News Agency of Nigeria
Ukraine envoy hails Nigeria’s support since war began
Foreign

Ukraine envoy hails Nigeria’s support since war began

By Maureen Okon

Mr Ivan Kholostenko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, has lauded the Federal Government’s support since the Russian-Ukrainian war began on Feb. 24, 2022.

He urged continued international attention on the crisis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the envoy spoke on Sunday in Abuja at a private ceremony to open a condolence register for war victims.

The register followed recent alleged Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, which allegedly killed innocent people, including children.

It was the sixth time since April that the Ukrainian Embassy opened a condolence register to allow friends of Ukraine to show solidarity.

Kholostenko said Ukrainians were deeply grateful to Nigerians for their support.

“We know that Nigerians, like Ukrainians, understand the value of freedom,” he said.

Explaining the decision, the ambassador said it was part of a disturbing pattern and not an isolated act.

The embassy opened the register to allow Nigerian partners, friends, and the international community to express solidarity with Ukraine.

“We opened this condolence register to honour the memory of innocent victims of yet another massive act of Russian terror against Ukraine.

“The enemy deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, causing destruction and killing peaceful people, including children.

“Since April, the embassy has opened such a register six times in response to large-scale civilian casualties and attacks on both our state and shared humanity.

“The latest opening comes as UN data shows alarming civilian casualties.

“As of 31 May 2025, 13,341 civilian deaths were reported by the UN Human Rights Office due to Russia’s invasion since 2022.

“The UN has also documented thousands more injured civilians, with June 2025 recording the highest monthly toll in three years,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NIDO Americas president emphasises importance of preserving African heritage
Foreign

NIDO Americas president emphasises importance of preserving African heritage

By Fortune Abang

Dr Oluwatomiloba Ademokun, Vice-President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) South Savannah Chapter, has emphasised the importance of promoting wellness among women and girls to preserve the African heritage.

Ademokun, a Nigerian-American author, global public health diplomat and host of the Wellness Wahala Podcast, stressed the need during a virtual inauguration of the literary platform – “Wellness Wahala”.

The platform was hosted as part of Ademokun’s international book tour promoting the memoir titled, ”Wellness Wahala: Faith, Fire and Favour on Diplomatic Duty” designed to amplify voices of Nigerian diaspora authors.

According to her, the inspirational memoir chronicled a gripping journey from surviving bomb blasts and bureaucratic battles to finding divine restoration and purpose in life.

Ademokun said, “This memoir is not just a personal journey, it is a call to action for every African woman and youth to rise, reclaim their voice, and be proud of their heritage.

“It is important we preserve African heritage, promote wellness and celebrate the identity, and power of African women and girls globally.

“Proceeds from the book will fund humanitarian interventions, including scholarships for students in Nigeria and the diaspora through NIDOA South Savannah and the Reliable Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation.

“The memoir was birthed in pain, refined in fire and crowned with favour. I pray it inspires a new generation of warriors to rise strong in the face of Wahala.”

She revealed the book is currently available globally on Amazon, Kobo eBooks, Barnes & Noble, and in Nigeria via Selar: https://selar.com/51y81cxj19, saying the next tour include events in Atlanta, Abuja and Accra.

The book is structured around: Faith, which highlights spiritual endurance through delays and disappointments; Fire, revealing trials including diplomatic crises, illness, and betrayals; and Favour, celebrating redemption, resilience, and divine breakthroughs.

She described the literary debut as part of a broader effort to amplify Nigerian diaspora authors, with NIDOA featuring Yoruba Ayo traditional game demonstration, Afrobeat music and Nigerian fashion parade.

Others include interactive storytelling of African folktales, cultural trivia and giveaway prizes, as well as live readings from Wellness Wahala by the author.

The event attracted members of the African Diaspora, African-American community in the Chicago area, and community leaders to an afternoon of culture, storytelling, empowerment, and healing.

Illinois Governor Jay Pritzker, and that of Georgia, Brian Kemp, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) youth ambassador, and NIDOA South Savannah President Mr Collins Ikegwuonu were present at the event.

The event, aimed at celebrating Nigerian resilience and diaspora excellence, featured cultural celebration of the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent at Richton Park Library in Illinois.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Tuggar reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to new visa regime
Foreign

Tuggar reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to new visa regime

By Fortune Abang

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, says Nigeria is committed to prioritising Identity Verification on Consular Services to bolster its new visa regime.

Tuggar disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a pitch presentation by ASFAAR, a visa and tour company, aimed at easing visa processing for Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu recently directed all federal agencies involved in consular and immigration matters to strictly comply with Nigeria’s international visa commitments.

This follows the adjustments in visa issuance policies being implemented by the U.S. government and the United Arab Emirates.

The Federal Government aims to enhance intergovernmental collaboration in verifying the identities of citizens applying for visas and other consular services abroad through the policy.

According to the minister, such policies affect Nigerian travellers, hence, there is the need for dependable access to visa applicants’ identity records.

Tuggar said, “The Federal Government’s policy, in collaboration with ASFAAR and Council on Biometric Data Verification Policy, is aimed at protecting the integrity of our citizens.

“The policy is in securing the visa application process and facilitating seamless travel, while safeguarding the sovereignty of all involved nations, which enjoys full inter-agency backing.

“The objective is to eliminate identity fraud and ensure that only genuinely vetted Nigerian applicants are issued visas over embassies and high commissions.”

He explained that this would also discourage the use of unauthorised third-party agents, who obtain and handle sensitive personal data outside government oversight, posing grave national and international security risks.

Tuggar added that this would enhance mutual accountability by allowing countries with a destination to verify applicants in real time, using Nigeria’s National Identification Number, as the primary reference point.

The minister said the technology was a verified platform operating under the ASFAAR system that was fully compliant with Nigerian data protection laws and global best practices.

He said that it would interface directly with Nigeria’s national identity infrastructure and validate the authenticity of an applicant’s information, encourage missions to work out modalities of assurance and visa refund policies.

“This is not merely a domestic regulation, it is a cooperative tool for mutual benefit. It will help embassies to process legitimate applications faster and reduce risks of visa applications.

“It will not only ensure Nigerians travelling abroad do so responsibly, legally and with dignity, but enhance security for all stakeholders by limiting overstays, trafficking, impersonation and visa abuse,” he said.

The Chairman/CEO, ASFAAR, Dr Jamil Hausawi, said the initiative would strengthen outboard travel management, reinforce visa integrity and enhance bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and friendly countries.

According to him, such is based on cooperative infrastructure created with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support transparency, efficiency and verification of Nigerian travellers going abroad.

“ASFAAR is not meant to replace consular procedures, but to support and enhance them.

“It is to provide secured access to verified applicant data, send real-time alerts and confirm identity use and biometrics,” he said.

He stressed that the U.S. Government officially communicated the new visa rules affecting Nigerian nationals as part of its global visa reciprocity review based on two key concerns.

These, he said, included high rates of visa overstay by Nigerians, and for more dependable access to applicants’ identity records.

He promised that ASFAAR would work in full compliance with Nigerian laws by ensuring that visa applicants data privacy and protection partnered relevant government and diplomatic missions to achieve set targets.

NAN reports that the event attracted participants from the Ministry of Aviation, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and diplomats, among others. (NAN) (www.nanneews.ng

Edited by Mark Longyen

ECOWAS Court delivers 634 judgments, rulings in 24-year span
Foreign

ECOWAS Court delivers 634 judgments, rulings in 24-year span

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice says it has delivered a total of 487 judgments and 147 rulings out of 748 cases filed before it since its inception in 2001.

The Community Court disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while giving an official update highlighting its 24-year judicial statistics and continued commitment to regional justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

According to the court, the figures underscore its pivotal role as the principal judicial organ for legal redress and human rights protection in the region.

While reinforcing its commitment to regional justice dispensation, the court emphasised that its judgments have had a profound impact across the West African subregion.

“At the end of July, 2025, the Court had delivered a total of 487 judgments and 147 rulings out of 748 cases filed before it since inception in 2001.

“Over the 24-year period, it has held 1,633 court sessions, considered 61 applications for revision of judgment, issued 66 orders, delivered 43 decisions on revisions of judgments, and rendered 8 advisory opinions.

“These figures underscore the Court’s pivotal role as the principal judicial organ for legal redress and human rights protection in the region,” it said in a statement.

The court noted that this year alone from January to July, it registered 34 new cases, delivered 42 judgments, and rendered three rulings across 79 court sessions.

It added that during this period, the court issued four orders and delivered one decision on an application for revision of judgment, while 112 cases were still pending before it.

The court further said that it received no requests for advisory opinions or applications although it continued to receive and register new cases within the said period.

It stressed that within the period under review, the court enriched regional jurisprudence and contributed to ensuring a just and more democratic West Africa.

“By holding member states accountable and providing redress for individuals and communities, the court has contributed to ensuring a more just and democratic region.

“Its jurisprudence has influenced national legal reforms, promoted institutional accountability, and empowered civil society actors to seek judicial redress.

“Under the leadership of Honourable President Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, the Court continues to exemplify the values of equity, fairness and justice for all across member states,” it added.

The Community Court also announced the start of its annual judicial recess, noting that full judicial activities would resume in September.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Tinubu commiserates with Ghana President over helicopter crash
Foreign

Tinubu commiserates with Ghana President over helicopter crash

By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to President John Mahama and people of Ghana over a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two ministers.

‎This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday in Abuja.

‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crash, which occurred Wednesday in Ghana’s southern Ashanti region, killed all on board, among them Defence Minister Edward Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Muhammed.

‎Tinubu assures President Mahama and all Ghanaian that the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Nigeria are with them during the time of profound national loss.

‎The President urged the Ghanaian nation and the bereaved families to find comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones died in the line of patriotic service to the country.

‎“He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and strength for those they left behind.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Effective standby force crucial for sub-regional peace, security, devt – ECOWAS
Foreign

Effective standby force crucial for sub-regional peace, security, devt – ECOWAS

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says having a sub-regional Standby Force (ESF) that can be swiftly deployed to quell conflicts is critical to ensuring peace, security, and development.

Amb. Abdel-Fatah Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting of the ESF’s police/gendarmerie focal point for peace support operations.

Musah described ESF as a multidimensional force and vital mechanism for regional peace and security architecture designed to swiftly respond to regional conflicts, and an African Standby Force brigade.

He noted that the rapidly changing nature of threats and conflicts has not only made a dynamic and adaptive approach to policing a necessity, but it has underscored the need for combat readiness, cooperation, collaboration, and coordination.

The Commissioner, represented by Dr Sani Adamu, ECOWAS Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, therefore, urged participants to leverage their collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable environment of peace.

“An effective ECOWAS Standby Force supports not just immediate crisis response but also long-term peacebuilding initiatives, creating conditions necessary for economic development and social progress across our region.

“As we refine the operational readiness and effectiveness of the ESF, we must recognise that true security is not only about arms and strategy.

“It is also about leveraging our collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable environment of peace,” he said.

According to him, the ESF is an investment in a future where the children of community citizens can grow up in a world free from the fear of conflict.

ECOWAS, he said, was a testament to the importance of regional partnerships, bringing together nations under a shared vision of peace and security.

“I therefore urge each of you to actively participate, share your perspectives, and help refine our policing strategy to ensure it meets the highest standards we set for ourselves.

“Our commitments today will pave the way for actionable strategies and tangible outcomes in the field,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by participants from the African Union, ECOWAS, and security officials from its training centres of excellence and institutions. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

BRICS: Egypt begins export of high-tech potato seeds to Uzbekistan
Foreign

BRICS: Egypt begins export of high-tech potato seeds to Uzbekistan

Egypt has dispatched its first export of locally developed, high-tech “mini tuber” potato seeds to Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Agriculture announced, according to Daily News Egypt, a partner of TV BRICS.

Mohamed El-Mensy, Head of the Central Administration of Agricultural Quarantine, noted that the shipment was in line with directives from the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen domestic seed production and boost exports, as part of a wider strategy to expand Egypt’s role as a regional seed exporter.

El-Mensy emphasised that a plant health unit was tasked with preparing the technical documentation for the exported seeds.

He stressed that close coordination between Egyptian and Uzbek officials, including a video conference with the Uzbek ambassador in Cairo, helped finalise the file in time for the planting season.

This development comes on the heels of a high-level Uzbek delegation’s visit to Egypt in late May, aimed at deepening cooperation in agriculture.

The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture instructed relevant departments to support collaboration by arranging field visits to Egyptian agricultural projects, research institutions, and farms, and facilitating knowledge exchange.

Further shipments are currently being prepared. (TV BRICS/NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Ethiopia plants over 103 million saplings
Foreign

Ethiopia plants over 103 million saplings

Ethiopia’s Government Communication Service said that as of July 31, it had planted more than 103 tree seedlings across the country in a single day’s Green Legacy Initiative campaign.

ENA, a partner of TV BRICS, reported that in the early hours of the morning, Ethiopia had witnessed millions of nationwide turnouts to break its record by planting 700 million saplings from dawn to dusk as part of its Green Legacy Initiative.

This year’s campaign, launched under the theme “Renewal Through Planting,” aims to plant 7.5 billion seedlings across the country during the rainy season, which typically runs from June to September.

As a state news agency, this nationwide effort underscores Ethiopia’s continued commitment to combating land degradation, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable development through its flagship environmental initiative. (TV BRICS/NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Russia willing to cooperate with South to counter U.S. sanctions
Foreign

Russia willing to cooperate with South to counter U.S. sanctions

Russia is ready to step up cooperation with the Global South and BRICS to counter the illegal U.S. sanctions pressure, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday.

“Nevertheless, we believe that no tariff wars and sanctions can alter the inevitable course of history.

“We have a vast network of partners, like-minded people, and allies within the Global South, particularly among BRICS countries, who share this perspective.

“We are ready to step up cooperation with them to counteract illegal unilateral sanctions and to establish a truly multilateral, just, and equitable global order,” Zakharova said.

Such U.S. policy is a direct encroachment on the national sovereignty of states, constituting interference in the domestic affairs of other nations, the spokeswoman said.

“Sanctions and restrictions are a regrettable reality of the current historical stage, impacting the entire globe.

“Washington cannot accept the loss of its hegemony in the emerging multipolar world order and continues to pursue a neocolonial policy to uphold its dominance, using politicised economic.

“Pressures against those who resist its agenda on the international stage,” she said. (RIA/NAN)

(Edited by Cecilia Odey/Emmanuel Yashim)

Zimbabwe strengthens support for disability rights, inclusive education
Foreign

Zimbabwe strengthens support for disability rights, inclusive education

The Zimbabwean government is calling on employers across sectors to prioritise the recruitment of people with disabilities, as part of its broader commitment to promoting equal opportunities and fostering social inclusion.

A report by ZBC News, a TV BRICS partner, quoted Mr Edgar Moyo, the country’s Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, as saying that Zimbabwe needs to bridge the employment gap urgently for people with disabilities.

“All ministries have received a directive to give preference to people with disabilities in recruitment.

“If anyone from the disabled community is being excluded due to their condition, we encourage them to report it. We have inspectors at national, provincial, and district levels to address such cases,” he said.

In addition to employment, the government has pledged to improve access to quality education for children with disabilities.

Moyo highlighted ongoing efforts under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), noting that school selection committees at community levels are expected to prioritise children with special needs.

The country’s commitment to inclusion was formalised through the launch of the National Disability Policy in 2021, aligning Zimbabwe with international standards under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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