News Agency of Nigeria
Moroccan advanced regionalisation will address territorial dev’t- official 
Foreign

Moroccan advanced regionalisation will address territorial dev’t- official 

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

President, Association of Moroccan Regions (ARM), Mbarka Bouaida, says the current stage of advanced regionalisation must focus on operationalisation to meet the challenge of territorial development.

 

Bouaida said this at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, with the theme: “Advanced Regionalisation: Between Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges” in Tangiers.

 

Bouaida urged the region to fully assume its missions, manage its own affairs and exercise its prerogatives in an optimal manner.

 

According to her, the region is considered a vital and important space for creating material wealth and achieving integrated development.

 

She described the outcomes of the New Development Model which establishes administrative devolution and bolstering advanced regionalisation project, as essential pillars capable of meeting expectations and tackling various challenges.

 

Bouaida said that advanced regionalisation was the culmination of a gradual process and the enshrining of local democracy as a crucial strategy for developing the institutional structure and promoting territorial development.

 

According to her, the three territorial levels (communes, provinces and regions) have elevated the region to the status of a territorial space conducive to the convergence of public policies.

 

She called for the challenge of training human resources and local elites to be taken up, so as to strengthen the attractiveness of investments and deal with crises.

 

She said it would also address challenges including those linked to water stress, transport, sustainable mobility and the digital transition.

 

Bouaida stressed the need to adopt a participatory approach involving various territorial stakeholders, academics and civil society.

 

She said this would develop scenarios likely to improve and optimise this project to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Morocco’s 12 regions sign 4 agreements on regionalisation, cooperation
Foreign

Morocco’s 12 regions sign 4 agreements on regionalisation, cooperation

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Kingdom of Morocco’s 12 regions and several ministerial departments, have signed four framework agreements to accelerating the implementation of advanced regionalisation and strengthening of cooperation in strategic areas.

 

The agreements signed during the opening of the ongoing 2nd Advanced Regionalisation Conference on Friday in Tangiers, cover areas including water, mobility, and environmental protection.

 

According to the organisers of the conference, the first agreement focuses on accelerating the implementation of advanced regionalisation with objectives of establishing an approach to identify mechanisms to complete the strategic project while continuing to fulfill the commitments outlined in the 2019 orientation framework for advanced regionalisation.

 

It also aims to implement the regions’ exercise of their powers by applying the national framework for administrative decentralisation and expediting the transfer of competencies to decentralised services according to a specified timeline.

 

Signatories include the Minister of Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, alongside key ministers such as Nadia Fettah (Economy and Finance), Nizar Baraka (Equipment and Water), Mohamed Berrada (National Education, Preschool, and Sports), Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri (Territorial Development and Urban Planning).

 

Other signatories are other notable ministers and officials representing various strategic portfolios, as well as the presidents of the 12 Regional Councils of the Kingdom.

 

The second agreement, signed by the Ministers of the Interior, Equipment and Water, the Minister Delegate for the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, and the presidents of the 12 Regional Councils, focused on the territorial implementation of national policies in water management and environmental protection.

 

The participatory agreement aims to establish a new partnership framework ensuring synergy in addressing water and environmental issues.

 

The third agreement, endorsed by the Minister of the Interior, the Minister Delegate for the Budget, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, and the presidents of the 12 Regional Councils, pertains to funding the investment programme for the new model of delegated management contracts for urban and intermunicipal public transport by bus.

 

The documents revealed that with a budget of 11 billion dirhams for the period 2025-2029, the agreement seeks to enhance the availability and quality of urban and intermunicipal transport through a sustainable and financially balanced economic model.

 

Regular monitoring of these management contracts will also be ensured.

 

The fourth agreement, signed by the Minister of the Interior, the Minister Delegate for the Budget, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and the presidents of the 12 Regional Councils, addressed the management of household and similar waste for the period 2025-2034.

 

The objective is to strengthen partnerships between ministerial departments and regional councils to improve waste management and recovery, aligning with sustainable development goals.

 

The conference with the theme, “Advanced Regionalisation: Facing Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges,” was organised by the Ministry of the Interior in partnership with the Moroccan Association of Regions.

 

It marks a significant step in implementing advanced regionalisation as a structural institutional reform and a strategic choice for consolidating territorial development.

 

Participants included government officials, regional presidents, municipal councillors, experts, and Moroccan international political and economic stakeholders.

 

Official information revealed that the conference attracted more than 1,500 attendees on-site, 160 international guests, and more than 45,000 online participants.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the several paper presentations and panel discussions on the theme are being carried out simultaneously in three places within the conference venues. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Morocco advances reforms for inclusive growth
Foreign

Morocco advances reforms for inclusive growth

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has expressed commitment to structural reforms, and aligning administrative and developmental efforts with the broader vision for sustainable and inclusive growth.

 

The king made the commitment in his message read by the Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, to the participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier.

 

He highlighted key challenges in the implementation of advanced regionalisation in Morocco and the significance of the process for fostering economic and social development, improving governance, and addressing regional disparities.

 

King Mohammed said the conference aimed to strengthen local governance and economic development at both regional and national levels, while building on the foundation set by the first national conference in 2019.

 

He said there was the urgency in implementing the National Charter for Administrative Devolution, emphasising ministries’ active roles in transferring powers to regional authorities.

 

“To achieve this goal, regions and local governments – each in their field of competence and within their specific powers as well as those shared with other stakeholders – are called upon to launch more ambitious programmes and initiatives within the framework of a national strategy for water conservation at the regional level.

 

“They are also expected to contribute to implementing that strategy through effective procedural measures.

 

“As regards the development of the transportation and mobility system for the achievement of integrated regional development, it is clear that this sector will quickly develop in the next few years.

 

“The reason for this is the growing dynamism of our country as a regional hub that attracts investment, not to mention the large-scale projects launched as part of our country’s preparations to host the 2030 football World Cup.

 

“Developing a comprehensive, sustainable transportation system has become a basic requirement for the achievement of integrated local and regional development.

 

“It is also a key entry point for reducing regional and social disparities,’’ he said.

 

To achieve this goal, the King urged regions and local governments to contribute to developing the sector, and accompany the efforts made by the state in that regard.

 

He added that digital transition at the local and regional levels had become a requirement to keep pace with the technological revolution the world is witnessing today.

 

According to him, one can hardly imagine a regional or local development process without digital development, especially since digital technology has been playing an increasingly important role in the management of local and regional affairs.

 

Omar Morro, President of the Council of the Region of Tangan-Texoum-Al Houceima, said the slogan of the conference, “Advanced Regionalism between the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow”, was consistent with the constant concern of the Regional Councils.

 

Morro said that implementing and developing the first advanced project in nine years had revealed the basic opportunities and challenges that must be dealt with.

 

The President, Association of Regions of Morocco, Bouaida Mbarka, said the conference was an opportunity for participatory approach and collective interaction on the problems raised.

 

Mbarka said it was to identify the nature of the challenges posed in order to make the Moroccan experience a success and to come up with solid, realistic and achievable recommendations that meet the expectations of all actors.

 

The aim, according to her, is to achieve the programmes and projects that they aspired to in order to draw and develop the areas that are authorised by the regulatory law and to promote investment for job opportunities and employment.

 

“Our first and last goal remains to create a democratic dynamic that benefits the population within the framework of justice,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Water stress, mobility challenges hindering Morocco’s regional development– King Mohammed VI
Foreign

Water stress, mobility challenges hindering Morocco’s regional development– King Mohammed VI

Moroccan Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier, Morocco.(NAN)

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

King Mohammed VI of Morocco, says that water stress crisis, transportation and mobility system, and adhering to digital transition process are among the challenges and risks hindering development efforts in Morocco’s regions.

 

The king said this in his message read by the Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, to the participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier.

 

He said it was necessary not only to provide the water infrastructure needed, but also to establish good water governance to enhance the integrated approach in public water policy.

 

“Indeed, properly tackling water stress is a key entry point for the achievement of sustainable local and regional development,” he said.

 

The king emphasised the growing dynamism of Morocco as a regional hub that attracts investment and the large-scale projects launched as part of the country’s preparations to host the 2030 World Cup.

 

He said that developing a sustainable transportation system was a basic requirement for achieving integrated regional development, and a key entry point for reducing spatial and social disparities at regional level.

 

“To achieve this goal, regions and local governments are expected to contribute to developing this sector, and accompany the efforts made by the state in this regard,” he said.

 

He expressed the hope that the second edition of the conference would be a chance to take stock of what has been achieved with respect to implementing advanced regionalisation, and to consolidate positive interaction between all the stakeholders concerned.

 

“I also hope you will identify the most effective ways to make advanced regionalisation a lever for economic and social development.

 

“This will help address development challenges, unequal growth, and regional disparities,’’ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

5m Nigerian farmers benefit from U.S.-Nigeria agric partnership– Embassy
Foreign

5m Nigerian farmers benefit from U.S.-Nigeria agric partnership– Embassy

By Mark Longyen

The U.S. government says it has supported more than 5 million Nigerian farmers in its multifaceted agricultural partnership programmes with Nigeria since 2019 through its agency for international development (USAID).  

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the partnership has helped strengthen Nigeria’s food security by increasing food production and bolstering rural economies nationwide. 

It noted that media coverage of its activities had presented an inaccurate picture of U.S. agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, which included assisting local agencies in strengthening regulatory processes for agricultural biotechnology. 

It said the longstanding agricultural partnership with Nigeria culminated in significant achievements and ensured that all U.S. government agricultural programmes operated with full transparency and strict adherence to Nigerian laws.

“These programmes are developed and implemented in partnership with Nigerian agricultural experts, farmers, and government officials, to ensure they meet local needs and respect Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty. 

“USAID’s work in Nigeria focuses on practical support for farmers, including improved access to markets, agricultural training, and research collaboration. 

“Our agricultural partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges through locally-driven solutions,” the embassy indicated in the statement.

The U.S. government stated that USAID maintains regular dialogue with Nigerian stakeholders in agriculture at all levels, and is proud to support Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural traditions and practices. 

“As we continue this partnership, we remain committed to full transparency and meaningful consultation with Nigerian agricultural communities,” it added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

2m women benefit from 5m SWEDD project —ECOWAS VP
Foreign

2m women benefit from $365m SWEDD project —ECOWAS VP

By Mark Longyen

Vice-President of ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja, says about two million West/Central African women and girls have benefited from Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment Demographic Dividend plus (SWEDD) project in 10 years.

Tchintchibidja made this known while officially inaugurating a new phase of the project tagged: SWEDD+ on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SWEDD is a World Bank-sponsored project aimed at promoting inter-regional, inter-institutional cooperation and collaboration for empowering West and Central African women and girls.

According to her, the SWEDD project, funded with 365 million dollars by the World Bank, has transformed the lives of women and girls in five countries in its initial phase.

The ECOWAS VP listed the beneficiary countries to include Burkina Faso, Chad, The Gambia, Senegal, and Togo, cutting across West African (ECOWAS) and Central African (ECCAS) subregions.

She described the project as a significant milestone in the collective efforts to unlock the full potential of women and girls in the subregion.

“This groundbreaking initiative SWEDD+ project is building on the success of the previous phases of the project in the Sahel, which are known to have transformed the lives of about two million women and girls in the last decade.

“Women and girls are the backbone of our societies, and for that reason their empowerment is crucial to achieving sustainable development, economic growth, and social progress.

“The demographic dividend offers a unique opportunity for our region to harness the energy, the creativity, and the capabilities of our young people, particularly women.

“By investing in their education, health, and economic empowerment, we can create a virtuous cycle of growth, prosperity, and social cohesion,” Tchintchibidja said.

These, she said, included gender-transformative interventions; the strengthening of health services; as well as policy advocacy and institutional strengthening.

“Women and girls of Sub-Saharan Africa, this project is for you. It is a recognition of your struggles, your resilience, and your aspirations.

“We believe in your potential to drive change, to innovate, and to lead,” she added.

NAN reports that the initiative, which is also supported by the UN Fund for Population Activities, offers a unique opportunity for ECOWAS and the bloc’s leaders to harness the energy, creativity, and capabilities of women and girls.

This entails investing in their education, health, and economic empowerment, with a view to creating a virtuous cycle of growth, prosperity, and social cohesion.

The event was graced by Prof. Fatou Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs; Mrs Fatima Acyl, representing the Minister of Finance, Economy and Planning of Chad; Dr Sennen Hounton, Director, UN Population Fund Regional Office, West and Central Africa.

Others are Ms Eleonora Cavagnero, Project Team Leader, World Bank; Dr Melchior Aissi, Director General, West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and representatives of the Ministers of Health and Social Affairs of Nigeria, Togo and Senegal, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ECOWAS must leverage private sector potentials for economic integration —Touray
Foreign

ECOWAS must leverage private sector potentials for economic integration —Touray

By Mark Longyen

President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr Omar Touray has urged member states to leverage the vast potentials of West Africa’s private sector toward subregional economic integration and development.

Touray made the plea at the 93rd Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Council of Ministers on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that local private sector actors needed the support of both ECOWAS and individual member states because they have an important role in achieving the bloc’s economic integration efforts.

The commission’s president explained that the goal was to mobilise, develop and retain regional capital within the ECOWAS subregion for the overall good of all.

“The role of our private sector in providing the necessary resources for our Institutions, removing non-tariff barriers, implementing regionally agreed policies and commitments is vital to our success.

“Our local private sector actors also have an important role, and they need the support of both the regional institutions and governments to exploit the vast potentials in our community.

“We must give our local private sector actors the right of first refusal in any investment opportunity in our community.

“We should harness the resources of our businessmen and women to succeed,” he said.

Touray also said that, over the years, ECOWAS had been consistent in its determination to deepen regional integration process by deploying multifaceted strategies to achieve it, and pledged to continue doing so.

According to him, such efforts include regional energy development, regional air transport development, regional regulation on roaming on public mobile communications networks, among others within the ECOWAS space.

He said that ECOWAS had made progress in the merger of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Extension Project with the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project.

This, he said, follows the adoption of an Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas pipeline by the Ministers in charge of Energy and Hydrocarbons.

“This regional integrative project aims to build a gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Morocco, feeding ECOWAS member states and Mauritania with future extension to Europe.

“It is an infrastructure of 6,800 km long, including 5,100 km offshore, with a transport capacity of 30 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year.

“In addition, a framework document for the establishment of an ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility has been finalised by the ministers,” he said.

The ECOWAS President further disclosed that progress had been made in implementing the regulation on roaming of public mobile communications networks within the ECOWAS space.

“The ECOWAS Roaming is now live in at least six member states since its adoption in December 2017 by this Council,” he said.

Touray also said a regional strategy for harmonising air transport charges, fees and taxes and a supplementary act relating to a common policy on aviation charges, taxes and fees was underway.

He said that the commission had also revived its regional cooperation and integration programme in the water sector which dates to 2001.

Touray further said that the commission had inaugurated a regional self sufficiency in rice production, otherwise called the “Rice Offensive” project, in 2014.

“To attain regional self-sufficiency in rice, it would require the local production of 33 million tonnes of milled rice to meet a planned consumption target by 2035.

“This will also require a financial investment of 15 to 19 billion dollars of capital expenditures (CAPEX) towards improving storage facilities, milling initiatives and enhancing mechanisation in paddy production.

This council has a critical role in the realisation of the many objectives we set for our region. Let me conclude by pleading with the council to redouble its support to ECOWAS institutions,” Touray added.

Also speaking, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar,

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, said the meeting reaffirmed their dedication to regional cooperation, driven by a shared vision of an integrated and prosperous West Africa.

While noting that ECOWAS was currently at a pivotal point in its existence, Tuggar said the council recognised the significant responsibilities they were tasked with, and the collective efforts required to succeed.

“The region faces multifaceted challenges that can only be overcome through enhanced cooperation and a deeper common understanding among our Member States,” Tuggar said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

ASRIC chair urges members to commit 1% GDP to research, dev’t
Foreign

ASRIC chair urges members to commit 1% GDP to research, dev’t

Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Chairman of African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), Prof. Sammy Chumbow, has called on governments of African member states to commit 1 per cent of their nations’ GDP to fund research and development.

Chumbow, the President of Cameroon Academy of Sciences, made the call on Wednesday in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in an acceptance speech after emerging as the chairman of ASRIC, making him the third elected chairman of the council.

The newly elected ASRIC chair stated that African leaders ought to devote more resources and funds to the development of Science, Technology and Innovation in their countries.

NAN reports that Chumbow, a national of Cameroun, contested with representatives from Senegal and Zimbabwe and he emerged as chairman of ASRIC with 15 votes from 22 voting member countries.

He said that science and technology policies, which would improve research and innovation across the continent, called for cooperation among scientists in the continent.

Chumbow promised to work with the team of ASRIC Assistant Chairs to ensure African countries invest in capacity building.

He called for improvements in the area of innovation policy development and promotion of regional innovation policy.

Chumbow also pledged to use his office to follow through with implementing the policy document of STISA-2024 and address the aspirations identified under the Agenda 2063.

Emphasising the need for increased funding for Research and Development (R&D), he added that funding  for R&D was geared towards long-term success in any economy.

“The reality of insufficient funding has never been more apparent than during the recent Coronavirus Pandemic.

“African countries must increase their spending on STI to at least 1% of their national budgets to achieve success that can place Africa on the global map,’’ the chairman said.

Chumbow also stressed the need for capacity building for researchers and potential innovators in the continent.

According to him, increased investment in Science, Engineering and Entrepreneurship skills training would improve R&D outputs.

He said, “Capacity building would address low science infrastructure in African countries and ensure progress in the area of STI in Africa.”

Prof. Ekanem Braide, the outgoing President of the Nigerian Academy of Sciences (NAS) also recommended approaching NGO’s, funding agencies dedicated to funding both public and private R&D to improve ASRIC’s activities.

She stated that funding played a key role in the implementation of ASRIC innovative activities.

“At the regional level, we need to approach and dialogue with African regional bodies, NGO’s, INGO’s to also invest in developing regional innovation strategies.

“This is so ASRIC can pursue and achieve its mandates and implement its flagship projects such as the impactful hepatitis project and other projects,” she said.

NAN reports that the winners of the first, second, third and fourth Vice Chairs of ASRIC were: Prof. Vasey Mwaja, Prof. Francis Agyeni, Dr Thabile Ndolovu and Prof. Khaled Ghedira, respectively. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

U.S. strengthening healthcare, transparency, human rights in Nigeria —Envoy
Foreign

U.S. strengthening healthcare, transparency, human rights in Nigeria —Envoy

By Mark Longyen

Amb. Richard Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, says his country is working to strengthen healthcare, transparency, and human rights in Nigeria, stressing that the nation requires progress in key areas. 

Mills, who made this known in a statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, said that the U.S. remained Nigeria’s steadfast partner in these critical areas of their bilateral relations for national development. 

The envoy noted that towards this end, yearly in December, the U.S. marks three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership.

He listed the celebrations as the World AIDS Day; International Anti-Corruption Day; and Human Rights Day. 

According to him, these commemorations, while distinct, underscore the simple truth that these issues are accorded top priorities in the partnership between the two nations.

“For two decades, the United States has stood with Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

“The U.S. government has invested more than 8.3 billion dollars in Nigeria’s health sector and provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to more than 1.5 million people.

“These numbers represent improved life expectancy and quality of life for these Nigerians and their families,” he said.

Amb. Mills said that during his recent visit to clinics across Nigeria, he had met dedicated healthcare workers who delivered HIV prevention, treatment, and care, supported by U.S. resources.

He said that such interventions had done more than save lives, adding that using HIV as an entry point, Nigeria’s health system had  greatly benefited.

“As Nigeria’s health system is strengthened, this important work will be led by government and engagement with the private sector to sustain the gains,” the ambassador emphasised.

He recalled that such commitment was reinforced during the recent visit to Nigeria of Dr John Nkengasong, U.S. Department of State’s Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy.

The envoy said that Nkengasong held discussions with Nigerian health officials focusing on how the Nigerian Government would sustain the HIV health programs with strengthened Nigerian leadership and local ownership.

Speaking on transparency as a critical element of good governance, Mills said that positive health outcomes depended on good governance. 

“When medical supplies are diverted, when healthcare workers go unpaid, when facilities buy dangerous, counterfeit medications or lack resources due to mismanaged funds, it costs lives.

“This is why the United States supports numerous initiatives, not only in the health sector, to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria. 

“Our programmes work directly with government agencies and civil society organisations to strengthen fiscal responsibility with the goal of the state ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries,” he said.

On strengthening human rights, Ambassador Mills said that the success of the aforementioned efforts rested on respect for human rights and civic engagement. 

He said that this often happened when members of marginalised communities faced discrimination in accessing healthcare; when citizens feared reporting corruption; and when vulnerable populations could not advocate for their needs. 

“Through our partnership with Nigeria, we promote the rights of every person to access essential services and enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or discrimination.

“Our human rights programming has empowered civil society organisations to advocate for marginalised communities, leading to better access to health services. 

“Our health system investments have created platforms for transparency that benefit all sectors.  

“Nigerians are both more frequently refusing to pay bribes and reporting bribe seekers to investigative journalists and rule of law authorities — a shift in norms is beginning to take root and must continue,” he said. 

The ambassador further said that the U.S. Embassy was ready to support Nigerian voices pressing the fight against corruption in Nigeria. 

Mills said that the U.S. was inspired by the dedication of Nigerian government officials, civil society leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens to build a stronger nation.

“Together, we can continue to advance the interconnected goals of better health outcomes, good governance, and human rights for all Nigerians. 

“Challenges remain, but the work we’ve done together shows what could be possible on a larger scale across these crucial domains.

“The United States continues to stand with the Nigerian people as they carry out this essential work with their elected government,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Sadiya Hamza 

Bulgaria, OAU partner on cultural ties
Foreign

Bulgaria, OAU partner on cultural ties

By Mark Longyen

The Bulgarian Government and the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, are partnering to enhance cultural ties through the teaching of Bulgaria’s folklore dances in the institution.

 

The Bulgarian Embassy in a statement in Abuja on Saturday said a solid relationship had been built by Bulgaria and OAU over the past two years.

 

It explained that the effort resulted in the Bulgarian Government’s provision of financial grant for classes and the teaching of Bulgarian folklore dances at the University.

“This is a project that Bulgaria and the university have been working on for several months. Its initial framework was set up by the successful celebration of Bulgarian Day in May 2024 in Ile-Ife.

 

“During the few weeks of teaching, more than 25 students mostly from OAU’s Faculty of Arts’ Departments of Dramatic Arts and Music were trained in Bulgarian folklore dances,” it said.

 

The embassy described the folklore dances as a specific dancing technique that is characteristic of Bulgaria and similar to some Nigerian traditions and customs.

 

It said the grant, which was channeled through the embassy, was provided in the context of renewed enhanced bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Nigeria.

“It is aimed at developing cultural ties between the two countries with the most visible prospects in the creative industries development,” it added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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