By Sarafina Christopher
In a celebration of diplomatic ties, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria awarded scholarships to 52 primary school teachers and pupils of the China-Assisted Model Primary School in Nyanya, Abuja.

This initiative, commemorating the “October 1st Award of China-Nigeria Friendship,” marks the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Ms. Liang Huili, Wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, explained that the scholarships were granted to 32 pupils and 20 teachers as a recognition of their outstanding qualities.

The ceremony aimed to underscore the strategic role of education in fostering friendship and cooperation between China and Nigeria.

Addressing the gathering, Liang emphasised the significance of education as the foundation for progress and prosperity.

She highlighted its critical role in shaping individuals, especially children, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and guiding them toward their future careers.

Liang expressed her sincere wishes for Nigeria’s progress in the education sector, noting that educated youth contribute to the strength and pride of the nation.

Commending the scholarship recipients, Liang urged them to remain focused on their academic pursuits.

Mrs. Jummai Haruna, Head Teacher of the school, expressed gratitude for China’s sustained efforts to promote education in Nigeria.

She noted that the scholarships not only recognised academic excellence but also testified to the recipients’ hard work, resilience, and determination.

Dr Alhassan Sule, the Executive Chairman of FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), applauded the Chinese Embassy’s commitment to strengthening the educational partnership between China and Nigeria.

He emphasised the ceremony’s significance in reaffirming the strong ties between the two countries in the field of education.

Encouraging the scholarship recipients to serve as role models, Sule highlighted the transformative power of education in bridging cultures and fostering mutual understanding.

The Head Boy of the school, Godswill Ogwuche, expressed gratitude for China’s unwavering support, highlighting the various contributions, including donations of school bags, stationery, sports equipment, and air conditioners to create a conducive learning environment.

Ogwuche also appealed to the Chinese Embassy to provide the school with a Chinese language teacher, further enhancing the educational experience for the pupils.

The event concluded with a sense of appreciation and optimism for continued cultural and educational exchange between China and Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

A total of 31,000 suspects have been transferred from Myanmar to Chinese custody to date in a crackdown on telecom fraud originating from northern Myanmar and affecting Chinese citizens.

The Ministry of Public Security made the announcement on Tuesday.

Among the suspects were 63 alleged masterminds, organisers, or key members, as well as 1,531 fugitives.

The arrests made, acting on the orders of the ministry of public security and the Yunnan Provincial Public Security Department, started since September.

The public security authorities in the regions such as Xishuangbanna, Pu’er, and Lincang collaborated with law enforcement agencies in Myanmar to carry out border law enforcement cooperation.

This had resulted in the successful transfer of a large number of telecom fraud suspects to Chinese authorities.

In November, to further strengthen the crackdown, Chinese public security authorities intensified their cooperation with Myanmar in the law enforcement.

They also launched a fierce offensive against telecom fraud crimes in northern Myanmar, leading to significant achievements and multiple successes.

Ming Guoping, Ming Julan and Ming Zhenzhen, ringleaders of a telecom and online fraud criminal gang in northern Myanmar’s Kokang Self-Administered Zone were arrested.

The chief criminal of the gang, Ming Xuechang committed suicide out of fear of punishment.

A large number of overseas fraud dens had been successfully eradicated, dealing a heavy blow to overseas fraud groups.

On Nov. 18, border law enforcement cooperation in Dehong achieved a major breakthrough as authorities in Muse, northern Myanmar, handed over 571 telecom fraud suspects to Chinese authorities.

Chinese public security authorities had vowed to maintain high-pressure crackdowns on telecom fraud groups in northern Myanmar.

They would deepen border law enforcement cooperation with Myanmar, organised targeted crackdown operations, and make every effort to eliminate dens.

They apprehended fraud suspects, and resolutely safeguarded the safety and legitimate interests of the people, as well as maintain border security and stability. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Chioma Ugboma

By Maureen Okon

The Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC) says Nigeria possesses the population of skilled youths capable of providing technical assistance to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries.

The Director-General of DTAC, Dr Yusuf Yakub disclosed this on Saturday in a statement issued by Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

The statement indicated that Yakub stated this at the closing of a four-day Administrative, Monitoring, and Evaluation trip of the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) to Uganda, Rwanda,Tanzania, and Seychelles.

According to him, Nigeria has a huge population that can address the technical deficiencies the aforementioned countries in furtherance of President Bola Tinubu ‘s 4-D foreign policy agenda of promoting Democracy, Demography, Development, and the Diaspora.

The director general also said that it was the plan of the Tinubu-led administration to continue to project Nigeria in positive light using the TAC scheme as an instrument of foreign policy.

He added that what was needed to sustain the objective of the TAC scheme was for its strategic stakeholders and partners to continue to work in synergy.

The DTAC boss expressed satisfaction that the TAC scheme has in the past 35 years of operation remained on course by developing the needed manpower in recipient countries where former trainees are now beginning to train others.

During a visit to the Nigerian High Commission in Dar es Salaam, the statement indicated, Yakub and other DTAC officials met with volunteers in the scheme serving at Zanzibar, and expressed his satisfaction with their contributions to the success of the scheme.

The director general, according to the statement, applauded the high commission for supporting the volunteers.

The statement quoted him as urging the high commission to maintain the cordial working relationship with the volunteers.

“We are here in furtherance of President Tinubu’s 4-D foreign policy agenda.

“In our own little way at DTAC, we have keyed into this presidential vision and mandate knowing that Nigeria possesses the right demography to bring in results anywhere we find ourselves.

“With a sizable and talented youth population that is also energetic and skillful,we have the manpower and expertise to go round where they are needed.

“On this visit, we set out to meet our volunteers, officials of government where they are serving, and our mission officials who relate directly with these volunteers.

“This is in our bid to promote the foreign policy agenda of our dear president as I said before, using our agency’s clear mandate.

“We know that globally, soft-power diplomacy is the in-thing.

“Even after an act of coercion, it is important to know that we must return to the table to engage in order to get the enabling environment we all desire to live together.

“Also, DTAC has continued to carry on this mandate in over the past 35 years with visible results” he said.

Earlier, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Amb. Hamisu Umar, welcoming the DTAC delegation, noted the high pan-African credentials and friendliness of Tanzania.

He said that Nigeria needed to learn a lesson or two from the unity and peaceful co-existence among the people of the country.

He congratulated the DTAC boss on his appointment as director general of the agency, saying he was convinced that his crossing-over from the legislature to the executive arm of government is a positive development for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Emmanuel Yashim)

By Fortune Abang

A cross section of ministers have assured Nigerians in Diaspora of the Federal Government’s resolve to overhaul the nation’s economy and make it competitive in the global arena.

The ministers gave the assurance at the 6th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The summit with the theme: “New vista, new aspirations, new vision: The Diaspora and national development”, which began on Nov. 13 will end on Nov. 15.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who officially inaugurated the Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme, explained that the initiative is designed to tackle housing deficiency for Nigerians in Diaspora.

Dangiwa said the ministry would sustain the strategic collaborations and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in the housing sector.

“Nigerians in Diaspora should see opportunities in the scheme, where they are able to actualise their dreams of affordable homes in the country of origin.

“It is my hope that the Diaspora community would take advantage of the initiative and subscribe in the long term and short term,” he said.

Also speaking, Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, assured the Diasporas of the government’s resolve to overhaul the sports industry and make it a veritable platform upon which the country can achieve set objectives.

“In every thriving country of the world, you find at least a Nigerian involved.

“This is amidst several challenges they face.

“Therefore, we have a sole responsibility for the development of sports in Nigeria and sports has the power to unite and transform more people than every other sector,” Enoh said.

Similarly, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, promised to do everything within the ambit of the mandate of the ministry to tackle issues around international passport registration processes.

According to him, such would ensure Nigerians process their passport as soon as possible and collect the same without stress.

“We will not relent until it becomes as seamless as possible.

“A situation where we have only one passport office in Canada is not acceptable. We will decentralise it.

“We must improve service delivery by giving passports to the people and not people running to office before December we are changing the whole dynamics.

“The only thing when it comes to passport application process in any office either in Nigeria or in the diaspora is just going to be biometrics and that is all,” Tunji-Ojo assured.

Meanwhile, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, called for collaborative support from Nigerians in Diaspora to achieve more meaningful growth.

Dabiri-Erewa said, “We are blessed in the world; in medicine, engineering, education, and all sectors in every part of the world that we are excelling, why can’t we translate this back in Nigeria.

“There is a frame of potential in Nigerians in the Diaspora, so I am glad we have been able to do everything in that regard.”

The event was attended by representatives of Governors of Rivers and Enugu State, Director-General of Technical Cooperation in Africa, among others.

Highpoint of the event was tribute to late Oluchi Ironkwe, Admin/Legal Coordinator, Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative, plenary on agribusinesses, pitching and tour of exhibition. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Hadiza Mohammed

The Federal Government on Tuesday urged all affected passengers of Air Peace whose visas were cancelled and deported from Saudi Arabia to remain calm and that investigation into the “unfortunate” incident has been launched.

This is contained in a statement by Francisca Omayuli, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Omayuli, reports received from the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah indicated that Air Peace Flight No. P4-752 transported 264 passengers from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos and the Aminu Kano International Airport and landed at the King Abdul-Aziz International Airport – Hajj Terminal Jeddah on Nov. 13.

She said in the statement that on arrival at the Hajj Terminal, the Saudi immigration authorities informed the passengers that their visas had been cancelled and 177 passengers had to be evacuated on the same flight back to Nigeria.

No fewer than 87 of the passengers were cleared by immigration and allowed entry into Jeddah, she added.

Omayuli explained that the Saudi authorities are yet to give reasons for the cancellation of the visas and the outright ban imposed on 18 of the passengers from Saudi Arabia for various offences they committed in the past.

“Notwithstanding the fact that it is the prerogative of a sovereign nation to determine who is permitted entry into its territory, Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are traditional and strategic partners, who are willing to guard against recurrence of this unfortunate incident.

“In this regard, investigation is ongoing in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

“The affected passengers are therefore, implored to keep calm, while the matter is being resolved,” the statement quoted Omayuli as saying.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House of Representatives had condemned the cancellation of the passengers’ visas, describing the act as embarrassing.

They urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, take the necessary diplomatic steps to protect Nigeria’s image and ensure the full implementation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

The lawmakers also called for the protection of Nigerian national carriers flying to Saudi Arabia and protect the Nigerian travelling public.

They also mandated the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and that of Interior and Pilgrims Affairs to launch an enquiry into the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the visas and report back within two weeks. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Hadiza Mohammed

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has been selected by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League as part of a special delegation mandated to initiate immediate international action to halt the ongoing war in Gaza.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement said the message was communicated to Nigeria by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

Tuggar said the the decision was taken in furtherance to the resolution adopted at the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Israeli aggressions against the Palestinian people, which took place in Riyadh on Saturday.

According to the minister, the resolution that bears Nigeria in the inclusion in the peace team states the following:

“Assign the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as the presidency of the 32nd Arab and Islamic Summit, along with counterparts from Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Palestine.

“Any other interested countries, and the Secretary-General of both organizations to initiate immediate international action on behalf of all member states of the OIC and the Arab League to formulate an international move to halt the war in Gaza.

” To pressure for a real and serious political process to achieve permanent and comprehensive peace in accordance with established international references.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria was invited for the emergency joint Arab-Islamic summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh to discuss the war taking place in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian territories.

At the summit, Tuggar said Nigeria stood firmly with the two states solution prescribed by the UN to help bring a stop to the Israeli, Palastinian war.

Tuggar said Nigeria was ready to work collectively to bring and end to the violence and find lasting solutions to the war.

According to him, Nigeria welcomes the intervention by the OIC to emphatically add it’s voice to the call for an end to the violence and loss of lives of innocent civilians.

Tuggar said the disproportionate use of force against the people of Gaza begs the question “how many more must die to avenge the act of aggressor.”

He said the war against the people of Gaza cannot be contemplated in the same breath of the “Just War Doctrine” and has to stop for the sake of humanity.

“Where is the rule of law.

“Today live in a dated driven world, and the question is where is the evidence that the violence melted out by Israel on Gaza is having any effect on Hamas.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Ismail Abdulaziz

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State says he respects President Bola Tinubu for his sense of dedication to service and humanity.

He stated this on Monday while speaking with newsmen in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

He said that the president has enjoyed the support of most Governors in spite of party differences, adding that Nigeria would come out better in the next few years.

”We have to appreciate the dedication of Mr President towards Nigeria and the reviving of the economy that is in dire need of reformation.

“So far, we have seen from his various steps that we are going forward to a new Nigeria.

”As the president prayed for the wellbeing of the country in the Holiest place of Islam, it gives me the courage that he will deliver the hope that Nigerians desires.

”In spite of our party differences I still feel great respect for the president. As he prayed for Nigeria, I prayed for him because when you pray for your leaders, you are ultimately praying for yourself,” the governor said.

Mohammed said that there were a lot of assurances from the president’s precedent as governor of Lagos State that the country would be better.

”He has done it before in Lagos and look at what Lagos has become in not only Nigeria but in Africa. This is the transformation Nigeria requires and we will see it in no distant time,” he said.

Similarly, Amb. Yahaya Lawal, Nigerian envoy to Saudi Arabia, said that the visit of the president had yielded many blessings for the country.

He said that the Saudi-Nigeria trade relations would receive a boost with the response of various stakeholders to the investment drive of the president.

”I am highly elated as the ambassador that this is happening at my time. The reception that the president also received was highly commendable.

“It shows the respect and dignity they have for Nigeria and the president,” he said.

Lawal said that the president’s visit for the summit would very soon start yielding results for the benefit Nigerians.

He charged Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders and country, adding that the support of citizens was crucial in the success of any government.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Maureen Okon

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation has lauded President Bola Tinubu on the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) scheme, describing it as a noble platform for the promotion of Pan-Africanism.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General (DG) of Technical Aid Corps in Africa (DTAC).

Anyata-Lafia quoted the Rwanda’s Minister of State, Mr James Kabarebe, as lauding Tinubu in Kigali when the ministry received the delegation of DTAC led by Yakub.

It would be recalled that the DTAC boss and some senior staff had embarked on a four-day Administrative, Monitoring and Evaluation exercise in four countries in East Africa.

While on the administrative tour, the team will monitor the TAC volunteers in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Seychelles.

Kabarebe commended Tinubu’s administration, noting that he action was a big brother approach.

He extolled Tinubu’s gesture for continuing to advance the course of development through technology transfer, skills acquisition and scholarship for African people.

The minister said that although Nigeria, like other nations of the world with its own challenges, is commitment to the leadership and development of Africa and some parts of the globe through soft-power diplomacy remained laudable and worthy of emulation.

According to him, Nigeria has continued to use its huge population, size and early advancement in matters of education to benefit all parts of Africa.

The minister reminisced the positive inspiration projected by writers such as, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Cyprian Ekwensi, among many others.

Kabarebe said, “These were not only an instrument of soft power that sold Nigeria to the world, but was all that Nigeria needed to stamp its authority as a global super player in world affairs.

Furthermore, he highlighted the huge gap that existed between other countries of Africa and their goals, adding that TAC deserves Africa’s support.

The minister promised that the ministry would leverage on the existing cordial relations between Rwanda and Nigeria to strengthen their co-operation through the scheme.

Speaking earlier, Yakub said that the delegation were in Rwanda to monitor, evaluate and as well to review the activities of the TAC volunteer scheme in its recipient countries and among the volunteers.

He added that the visit was also aimed at providing him the opportunity to meet and familiarise with State officials and other stakeholders in the TAC scheme across parts of Africa after been appointed to head the agency by Tinubu.

The DTAC delegation also met with the Minister of State for Education, Ms Claudette Irere, Nigeria’s High Commissioner in Kigali, Amb. Suleiman Sani and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance), University of Rwanda, Ms Francoise Kayitore.

They also visited the remaining volunteer of the TAC scheme at the University of Rwanda, Dr Nasiru Sani, a Health Information and Community Medicine expert, among others.

The DTAC team comprised Yakub, the Director of Programmes, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, acting Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr Idris Saidu and Mrs Rahila Ayuba-Kaura, acting Director, Monitoring and Evaluation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu says he is committed to changing the narrative  of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.

He stated this while briefing newsmen at the end of rituals of the performance of the lesser Hajj, Umrah, on Sunday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Tinubu said his administration was determined to change the narrative through various reforms, programmes and policies that would ultimately benefit the citizens.

‘’The prospect of the country is yet to blossom to the level that we require. It needs hard work and consistent prayers by each and every one of us. We are committed to use our strength to bring out this potential for the benefit of all Nigerians.

‘’That’s why we are here and May Allah accepts all our prayers, individually and collectively, for the good of the nation and its people. There is the need for me to thank God for what He has done for me.

‘’For His guidance; His blessings and His answers to my prayers and the country’s prayers and for the good of all humanity. I have to give thanks to God at every opportunity,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Umrah is the lesser Hajj rituals perform by Muslims at any particular time of the year, while the Hajj is only done during the month of Hajj in the Islamic calendar.

During his stay at Makkah, Tinubu is being hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and attached with a special cleric from the Kings palace to conduct him round for the circumambulation of the Kaaba.

The cleric, Sheikh Dakilullah Al-Makky and the Imam of State House Mosque, Sheik Abdulwahab Suleiman conducted prayers at the end of the over two hours ritual.

The rituals include going round the Kaaba seven times and going back and forth at the Safa and Marwa seven times.

The governors of Bauchi, Niger and Katsina states as well as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer and other top government official performed the ritual alongside the president.

Tinubu is in Saudi Arabia for the Saudi-Africa summit attended by Africa leaders and the business community from both countries.(NAN)

edited by Sadiya Hamza