By Hadiza Mohammed

An International NGO, Mercy Corps, has commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for facilitating the swift and safe passage of a Nigerian from war torn Gaza.

Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said Mr Tjada D’ oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, in an appreciation letter, thanked Tuggar for his prompt and professional response to the distress call that enabled the extraction of Mr Joel Onyeke who is a senior member of the NGO.

“We want to thank you sincerely for your attention and swift action after our recent request for your advocacy and assistance in facilitating the safe passage of our team member, Mr. Joel Onyeke out of Gaza.

“After three harrowing weeks in a United Nations Development Programme bunker, on Nov. 1st Onyeke safely crossed the Rafah border crossing from Gaza into Egypt and by Nov. 3rd he was reunited with his family in Abuja.”

According to the NGO, Onyeke, a cash advisor with Mercy Corps, was the only foreign national team member employed in Gaza.

Mercy Corps also thanked the Federal Government for the support while stressing on the need for a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery to Gaza as well as for the safe passage of foreign nationals out of Gaza.

“There is more work to be done to ensure the safety of all citizens in Palestine and Israel.

“We are hopeful for an end to these crises soon so that communities can begin to rebuild, humanitarian actors can continue to work for a stronger and more inclusive economy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

By Maureen Okon

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commended the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC) for sustaining the scheme which has become a very valuable foreign policy tool for Nigeria.

Mr Tope Ajayi, the Director Policy and Statistics in the ministry, made the remarks during a ceremony to receive 13 Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers who returned to Nigeria after serving in Guinea-Bissau for two years.

He said that the success stories recorded from the volunteers was encouraging and the TAC as a component of soft power diplomacy, has positively projected Nigeria in Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP).

“Since the inception of TAC, we have recorded a lot of successes, and this is one area that people have always been alluding to that has recorded huge success in terms of foreign policy conduct of Nigeria.

“So, we are happy, in the ministry we are very proud of the strides DTAC has been achieving and we hope to support TAC in all areas.

“I am here technically representing the Minister, and he has conveyed his goodwill to the DG for the good work they have been doing since he assumed office, and is encouraging them to do more,’’ Ajayi said.

The Director-General of DTAC, Dr Yusuf Yakub, explained that the 13 volunteers were medical doctors who helped to transform the health system in Guinea-Bissau.
“When you send your children out and they went, saw, conquer and came back intact, healthy and alive with good testimonies, then the parents will say thank God.

“So our great medical doctors volunteers, thank you for your sacrifices to your dear country,” Yakub said.

He said, “This programme is one of the soft power diplomacy to show our potentials as Nigerians to our brothers in the ACP nations.

“Also, for the past 35 years, we have been deploying experts in different fields and they have been delivering the technical services that they were invited to deliver.

“We want to assure our brothers in the ACP nations that Nigeria as a big brother in Africa, will continue to fill the gaps that exist in any of these countries in terms of providing technical services.

“And going forward, we may even go beyond delivering technical services but also other services,” the DG added.

He appreciated the new foreign policy direction of President Bola Tinubu, anchored on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.

“It is a very beautiful foreign policy that will turn the name of Nigeria around among the comity of nations,’’ Yakub said.

Dr Adama George, a Consultant Pediatrician who spoke on behalf of the returnees, said that they contributed immensely in fixing Guinea-Bissau’s poor medical system.

“We left here two years ago to Guinea-Bissau, it was a place nobody wanted to go to, but today Guinea-Bissau has become a beautiful bride because of the efforts we put in.

“Our mandate was to go and improve on the health system of that country and that, we did to the best of our ability. We were deployed to the country’s various departments and also to their regions.

“The problem they had was a problem that Nigeria has, so it’s an African thing; it was not difficult for us to key into the system and impact greatly into their health system.

“In as much as they did not want us to leave, but whatever has a beginning, has an ending,’’ he said.

Earlier, Mohammed Mohammed, DTAC Director Programmes, congratulated the 13 medical doctors for their meritorious service, and representing Nigeria well in Guinea-Bissau.

He said so far, 46 TAC volunteers have returned home from Nov. 26 to date.

“We started returning the volunteers on Nov. 26. We debrief 23 volunteers from Ugandan, followed by 10 and now 13 from Guinea-Bissau,’’ Mohammed added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sarafina Christopher

Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy has urged China and Nigeria to exploit the untapped potential of fashion shows to boost textile industry and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Xuda, who is also the Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, made the call during the first edition of Sinoma-Nigeria Fashion Show on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the show was organised by the Center in collaboration with Sinoma Nigeria Co. Ltd.

He expressed confidence that fashion show could contribute significantly to boosting the textile industry and increase Nigeria GDP in the long run.

According to him, fashion show is not only for entertainment and cultural demonstration around the world, but also a strong language for global communication and cooperation.

“In Nigeria and China, lots of people like to watch fashion shows which are bringing more people to engage in jobs relating to the fashion industry and promoting the purchase of textiles.

“We believe that fashion shows can contribute to building a bridge for boosting the textile industry, increase the country’s GDP and advance cooperation between China and Nigeria.

“We also think that these fashion shows will help us to discover the beauty of diverse cultures and support in building up our fashion industry to reach its potential,” Xuda said.

Also speaking, Mr Geng Fengtao, Managing Director, Sinoma Nigeria Co. Ltd, said that when GDP grows, employment opportunities would increase with textile companies hiring more workers.

Fengtao reiterated Sinomo Nigeria’s sustained principles of cooperation with local enterprises to contribute to the growth and development of the country.

“We are committed to bringing our most advanced technology and continue to work with Nigerian people to promote local industry such as textile for economic development.

“Clothing is not just a material; it is a rich representation of our culture and a language that adds beauty to our lives which will remain a timeless aspect of our existence.

“I firmly believe that the Sinoma-Nigeria fashion show will effectively showcase the rich culture and also promote cultural exchange between China and Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Muhammad Sulaiman, President, China Alumini Association in Nigeria, and the Society of Nigeria Artist, thanked the Chinese Mission and Sinoma Nigeria for organising the event.

Suleiman noted the overwhelming need for textile materials in the country, estimated to be high by 2027 which if adequately tapped, could translate to the growth of the textile industry.

“We look forward to seeing the fashion industry becoming a hub for Nigeria to export textiles beyond the shores of the country and thrive,” he said.

NAN reports that the climax of the event is the display of different traditional and modern Chinese and Nigerian outfits by various models, including cultural dances from both countries. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

By Maureen Okon

The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS/CEDEAO) has officially suspended the Republic of Niger from all sub-regional bodies, until constitutional order is restored in the country.

This is contained in a statement by the regional organisation, following the decisions taken at the summit of heads of state and government held on Sunday in Abuja.

“Until the 64th ordinary session held on Dec. 10, 2023, the Conference of Heads of State and Government considered the situation in Niger as a coup attempt and continued to consider Mohamed Bazoum the President of the Republic of Niger, Head of State,” the statement said.

“Due to this position, Niger was not suspended from ECOWAS’ decision-making bodies and members of Bazoum’s government were authorized to represent Niger in ECOWAS’ statutory meetings.

The Dec. 10 summit recognised that Mohamed Bazoum’s government had effectively been overthrown by a military coup.

Consequently, beginning from Dec. 10, 2023, Niger is suspended from all decision-making bodies of ECOWAS, until constitutional order is restored in the country,” the statement said.

On Sunday, the ECOWAS leaders’ meeting in Abuja, asked the military junta of Niger, which came to power in a coup on July 26, to release the deposed president Mohamed Bazoum in exchange for the lifting of the sanctions imposed on the country.

The proposal was, however, rejected by the leader of the junta, Omar Abdourahmane Tchiani, who reiterated that Bazoum would not be released.

After the summit, the bloc presented the proposal to lift the sanctions in exchange for the freedom of the deposed president, also asking the junta to shorten the duration of the transition period, currently set at three years.

Tchiani agreed to this last request, without however specifying by how much.

The sub-regional body also announced the maintenance of sanctions against Niger. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Maureen Okon

The Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Mr Sidie Tunis, says the sanctions on Niger Republic will be lifted if the junta releases President Mohamed Bazoum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Speaker gave the assurance when a 19-man delegation from Africans Without Borders paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The visit was to prevail on the parliament to support the lifting of sanctions on Niger to ease the suffering of ordinary people in that country.

The speaker tasked the delegation to prevail on the junta to unconditionally release Bazoum and his family, and set a short transition to returning the country to constitutional governance.

Tunis said in spite of several efforts made by the bloc, there has been no breakthrough since the military junta ousted the democratically elected government in Niger.

“We are more interested in what is happening in Niger, we have sent delegation to investigate the situation after the military coup, but we need you as citizens to help to lessen the effect with your intervention as well.

“We represent you as Members of the ECOWAS Parliament; citizens diplomacy in my opinion is the best form of diplomacy that if used well can solve a whole lots of problems, not only in this sub-region but in the entire continent of Africa.

“As Members of Parliament we are all concerned about the situation in Niger, and I must tell you, immediately after the coup in Niger happened, we formed a committee to go and look at the situation of things in that country.

“At the moment there has not been a breakthrough, but we believe that a group like this will be in the position to also help the situation,” he added.
Tunis assured that the ECOWAS would continue to be on the side of the people of Niger.

“We are for the people of Niger and we will continue to support the people of Niger and I can assure you that we are with the people of Niger.

“I want to give you a message to the leadership of Niger to clearly show us some goodwill and I can assure you that this sanction will be lifted.

“Take this message to the military leadership of Niger and tell them that we are with the good people of Niger, release President Mohamed Bazoum and his family,” the speaker said.

Tunis said they were not asking for the reinstatement of president Bazoum, but for his unconditional release from the military detention at the presidential palace.

Speaking earlier, the President of African Without Borders, Mr Ziwana Abdounahamane, said that the sanctions have negatively affected the citizens of Niger and neighbouring countries.

He added that they were grateful to ECOWAS contributions to Niger, and would not disregard the benefits enjoyed so far.

Abdounahamane prayed that the region would stay strong and together in spite of the recent hard times.

“But we are talking about the masses that are facing dire situation and our citizens’ hard livelihood in Niger.

“So we are here Hon. Speaker as the African movement so that you will know the hard situation that the citizens of ECOWAS are facing. We thank you for the audience given to us,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the Mouvement Afrique sans Frontiere (African without Borders) is made up of the 16 countries that make up the ECOWAS bloc.

These are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’lvoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissua, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sarafina Christopher

The Federal Government in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday, repatriated 281  stranded and detained Nigerians in different camps in Libya to Nigeria.

Amb. Kabiru Musa, Charge d’Affaires En Titre of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Musa, 159 of the evacuees are Nigerians who were freed from detention facilities across Libya, while 122 of them are Nigerians who were stranded in the country.

Musa said that the evacuees, who left the Tripoli International Airport, Libya on Tuesday, are expected to arrive the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos same Tuesday Evening.

“The Federal Government in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) airlifted 122 stranded Nigerians on Dec. 12, from Tripoli, Libya to Lagos aboard chartered flight No.UZ 189.

“The flight has 47 male adults, 45 female adults, 18 children and 12 infants, all the passengers were stranded in various areas of Tripoli.

“The other 159 Nigerians from detention centers were also repatriated aboard chartered flight No.UZ190 at 13:25 hours local time and is expected to arrive Murtala Muhammed international airport Lagos at 16:25 hours same day,” he said.

According to him, aboard the flight are 50 male adults, 94 female adults, and 6 infants.

“The continuous Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR) is a reflection of the commitments of the Nigerian government to address the challenges of its citizens both home and abroad.

“We continue to thank the IOM and the Libyan authorities for all their support in making the evacuation exercise, and release of those in detention facilities possible,” Musa said.

Musa disclosed that the Nigerian Mission in Libya, with the support of the IOM successfully repatriated over 6,000 stranded Nigerians from Libya between 2022 and December 2023. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Maureen Okon

The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a report seeking the adoption of laws and policies on quotas and gender balance in decision making in the region.

The report of the joint Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment, was presented to the parliament on Monday in Abuja by the Co-rapporteur, Mr Senou Soklingbe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the joint committee was chaired by Mr Edwin Snowe.

The report focussed on strengthening political inclusiveness in participatory governance process.

The parliament, presided by the 1st Deputy Speaker, Mr Ahmed Wase, also adopted the recommendation for Member States to implement an effective diversity management policy prioritising the involvement of young people, women and vulnerable groups in the drawing up of development programmes and plans.

It also said Member States should adopt concrete mechanisms to encourage the participation of all citizens in important decision making processes.

It said that vulnerable groups such as ethnic and religious minorities, women and youth, people with disabilities and the elderly should be included in decision making.

The parliament further agreed with the recommendation that countries in the region should have centralised military commands and avoid formation of elite military units or parallel military forces whose command and control is outside a unified command structure.

The parliament agreed that the ECOWAS Commission should strengthen engagement and partnerships to ensure the establishment of strong civil societies at all levels, to be involved in democratic governance process and conflict prevention.

It also adopted the recommendation that the Commission promote awareness among the military on the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, highlighting the imperative for the military to be apolitical, and protect the state and democratic processes.

The Commission was also mandated to take necessary measures to have independent mechanism for appointing judicial bodies and electoral administration that are truly autonomous and totally independent

The parliament also deliberated on the political situation in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, and said that the Commission should continue to intensify dialogue with the Transitional Authorities in those countries.

This is to ensure follow-up and implementation of the transition timetables with a view to accelerating the return to constitutional order in the three countries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed