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

By Sarafina Christopher

China, through the China General Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria says it will strengthen trade relations with Nigeria.

The Chambers declared this on Thursday during the opening of the 3rd Belt and Road China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Exhibition in Abuja.

According to Mr Liu Jiang, Deputy General Manager of CCECC Nigeria Limited and the representative of the Chairman of the China General Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria, the forum marks a starting point to continue to promote economic and trade cooperation.

“We are committed to enhancing and strengthening our cooperation by working closely with local partners to play harmony with China- Nigeria relations.

“It is important to note that a number of landmark projects have been completed from oil and gas, infrastructure, manufacturing, communications, Agriculture, mining, internet, and other fields in addition.

“This economic and trade exchange will create more opportunities for Chinese and Nigerian enterprises and strengthen win-win cooperation.

Liu also noted that the Belt and Road initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to promote policy communication, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people exchange among countries.

“Half a month ago the third Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation was successfully held in Beijing and the Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Nigeria Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“The two sides valued the fruitful achievements made by China and Nigeria since the establishment of diplomatic relations for more than half a year and expressed full confidence in the future development of relations between the two countries,” Liu said.

In his remarks, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria in his remarks expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for the Belt and Road initiative which Nigeria has benefited a lot from.

“This initiative has brought about tremendous opportunities for economic developments, infrastructural enhancement, and cultural exchange between our two nations.

“The Belt and Road initiative, launched by China in 2013, aims to connect Asia with Europe, Africa, and beyond through a series of infrastructural projects, such as roads, railways, ports, and energy facilities.

“Nigeria being the largest economy in Africa has become a key participant in this initiative seeking to improve its infrastructure, boost trade, and enhance its overall development framework.

He also stated that the cooperation between Nigeria and China has enhanced transportation infrastructure.

“Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has invested in the construction of roads and railways providing Nigeria with better connectivity within the country and across borders.

“This has facilitated the movement of goods, services, and people bringing about increased trade and economic integration.

“The Federal House of Representatives through the able leadership of Hon Tajudeen Abbas is committed to strengthening the bilateral and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China by the instrumentality of appropriate law-making,” Yakubu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Maureen Okon

The Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC) says in advancing the big brother role to Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP), it is deploying soft-power diplomacy to improve the standard of education

Its Director-General, Dr Yusuf Yakub, made this known while addressing Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Volunteers, Education Minister, University authorities and other stakeholders in Kampala, Uganda.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the director-general on Thursday from Kampala, Uganda.

According to Anyata-Lafia, Yakub, said TAC remained an instrument of Nigeria’s foreign policy through which President Bola Tinubu’s administration wished to continue to deploy soft-power diplomacy to countries of ACP in line with his ‘4-D Agenda’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 4-D foreign policy initiatives of the president are; Democracy, Development, Demography and Disspora.

Yakub said enormous advantages were derived from the soft-power diplomacy over coercion in nation-to-nation relations.

He said that strong bilateral ties and relations had existed between Nigeria and Uganda even before the establishment of the Missions in both their capital cities.

Yakub reminded his diverse audience that Nigeria recognised early its immense potential in human and natural resources.

He said, “Therefore, it took an Afro-centric stance to contribute to the development of sister- African countries as well as countries with sizable black populations across other continents in what is generally known as South-South co-operation.”

Yakub added that the provision of manpower to such ACP countries was a deliberate move that was meant to not only bridge the gap in capacities lacking in those nations, but to develop the needed skills among such host nations towards the attainment of self-reliance.

He added, “Uganda and Nigeria have come a long way.I recall that the first Chief Justice of Uganda,Justice Udo Udoma, was an eminent Nigerian jurist from today’s Cross River.

“It is no wonder,therefore,that when the TAC Scheme came on board with the establishment of the DTAC in 1987, Uganda became one of the first countries to receive volunteers and benefit from the scheme in 1988.

“35 years after,I am happy to observe that we have continued to deploy quality volunteers to Uganda.

“These volunteers, from what we have gathered in the course of this visitation and from what University authorities have, specifically, told us are thriving.

“They have continued to discharge their duties with dexterity and knowledge and have been adjudged by all as worthy Ambassadors of the Nigeria, who have exemplified character, conduct and learning wherever they are currently serving, ”

Earlier, during interactions with the volunteers at the Nigerian Mission in Kampala, most of the 75 volunteers ranged from Senior Lecturers,Associate Professors and Professors.

Others are Faculty Deans,Heads of Departments and Directors of Schools in the four Uganda Universities.

They expressed appreciation to TAC scheme for providing them the opportunity to contribute to global development.

Also in attendance were; Vice-Chancellor of Kampala International University,Prof.Mouhamad Mpezamihigo,that of Canvendish University, Prof. John Mogisha as well as Associate Prof. Ismail Gyagenda of Islamic University in Uganda( IUIU).

Others were the representative of the Vice-Chancellor of Kabale University, who is also Dean , Faculty of Engineering in the institution, Prof.Moses N. Twesigye-Omwe, who lauded the commitment of the TAC volunteers to duty and professionalism.

The DTAC delegation was amazed at the level of encomiums poured on the TAC scheme volunteers in the four citadels of higher learning where they were currently serving.

Also, it stated that the authorities of the various schools recommited to receiving more volunteers apart from expressing the wish to retain some of them whose two-year service tenure was nearing completion.

While also visiting the Hon. Minister for Education and Sports, the DTAC delegation was elated to note that the Minister of State for Primary Education,Dr Joyce Kalucha, said she was also trained by the Nigerian TAC volunteers in its earlier years of establishment.

The Ugandan team comprises of the Minister of State, the Commissioner for Higher Education,Timothy Ssejjoba;the Director,Higher Education;Dr Sophia Museene and Mpyangu Andrew and Senior Assistant Secretary, among others, informed the Nigerian delegation of ongoing reforms in the Ugandan education sector.

The team requested support from DTAC in order to bridge the identified gaps in such areas as;Oil and Gas Engineering/Technology, Aviation Engineering/Technology, the Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, among others.

The DTAC delegation comprised of Amb.Mohammed Mohammed,Director of Programmes; Mr Idris Saidu, acting Director, Finance and Accounts, as well as Mrs Rahila Kaura, acting Director, Monitoring and Evaluation.

They also met with the Permanent Secretary, Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs,where commitment was also elicited for more collaboration, co-operation and strengthening of existing ties in areas relevant to the TAC Scheme.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Busayo Onijala

The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria on Thursday said visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos remained open to the public.

Mr Demilade Kosemani, Communications and Public Affairs Officer, High Commission of Canada, Abuja, said this in a statement, following the fire outbreak that affected a section of the building of the high commission in Abuja, on Monday.

“As we continue to mourn the passing of our dear colleague from the High Commission of Canada in Abuja, please note the following information below:

“Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC clients: processing of applications continues).

“Regardless of the suspension of operations at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja, the Visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos remain open.

“For status updates send a webform. (https:// www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html).

“Consular assistance for Canadians in Nigeria who require emergency assistance: sos@international.gc.ca or +1 613 996 8885 or via our whatsapp on +1-613-909-8881.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the explosion at a section of the building of the Canadian High Commission in Abuja on Monday killed two people including a local employee and left two others injured.

Global Affairs Canada, in a statement issued on Monday, said it would work with local authorities to determine the cause of the explosion. (NAN)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Maureen Okon

A team of officials of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC) has commenced performance evaluation of its volunteers posted to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Seychelles.

The team, led by DTAC’s Director-General (DG), Dr Yusuf Yakub, is expected to interface with officials of those countries to appraise the scheme and the level of compliance to agreed terms.

A statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the DG, said the assessment visit, which would last four days, began on Monday from Uganda.

According to the statement, that during the visit, the team will assess the condition of the TAC volunteers and meet with officials of Nigerian Missions in the four countries.

The team consists of the Director of Programmes in the Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, the Ag. Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr Saidu Idris, and Mrs Rahila Ayuba, Ag. Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Ms Yan Yuging, Consul-General, People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, says China’s and Nigeria’s relations are steadily advancing in mutual development and practical cooperation.

Yan said this on Tuesday in Lagos at the China-Africa (Nigeria) production capacity cooperation symposium held at the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) complex.

The symposium had: “Enhancing economic growth through sustainable partnership” as its theme.

Yan noted that with unprecedented changes taking place in today’s world, both countries continued to advance relations by deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and contracted projects.

“China is a significant trade partner for Nigeria.

“According to Chinese customs data, bilateral trade volume between China and Nigeria reached 23.9 billion dollars in 2022.

“China’s exports to Nigeria amounted to 22.3 billion dollars, while imports from Nigeria totalled 1.6 billion dollars,” she said.

Yan noted that Nigeria had, therefore, become China’s second largest trade partner in Africa, and China is Nigeria’s largest global source of import.

“As long as we know each other, even if separated by thousands of miles, we can cooperate like neighbours.

“China and Nigeria enjoy a solid foundation of cooperation in many fields.

“With the growing political, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries, the prospects for future cooperation will be broaden and deepen,” she said.

Yan added that China launched the “Initiative on supporting Africa’s industrialisation’’ to focus on urgently needed areas of the continent’s modernisation.

She said globally, her country signed cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and more 30 international organisations.

“A large number of infrastructure projects and projects benefiting the people will be implemented gradually,’’ she stressed.

In her contribution, Mrs Adenike Akande, Nigeria’s former Minister of Trade and Industry, noted the gap between Nigeria and China in industrialisation and industrial capacity.

She said Nigeria had a lot to learn from China on its journey to industrialisation.

Akande urged China to support Nigeria in the latter’s quests for industrialisation by putting measures in place to aid the Nigerian government and people to improve their production capacity.

In his remarks, Mr Olusola Obadimu, Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, said in an increasingly interdependent world, collaboration and partnership were essential drivers of economic growth.

Obadimu noted that partnerships were catalysts for economic growth which represented visionary approach to addressing the intertwined challenges of economic development.

According to him, sustainable partnerships can contribute to economic growth through effective collaboration between government, the private sector, and international organisations for the development of critical sectors of the economy.

He noted that China’s engagement with African countries had witnessed remarkable growth over the decades.

“This dynamic trade relationship has become a focal point in global economy characterised by mutual benefits and extensive opportunities.

“The China-Africa trade relationship is not merely about commerce; it offers numerous opportunities for both parties to forge mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to sustainable economic growth and development.

“Sustainable partnerships hold the key to a prosperous and equitable future and would further strengthen China-Africa trade relationship,” Obadimu stressed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem