NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Nigeria, Japan to deepen trade relations

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has pledged to deepen ties with Japan to strengthen trade and exploit more opportunities in areas of infrastructural development, food security, and health.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima said this on Wednesday when a delegation of the Japanese government paid him a visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Japan delegation was led by the outgoing- Amb. of Japan to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, and President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr Tanaka Akihiko

Shettima assured the Japanese government of enhanced cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria, as well as resolving all the grey areas involving bilateral relations between the two nations.

“All the grey areas will be addressed. Luckily, the CBN Governor is here, and two of the major beneficiary ministries are represented at the highest level.

“Be rest assured that in a couple of days, we are going to resolve all the grey areas and put our relationship on a new pedestal,” Shettima said.

The vice-president applauded Amb. Kazuyoshi for doing an outstanding job in anchoring the relationship between Nigeria and Japan.

He noted that the presence of key actors in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including two ministers and the Governor of CBN, accentuated the importance Nigeria attaches to its relationship with JICA.

Shettima expressed gratitude to JICA for its commitment towards strengthening the ties between Nigeria and Japan through its contributions to development across critical sectors of the economy.

He also thanked JICA’s President for the firm’s donation of ¥1.75 billion grant to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to strengthen its diagnostic capacity.

“Your Excellency, we are immensely grateful for JICA’s continuous commitment; words cannot adequately convey our depth of gratitude.

” Under the exemplary leadership of Dr Tanaka Akihiko, JICA has played a very vital role in strengthening the ties between our two nations.

“Your contributions span across critical sectors of our economy and society, aligning seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I am glad you visited the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday where, again, you have given a grant of ¥1.75 billion for the strengthening of diagnostic capacity of the NCDC,” he said.

Shettima also acknowledged JICA’s assistance in polio eradication, which he said helped Nigeria to achieve polio-free status in 2020.

“We share in your vision of making Nigeria a hub for disease control in West Africa and, by extension, you can make it a hub for the whole of Africa because one in every four black men is a Nigerian.

“So, we implore you to further enhance the cooperation between our two nations. You are a silent giant. You don’t make too much noise,” he added.

Shettima wished the outgoing Amb. Kazuyoshi, a fruitful and productive tour of duty in his next location.

Earlier, the President of JICA, Akihiko, sympathised with Nigeria over the flood that recently caused damage to many communities and deaths, especially in Maiduguri, Borno.

He said that the sympathy was special because Japan has been a victim of natural disasters.

Akihiko extended his gratitude to Nigeria and its citizens for understanding, supporting and allowing JICA to participate in development projects in the country.

He said, “the Amb. of Japan, Mr Matsunaga Kasuyoshi, has done a good job in maintaining and improving the relations between Nigeria and Japan.”

He said he also visited the Nigeria Information Technology Centre, where he met with the Nigerian engineers and entrepreneurs.

He noted that he was impressed with their ingenuity and level of creativity, stressing that has formed the basis of collaboration with JICA.

Also, Amb. Kazuyoshi disclosed that the Japanese government would hold an International Conference on African Development in Tokyo next year.

He said while the Japanese government has paid great attention to the partnership with Nigeria, it would like to use the opportunity of the visit to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries.

For his part, Dr Kinsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusinesses and Productivity Enhancement (Office of the Vice President), commended JICA for supporting Nigeria in the area of food security emergency support loan.

Uzoma emphasised that one of the most critical areas of support was the project to rehabilitate and reinforce the Lagos transmission substation.

“This initiative aims to provide an uninterrupted power supply to Apapa Wharf, ensuring 24-hour electricity.

“The project is instrumental in elevating the Nigerian port to meet international standards,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

S/Korea pledges to boost Nigeria’s economy through e-governance

By Sarafina Christopher

The South Korean government through the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has pledged to enhance e-governance in Nigeria with the view to boosting the nation’s digital economy.

KOICA Country Director, Mr Sungil Son, made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja during a one-day Government Services Portal (GSP)
stakeholders engagement workshop.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by Galaxy Backbone in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

According to Sungil, KOICA is partnering the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive services portal, designed to be a one-stop shop for citizens to access a wide-range of digital services.

“This portal aims to streamline service delivery, enhance transparency, and improve the overall user experience for citizens interacting with government agencies.

“To ensure the success and effective implementation of this initiative, it is critical to involve all relevant stakeholders in the development process,” he said.

Sungil noted that the workshop marked another milestone in the development of the GSP of which all Nigerian MDAs were the major drivers.

He said that KOICA was proceeding into a crucial phase for service integration for all GSP candidate services.

“At KOICA, we view the GSP as a key example of digital governance in action. As such, I am delighted that our partner, Galaxy Backbone has been able to put this workshop together.

“As we aim for the full activation of the GSP in the first half of 2025, I look forward to seeing how service integration targets can be achieved.

“KOICA remains open to collaborating with Galaxy and the candidate MDAs to ensure the GSP delivers digital services to citizens and businesses in a way that is convenient, accessible, and reliably anchored in global best practices,” he said.

Prof. Muhammed Abubakar, Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone, expressed gratitude to the South Korean for their contributions to Nigeria’s e-governance development.

He also said that the GSP served as a one-stop shop for Nigerian citizens to access a wide-range of government digital services through its API Integration Service with candidate MDAs.

“GSP as a Use Case for Government Data Exchange (GDX) platform is designed to enable seamless information sharing between government agencies, businesses, and individuals.

“It is one of the core components of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI),” he said.

Prof. Youngchae Song, Digital Governance Expert from Sangmyung University, gave an overview of the project since its inception in 2020, saying it would be completed in 2026.

Mr Mohammed Jammal, the CEO of ThreeMPlus and also GSP‘s developer, allayed security concerns for the system, saying that robust security measures were in place to protect sensitive data and ensure its integrity.

He said that one of the key features of GSP was its permission-based access control, which mandates that any editing or data input must receive approval from an administrator at the backend.

“This architecture significantly mitigates the risk of unauthorised access and potential data breaches.

“By requiring admin permission for modifications, the portal establishes a clear chain of accountability and oversight, ensuring that only authorised personnel can make changes to critical information.

“This layer of security helps to safeguard against internal threats and human errors that could compromise the integrity of the data,” Jammal said.

Faruk Yabo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, said the Federal Government was committed to integrating these services to improve accessibility and transparency.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

China celebrates 75th anniversary in Nigeria

By Sarafina Christopher

The Chinese Embassy on Friday in Abuja celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration marked a significant moment in China’s history following the Chinese Civil War.

It also marked victory of Mao Zedong’s Communist forces over the Kuomintang forces of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek.

Mao proclaimed the founding of PRC on Oct. 1, 1949.

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, reflected on the nation’s progress, citing tremendous transformation under the Communist Party’s leadership.

“Over the past 75 years, China has evolved from poverty to prosperity.

“We’ve lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty and achieved moderate prosperity,” Yu said.

He highlighted China’s contributions to global economic growth, averaging over 30 per cent between 2013 and 2023.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Abbas Tajudeen, congratulated China on its milestone and expressed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing cooperation.

He announced plans for parliamentary engagement through the China-Nigeria Friendship Group.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured cultural performances by the Zhengzhou Kungfu group and renowned Quju and Yuju opera artists. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ECOWAS urges member states to promote gender equality in trade

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on member states to mainstream gender into their trade policies to achieve the objectives of the African Continental Trade (AfCTA).

ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, made the plea at the opening of a regional meeting on trade and gender in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said that promoting inclusive sub-regional trade by empowering women in business was in line with regional approaches and guidelines, as well as international best practices.

Toure-Litse described international trade as a powerful driver for wealth creation and development with women  representing about 50 per cent of the global workforce facing barriers to participating in it.

“Women-owned businesses often struggle to access export markets, and women workers are overrepresented in low-wage, low-skilled sectors.

“Trade policies frequently overlook gender-specific needs and perspectives, exacerbating existing inequalities,” the commissioner said.

She said that addressing these disparities was crucial for promoting inclusive and equitable trade practices, unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs and workers, and ensuring that international trade benefited all.

“However, increased trade supported by discriminatory trade policies is acknowledged to be a catalyst for the possible widening of the inequality gap between men and women involved in trade.

“According to UN Women, it is estimated that 70 per cent of informal cross-border trade in Africa is conducted by women traders.

“I am pleased to note that ECOWAS has already developed several community texts and initiatives to promote gender-inclusive trade.

“These efforts align with our commitment to deepening regional integration and accelerating development through inclusive trade,” the commissioner said.

The commissioner urged participants to share their expertise and constructively discuss the issue of gender mainstreaming in trade to enrich the ECOWAS draft action plan on trade and gender.

“A well-crafted action plan will definitely contribute to achieving the Vision 2050, AfCTA, the AU Agenda 2063 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

Toure-Litse said the entry into force of AfCFTA had culminated in great opportunities for increased intra-African trade, and solicited necessary steps for it to provide equal opportunities for men and women.

“In this regard, the regional AfCFTA implementation strategy aims to achieve objectives such as gender equality and structural transformation of state parties.

“Specifically, the strategy aims to contribute to the positive gender and youth impact of AfCFTA through women and youth-led-business activities, employment and social protection as well as informal cross-border traders,” she added.

Declaring the event open, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that mainstreaming gender in regional trade policies aimed at creating a prosperous and equitable trade policy.

Represented by the ministry’s Director, Special Duties, Dr Simon Ozomo, the minister said that gender trade mainstreaming was in line with the Federal Government’s trade facilitation policy and relevant community texts.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

China, Nigeria to foster peace through cultural entertainment

By Sarafina Christopher

China and Nigeria have stressed the need to foster peace through cultural and entertainment initiatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two countries made the call in Abuja at the 5th National Entertainment and Peace Summit, with the theme, “Cultivating A Culture of Peace”.

Speaking at the gathering, Mr Yang Jianxing, the cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the relationship between entertainment and peace.

The relationship, he said, helps to alleviate negative emotions and provides relaxation, and promotes a sense of unity among different people in spite of their diverse backgrounds.

He observed that in spite of being from different countries, people are fundamentally the same and share common human emotions and experiences which can either create conflict or foster peace.

“We believe that entertainment can help alleviate negative emotions by providing relaxation and a means to forget temporary sadness.

“Therefore China places great importance in people to people communication and friendship through cultural exchange for global peace.

Yang also spoke of the significance of the entertainment industry in fostering mutual communication and understanding between Nigeria and China.

He said that cultural exchange through entertainment can be a powerful tool for future collaborations.

“The collaboration between China and Nigeria aims to cultivate a culture of peace and promote cultural diplomacy, further contributing to global efforts for a more peaceful world,” he said.

Amb. Nsikan Paul, the Executive Director, Drum Majors for Peace reiterated his commitment to promoting peace, inclusivity, and social cohesion through entertainment, dialogue, youth development, and the creative industry.

He also noted that peace is more than just the absence of conflict;It is a condition of harmony that must be cultivated by intentional acts and efforts.

“Today, as we come together under the banner of peace, we are reminded of the immense power of creativity in shaping a better world.

“Through positive entertainment and meaningful dialogue, we aim to build sustainable cities and communities that are inclusive, fair, and resilient; aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1, 2, 11, 16 and Goal 17.

“We are dedicated to providing young people with platforms to discover, develop, and maximize their potential, empowering them to become responsible and patriotic citizens.

“We are especially proud of our joint effort to promote peace via the arts, as evidenced by our win as the Grand Prize winners of the Energy China Dance Competition, sponsored by the Chinese Cultural Center and Energy China Nigeria,” he said.

The summit was organised by the Drum Majors for Peace in partnership with the China Cultural Center in Nigeria to commemorate World Peace Day, 2024. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Peace more than a vision for humanity, says Bulgarian envoy

 

By Maureen Okon

The Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Nigeria, Mr Yanko Yordanov, says that peace is imperative because it is more than a vision for humanity.

 

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ambassador made this known at the celebration of the International Day of Peace held on Saturday in Abuja.

 

 

 

 

The event was organised by the Representative of the Francophonie Community for West Africa in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

The event, held annually on Sept. 21, had as theme: “Let Us Develop a Culture of Peace.”

 

 

 

 

Yordanov said that the peace celebration was initiated by the United Nations and held annually.

 

 

 

 

“This year’s theme, “Let us Develop a Culture ofpeace,” is sharing a common date to reflect on how we can individually and collectively contribute to strengthen the ideals of peace.

 

 

 

 

“Within nations and peoples is the whole meaning of establishing this international day dedicated to peace.

 

 

 

 

`This year, all these activities coincide with the launch of the UN Summit for the Future, which aims to renew the efforts around the world to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

 

 

 

 

“Peace is more than a noble vision for humanity; it is first and foremost a call to concrete action. And we are proud to be Francophone because the search for peace was important.

 

 

 

 

“Peace-building and peace-consolidation are at the heart of the political project of the Francophonie, faced with the growing challenges to peace,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Yordanov said that the Francophone community had used tools known to be the most sustainable for centuries which included diplomacy, dialogue and collaboration to promote peace.

 

 

 

 

According to him, the Francophone community has always invested a lot to make French one of the world’s languages of today and tomorrow, carrying a vision of humanity.

 

 

 

 

“Aspirations and shared values, it is for this reason that La Francophonie represents a privileged forum for dialogue based on a language spoken on all five continents.

 

 

 

 

“The next Summit of La Francophonie will be held in France in 15 days’ time.

 

 

 

 

” The Motto, “Create, Innnovate and Undertake in French” is also extremely concrete and always closely linked.

 

 

 

 

” We want to prove that it is possible in today’s world to invent, exist and succeed in French while demonstrating that Francophone states trade more and collaborate better with countries that share their ideals, values and respect for democracy.

 

 

 

 

” So, it is obvious, Nigeria is undoubtedly one of our natural partners and the sharing of universal values unites us more and more effectively.

 

 

 

 

“To overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of peace today more than ever, we must first make peace with Mother Nature – to heal our planet and build a greener economy.

 

 

 

 

“Let us sow the seeds of hope and plant the trees of peace because peace is a light in the darkness which guides us on the only path that will lead us to a better future for humanity,’’ he said.

 

 

 

 

Also speaking, Dr Bamidele Babade, the Chief Executive Officer of Sentosa Park and Garden, said the park was a place of comfort and peace as well as most suitable place for the celebration.

 

 

 

 

He added that the vision in setting up the park was to support wellness in every aspect in order to have a wholesome man and provide the peace and tranquillity required to function adequately in times of challenges.

 

 

 

 

“The peace day celebration reminds us of the importance of peace and harmony in our world.

 

 

 

 

” We are reminded of the need for unity, understanding and cooperation among nations, communities, family units and individuals.

 

 

 

 

“We all have a responsibility to initiate and maintain peace in the world.

 

 

 

 

“A lot has been said today to promote and nurture peace.

 

 

 

 

” The United Nations plays a vital role in the promotion of peace through conflict resolutions and peace building.

 

 

 

 

“Also, our Holy Books talk about peace, but looking around the world today, we see conflicts, violence and sufferings,’ ‘he said.

 

 

 

 

Babade urged all stakeholders to be agents and advocates of peace by putting their differences aside.

 

Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) was among the dignitaries at the event.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

China-Nigeria relations

China urges Nigeria to fasttrack economic growth through strategic reforms

 

By Sarafina Christopher

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has urged Nigeria to adopt strategic reforms and poverty alleviation mechanisms in order to fastrack the nation’s economic growth.

The ambassador stated this during a seminar on “Taking New Opportunities for China-Nigeria Cooperation in Deepening Reform in the New Era,” organised by the Embassy in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the two nations, drawing from China’s own experiences in lifting about 800 million people out of poverty over the past few decades.

Yu outlined several key recommendations for Nigeria, focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting vocational training, and fostering infrastructural development.

“Poverty alleviation is not just about financial support; it is about creating sustainable opportunities,” he said.

The Chinese envoy said that Nigeria could benefit from adopting a multi-faceted approach similar to the one employed by China.

Yu, while acknowledging Nigeria’s strides in poverty reduction, particularly in urban areas, pointed out the persisting challenges in rural regions where poverty rates remain high.

He said that China’s agricultural reforms in the late 20th century were a model, which involved introducing modern farming techniques, improving irrigation systems, and providing farmers with better access to markets.

The ambassador also stressed the importance of education and vocational training as critical components of poverty alleviation.

“Investing in human capital is essential. China also invested a lot in educating its people from having 1 million students yearly to having over 13 million university students every year.

“We also provided vocational training for many people because we believed the vital role education plays in equipping young people with the skills is crucial for building a prosperous future,” he noted.

Yu further urged the Nigerian government to prioritise investments in key infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and transportation networks, noting that they were crucial for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

He cited China’s progress in the electric vehicle market and transportation sector as examples of how infrastructure development fuels economic advancement.

Yu added that in line with China’s commitment to continuous reform, over 300 reform measures were set to be achieved in the next five years.

He said that this was because a successful poverty eradication is attributed to continuous reform, which removes outdated practices and obstacles.

While advocating for openness to learning from other nations, Yu highlighted the importance of preserving each country’s unique history, culture, and identity.

He stressed the value of mutual learning and exchange without resorting to mere imitation.

In his response, Mr Muhammad Sulaiman, President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, echoed Nigeria’s dedication to reform efforts.

He said that Nigeria was committed to economic restructuring and growth across various sectors.

NAN reports that the seminar concluded with a call for continued dialogue between Nigeria and China.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Mark Longyen

Nigeria lauds China’s success in leveraging media to enhance development

By Sarafina Christopher

Nigeria has applauded China for its success in adopting an innovative approach by utilising media outlets to promote sustainable development and foster economic growth.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this at an event with the theme: “Written in the Sky; My China Story,” organised by China Media Group (CMG) in Abuja.

The ‘global solicitation results special release ceremony’ aims at fostering collaboration and synergy among media professionals and stakeholders from across Africa.

The Minister, represented by the ministry’s Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Suleiman Haruna, noted that the media plays a crucial and extensive role in shaping and nurturing societies.

He lauded CMG for the initiative, stressing that it strengthened Nigeria-China diplomatic ties through cultural exchanges leveraging contemporary communication channels in both countries.

“In this context, we want to commend CMG for its dedication to delivering accurate news and producing programs that positively influence the development of China and Nigeria too.

“We believe in the power of the media to promote mutual understanding, foster progress, and contribute to the growth and advancement of societal, economic, and cultural domains.

“It is also essential to create content that inspires hope and drives aspirations for future growth. In today’s world, advances in technology have made it possible to deliver credible and timely news to millions of people, even across vast distances,” Idris said.

Rep Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, lauded China’s investments in Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, such investments have played a crucial role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing infrastructure.

Yakubu also lauded China’s commitment to cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy, emphasising the significance of storytelling in connecting diverse cultures and fostering understanding.

In his remarks, Amb. Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, said that he was elated celebrating the African narratives collected through the “Written in the Sky: My China Story” event.

He underscored the importance of leveraging the friendship between China and Nigeria for the betterment of both countries and humanity at large.

“I am happy to see many witnesses, participants and inheritors of China-Africa friendship sending back videos, letters, etc. to CMG AFRICA to share the touching moments of their friendly exchanges with China, which prove the power of media in shaping narrative.

“As the 15th Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, with a lofty mission on my shoulder and great excitement in my heart, I deeply feel the hospitality of the Nigerian people and their friendship with China.

“On this note, let us continue to work together to leverage our strengths and resources for the benefit of both of our countries and peoples, contributing to the vision of a community of shared future for mankind,” he said.

Yu also extended his wishes for enduring friendship, familial bonds, and a shared destiny between the Chinese and Nigerian people on the occasion of the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

Mr Shen Haixiong, Director-General, CMG, said the organisation was  committed to showcasing China’s journey of reform, modernisation and global engagement to foster exchanges, dialogue, and mutual learning worldwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the award of partnership certificates to various organisations by CMG.

Dignitaries from different parts of Africa, including Mr Ephraim Sheyin, NAN’s Editor-in -Chief; Mr Paul Tembe, Founder and Director at SELE Encounters, Cross-Civilization Communication Strategies and Analytics, South Africa, among others.(NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Mark Longyen

India trains more than 27,500 Nigerians in 45 years – Envoy

By Sarafina Christopher

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Shri Balasubramanian says more than 27,500 Nigerian professionals have been trained across various sectors in 45 years under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).

Balasubramanian stated this during the 2024 ITEC Day reception at the High Commission of India in Abuja.

The high commissioner identified ITEC as a dedicated platform established by India’s Ministry of External Affairs for capacity building.

“More than 200,000 officials from no fewer than than 160 countries have benefited from this initiative, encompassing both civilian and defense sectors with no charges incurred.

“India extends over 22,500 scholarships annually to individuals worldwide, fostering collaboration and skill enhancement,” he said.

Balasubramanian added that cooperation between the two countries began in 1979 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning representing Nigeria.

He also emphasised the significance of the programme which has seen around 500 Nigerians receiving training in India annually since 1979.

“Notably, diverse courses including specialised ones are offered under this programme.

“For instance, a specialised course catering to 28 law enforcement officers from Nigeria was conducted earlier this year, along with ongoing programmes in digital health, space exploration, and other pertinent areas,” he said.

Balasubramanian also encouraged Nigerians to leverage this opportunity for professional growth and subsequent contribution to their nation’s progress, emphasising the value of skill development and knowledge exchange.

Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed appreciation towards India’s commitment to enhancing Nigerians’ skills through such initiatives.

Ahmed, represented by Amb. Misitura Mohammed, Director of Asia and Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out how the ITEC Programme has empowered Nigerians across various sectors, playing a crucial role in bolstering Nigeria’s development, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He stated that the partnership signifies an example of robust South-South cooperation, showcasing India’s unwavering support in driving Nigeria’s growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Emmanuel Yashim)

W/Africa needs collaborative efforts to combat terrorism – KAIPTC boss

By Mark Longyen

Col. Anorph Akaubong, Director of Training, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPC), Accra, Ghana, has called for collaborative strategies to confront violent extremism and terrorism within the ECOWAS subregion.

He stated this at the third training for defence and security sector actors on violent extremism and terrorism, organised by KAIPTC in collaboration with German, Nigerian governments and ECOWAS, on Monday in Abuja.

Akaubong reminded participants that their coming from diverse backgrounds and fields within the security sector meant that they were united to engage, learn, and deliberate on violent extremism and terrorism.

He said the event was a capacity building mechanism, which would reshape their understanding, broaden their perspectives, and forge a positive impact within the context of Nigeria and ECOWAS subregion.

“The very complexities of the country’s current situation, as well as its resonance within our coastal states, present us with an unprecedented opportunity – an opportunity to squarely confront the issue of Violent Extremism and Terrorism.

“The interconnected nature of these challenges underscores the urgency for our concerted efforts, collaboration, and innovative thinking.

“The collaborative potency of our diverse expertise is the cornerstone for sculpting solutions that transcend geographical divides and pave the way for tangible transformation in our societies.

“I implore each participant to bring forth their unique perspectives and insights on the subject, for it is through this tapestry of thought that we will embark on a journey of exploration and discovery,” he said.

Declaring the training open, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said that the event was particularly important due to the dynamic shifts in strategies on violent extremism and terrorism.

According to him, violent extremism and terrorism, particularly in the Sahel, is spreading to the coastal regions of West Africa, and the situation will require multifaceted efforts to counter the threat.

Musa, represented by Brig.-Gen. Olurotimi Adejoro, noted that confronting the prevailing threat of violent extremism and terrorism in West Africa necessitated bringing together a large number of actors to chart the way forward.

“We’re also aware that insights in the 2024 Global Tourism Index show how the rate of violent extremism has climbed in the Sahel and in the West African subregion in particular.

“It is therefore not a course that is being done just for the purpose of running a course. It is a serious threat we are confronting now and we are likely to confront in the future.

“Therefore, I implore each participant to bring forth their unique perspectives and insights on the subject so that we can use our diversity of ideas and experience to bring about worthwhile solutions,” he said.

One of the participants, Patience Dakop, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) from the Force Headquarters, said she was elated to be nominated for the course.

According to her, it will help to broaden my knowledge of violent extremism and terrorism, West Africa’s security challenges generally, and how to tackle them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day capacity building course attracted no fewer than 40 security operatives from across Nigeria’s various security segments.

It aims to engage them in learning and deliberation on critical subjects such as violent extremism and terrorism, in order to equip them with the knowledge and solutions needed to address these threats.

NAN reports that KAIPTC is one of the three designated ECOWAS Training Centres of Excellence, and a premier institution dedicated to advancing peace and security across Africa.

It is globally recognised for its commitment to providing cutting-edge training, research, and education tailored to the complex challenges of peace and security on the continent.

The Centre plays a pivotal role in building the capacity of military, police, and civilian personnel, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage effectively in peace and security efforts in Africa and beyond.

KAIPTC’s mission is rooted in the vision of fostering stability on the continent by enhancing the operational effectiveness of key international and regional actors.

These actors include the AU, ECOWAS, and various national and international peacekeeping forces, which rely on its expertise to address pressing security challenges.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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