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Foreign

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

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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

Foreign

ECOWAS must leverage private sector potentials for economic integration —Touray

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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

Foreign

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

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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

Foreign

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

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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 

Foreign

Bulgaria, OAU partner on cultural ties

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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

Foreign

NGO develops 5-year strategic plan for media sustainability

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By Jessica Dogo

 

The African Women in Media (AWiM), an NGO, says it has developed a five-year strategic plan For media sustainability in Africa.

 

Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, AWiM Co-Founder, disclosed this on Thursday at the two-day 2024 AWiM Conference, holding in Dakar, Senegal.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference sponsored by MacArthur Foundation, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, UNESCO, UN Women, in partnership with Luminate, has “Media and Sustainability” as its theme.

Akinbobola said that in line with the 2024 AWiM theme, which she described as befitting, work had started with monitoring and evaluating its consultant to determine the impact made and opportunities ahead for women.

 

“For us at AWIM, 2024 has been a year filled with reflections; looking back on our journey over the last eight years, an incredible journey it has, been reflecting on this to plan a new future for AWiM.

 

“We envision a new AWiM and the feedback of those who took part in our consultation has been valuable in developing our plans.

 

“These insights are currently under review as we develop our strategic plan for the next five years, ” she said.

 

Earlier in his speech, Bulakali Alfred, Regional Director, Article 19, Senegal and West Africa, said that his group’s mandate complemented AWiM’s vision.

Alfred said that the vision was that of ensuring that African women had equal access to representation and opportunities in media industry.

 

According to him, critical examination of barriers such as violence against women and vulnerability in digital spaces, Article 19 brings up conversations that redefine the role of media in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

“That African Union’s commitment to protecting women in media is exemplified through initiatives like the AU Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

 

“This closely aligns with AWiM’s Kigali declaration on the elimination of gender violence in and through media by 2034.

 

“At the continental level, these commitments represent significant steps toward ensuring that women in media are protected, their voices amplified and their work recognised,” he said.

 

He expressed optimism to a transformative and collaborative AWiM conference and urged organisers and participants to seek sustainable solutions to achieve the Africa everyone wants and deserves.

 

Participants at the AWiM 2024 are mostly women journalists drawn from different countries within and outside Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Foreign

Nigeria secures $50m loan to boost women-owned businesses

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By Kamal Tayo Oropo

The Bank of Industry (BoI) has secured a 50 million dollars loan portfolio from the African Guarantee Fund (AGF).

 

This is in a bid to empower women entrepreneurs and drive economic growth in Nigeria.

 

This innovative guarantee framework agreement is backed by the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative.

 

The loan, which will be disbursed over a 10-year period, is expected to scale up BoI’s lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country, with a focus on women-owned businesses and environmentally sustainable enterprises.

 

Dr Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOI, spoke on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum, Market Days 2024, which ends on Friday in Rabat, Morocco.

 

Olusi said that the partnership would propel Nigeria’s industrial sector by providing financial and business support services to enterprises.

 

“Today, we signify a collaboration that promises to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AGF will also provide tailored guarantees and technical assistance toward special SME products offered by BOI, targeting women, youth and green businesses.

 

This agreement is expected to unlock up to 100 million dollars in financing for SMEs in Nigeria.

 

According to Olusi, the partnership is a significant step towards promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment in Nigeria.

 

He said it also aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

The African Development Bank’s Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Dr Beth Dunford, emphasised the bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth in Nigeria.

 

“This strategic partnership is a beacon of hope and progress for African businesses, particularly those led and owned by women,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

NiDOA pledges to promote national unity

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By Fortune Abang

Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Americas (NiDOA) General Assembly (NiDOA-GA) has restated its commitment to promote national unity and foster progress among Nigerians in the diaspora.

The NiDOA-GA stated this on Thursday in a resolution issued by Ms Bukola Sonuga, the Vice-Chairman of the NiDOA Board of Trustees, after the NiDOA-2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Conference.

The event with the theme: New Nigeria: Fresh progress, vision of united NiDO” was attended by 75 persons from Nov. 22 to 24, in Cleveland, Ohio, in the U.S.

“The assembly remains committed to advancing NiDOAs’ mission to promote unity and foster progress among Nigerians in the diaspora.

“NiDOA aims to rebuild trust, restore operational integrity and continue driving meaningful impact for Nigerians worldwide,” Sonuga said.

She said that NiDOA-GA deliberated extensively on critical issues that affect the organisation’s operational structure in a business session attended by members and two observers.

According to her, the focus is on years of disruptions, grievances and harmful activities that has undermined the organisation’s unity and credibility.

“The assembly highlighted persistent challenges, including deliberate misinterpretation of NIDOA Bylaws for personal gain, Bylaws violations and misconduct.

“ It also discussed dissemination of misinformation and defamation of the NIDOA brand, misrepresentation, impersonation and trademark infringement.

“Other issues discussed include, theft and breach of the NIDOA membership hi-database, Illegal hosting of parallel AGMs and false communications with Nigerian government officials.

“The assembly also deliberated on the
formation of unauthorised parallel NiDO-structures with fake leadership titles, alignment with the Nigerian Inspiring Development Organisation, Calgary, Canada to sabotage and undermine the activities of NiDOA.

“In spite of exhaustive efforts to reconcile with the breakaway actors, the assembly concluded that decisive action was necessary to protect the integrity and mission of NiDOA,” she said.

The vice-chairman said that the assembly with one member exception had indefinitely suspended some members for violations of established laws.

She identified such members to include Zee Nagberi, Toni Ogbanufe, Bukola Olaoye, Doyin Owobamirin, Chika Emmanuel, Uche Uzoigwe, Barth Shepkong, Chinyere Ibezim-Adom, Odion Ojo, Adeola Popoola, Noyo Edem, Michael Chukwuonye, Tokunbo Onabanjo and Collins Ikegwuonu.

She further stated that the executive members of NiDOA Board of Trustees had unanimously reaffirmed the election of its leaders to steer the organisation until the next election with a date to be determined.

The elected leaders include Dr Victor Ubani – Chairman, Sonuga – Vice-Chairman, Dr Toyin Ajayi, – Secretary-General, Mr Felix Okhifo, – Community Affairs Director, Dr Helen Abasute, – Treasurer, Dr Perpetua Uwechue, – Financial-Secretary and Mr Chris Anukwu, – Public Relations Officer. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Foreign

Tea promotes cultural exchange among countries, says Chinese envoy

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By Sarafina Christopher

Mr Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCNIG), has said that tea brings people together and promotes cultural exchanges.

He said this at an event on “The Art of Tea: A Chinese Tea Ceremony ” and the unveiling of the Africa-China tourism expo 2025 on Tuesday in Abuja.

The event was hosted by the Chinese Tourism Promoters, China Cultural Center and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.

The envoy explained that through the ancient Silk Road, the three main commodities transported from China to foreign countries were silk, tea and porcelain.

“About 3,000 years ago, the Chinese began to grow, pick, prepare and drink tea.

“After thousands of years of development, six major tea categories including green tea, yellow tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea and processed tea were formed.

“Thousands of tea products have been developed so far for people to drink and share. In China, the tea ceremony includes two parts: tea art and tea ceremony spirit.

“Tea art refers to the art of making tea, brewing tea, and tasting tea.

“The spirit of tea ceremony refers to improving people’s moral cultivation through tea art and cultivating the philosophical view of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and between humans,” he said.

Yang added that Chinese tea culture, which has health benefits and advocates cultivation of body and mind and mutual respect, has become a world-famous tea culture.

“A way of life shared by people of all countries. In 2022, research indicated that at least more than 50 countries around the world grow tea, and more than 120 countries import tea from China.

“Nowadays, tea has not only become a popular drink around the world, but also acted as a special language of global communication.

“In every country, lots of people like to drink tea with their family members and friends,” Yang said.

Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the wife of the Governor of Kwara state and Chairperson of the Governor’s wife’s Forum, said that the unveiling of the expo would foster cross-cultural understanding between Nigeria and China.

She added that it would also promote economic growth and support initiatives to boost tourism and trade.

“As you may be aware, Kwara State is fast growing into being the entertainment and tourism hub of the country.

“The state government’s investment in critical and social infrastructure is opening the state for investment, not only in tourism, but all sectors of the state’s economy,” she said.

Mr Phil Roberts, President of China Tourism Promoters, also said that tea was a unifying product that could also be used for medicinal benefits or “for the flavours”.

“It is time to promote what we have. We should really cultivate tea and do it the way it should be done and it will increase the GDP. Because of oil, we have jettisoned many value adding products in Nigeria.

“The Chinese Embassy is showing us that there are things we can use to improve the economy and to take the country to the next level.

“Nigeria has good land and it is time Nigerians think of what they can do for themselves and the country.”

Roberts also urged citizens and the government to further harness the industry.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

UK assures Nigerians of efficient visa services

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By Chinenye Offor

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strong relationships and ensuring efficient, customer-focused visa services to Nigerians.

This is contained in a statement signed by Onyinye Madu, Senior Communications Officer at the British High Commission on Thursday in Abuja.

Madu said the commitment was made during the visit of Marc Owen, Director of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), to Nigeria, one of the UK’s largest visa markets.

Owen met with key stakeholders in Abuja and Lagos to discuss UK visa developments, including the global eVisa rollout and maintaining the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.

He emphasised the benefits of digitising records, such as birth and death certificates, and enhancing how records are stored, transmitted, and verified.

During his visit, Owen also toured the English language test centre at the British Council office and engaged with student councillors and UK university agents.

In Lagos, he met with stakeholders from the UK Joint Border Task Force (JBTF) and key business leaders, and visited the newly inaugurated UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja.

Owen cautioned visa applicants to be vigilant and reiterated the importance of using only official UKVI channels when applying for UK visas to prevent visa fraud and fake travel agents.

His visit marks a new chapter in UK-Nigeria collaboration, with promises of greater engagement and impactful outcomes.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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