Foreign - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Muhyideen Jimoh
Jun, Tue, 2025

Nigeria, Denmark to deepen ties on livestock devt, education — Tinubu

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja expressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen ties with Denmark in livestock development, agribusiness, and educational cooperation.

The President stated this at the State House while receiving Queen Mary
Elizabeth of Denmark, who is visiting Nigeria as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit marks the Queen’s
first visit to Nigeria.

Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, emphasised the need to expand Nigeria’s dairy and livestock economy to ensure food security and tackle poverty.

He said the sector holds vast potential for job creation and rural growth, especially with Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.

The President expressed optimism that investment, education, and modernisation will help curtail the protracted herder-farmer conflicts in the country.

“We can transform friction into structured economic opportunity and build education pathways for farmers and herders,” he said.

“We can stabilise communities, grow food systems, and lift millions out of poverty,” Tinubu said.

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, presenting a gift to
Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark, at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s demographic strategy as a pillar of foreign policy, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President said targeted investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and jobs are crucial as Nigeria approaches a projected 400 million population by 2050.

He highlighted ongoing macroeconomic reforms and urged for foreign investments that boost local production and employment.

The President acknowledged Danish contributions to agriculture and maritime infrastructure in Nigeria.

He specifically lauded companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos for supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure and food security.

Tinubu also praised Denmark’s humanitarian support for internally displaced persons in conflict-affected regions.

He expressed hope for stronger cooperation as Denmark assumes the EU Council Presidency and joins the UN Security Council in 2025–2026.

On the social front, Tinubu welcomed Denmark’s partnership with Nigeria’s First Lady on school feeding and reducing out-of-school children.

Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark”s visit to Nigeria, on Tuesday, at State House, Abuja

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in her brief remarks, stressed the importance of integrating traditional Islamic schools into Nigeria’s formal education system.

Responding, Queen Mary thanked the President and First Lady for their warm welcome and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s northeast.

She said her visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and explore investment in green energy, women-led businesses, and child health initiatives.

The Queen also emphasised enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between Denmark and Nigeria.

She praised the First Lady’s efforts to empower women and families through the Renewed Hope Initiative Programme.

Denmark, she noted, has maintained a strong development partnership with Nigeria, especially in humanitarian aid for displaced populations.

NAN reports that Queen Mary is scheduled to visit A.P. Moller–Maersk’s Lagos terminal as part of her visit to Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Shettima lauds Nigeria-Brazil bn agric deal, strategic alliance

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Tue, 2025

Foreign

Shettima lauds Nigeria-Brazil $1bn agric deal, strategic alliance

189 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has applauded the over $1billion Nigeria-Brazil Green Imperative Agricultural Initiative.

Shettima made the commendation on Tuesday during the opening session of the 2nd Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that the initiative was a milestone in Nigeria’s renewed strategic alliance with Brazil, grounded in mutual respect and practical cooperation.

The vice-president said the long-standing relationship between both countries was not defined by geography but by common ambition.

Shettima said that the partnership represented a shared dream between two major democracies committed to practical outcomes and mutual prosperity.

“Brazil and Nigeria are not bound by geography, but by a shared dream. Two large, diverse democracies.

“Two economies with immense natural and human capital. Two nations with the right to dream and the ability to build,” he said.

Shettima emphasised the transformational impact of the Green Imperative Project, jointly developed by both nations.

According to him, the imitative aims to deploy over $1billion to deliver mechanised farming equipment, training, and service centres across Nigeria.

“This project will create jobs, raise productivity, and help secure Nigeria’s ambition to feed itself and others.

“The Green Imperative is a flagship of this partnership, and one we are determined to deliver,” he said.

Shettima reaffirmed the President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to economic reforms that were reshaping Nigeria’s investment landscape.

The vice-president said, “Fuel subsidies had been removed. The exchange rate had been unified. A new business facilitation regime has come into force.

“These decisions are not without cost, but they are restoring credibility to our markets and discipline to public finance.”

Shettima explained that Nigeria was laying the foundation for a $1trillion economy by 2030, with reforms spanning agriculture, energy, education, and public finance.

“We are moving from subsistence to scale in agriculture, and in energy, we are taking long-overdue steps to attract serious investment into gas production, refining, and renewables.

“We recognise Brazil’s experience in biofuels and renewable technologies and see clear opportunities for joint ventures, knowledge transfer, and co-investment,” he added.

Shettima called for enhanced cooperation in security, health, education, and innovation: “In health and education, our priorities are straightforward.

“We want to promote access, quality, and inclusion.

“From the rollout of a student loan scheme to digital learning platforms and expanded vocational training, we are investing in the minds and talents of our young people.

“The Memoranda of Understanding before our sister nations today speak to the breadth of this cooperation.

“But memoranda are only as meaningful as the follow-through they inspire. We must resist the temptation to confuse signing with solving,” he said.

Shettima urged both sides to agree on practical steps to measure and enforce progress.

He urged, “Let this Strategic Dialogue Mechanism not be remembered as a formal reunion, but as a decisive pivot—from aspiration to execution, from promise to proof.”

The Brazil’s Vice-President, Geraldo Alckmin, said the strengthening of the Brazil-Nigeria partnership was anchored on shared values and a concrete results agenda.

He said, “It is with great satisfaction that we witness the important results achieved in several fronts of cooperation.”

Alckmin highlighted Nigeria’s presence in the 2nd Brazil-Africa dialogue on food security held in Brasilia in May.

He pointed out areas where the two countries had strengthened partnership and cooperation.

Alckmin said, “In the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in areas of agriculture and security, which will boost our cooperation.

“Our partnership has been strengthened also by the frequent high-level visits such as President Bola Tinubu’s recent participation in the G20 and the upcoming BRICS meeting in July.”

On climate issues, he said Brazil had the largest tropical forest in the world, which was a powerhouse in the green and low-carbon economy.

He stated that it was impossible to discuss the energy transition without including Brazil.

“I invite Nigeria, a country that also plays a leading role in these agendas, to come to COP30 in Belém at the end of this year.

“We must cooperate on these crucial issues for our countries and the world, and we have made a lot of progress,” he added.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said the event marked the epoch of Nigeria-Brazil bilateral relations and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation with mutual understanding.

He stated that both countries shared good relations dating back to the 1960s when Nigeria established diplomatic relations with Brazil.

He stated that the strategic dialogue was established to deepen ties between Nigeria and Brazil, with the first meeting held in 2013 in Brasilia, with emphasis on economic and social development.

The Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, explained that Nigeria and Brazil shared deep historical and cultural ties.

He stated that the reintegration of Brazil into the global stage has been the preoccupation and foreign policy direction of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

According to him, within that context, relations with Africa were a top priority. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria to showcase media literacy gains at GlobalFact12 summit

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Tue, 2025

Foreign

Nigeria to showcase media literacy gains at GlobalFact12 summit

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Nigeria is set to showcase its efforts in promoting Media and Information Literacy (MIL) at the 12th edition of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) summit, GlobalFact12.

The summit is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, June 25, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The summit, organised by the United States-based Poynter Institute, is the leading global forum for professional fact-checkers.

It will convene hundreds of media professionals, academics, and digital rights advocates from across the world to address the challenges of disinformation and misinformation in the digital era.

Temilade Onilede, Programme Manager at DUBAWA, a fact-checking platform under the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), will represent Nigeria at the summit.

Onilede was commissioned by the IFCN to present a technical paper titled “From Newsroom to Classroom: DUBAWA’s Impact in Integrating Media and Information Literacy in Nigerian Secondary Schools”.

Her presentation will highlight DUBAWA’s contributions to expanding fact-checking practices beyond newsrooms, by integrating media literacy education into secondary schools across Nigeria.

The initiative is aimed at equipping students with the skills to critically evaluate information and distinguish fact from falsehood in an increasingly complex media environment.

This year’s four-day summit will focus on the growing global concerns over disinformation, misinformation, and the manipulation of public opinion through both mass and targeted communication channels.

Onilede has previously led fact-checking workshops for journalists in The Gambia, Liberia, and across several major Nigerian cities, including Kano, Port Harcourt, Benin, and Abuja.

Since its inception in 2014, the GlobalFact summit has hosted over 4,000 participants in cities such as London, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Rome, Cape Town, Oslo, Seoul, and Sarajevo.

It established itself as the world’s largest and most influential gathering of the fact-checking community.

As the international community confronts the rising threat of false information, Nigeria’s participation in GlobalFact12 reaffirms its commitment to promoting media literacy and credible journalism in the digital age.

Speaking ahead of the summit, IFCN Executive Director, Angie Holan, stated that GlobalFact12 would offer fresh perspectives on “the concepts of information, misinformation, disinformation, truth and lies floating in the public domain”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Brazilian vice president arrives Nigeria for strategic engagement

Muhyideen Jimoh
Jun, Tue, 2025

Foreign

Brazilian vice president arrives Nigeria for strategic engagement

145 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin and his wife, Maria Alckmin, on Tuesday arrived Nigeria for the commencement of the Second Session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM).

On arrival at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the delegation was received by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.

Other government officials that received the delegation are the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high-profile visit, represents a watershed in Nigeria’s South-South diplomatic engagement.

It is expected to yield significant policy breakthroughs across multiple sectors.

Speaking at a brief reception at the airport, Hadejia described the visit as “a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He emphasised the strategic importance of deepening ties with Brazil.

“This dialogue mechanism represents our commitment to leveraging South-South partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to our citizens.

“Brazil’s expertise in agribusiness, energy transition, and industrial development aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s transformation priorities and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

The three-day summit will culminate in the signing of over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across critical sectors.

The sectors include;, defence cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, energy collaboration, and cultural exchange programmes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

UN strongly condemns Damascus church bombing as death toll rises to 25

Lydia Beshel
Jun, Tue, 2025

Foreign

UN strongly condemns Damascus church bombing as death toll rises to 25

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PAttack

By Tiamiyu Arobani
The United Nations has condemned a suicide bombing during a Sunday Mass at a Damascus church that killed 25 worshippers, including women and children.

No fewer than 60 churchgoers were also wounded in the attack.

A gunman opened fire inside the Greek Orthodox St. Elias Church in the Dweila neighbourhood before detonating an explosive vest, according to reports.

Photos and video from inside the church showed a heavily damaged altar and pews covered in broken glass.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous crime”.

The UN chief expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a swift recovery to the injured.

“All perpetrators of terrorism must be held accountable,” Stéphane Dujarric, his spokesperson, said on Monday.

Guterres noted that the Syrian interim authorities had attributed the attack to the terrorist group, ISIL, also known as Da’esh, based on preliminary investigations, and he called for a thorough and impartial probe.

“The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace, dignity, and justice,” Dujarric added.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen echoed the condemnation, denouncing the bombing “in the strongest possible terms.”

Pedersen urged authorities to investigate the attack and ensure accountability.

He also called for unity in rejecting terrorism, extremism, incitement and the targeting of any community in Syria, which has been a patchwork of different faiths throughout its history.

Adam Abdelmoula, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, described the incident as a “deliberate attack on a place of worship”.

Abdelmoula stressed that it had targeted civilians, including women and children, gathered in prayer.

“There is no room for violence and extremism,” he said, urging solidarity as Syria moves toward recovery and reconciliation.

Abdelmoula reiterated the UN’s continued support for the Syrian people and called for all possible steps to be taken to protect civilians, prevent future attacks and bring perpetrators to justice. (NAN)
APT/SH

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Terrorism: Tinubu calls for activation of ECOWAS Standby Force

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Sun, 2025

Foreign

Terrorism: Tinubu calls for activation of ECOWAS Standby Force

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu has urged his West African colleagues on the need to urgently activate the ECOWAS Standby Force to deal with terrorism in the sub-region.

The Nigerian leader expressed concern over the slow pace of its operation, stressing the need to move from concept to reality in the collective fight against terrorism.

Tinubu raised the concern in his opening speech at the 67th ECOWAS Authority’s Ordinary Session in Abuja, one of his last acts as chairman of the 50-year-old regional economic bloc.

The Nigerian leader emphasised the urgency of operationalising the force in the face of escalating insecurity across the sub-region.

“The ECOWAS Standby Force must move from concept to operational reality.

“I am a little bit worried about the slow pace of its activation, which is taking longer than desired.

“Threats confronting the region are transnational, driven by agile and dangerous networks that respect nobody’s border.

“No single nation can, therefore, address these challenges alone.

“We must strengthen coordination, amplify political will, and prioritise a collective approach to secure it,” he said.

The president highlighted major milestones during his leadership of the regional bloc.

He said the completed ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, will play a critical role in providing equipment and other logistics to forces deployed by ECOWAS.

“Last February in Addis Ababa, Nigeria signed the Sixth Agreement with the African Union.

“With the depot’s completion, Nigeria is committing itself to sea-lift and air-lift arrangements with ECOWAS,” he said.

Tinubu expressed the hope that ongoing diplomatic engagements with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will eventually lead to their return to the community.

“Under my chairmanship, I deployed all diplomatic means to engage and dialogue with our brothers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

“I am confident that before too long, they may return to the family,” he said.

The Nigerian leader called for deeper economic cooperation, empowering the private sector, and removing trade barriers to unlock West Africa’s potential.

“Our intra-regional trade remains low, even as we possess the potential to be an economic powerhouse.

“We must create the enabling environment, empower the private sector, and create the conditions necessary for innovation to flourish,” he said.

He called for the speedy implementation of key regional infrastructure projects—including the West African Gas Pipeline, West African Power Pool, and Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway.

He said these projects will serve as catalysts for the development and integration of the region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Presidents in attendance at the Summit include Julius Bio (Sierra Leone), Joseph Boakai (Liberia), Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), John Mahama (Ghana), Adama Barrow (The Gambia), Patrice Talon (Republic of Benin), and Jean Lucien de Tové (Togo). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Sierra Leonean President takes over as ECOWAS Chairman

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Sun, 2025

Foreign

Sierra Leonean President takes over as ECOWAS Chairman

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has been elected as the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

He succeeds Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who held the position for the past two years.

The announcement was made during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, held on Sunday in Abuja.

In his inaugural address, Bio outlined four strategic priorities for his tenure: restoring constitutional order, strengthening democracy, revitalising regional security, advancing economic integration, and reinforcing institutional credibility across the bloc.

“As Chair, I will prioritise four key areas: first, restoring constitutional order and deepening democracy.

“We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law.

“Second, revitalising regional security cooperation, we must overhaul our collective security architecture, from intelligence sharing to rapid response, to confront new threats with unity and resolve.

“Third, unlocking economic integration. The ECOWAS liberalisation scheme, regional infrastructure, and cross-border value chains must become engines of jobs, trade, and resilience. Fourth, building institutional credibility.

“ECOWAS must reform itself to become more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people,” he said.

Earlier, President Tinubu officially handed over the mantle of leadership during the high-level meeting, which brought together heads of state and key regional stakeholders.

“As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa.

“I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and our region,” Tinubu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was first elected as ECOWAS Chairman on July 9, 2023, during a summit in Guinea-Bissau.

He was re-elected in 2024 in Abuja, following a unanimous decision by member states to uphold continuity and stability in the region’s leadership. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigerian students emerge winners in UK-Nigeria debate competition

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Sun, 2025

Education , Foreign

Nigerian students emerge winners in UK-Nigeria debate competition

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By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Students of St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, Anambra, have emerged overall winners at the inaugural virtual UK-Nigeria Debate Championship.

Representing Nigeria were schools namely, Britarch Schools, Sure Start School, Abuja; St. Augustine’s College, Jos; and St. John Vianney Science College, Anambra.

The UK representatives were Central Foundation Girls’ School, Maghull High School and Shireland High School.

The debate competition which took place on Thursday was jointly organised by Bring-It-On Africa and Debate Mate UK.

The competition was designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and sharpen the critical thinking, oratory, and reasoning skills of students from both countries.

The wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, in a congratulatory message on Saturday in Awka, commended the students for showcasing the Anambra brand on the global stage.

Soludo, Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, noted that their achievement was a testament that education remains the bedrock of Anambra’s human capital excellence.

“Our home is the moulding ground for exceptional talents and record setters who are tapping greatly from the abundant opportunities that the present administration is offering.

“Our great students have shown, once again that education lives in the core of Anambra’s most cherished dream.

“It is a philosophy that the present administration clearly understands and is constantly investing in to achieve the kind of result that we’re just celebrating,” she said.

Soludo also congratulated the staff and management of St. John Vianney Science College for taking the students’ career development seriously.

“Thank you for exposing our students to life-changing academic and personal engagements that will help them to prosper in their chosen fields in the future,” she said.

Chibueze Jennifer, Catherine Obiokafor, Benjamin Eneoli, and Valentine Onwuegbusi represented Anambra in the competition, accompanied by their guide, Mr John Onuigbo. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Vivian Ihechu

Tinubu lauds ECOWAS leaders pledges to transform economic diplomacy in W/Africa

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Sun, 2025

Foreign

Tinubu lauds ECOWAS leaders pledges to transform economic diplomacy in W/Africa

134 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has lauded the commitment of ECOWAS leaders to work towards reshaping economic diplomacy in West Africa and build a sub-region that works for all.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said this during a dinner organised for delegates attending the West African Economic Summit held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President said a foundation had been laid for a better sub-region through a trade liberalisation scheme, the West African power pool and the Abidjan to Lagos corridor (the planned 1,028-kilometre highway that would connect five West African countries), among others.

He made reference to the trend in other regions of the world, adding that the West African sub-region’s economic story, which had been one of a missed opportunity, would end soon.

According to him, Asia operates 60 per cent of trade within its borders, Europe 70 per cent and Africa remains at a mere 15 per cent while West Africa is sadly even less.

