NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

We’re committed to regional dev’t- Moroccan official

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Moroccan Minister of Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, stated that His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, has a special interest in the success of regional development projects in Morocco.

 

Laftit emphasised that the king viewed the regional development initiative as a key driver for integrated, sustainable economic growth and human development.

 

He made this statement during the closing of the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, on Saturday in Tangier.

 

Laftit added that regional development required the collective efforts of all stakeholders to ensure prosperity and a decent life for citizens.

 

According to him, the royal message emphasises the need to take up the challenges that still stand in the way of optimal implementation of the advanced regionalisation project.

 

He cited the challenges of reinforcing participative democracy regionally and locally, and implementing the constitutional principle of territorial accountability.

 

Other challenges according to him include promoting regional attractiveness, and the ability of regions to develop financing mechanisms to cope with certain crises and adapt to changes imposed by the economic situation and future hazards.

 

The minister said the participation of several stakeholders in the event had enabled constructive and fruitful debates on themes relating to the challenges facing the advanced regionalisation project.

 

“These contributions also highlighted the opportunities offered by advanced regionalisation as a platform for strengthening local governance, spatial justice and efficiency in resource management.

 

“It was also a collective work space giving stakeholders the opportunity to reflect on promoting integrated development through the territorial implementation of public policies,’’ he said.

 

The President, Association of Moroccan Regions (ARM), Mbarka Bouaida, described the conference as a strategic movement that dealt with improving the environment and improving the economy of the country on a global and national scale.

 

Bouaida said the meeting had brought together a large number of organisations, experts, students, citizens and global companies from across all territories.

 

She said the continuity of the dialogue would allow citizens and companies to organise intervention and support programmes in the field of interest.

 

“It is necessary to improve government policies, with projects to improve innovation programmes and improve the coordination of knowledge of the economy and the national and regional economy is the priority of all parties.

 

“The role of the parties in investing the economy and the national economy and the regional economy is to ensure the balance between the private sector and public sector,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foreign

Moroccan advanced regionalisation will address territorial dev’t- official 

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Foreign

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

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Regular monitoring of these management contracts will also be ensured.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Foreign

Morocco advances reforms for inclusive growth

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Foreign

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

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

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Foreign

Macron departs Morocco with landmark €1.5bn investment deals

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By Usman Aliyu

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday departed Morocco after signing several bilateral deals worth over 1.5 billion Euros investments.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Macron arrived in Morocco’s capital city, Rabat on Monday for a 3-day visit, following an invitation by the King of the African Arab country, Muhammed VI.

 

The French president, during the state visit, reiterated the support of Paris for Morocco sovereignty on Western Sahara, alongside other speeches made to deepen the relations between the two countries.

 

Under the supervision of the president, France signed 22 new agreements with her erstwhile colony, which cut across critical sectors such as transportation, education, energy, culture, water, security, agriculture and climate action.

 

One of the agreements was to provide support for the OCP Group’s decarbonisation strategy in Morocco with investments worth 300 million Euros through the development of agricultural and food value chains in Africa.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that another deal is in the creation of a Morocco-France investment accelerator worth approximately 3 billion Moroccan dirhams, equivalent to 232 million Euros.

 

The deal also provided an equal partnership to stimulate investment throughout Morocco including the disputed southern provinces.

 

It also contained the creation of a 50/50 joint venture dedicated to sustainable infrastructure, with a capital of 300 million Euros.

 

The signings include an agreement between the CMA CGM Group, the world’s third-largest shipping company, and the Morocco’s TANGER MED, aimed at developing a container terminal in Nador West Med as part of the concession obtained by MARSA MAROC.

 

The deal provided for a commitment of significant volumes of 1.2 million containers to launch the Nador West Med platform and an investment of approximately 258 million Euros.

 

Also signed was an MoU between Moroccan Government and the SAFRAN company which is to build a maintenance and repairing site for aircraft engines.

 

Under this agreement, the company planned to carry out an investment project consisting of the construction and equipping of the maintenance and repair workshop of LEAP aircraft engines, with an investment worth nearly 130 million Euros.

 

Another declaration was between the French Development Agency (AFD) and Morocco’s National Ports Agency.

 

Through the declaration, the parties agree to devise a new support programme for the ports agency around four main points with the AFD providing 100 million Euros loan.

 

There was also an agreement on the National Water Strategy, structured around budgetary support for Morocco, aimed at strengthening the integrated management of water resources.

 

Under this understanding, the AFD would take the necessary steps to mobilise 100 million Euros for this programme.

 

Other agreements include the supply of high-speed train sets and their supporting elements as well as a declaration of intent on financial cooperation in the railway sector among several others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Moroccan Princess launches anti-bullying campaigns

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By Usman Aliyu

Moroccan Princess Lalla Meryem and French First Lady Brigitte Macron on Tuesday in Rabat launched a campaign against school bullying and cyberbullying at the Abi Dar Al Ghifari Secondary School.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the launch was part of the activities lined up for the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco.

 

The campaign is an initiative of the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE) being presided over by the princess under the banner “Let’s Act Together,”

 

The initiative is part of Morocco’s efforts to protect children from school bullying, a scourge that is of global concern.

 

NAN reports that school bullying and cyberbullying are widespread issues affecting children and adolescents globally.

 

School bullying peaks between ages 10-13, with 27.5 per cent of students affected, while cyberbullying increases with age, affecting 15.6 per cent of 14-17-year-olds.

 

The global rate studies says one in three students worldwide experience bullying and cyberbullying affects one in five teenagers.

 

The Moroccan campaign comprises several parallel actions, including the distribution of a school bullying awareness capsule to 3,770 middle and high schools, and the design and development of the “iTyhad” app to combat and prevent bullying in schools.

 

The campaign also provided for launching of a three-year training programme to combat bullying and cyberbullying, in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports.

 

At the occasion, four engineering students, a child and a child psychiatrist made a presentation from the “iTyhad” app.

 

The app was developed during a Hackathon initiated by the Moroccan princess in March and had brought together 15 universities across the country.

 

The two personalities also watched an awareness-raising video on bullying in schools, which was simultaneously broadcast in 3,300 multimedia rooms of the French Ministry of Education.

 

They, similarly, attended a workshop with 14 middle-school students, led by a child psychiatrist and a psychologist from the ONDE programme.

 

Meryem and Macron also viewed a video on the achievements of the Children’s Parliament, created in 1999 by King Mohammed VI.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Morocco, France sign historic partnership deal

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By Usman Aliyu

The Kingdom of Morocco and the French Republic on Monday signed a landmark “Reinforced Exceptional Partnership” declaration to significantly bolster bilateral relations.

 

The two countries signed the agreement during a 3-day official visit to Morocco by the French President Emmanuel Macron.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that while Macron signed for France, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI signed on behalf of his country.

 

The partnership, according to the Moroccan government, will strengthen long-standing historical, cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

 

The government said the bilateral deal reaffirmed the mutual cooperation and strategic autonomy.

 

Key provisions include fostering exceptional relations, establishing a comprehensive strategic framework and adhering to principles of state-to-state relations, sovereign equality and non-interference.

 

“The profound relations between the two countries are rooted in history and exceptionally rich human and cultural ties which have underpinned the friendship and cooperation for several decades.

 

“The leaders also reaffirmed that their countries’ joint action, both bilaterally and internationally, would continue to rest on the principles of state-to-state relation, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs and foreign policy decisions, among others.

 

“Both nations emphasised their commitment to directing the ‘reinforced exceptional partnership’ toward three major goals that include consolidating political and strategic convergence.

 

“Others included deepening and modernising partnerships to promote economic development, social cohesion and strategic autonomy.

 

“Another goal is the strengthening of privileged cooperation in human ties, human capital and culture rooted in a Francophonie of values and openness,” the government said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the two heads of state welcomed the ambitious cooperation that they had established and strengthened in migration, and called for the building of a comprehensive agenda in that regard.

 

They also agreed to directly oversee the “reinforced exceptional partnership” between them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

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