By Sarafina Christopher

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Office in Nigeria, in collaboration with South Korea International Cooperation Association of Nigeria (SKICAN), on Friday, lauded its alumni’s commitment and contribution to nation-building.

Mr Son Sungil, Country Director of KOICA Nigeria during the 2023 Annual Gathering of the association in Abuja, noted that Nigerian civil servants who have received training and scholarships through the KOICA Fellowship Programme (CIAT), are worth celebrating.

“Reflecting on the remarkable journey so far, the Alumni Gathering is not merely a celebration of past achievements, it serves as a platform for Alumni to reconnect, share their experiences, and lay the foundation for collaborative efforts to shape a brighter future.

“We also want to express our immense pride in the development and achievements of SKICAN.

“The development of the website will support and facilitate initiatives that promote education and skills transfer from KOICA including scholarships, training and mentorship programs.

“It is also our pleasure to see Nigerians who have finished their training program in South Korea returning back to develop their home country.

“We reaffirmed KOICA’s commitment to providing unyielding support for the Association’s progress,” he said.

Mr Sungil also encouraged the newly elected executives to uphold the legacy of their predecessors for the association’s continued growth.

Mr Rabiu Adamu, the immediate past president, expressed gratitude to the country director for the cooperation extended throughout his tenure.

In his address, he unveiled the new SKICAN Magazine and website Skican.ng which have become the go-to platforms for Alumni updates and insights.

“In the age of information and communication technology, it is essential to create a website that will provide South Korea and Nigeria an avenue for accountability and to share information on Corporate Social Responsibility.

“The Association was able to complete its website which was launched today, affords members from all over the country and the world in general, to follow on the work and activities of the association.

“We believe that the website will promote development of a comprehensive database of members, professionals, entrepreneurs and experts, in order to monitor integration, investment opportunities and knowledge transfer.

“The Association for the first time printed its Maiden Edition of the SKICAN Magazine, as a legacy which would encourage the incoming executives which will be on the website for sustainability of KOICA and SKICAN collaboration,”Adamu said.

Furthermore, this year’s Alumni Gathering marked an election year, resulting in the election of nine (9) new officials. Mr. Joseph Oboh emerged as the new President of SKICAN, ready to lead the organization into a new era of growth and collaboration.

NAN also reports that the highlight of the event was a performance by Dosi-Korean Fusion Music team, dance performance from the famous M.B Crew-Korean B.boy team who flew in from South Korea to Nigeria for the first time in honor of South Korea-Nigeria relations. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Maureen Okon

Paris made a commitment in Abuja on Friday to return 150 million dollars of deceased Gen. Sani Abacha’s loot frozen in France.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Ms Catherine Colonna told a news conference that France would return the loot to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

“France will return to Nigeria assets stolen from the Nigerian people by Abacha and his family that have been frozen in France.

“We will start discussions with the Nigerian administration to allocate these 150 million dollars to development projects that will benefit the population, according to the priorities of the Nigerian government,’’ she said.

She explained that the commitment was in response to a request submitted by the Nigerian Ministry of Justice to the government of France.

Colonna added that to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and France, her country had reinforced partnership between the two countries over the last year and would want go further.

“I had the great honour of being received by President Bola Tinubu. Our discussion focused on the state of our bilateral partnership as well as on major regional and global crises.

“I thanked him for participating in the summit on a New Global Financing Pact that we hosted in Paris in June.

“More broadly, I acknowledged the irreplaceable role of Nigeria in global governance,’’ she said.

Colonna noted that Nigeria, Africa’s leading economy, is also France’s first trading partner in Sub-Sahara Africa.

“France’s foreign direct investments in Nigeria have doubled over the last 10 years and have exceeded 10 billion euros.

“More than 100 French companies are working in Nigeria.

“They do not only sell French products, they invest in Nigeria’s economy and have created more than 10,000 jobs in factories, farms and also engage vocational training.

“Our goal in the coming years is to further increase these investments in Nigeria and also the investments of Nigerian companies in France.

“The French government also invests directly in Nigeria through financing from the French Development Agency,’’ she said.

Colonna was in Abuja on a one-day visit to discuss Franco-Nigerian partnership in the areas of cultures and the creative industry of the Nigerian economy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Sarafina Christopher

The African Diaspora Union, Nigeria (AFRIDU-NIGERIA), has underscored the need to leverage the knowledge, resources, and expertise of the African diaspora population for the sustainable development and prosperity of the continent.

The union also pledged to work together toward a brighter and more interconnected future.

These were some of the recommendations made by AFRIDU-NIGERIA in Abuja on Thursday in a communique issued after it was formally inaugurated by its President-General, Archbishop Chidiebere Ogbu during an international conference of people of African descent in diaspora.

The communique was signed by seven top officials of the union such as Ogbu,  King Alfred Diete Spiff, the
Chairman Board Of Trustees, AFRIDU- NIGERIA, and Dr Onwubuya Abraham Breakforth, the Diplomatic Administrator, AFRIDU-NIGERIA.

The union resolved that it would encourage African governments, including Nigeria to engage with the people of African descent and facilitate their seamless return to their roots to contribute to national development.

AFRIDU-NIGERIA also recommended the  reintegration of people of African descent back to their ancestral homeland, saying “it is necessary for the restoration of Africa as the Head of the Nations.

“The African Diaspora Union constitutes diaspora experts, investors, professionals, scientists, entertainers, academics, and people with diverse skills required for the actualisation of the integration of Africans in Diaspora and the realisation of the African dream.

“The African diaspora population plays significant roles in the development and advancement of their countries of origin and the African continent as a whole.

“We believe that the union will promote development of a comprehensive database of African diaspora professionals, entrepreneurs, and experts in order to monitor integration, investment opportunities, and knowledge transfer.”

The union pledged to advocate policies that would address the challenges faced by Africans in the diaspora, including those related to discrimination, immigration, and access to resources.

It also said it would facilitate partnerships between diasporas, local entrepreneurs, and institutions to harness the potential of the diaspora for socio-economic development of the continent.

AFRIDU-NIGERIA agreed to “support and facilitate initiatives that promote education and skills transfer from the diaspora to African nations, including scholarships, training and mentorship programmes.”

It further recommended the intensification of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the African diaspora population, governments, and African institutions.

The group agreed that its next international conference will bring no fewer than 1,000 black Africans together from Sept. 23 to 27, 2024 to rub minds with a view to advancing the African cause.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that African diaspora populations include but are not limited to African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, Black Canadians – descendants of enslaved West Africans brought to the United States, the Caribbean, Central America and South America during the Atlantic slave trade.

Around 200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas.

Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent.

NAN also reports that the four other top officials who signed the communique are Rev. Reeves Jr. (AFRIDU Diplomatic Administrator, Republic of Liberia), Mbonyiyeze Pascal (AFRIDU Ambassador to East Africa), Dr Barryl Biekman (AFRIDU Ambassador to the European Union, and Dr Andre Mcclerkin, (AFRIDU Ambassador to the USA and Canada). (NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

By Sarafina Christopher

African descents in the diaspora on Thursday formally inaugurated the African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU-NIGERIA) as a unifying platform.

The union which was inaugurated by the President-General of the group, Archbishop Chidiebere Ogbu, is aimed at ensuring unity, empowerment, and progress of all members as well as providing a strong voice for African descents in the diaspora.

Speaking during an international conference of African Descents in Diaspora and the Launch of AFRIDU-NIGERIA, in Abuja, Ogbu said the inauguration of the union marked the beginning of the actions that needed to be taken in furtherance of the objectives of the group.

He said it was in recognition of the diverse cultures and languages of the African people all over the world, the diverse historical facts of all the African and black people all over the world, that AFRIDU adopted the Tripod Stand of Integration of the Diaspora.

(This relates to) “Those African Diasporas who wish to return to their motherland Africa and become part of Africa and participate in every endeavor as Africans with full rights of African citizenship.

“Those African Diasporas who believe in investing in Africa and become part of the African businesses and economy.

“Those who wish to identify themselves with the African culture and inheritance through their genealogy with intention of participation in all African affairs, but not having the intention of returning back to Africa their motherland.

“As part of our vision to actualise the dreams and aspirations of the Africans in Diaspora 6th Region, AFRIDU appointed special envoys, ambassadors to Continents and regions, Diplomatic Administrators over countries, and Directors in different departments without distinction of Creed, Race, Religion, Politics,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of AFRIDU-NIGERIA’s Board of Trustees (BOT), King Alfred Diete Spiff said the conference was organised to celebrate “our rich heritage from arts to science and to politics.”

He described the establishment of the union as a significant development that will ensure unite African descents regardless of their individual differences and enable them to speak with a strong voice for the empowerment and progress of the members.

The traditional leader urged the gathering to remember that whereas the challenges before the country were numerous, the opportunities available were countless.

He added that the success of AFRIDU-NIGERIA will depend on the collaborative efforts of stakeholders.

Spiff expressed the belief that “together we can make it a success toward a better future with a renewed sense of unity and focus.

Also speaking much earlier, AFRIDU-NIGERIA’s Diplomatic Administrator, Dr Onwubuya Breakforth said the union”foresees a united and thriving global network for Africans in diaspora where cultural richness is embraced, economic, social, and educational opportunities are maximised.

“And the collective strength of our diverse heritage propels us toward a brighter future.”

Onwubuya said that with the inauguration of the union, AFRIDU-NIGERIA would implement various programmes such as establishing Diaspora Memorial City as a resource hub to assist new comers in Nigeria with integration, legal matters, and cultural orientation.

He said the union would provide scholarships to African diaspora students in Nigeria to foster academic growth.

He added that among things, the union would organise festivals to celebrate African traditions, music, art, and cuisine.

According to him, AFRIDU-NIGERIA would offer business and entrepreneurship support by offering guidance and resources for diaspora members interested in starting or growing businesses in Nigeria.

“The launch of AFRIDU-NIGERIA signifies a major breakthrough for the continent. Descents taken away into slavery are willing to return home.

“Nigeria is acting the big brother role and is taking the lead to encourage them to come back home and help lift Africa out of the situation it is in,” he said.

Dr Moriel Mcclerklin, AFRIDU Ambassador to the U.S. and Canada, who addressed the gathering described Nigeria as the power centre of Africa.

Mcclerklin said African descents in the diaspora “have gained great substance, spiritual vitality, and material endowment to be in a position to desire to return to Africa and contribute to its greatness.

“We seek nationhood and citizenship. We do not seek to return as foreign investors. If it is my money only that you seek, then I would better off staying back in the United States.

“Reunion with our African kindred is what we seek. We need to restore nationhood to the millions of Africans that were taken away into slavery to foreign lands.

“The destiny of Nigeria is their destiny as well. We believe that if Nigeria takes the lead in Africa the others will follow.

“Nigeria must take the lead in ushering in a new era – an era of renaissance.”

Another speaker, Dr Barryl Bietman, the AFRIDU Ambassador to Europe and who is based in the Netherlands, described the launch of the union as a timely and significant development in the history of Africa.

Bietman congratulated the leadership of the union for coming up with the initiative saying that the success of AFRIDU could not be separated from the concept and history of African civilization.

She maintained that no amount of money could serve as proper compensation for the experience Africa was forced to pass through during slavery and slave trade.

“No amount of money can repair the damage made to the mind and spirit of the African. We need reparation of the African mind and spirit.

“And no one can do that for us. We are the ones that can do it – by ourselves. What we need is self-reparation.

The African Diaspora Union is a civil society and Pan African Organisation founded in South Africa in 2018

It is established in all the continents and the global regions with a view to integrating diaspora Africans into Africa in the spirit of brotherhood (Ubuntu). (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Over three weeks after the start of the Gaza war, Pope Francis has called on Israel and the Palestinians to find a solution at the negotiating table.

“Every war is a defeat. Nothing is solved by war. Everything is gained with peace, with dialogue,” the head of the Catholic Church said.

The 86-year-old strongly advocated for a two-state solution, one state for Israel and one for the Palestinians.

This approach has enjoyed broad support for decades, but has not progressed in spite of all international appeals.

“In war, one slap in the face provokes another. A strong one and then another stronger one, and it goes on,” Francis said.

However, it is about “two peoples who must live together.”

There is a “clever solution” for this: “Two peoples, two states. The Oslo Accords state: two well-limited states and Jerusalem with a special status.”

Francis was referring to the Oslo peace process between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which began in 1993.

But after initial progress, it has not moved forward in over two decades.

At the same time, the Pope condemned any form of anti-Semitism. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews. ng)

=============
Edited by Ummul Idris/Halima Sheji

By Maureen Okon

Dr Yusuf Yakub, the new Director-General, Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC), says he will focus on strengthening soft-power diplomacy in promoting Nigeria’s interest.

Yakubu said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Yakub said he would work with NiDCOM to strengthen collaboration in areas of common interest beneficial to Nigeria.