“Through mechanisms such as the trade liberalisation scheme, the West African power pool, and the Abidjan to Lagos corridor, we have laid the foundation, we must build,” he said.

He noted that the inaugural West African Economic Summit was a declaration of intent and an initiative of his government to reshape economic diplomacy across West Africa.

This, according to him, is with a view to bring together leaders across the region and visionary voices to deliberate on its future.

“The summit, anchored by the deal room and a formal declaration, among others, represent a shift from aspiration to action and from talk to task.

“We are convinced today, more than ever, that the destiny of our region does not lie in the hands of government alone but in our ability to bring the private sector to the centre of our planning.”

President Tinubu emphasised the role of political leadership across Africa, noting that they were not here to complain but to facilitate.

“That is the spirit in which we are gathered here tonight, to remind ourselves that in this region, commerce shall not be shortened by Customs delays or innovation strangled by policy incoherence.

“We are truly a West Africa that works for all,” he added.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, applauded President Tinubu’s leadership of the sub-regional body, acknowledging the commitment of the government of Nigeria to the peace and progress of the region.

He also thanked Nigeria for its support to ECOWAS and its various organs and institutions.

Tinubu noted that it underscored the country’s commitment to building a sub-region that worked for all irrespective of socio-political background and ethnic affiliations.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, said the meeting of leaders and stakeholders in the business and economic sector represented a renewed commitment to a more prosperous West African sub-region.

She outlined ongoing efforts by leaders collaborating with other stakeholders and partners to harness the potentials and the energy of youths in the region.

This, according to her, is with a view to prepare them for the task of advancing the interest of the people and its development aspirations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Turkish Airlines celebrates 10 years operations in Abuja

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Sun, 2025

Foreign

Turkish Airlines celebrates 10 years operations in Abuja

168 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Turkish Airlines has celebrated ten years of its operations in Abuja, describing it as a celebration of “dreams taking flight.”

Its General Manager, Mr Akin Carkci, stated this in Abuja, at a dinner organised to mark ten years of direct flights between Istanbul and Abuja since 2015.

Carkci also described the event as a celebration of “challenges turned into achievements,” as well as partnerships, which succeeded in helping the airline to fly higher than ever before.

According to him, looking back at where the operational journey started, especially amid some formidable challenges, it is amazing to see how far it has fared to date.

“2015 was the year that the first flight of Turkish Airlines landed in Abuja. Tonight, we’re not just marking an anniversary, we’re celebrating years of dreams taking flight.

“We’re celebrating challenges turned into achievements, and partnerships that have helped us fly higher than ever before.

“When we look back at where we started, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” he said.

Carkci disclosed that Turkish Airlines had made more than six thousand flights in and out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, since its inception.

“We have formed a brand that everyone is proud of, and created a service experience that reflects the Heart and soul of Turkish Hospitality,” he said.

Carkci lauded the Nigerian government for creating an enabling environment where aviation can grow, adding that none of the airline’s streams of successes would have been possible without Nigeria’s support.

He also expressed appreciation to industry partners and the airline’s travel agency partners for believing in Turkish Airlines, and for bringing travelers to it with confidence and loyalty.

Carkci noted that the achievements made by the airline were not given on a silver platter but due to deliberate efforts that were put in place toward achieving them.

“Of course, the skies haven’t always been clear. In recent years, our industry has faced some of its toughest times -global crises, operational challenges and changes in expectations.

“However, we all stood together. We adapted, we innovated, and we pushed forward. Pandemic tested our limits, but it also reminded us why we do what we do.

“We are not just in the business of transport, we are in the business of connection, business of bringing people closer to what matters to them most: their families, their businesses and their homelands,” he further said.

Carkci announced that Turkish Airlines had built a flight network of 353 destinations in 131 across the world.

He said that just last week the airline won the Skytrax 2025 Awards, winning eight different awards, including the Best Airline in Europe for the tenth time.

Carkci said that the airline had continued to grow from new destinations to a fleet of 485 cutting-edge aircrafts, from digital innovations to award winning experiences.

“We are also embracing technology, to offer smoother, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. And we are developing our people, because they are the heart of everything we do.

“No journey is made alone. As we look to the future, we know we will need the same spirit of partnership, innovation, and determination that brought us here tonight.

“So, we are committed to growing together. We will continue to develop international connectivity, and keep working side by side with our travel agents to deliver value and unforgettable experiences,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Turkish Airlines began operating in Nigeria through direct flights to Lagos in 2006, and later launched direct flights between Istanbul and Abuja in 2015.

The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, his deputy, Elif Durdu, and officials of Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, travel agencies, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola