NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Shettima urges urgent global climate action
Foreign

Shettima urges urgent global climate action

134 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged world leaders to take decisive steps toward tackling climate change with urgency and practical action.

Shettima made this appeal on Friday during the launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) in Addis Ababa.

The Green Legacy Initiative aims to combat deforestation, promote biodiversity, and lessen the negative impact of climate change across the country.

It sets a bold target of planting 20 billion tree seedlings over four years, mobilising communities and resources nationwide.

Shettima described climate change as a real danger that requires firm, immediate action beyond discussions or conferences.

He noted that every nation must respond to its specific ecological challenges with tailored and practical solutions.

The Vice-President expressed admiration for Ethiopia’s resolve in addressing climate change “with clarity, courage, and conviction.”

Invited by Prime Minister Abiy Ali, Shettima called on nations to improve climate action through greater adaptation and mitigation efforts.

He said climate change “is not a problem to solve in a conference room but a danger needing practical intervention.”

According to him, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy is an inspiring plan that reimagines the future and shows true leadership.

He added that GLI represents a bold vision that other nations can learn from and emulate in their own contexts.

Shettima praised the initiative’s figures of 20 billion seedlings, over 20,000 nurseries, and hundreds of thousands of green jobs created.

He said such efforts prove the future must be planted, nurtured, and actively built through bold environmental action.

He conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s and Nigerians’ support, applauding those who brought GLI to life.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to support Ethiopia and hailed the partnership as crucial for Africa’s environmental future.

Shettima stressed that Nigeria and Ethiopia, being Africa’s most populous nations, bear a major responsibility for the continent’s future.

He noted this responsibility extends to protecting millions of lives from the threats posed by climate change.

“The cost of inaction is too high. That’s why we must move from being spectators to active participants,” he said.

Shettima affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to play its part in keeping Africa green and environmentally sustainable.

He recalled promises made at annual UN climate summits and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to those pledges.

Referencing the last COP meeting in Azerbaijan, Shettima said Ethiopia’s example brings those promises to life.

He thanked Ethiopia for the hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation during their visit.

Shettima said they felt truly welcomed, not only through warm gestures but also shared environmental aspirations.

He praised the Green Legacy as a project reflecting shared dreams for a liveable planet for future generations.

Prime Minister Abiy Ali urged African nations to adopt the Green Legacy as a cultural commitment, not just a campaign.

Ali expressed pride in Nigeria’s bold move to support and champion green initiatives across the continent.

He called for African partnerships, emphasising home-grown solutions over dependency on foreign assistance.

Ali said this year’s theme, ‘Rise by Planting’, reflects Ethiopia’s ambition to stun the world through environmental transformation.

He noted that Ethiopia received no foreign aid when initiating its 20 billion tree programme.

Ali thanked Nigeria for its support, saying President Tinubu’s leadership will boost awareness and cooperation in Africa.

He expressed hope that the upcoming UN Climate Summit in Ethiopia will rally nations toward collective green revolution goals.

Earlier, Vice-President Shettima toured Unity Park, the Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa.

The visit showcased Ethiopia’s historic journey, scientific progress, and commitment to sustainable development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
FG backs 2025 Nigeria-Indonesia trade forum
Foreign

FG backs 2025 Nigeria-Indonesia trade forum

151 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Federal Government has pledged support for the Nigeria-Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum 2025 (NIITF) to boost bilateral trade and attract foreign investment.

Mr Ishmael Balogun, President of the Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), revealed this during a news conference on Friday in Lagos.

He said the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside key ministries and agencies, had committed to improving trade figures between both nations.

Balogun added that the Vice President had directed the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to coordinate relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

These include the ministries of industry, trade and investment, agriculture, and health, along with NIPC, NEPC, and other strategic trade bodies.

He noted that the 40th Indonesian Trade Expo would hold from Oct. 15 to 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Nigerian-Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum would then follow from Oct. 21 to 23, also in Jakarta.

Nigeria and Indonesia currently trade in sectors like oil, manufacturing, FMCG, household items, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and electronics, among others.

The last official trade figure in 2023 stood at 4.7 billion dollars, with projections of five billion dollars for 2024.

He stressed the need for both nations to deepen efforts, boost trade volumes, and strengthen their enduring bilateral relationship.

To encourage Asian market expansion into Nigeria, NICCI has eased visa, accommodation, and tourism procedures for interested participants.

He encouraged attendees to visit: www.nigerianindonesianchamber.com and www.niitf.org for further information. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Danish queen visits MeCAHT rehabilitation centre
Foreign

Danish queen visits MeCAHT rehabilitation centre

176 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

The Queen of Denmark, Her Majesty Mary Elizabeth has visited Media Coalition and Awareness to Halt Human Trafficking (MeCAHT) in solidarity and international support in the fight against human trafficking.

MeCAHT, in partnership with the Embassy of Denmark, hosted the Queen at its rehabilitation centre in Abuja, where she spent meaningful time with women and girls who were survivors of human trafficking.

The Queen toured the facility where the survivors lived, listened to their stories, and offered heartfelt words of hope and affirmation.

She encouraged the survivors and also engaged them in a conversation that left a lasting impact on the atmosphere of healing and dignity.

The Queen tasted the food in a gesture of celebrating their efforts and resilience through shared joy and humanity.

In his remarks, James Ikape, Executive Director, MeCAHT, described the visit as extraordinary and a testament for the growing international commitment to combating human trafficking and to the power of survivor-centred care.

“This visit has reinforced MeCAHT’s mission to empower survivors through healing, connection, and advocacy.

“Together with the Embassy of Denmark, MeCAHT remains committed to creating spaces where every survivor is seen, heard, and uplifted,” he said.

In his remarks, the technical advisor of MeCAHT, Danladi Atu, said that the visit was a validation of its project and efforts towards sustainability.

Atu said that an action plan would be forwarded to the Queen, outlining the steps needed to expand the programme.

He said that the Canadian and Danish teams, had been highly supportive of the initiative.

“Their validation and support are crucial in taking the project to the next level and making a meaningful impact in the fight against human trafficking.

“The goal is to create a comprehensive programme that can support victims of human trafficking across different demographics.

“With proper support the project is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims of human trafficking,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

ECOWAS court unveils strategies for stronger judgment enforcement
Foreign

ECOWAS court unveils strategies for stronger judgment enforcement

227 total views today

Enforcement

By Taiye Olayemi

The ECOWAS Court has outlined key strategies aimed at strengthening the enforcement of its judgments across member states.

Mr Gaye Sowe, Acting Deputy Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court, disclosed this during a news conference at the close of the two-day inaugural meeting of Competent National Authorities of ECOWAS member states, held in Lagos.

The theme of the meeting was “Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice: Strengthening Synergies Between the Court and Competent National Authorities”.

Sowe, who also serves as the Registrar in charge of Appeals, Arbitration, and Enforcement at the ECOWAS Court, stated that the meeting had provided a platform for discussions and practical proposals to address long-standing enforcement challenges.

He said that the meeting agreed on bridging the existing communication gap between the Court and national authorities to foster judgment compliance.

He noted that this became necessary following observations that frequent changes in public office holders had led to communication breakdowns between the Court and national authorities.

He explained that direct engagement with national officials was critical to resolving enforcement bottlenecks, particularly as not all member states had designated the required Competent Authorities to receive and implement the Court’s judgments.

He said that the Court also reached a consensus on developing clear guidelines for the award of reparations and ensuring in-person engagement with Competent National Authorities.

He explained that it was also agreed that the Court would focus on fostering working and lasting relationships with stakeholders across member states.

“These strategies are designed to make the Court’s judgments more impactful and enforceable by improving understanding, coordination, and cooperation between the Court and the designated authorities in each country.

“The challenge of enforcement has persisted for years. What this meeting has done is to provide a platform for legal and technical experts to brainstorm and propose practical solutions,” he added.

Speaking on the Court’s progress, Sowe noted that since the amendment of the Court’s Protocol in 2005, the Court had presided over 400 cases across member states.

He said that 125 of such cases were from Nigeria, out of which 10 judgments had been enforced, 50 were not yet enforced, and 65 were dismissed.

Earlier, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, said the domestication of the Revised Treaty and the Court’s Protocols remains a critical issue.

He noted that without incorporation into national law, especially in dualist common law countries, the enforcement of the Court’s judgments is greatly limited.

He, however, urged member states to expedite the process to ensure smooth implementation and uphold the Court’s authority.

“Through your candid contributions, we have identified actionable pathways to enhance adherence to the Court’s decisions, ensure consistency in enforcement procedures, equip national authorities with the requisite technical and procedural tools, and build a framework for ongoing collaboration.

“This meeting has fostered a deeper understanding of the obstacles we face and has enabled the sharing of best practices and practical solutions.

“Crucially, it has strengthened the bonds of cooperation between the Court and national authorities, ensuring that our judgments are not merely symbolic, but are effectively translated into real and lasting justice for the peoples of our region.

“I am confident that the knowledge shared and the commitments made during this meeting have sensitized all participants to the legal frameworks, roles, and obligations that underpin the enforcement of the Court’s decisions,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

U.S. ambassador pledges to prioritise commercial, investment partnership with Nigeria
Foreign

U.S. ambassador pledges to prioritise commercial, investment partnership with Nigeria

217 total views today

By Mark Longyen

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills says his top priority is to enhance bilateral commercial and investment ties with Nigeria to foster economic growth, and create beneficial opportunities for their citizens.

Mills made this known at the official unveiling of a meeting of working groups of the United States–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the working groups, which will focus on agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure, comprise senior U.S. and Nigerian government representatives, and private sector leaders.

The CIP, which Memorandum of Understanding was earlier signed in July 2024, aims to deepen bilateral commercial cooperation and expand economic opportunities for people from both countries.

According to the ambassador, he has identified the CIP as a top priority of his tenure because it underscores the U.S.’ government’s commitment to enhancing bilateral economic relations with Nigeria.

“The Commercial and Investment Partnership, or CIP, is one of the top priorities of my tenure as U.S. the Ambassador to Nigeria.

“The CIP underscores the United States’ strong commitment to further enhancing our bilateral commercial and investment ties.

“It will foster economic growth, and create opportunities that benefit people across both our great nations,” he said.

Mr Thomas Bruns, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle-East and Africa, described CIP as reflecting the shared commitment to deepening economic ties, fostering innovation, and expanding business opportunities in both countries.

He said the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, being the government’s private sector voice, was proud of its work to foster international commerce.

Bruns explained that by strengthening collaboration in sectors that are engines of growth for both countries including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy, adding that he was thrilled to witness it.

“We can advance prosperity, create jobs, and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth that benefits our people and lasts for the long-term,” he said.

NAN also reports that participants nominated group leads to identify non-tariff barriers to trade and investment aimed at fostering job creation, encouraging private sector engagement, and addressing key challenges in the prioritised sectors.

Four senior officials from both sides comprising Mills; Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Amb. Nura Rimi, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary; Julie LeBlanc, U.S. State Department, Commerce, led the dialogue.

The quartet agreed to review progress on a biannual basis and to identify future areas of cooperation, while the next CIP formal meeting is scheduled to hold later in the year. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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

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

228 total views today

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
Foreign

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

227 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
Foreign

Nigeria to showcase media literacy gains at GlobalFact12 summit

184 total views today

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
Foreign

Brazilian vice president arrives Nigeria for strategic engagement

181 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
Foreign

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

147 total views today

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

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