He explained that the DTAC was in the business of promoting the nation’s bilateral and multilateral ties across the globe through the deployment of technical aid to African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

He added that DTAC aimed to widen its scope of coverage through the use of soft-power diplomacy, which remains the way to go in a world where instruments of coercion were no longer needed to wield influence.

The DG said that the visit to NiDCOM was to share his vision for synergy and collaboration to strengthen the mandates of both agencies in deepening relations with the global community.

He said that the collaboration was important because every deployed volunteer from DTAC is automatically a member of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Yakub urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to work with Nigerian Missions to serve as the greatest marketers of the Nigerian dream, “as against the present situation where the Diasporans hardly see the Missions as home abroad”.

“I also propose the establishment of a Desk Office manned by NiDCOM officers, who will ensure a smooth and seamless liaison between the Missions and the Diasporans in the bid to fully involve them in driving foreign direct investments for Nigeria,” he added.

Responding, the NiDCOM Chairman said she was optimistic that collaboration with DTAC would be in the best interest of the nation.

Dabiri-Erewa urged the DG to deploy his experience as a former Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, to advance Nigeria’s interest across the globe. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Maureen Okon

The Ambassador to the State of Palestine in Nigeria, Mr Abdullah Shawesh, on Wednesday called on the international community to mediate for a two state solution to end the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the envoy made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Shawesh said that since the invasion of Gaza by Israeli forces, more than 2.2 million civilians have been pushed into an unbearable situation.

The Palestinian Ambassador called on the international community to find lasting resolution to the dispute by going into its root causes.

“We condemn in strong terms the root causes of the disputes but we will not condemn the symptoms of the disputes.
“Over 1, 600 people have been jailed since Oct. 7 in the Gaza region.

“We as Palestinian have one voice and we are calling for a ceasefire on both sides, also hostage from both should be released and sent back to their homes.”

Shawesh added that the number of Palestinians killed as of Nov. 1, has exceeded 8, 700 in Gaza and 114 in the occupied West Bank, while 73 per cent of them are children, women and the elderly.

“The total number of those injured in Gaza are over 20, 000, while in the West Bank is 2,000, and the missing people in Gaza under the rubbles are around 1,500,” Shawesh said.

He added that 116 health and rescue workers have also been killed since the conflict started, and more than 100 injured.

The envoy also said 25 aambulances have been put out of service, and 25 others require urgent maintenance.

“One third of the hospitals, and 46 out of 73 of the primary health care centres in Gaza are out of service due to direct attacks or lack of fuel.

“All the hospitals are under daily threats and they were requested to be evacuated many times.

“We have thousands of kidney failure, cancer and other chronic diseases patients who are in critical conditions, many of them will lose their lives due to the lack of necessary medicines,” the envoy lamented.

Shawesh urged the United Nations and other international organisations to investigate both sides in the conflict by giving fair hearing to all. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Anita Uzoagba

The Federal Government has assured the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) of its support toward the successful hosting of the maiden Commonwealth High Commissioners’ Banquet in Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar said this in Abuja at a news conference held in Abuja on Wednesday by the society.

The news conference was organised by the society to announce the plan to host the banquet on Dec. 12 in Abuja.

The minister, who was represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, the Director of the Economy, Trade, and Investment Department in the ministry, underscored the importance of the meeting, saying it would engender economic diplomacy and trade facilitation among members of the Commonwealth.

He added that the banquet will be based on the theme of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Kigali in 2022 under the theme: ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that delegates at the heads of government meeting in Kigali held from June 20 to June 25, 2022, embraced unity and collaboration to tackle issues that are at the heart of the Commonwealth’s values.

The issues ranged from gender equality, youth empowerment, sustainable economic development, and climate action.

The minister said that the time to render support to the society was now, especially in view and furtherance of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Addressing journalists earlier, the Country Director of RCS, Mr Blackson Bayewumi, said that the banquet which “will be the first of its kind to be hosted in Africa, is designed to enhance trade facilitation and investment promotion between Nigeria and the major Commonwealth countries.

According to him, the objective is to ensure economic development in line with the Nigeria Economic Diplomacy Initiative of the Federal Government, job creation, investment promotion, and economic development.

“Royal Commonwealth Society is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world.

“Through youth empowerment, education, and high-level advocacy, the society champions the importance of literacy equality, inclusion, the environment, and connected communities across the 56-member Commonwealth.

“RCS’ unique position within the Commonwealth family allows it to play a pivotal role in convening and connecting the Commonwealth’s political and diplomatic representatives, civil society, business, and youth leaders on a wide range of issues as well as to deliver highlights of the Commonwealth calendar,’’ he said

The country director said that it was no longer news that problems existed everywhere in the world.

He said in view of that, Nigeria is not an exception.

“We should not think that Nigeria is the only country in the world that has problems. We know that there are security issues, for instance. But it is not by shouting and fighting ourselves that solutions will come.

“It is by positive engagements and we can come up with initiatives and ideas like what we are doing.

“We are going to use our platforms to look for solutions to our problems.

“For instance, if through this banquet we are going to host we are able to raise 2 billion dollars’ worth of investment in Nigeria, many people will get employed and Nigerians will benefit from it,’’ he added.

Bayewumi said the banquet will showcase opportunities for trade and investment in Nigeria with the High Commissioners of the Commonwealth member states and other foreign guests.

He added that among other things, the meeting will discuss potential support for the new administration and government in Nigeria, strengthen cordial relationships and friendship among Commonwealth members, and promote peace and interaction within the bloc.

Also speaking during the news conference, Alhaji Babangida Nguroje, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), said the banquet to be hosted in December “is timely in view of the challenges facing the economy’’.

According to him, Nigeria is desirous of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to buoy the economy.

He expressed the belief that the event will mobilise Commonwealth member states for sustained, balanced investment.

NAN further reports that high-powered interaction among Commonwealth High Commissioners, the Presidency, senior government officials, state government officials, business leaders, and the organised private sector will feature during the banquet. (NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

By Sarafina Christopher

Mr Li Xuda, the Cultural Counselor, Chinese Embassy, says the cultural fiesta is aimed at promoting cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.

Li, the Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said this at the opening of the 2023 China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta Dancing Competition hosted by the embassy on Tuesday in Abuja.

The cultural fiesta was organised by the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB) to enhance people to people communication with both countries.

Li said that culture is the foundation of national development and the driving force of social progress, adding that China and Nigeria are cultural giants with a long history.

“Culture plays an important role in the historical process of their national independence and revitalisation.

“At the level of man and nature, we advocate harmony in coexistence; at the level of family and society, we advocate harmony in integration.

“While at the level of nation and civilisation, we advocate harmony in diversity and at the level of state and governance we advocate harmony in development,’’ he said.

Li said that the ultimate goal was to create a harmonious world for everyone.

“In recent years, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, and the China Cultural Centre has been working with FCT Secondary Education to jointly hold China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta.

“I am so happy to see the cultural exchange among us greatly promoted. The friendship among us has been greatly strengthened.

“China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta has really become a well-known cultural brand in Abuja, ‘’ he said.

Li encouraged students as the future of Nigeria to not only learn scientific and technological knowledge, but  to also master cultural skills that would help them become talented.

“In my eyes, China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta can help you achieve goals since it can provide you an amazing platform to strengthen your courage, improve your abilities, showcase your talents and build friendship, ”Li said.

Dr Mohammed Ladan, Director/Secretary FCT SEB expressed his appreciation to the Cultural Counselor and the Chinese Embassy for sponsoring the event annually and providing prizes to the schools.

Ladan said that the event has been going on annually for more than a decade

“The event showcases Nigerian and Chinese Arts in the form of dances, thereby promoting cultural exchange between the duo and the 12 Chinese Corner Students.

“This annual event is significant to our schools because it provides an avenue for the students to unwind, socialise and at the same time earn very good prizes that have been helpful to the schools.

“We have not forgotten that, from this competition, schools have won Television sets, computers, Audio systems, fridges, water dispensers, scholarships, and so many other items supplied to Chinese Corners.

“Our collaboration has been of mutual benefit and we look forward to more beneficial cooperation,”Ladan said.

He said SEB would continue to promote Chinese Culture in FCT schools and Nigeria as a whole, thereby improving cultural exchange in the 51 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations.

“Your contribution to the educational and cultural development of our students is acknowledged and highly appreciated

“A people without culture are a people without identity, our cultural heritage is our pride, so we should uphold it,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was a dancing competition  among 12 public secondary schools in Abuja,  in two main categories, Chinese song and dance and Nigerian songs and dance.

NAN reports that refrigerators, water dispensers among others were given as prizes to the schools that emerged winners in the competition.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh