. 11.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Sanwo-Olu, others praise philanthropist over NIJ media centre

240 total views today

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday inaugurated a 350-seat media resource centre donated to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) by business mogul and philanthropist, Dr Kesington Adebutu.

 

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, inaugurated the centre  at the NIJ, Ogba, Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kesington Adebutu Media Resource Centre is to provide journalism students with access to state-of-the-art equipment, resources and technology to enhancing their learning experience.

 

Sanwo-Olu said at the event that the state government would continually identify with, and support, causes  that would improve journalism practice.

 

He thanked Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu,  for the donation.

 

“I thank Baba for putting this here, for being futuristic about the profession of journalism and sparing a thought for this very important aspect of nation-building,” he said.

 

Chief  Olusegun Osoba, Chairman of NIJ Governing Council and former Governor of Ogun,  described Adebutu as a great Nigerian and philanthropist.

 

He praised Adebutu’s commitment to civic responsibilities.

 

“After the building was completed, Baba Ijebu sent another N23 million and said we should use it to furnish the place.

 

“That  is why I am saying we are celebrating a great Nigerian, a philanthropist of the first order.”

 

Osoba also praised the project contractor, describing him as dedicated individual.

 

“This place was built in five months, we thank Are Gbogbogbo. He made this project as if it was his own personal project because Baba Ijebu didn’t have time to be coming.

 

“The contractor did not use the money for birthday celebration; he used it to buy everything needed –  cement, roof, blocks, tiles, iron rods and others.”

 

Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in his remarks, said that the centre would be of tremendous value to journalists and other users.

 

He described Adebutu as a partner in education development, saying that his gesture demonstrated support for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to provide access to education for all.

 

In his remarks, Adebutu expressed hope that the resource centre would boost journalism practice in Nigeria.

 

He said that the donation was in line with the objectives of the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, which he founded.

 

“I feel a sense of pride to be associated with this project as the donor.

 

“In essence, it is to give back as much as possible to the society, from what God, in his unquantifiable goodness, has favoured me with,” he said.

 

In  a goodwill message, on behalf of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, veteran journalist, Mr Ray Ekpu, described the resource centre as a transformer.

 

According to him, it will help the NIJ to do better.

 

“Journalism is not speculation, rumours. It is  a profession with code of ethics. Truth-telling is its article of faith.

 

“Media professionals do not need handcuffs, they need training, more training. They need support, more support.

 

“That is what will add more oxygen to our democracy and country,” he said.

 

He  called on other philanthropists to identify with NIJ to make it a legendary trainer of journalists. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Foreign

Macron departs Morocco with landmark €1.5bn investment deals

390 total views today

 

By Usman Aliyu

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday departed Morocco after signing several bilateral deals worth over 1.5 billion Euros investments.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Macron arrived in Morocco’s capital city, Rabat on Monday for a 3-day visit, following an invitation by the King of the African Arab country, Muhammed VI.

 

The French president, during the state visit, reiterated the support of Paris for Morocco sovereignty on Western Sahara, alongside other speeches made to deepen the relations between the two countries.

 

Under the supervision of the president, France signed 22 new agreements with her erstwhile colony, which cut across critical sectors such as transportation, education, energy, culture, water, security, agriculture and climate action.

 

One of the agreements was to provide support for the OCP Group’s decarbonisation strategy in Morocco with investments worth 300 million Euros through the development of agricultural and food value chains in Africa.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that another deal is in the creation of a Morocco-France investment accelerator worth approximately 3 billion Moroccan dirhams, equivalent to 232 million Euros.

 

The deal also provided an equal partnership to stimulate investment throughout Morocco including the disputed southern provinces.

 

It also contained the creation of a 50/50 joint venture dedicated to sustainable infrastructure, with a capital of 300 million Euros.

 

The signings include an agreement between the CMA CGM Group, the world’s third-largest shipping company, and the Morocco’s TANGER MED, aimed at developing a container terminal in Nador West Med as part of the concession obtained by MARSA MAROC.

 

The deal provided for a commitment of significant volumes of 1.2 million containers to launch the Nador West Med platform and an investment of approximately 258 million Euros.

 

Also signed was an MoU between Moroccan Government and the SAFRAN company which is to build a maintenance and repairing site for aircraft engines.

 

Under this agreement, the company planned to carry out an investment project consisting of the construction and equipping of the maintenance and repair workshop of LEAP aircraft engines, with an investment worth nearly 130 million Euros.

 

Another declaration was between the French Development Agency (AFD) and Morocco’s National Ports Agency.

 

Through the declaration, the parties agree to devise a new support programme for the ports agency around four main points with the AFD providing 100 million Euros loan.

 

There was also an agreement on the National Water Strategy, structured around budgetary support for Morocco, aimed at strengthening the integrated management of water resources.

 

Under this understanding, the AFD would take the necessary steps to mobilise 100 million Euros for this programme.

 

Other agreements include the supply of high-speed train sets and their supporting elements as well as a declaration of intent on financial cooperation in the railway sector among several others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Moroccan Princess launches anti-bullying campaigns

261 total views today

 

 

By Usman Aliyu

Moroccan Princess Lalla Meryem and French First Lady Brigitte Macron on Tuesday in Rabat launched a campaign against school bullying and cyberbullying at the Abi Dar Al Ghifari Secondary School.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the launch was part of the activities lined up for the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco.

 

The campaign is an initiative of the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE) being presided over by the princess under the banner “Let’s Act Together,”

 

The initiative is part of Morocco’s efforts to protect children from school bullying, a scourge that is of global concern.

 

NAN reports that school bullying and cyberbullying are widespread issues affecting children and adolescents globally.

 

School bullying peaks between ages 10-13, with 27.5 per cent of students affected, while cyberbullying increases with age, affecting 15.6 per cent of 14-17-year-olds.

 

The global rate studies says one in three students worldwide experience bullying and cyberbullying affects one in five teenagers.

 

The Moroccan campaign comprises several parallel actions, including the distribution of a school bullying awareness capsule to 3,770 middle and high schools, and the design and development of the “iTyhad” app to combat and prevent bullying in schools.

 

The campaign also provided for launching of a three-year training programme to combat bullying and cyberbullying, in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports.

 

At the occasion, four engineering students, a child and a child psychiatrist made a presentation from the “iTyhad” app.

 

The app was developed during a Hackathon initiated by the Moroccan princess in March and had brought together 15 universities across the country.

 

The two personalities also watched an awareness-raising video on bullying in schools, which was simultaneously broadcast in 3,300 multimedia rooms of the French Ministry of Education.

 

They, similarly, attended a workshop with 14 middle-school students, led by a child psychiatrist and a psychologist from the ONDE programme.

 

Meryem and Macron also viewed a video on the achievements of the Children’s Parliament, created in 1999 by King Mohammed VI.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Macron unveils plans for triangular partnership in Africa

279 total views today

 

By Usman Aliyu

French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled plans for a triangular partnership between France, Morocco and Africa to foster cooperation in key sectors for growth, stability and development.

 

Macron announced this on Tuesday in Rabat while addressing a joint session of the two Houses of the Moroccan parliament.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the address formed part of the activities of the French president’s 3-day visit to the Northern African country.

 

He said the France, Morocco and Africa partnership would be premise in the areas of education, agriculture, ecological projects, digital technology and energy.

 

Macron stressed the importance of the Moroccan-French partnership in Africa, underlining the vision of the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI for the continent.

 

“Morocco, by virtue of its geography, its history, its culture and the vision of its Sovereigns, has long affirmed its vocation as a platform, a channel, a singular path,” Macron said.

 

This, he said, underlined that the Kingdom’s stability, openness and development “are unrivaled assets which we recognise at their true value and which can inspire many joint initiatives.”

 

Speaking on the Moroccan-Western Sahara issue, Macron reiterated the support of Paris for Morocco sovereignty over the contentious region.

 

“For France, the present and future of this territory lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved.

 

“The 2007 autonomy plan constitutes the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in line with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.

 

He said that the Paris position was rooted in history, respectful of realities and promising for the future, and the one that France would implement to support Morocco at international forums.

 

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, Macron paid tribute to the action of King Mohammed VI for providing urgent humanitarian aid to the Palestinian and Lebanese populations.

 

“I salute his mobilisation and that of all Morocco in favour of de-escalation, resumption of dialogue and the relaunch of a credible political process.

 

“In the current cacophony, in which extremes on all sides are indulging, Morocco has a strong and singular voice,” he said

 

Macron said Morocco and France were now destined to lay the foundations for a reinforced exceptional partnership, and to offer the generations of the next 25 years a new vision.

 

“At a time when His Majesty King Mohammed VI and I decided to write a new book together, I want to share with you that I am certain that these ties will continue to grow ever stronger,” he said.

 

He lauded the values of diversity, dialogue and tolerance, adding that it remains at the heart of the Morocco’s people, its institutions and Constitution.

 

“The tolerant Islam promoted by His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, challenges all forms of extremism,” he said.

 

Macron added that Morocco’s wealth “is even more precious and worthy of respect at a time when our world is torn apart by intolerance and war.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

NAN MD lauds army’s resilience toward peace in the North-East

216 total views today

By Hamza Suleiman

Malam Ali M. Ali, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has commended the Nigerian Army’s resilience and dedication toward restoring peace in the North-East.

 

Ali gave the commendation on Monday when he led the NAN management team on a courtesy to Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theartre Commamder, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

 

He expressed NAN’s solidarity with the people of Borno and appreciated the military for its sacrifices.

 

Ali praised the Theatre Commander and his team for their swift and coordinated response to the September flood disasters which ravaged the city of Maiduguri.

 

He acknowledged the command’s role in rescue efforts, noting that local residents had attributed their safety to the heroic actions of the commanders and soldiers who directly led the rescue missions.

 

Ali highlighted NAN’s commitment to accurate and comprehensive reporting of Nigeria’s news, especially from challenging regions like the North-East.

 

“NAN is the largest news content provider in the continent of Africa and is proud to partner with progressive institutions like the Nigerian military,” Ali said.

 

He emphasised NAN’s role in combating misinformation, particularly in conflict zones, through credible journalism supported by partnerships with Reuters, Xinhua, AP and other news wire networks.

 

He lauded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, for the logistics and moral support to frontline soldiers, describing that as key to successes in counter-insurgency efforts.

 

The NAN boss commended the military’s achievements in prompting over 160,000 militant surrenders and enabling the return of roughly two million displaced persons to their homes.

 

He noted that the accomplishments were a testament to the command’s “kinetic and non-kinetic” strategies which had significantly weakened insurgent capacities.

 

In response, the Theatre Commander expressed his gratitude for NAN’s support, affirming the army’s dedication to stabilising the region and ensuring that socio-economic activities resumed in affected areas.

 

He emphasised the commitment of his officers and men toward restoring normalcy across Borno, Yobe and parts of Adamawa.

 

Other members of NAN management on the visiting team included Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, Alhaji Abdulhadi Khaliel, Director of Administration, Mr Ojo Mufutau, Director, Special Duties, and Mrs Ngozi Anofochi, Board Secretary.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Foreign

Morocco, France sign historic partnership deal

272 total views today

 

By Usman Aliyu

The Kingdom of Morocco and the French Republic on Monday signed a landmark “Reinforced Exceptional Partnership” declaration to significantly bolster bilateral relations.

 

The two countries signed the agreement during a 3-day official visit to Morocco by the French President Emmanuel Macron.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that while Macron signed for France, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI signed on behalf of his country.

 

The partnership, according to the Moroccan government, will strengthen long-standing historical, cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

 

The government said the bilateral deal reaffirmed the mutual cooperation and strategic autonomy.

 

Key provisions include fostering exceptional relations, establishing a comprehensive strategic framework and adhering to principles of state-to-state relations, sovereign equality and non-interference.

 

“The profound relations between the two countries are rooted in history and exceptionally rich human and cultural ties which have underpinned the friendship and cooperation for several decades.

 

“The leaders also reaffirmed that their countries’ joint action, both bilaterally and internationally, would continue to rest on the principles of state-to-state relation, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs and foreign policy decisions, among others.

 

“Both nations emphasised their commitment to directing the ‘reinforced exceptional partnership’ toward three major goals that include consolidating political and strategic convergence.

 

“Others included deepening and modernising partnerships to promote economic development, social cohesion and strategic autonomy.

 

“Another goal is the strengthening of privileged cooperation in human ties, human capital and culture rooted in a Francophonie of values and openness,” the government said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the two heads of state welcomed the ambitious cooperation that they had established and strengthened in migration, and called for the building of a comprehensive agenda in that regard.

 

They also agreed to directly oversee the “reinforced exceptional partnership” between them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Defence/Security

Correctional centres will be places of hope- Tunji-Ojo

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says correctional centres across the country will continue to be places of hope for all categories of inmates.

 

Tunji-Ojo said this at a  Performance Contract Signing Retreat, which had the theme “United Front for a Secure Nation and Future”, on Monday in Abuja.

 

The Minister said that this would be achieved through a positive change in the institutional management of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCOS) for better service delivery.

 

“I will not defend you that you are doing good in terms of institutional management, but we will take responsibility as it must be better.

 

“Our responsibility is to make sure people are treated with dignity as the service serves as the bridge between the weak and strongest.

 

“Whatever you are presenting during this retreat must be based on the premise of rehabilitation, correctional reformation and respect for human rights,” he said.

 

He said he was pleased with the border control measures put in place by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), adding that a lot still needs to be done to improve these measures.

 

“We need a service with better border control, administration and management as there are more undesignated borders than the designated ones,” he said.

 

Tunji-Ojo tasked the NIS to ensure every Nigerian is accounted for at every point in time.

 

He charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen efforts in safeguarding the nation’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

 

“Today we see a lot of vandalism in the power, telecommunications and solid mineral sectors, among others.

 

“There is, therefore, the need for the Corps to be in charge of all CNAI in line with the Act governing its operations,” the Minister said.

 

He said that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) remains the security identification architecture of the country.

 

Tunji-Ojo, however, said that a lot of measures needed to be taken by the Federal Fire Service to enshrine a culture of effective rescue and firefighting operations.

 

He said that the signing of the performance bond by the heads of parastatal signified a commitment to better service delivery to Nigerians.

 

“Your uniform is a sign of patriotism, loyalty; so let your patriotism be a sign and not just in words.

 

“We will give you all the mentorship and support you need but when you fail, but I hope you will not fail, because failure has repercussions,” Tunji-Ojo said.

 

According to the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the contracts are a roadmap for the ministry’s vision.

 

“They set measurable targets that will reflect our impact on the nation’s security and well-being. Through these agreements, we are not only signing our names but committing to tangible results,” she said.

 

She charged participants to utilise the retreat as a forum to innovate, strategise and set realistic, achievable and timely key performance indicators.

 

“Our targets must not only be ambitious, but also grounded in the realities of our current security landscape.

 

“It is by aligning our goals and pooling our strengths that we can unlock our full potential and transform the vision of a secured Nigeria into reality,” Ajani said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Macron arrives Morrocco for diplomatic, business talks

236 total views today

 

By Usman Aliyu

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday arrived in Rabat on a three-day official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco.

 

The French president was received by the King of Moroccan, Muhammed VI and his Crown Prince, Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid and Princesses Lalla Khadija and Lalla Meryem.

 

Macron on the other hand was accompanied on the state visit by his wife, Brigitte.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Macron’s visit was on the invitation of the Moroccan king after Paris threw its support for Moroccan sovereignty on the Western Sahara.

 

The visit is expected to witness signing of agreements between the countries in the areas of economy and culture.

 

The visit would also see to the inauguration of the Grand Theatre de Rabat, known as Rabat Théâtre, a multimillion dollar performing arts centre.

 

The centre has a 7000-seat outdoor amphitheater and 1800-seat interior theatre for intimate performances.

 

Macron’s visit was the first since 2018 after strained relations between the two countries over the Western Sahara and migration issues.

 

Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956.

 

Macron’s visit is expected to restore the diplomatic and business relations between the two countries.

France and Morocco have historically partnered on issues ranging from counterterrorism to Western Sahara.

 

Morocco has the largest French investment in Africa and it imports French cereals, weapons and renewable energy infrastructure like turbines.

 

France imports goods from Morocco including tomatoes, cars and airplane parts.

 

Moroccans constitute a large population in France and command a political force on the roles of Islam and immigration in French society.

 

On Macron’s last visit to Morocco, he and King Mohammed VI inaugurated Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed rail line, manufactured by the French firm, Alstrom.

 

In 2021, Morocco suspended consular relations after France momentarily reduced the number of visas offered to Moroccans.

 

France’s suspension was due to Morocco’s refusal to provide documents needed to deport people who migrated to France without authority. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Saudi Arabia hosts donors, raises $1.1bn for displaced persons in Lake Chad, others

264 total views today

 

By Mufutau Ojo

Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has hosted a donors’ conference, raising over 1.1 billion dollars for displaced persons and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.

 

This substantial funding commitment was made possible by the contributions of more than 10 donor countries, agencies, and organisations dedicated to addressing the growing humanitarian needs in these crisis-hit areas.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was held in Jeddah in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

 

NAN also reports that the conference, which had the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as partner, was to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to people in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mali faced with various crisis and natural disasters.

 

Addressing the conference, Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, the Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, expressed appreciation for the generosity shown by donors.

 

According to him, the contributions not only demonstrates solidarity but also empowers humanitarian organisations to deliver life-saving support.

 

He further said the contributions would ensure greater security and resilience for affected populations.

 

Al Rabeeah affirmed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment, through KSrelief, to expanding aid efforts in partnership with international stakeholders and ensuring that those in urgent need get help.

 

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, on his part, stated that the conference was a testament to international unity.

 

He said the forum provided a platform for dialogue among humanitarian leaders and a foundation for coordinated and sustainable support for those affected by displacement.

 

“The presence of so many committed nations and organisations here today demonstrates a shared commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation,” he said.

 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also lauded Saudi Arabia and the OIC for leading the event.

 

He acknowledged the region’s potential and the severe challenges being faced due to ongoing conflicts, climate disruptions and economic strain.

 

With over 30 million people in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions requiring immediate assistance, Guterres called for sustained humanitarian support and investment in long-term solutions.

 

He also called for an end to hostilities while urging protection of civilians and unhindered access for aid efforts.

 

NAN reports that Saudi Arabia further strengthened its commitment to the region by pledging an additional 30 million dollars, bringing its total contributions for 2024 to 51 million dollars. (NAN)

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