NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Saudi Arabia hosts donors, raises $1.1bn for displaced persons in Lake Chad, others

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By Mufutau Ojo

Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has hosted a donors’ conference, raising over 1.1 billion dollars for displaced persons and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.

 

This substantial funding commitment was made possible by the contributions of more than 10 donor countries, agencies, and organisations dedicated to addressing the growing humanitarian needs in these crisis-hit areas.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was held in Jeddah in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

 

NAN also reports that the conference, which had the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as partner, was to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to people in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mali faced with various crisis and natural disasters.

 

Addressing the conference, Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, the Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, expressed appreciation for the generosity shown by donors.

 

According to him, the contributions not only demonstrates solidarity but also empowers humanitarian organisations to deliver life-saving support.

 

He further said the contributions would ensure greater security and resilience for affected populations.

 

Al Rabeeah affirmed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment, through KSrelief, to expanding aid efforts in partnership with international stakeholders and ensuring that those in urgent need get help.

 

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, on his part, stated that the conference was a testament to international unity.

 

He said the forum provided a platform for dialogue among humanitarian leaders and a foundation for coordinated and sustainable support for those affected by displacement.

 

“The presence of so many committed nations and organisations here today demonstrates a shared commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation,” he said.

 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also lauded Saudi Arabia and the OIC for leading the event.

 

He acknowledged the region’s potential and the severe challenges being faced due to ongoing conflicts, climate disruptions and economic strain.

 

With over 30 million people in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions requiring immediate assistance, Guterres called for sustained humanitarian support and investment in long-term solutions.

 

He also called for an end to hostilities while urging protection of civilians and unhindered access for aid efforts.

 

NAN reports that Saudi Arabia further strengthened its commitment to the region by pledging an additional 30 million dollars, bringing its total contributions for 2024 to 51 million dollars. (NAN)

Health

We need local solutions to Climate Change challenges- Pate

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By Folasade Akpan

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has emphasised the need for localised solutions to address the consequences of climate change.

 

Pate said this on Thursday in Abuja at the 10th edition of the Future of Health Conference, organised by Nigeria Health Watch.

 

The theme of the conference is “From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience at the Climate-Health Nexus”.

 

Pate stressed that Nigeria’s unique challenges required tailored responses and effective leveraging of available resources.

 

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s struggles with climate-related disruptions, including flooding and droughts, which have led to a surge in climate-sensitive diseases.

 

“Climate change affects not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable diseases like respiratory issues and cardiovascular conditions, now the fastest-growing health burden in Nigeria.

 

“The adverse effects on food systems, leading to malnutrition and food insecurity, are also a major concern.”

 

Tamer Rabie, Global Programme Lead for Climate and Health at the World Bank, acknowledged Nigeria’s progress but noted that results were yet to be seen.

 

He remained hopeful that the country was moving in the right direction to support the most vulnerable populations.

 

The Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs Vivianne lhekweazu, said that the theme for the 2024 conference was borne out of a need to ensure that Nigerians better understand that climate change was not a theoretical concept.

 

“It is a fundamental concept and also, we want Nigerians to understand what climate change is.

 

“We often wonder whether the language used for climate change is obscure, but quite frankly, most people can relate to the climate impact.”

 

She said that discussions would be around changing climate patterns and the impact they would have on response to future vaccines in Nigeria.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Future of Health Conference which began in 2015, provides a platform to engage stakeholders across the health ecosystem to tackle pressing issues facing the sector and providing solutions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Nigeria lost more than $500m to cybercrime in 2022 —EFCC

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says Nigeria lost more than 500 million dollars to cybercrime in 2022, warning that if unchecked, the current cybercrime wave portended a grave danger.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2024 National Cybersecurity Summit with the theme: “Alternatives to Cybercrimes; Optimizing Cyber Skills for National Development”.

The event was organised by EFCC with the support of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II) Programme of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

“Projections by multiple sources show that the global loss to cybercrimes may reach a staggering 10.5 trillion dollars.

“As a matter of fact, the research I did earlier this year confirmed that cybercrime has become the third largest GDP in the world with approximately 2,328 cases occurring daily.

“The implication of all this is that if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world.

“Bringing it to Nigeria, in 2022 alone, Nigeria lost over 500 million dollars to cybercrime,” he said.

Olukoyede said cybercrime accounted for a significant percentage of the convictions recorded by the agency since his one year in office as the chairman of the EFCC.

“These are the realities stalking the commission’s fight against these crimes.

“Cybercrime accounts for a significant percentage of the 3,455 convictions recorded by EFCC in my one year as the Executive Chairman of EFCC,” he said.

He, however, said there were plans to re-channel the energies of young people, who are mostly perpetrators of cybercrime.

“First, there is an alternative of creative and innovative development of socially beneficial applications that can deliver better prospects than internet fraud.

“Today’s event is tailored towards exposing young Nigerians with strong tech skills to the opportunities that abound in various industries and sectors for legitimate wealth, creation, and honest livelihood.

“These opportunities can be found in the creative industry, tech, ecosystem, financial services sector, medical services, and even law enforcement, your lens,” he said.

According to him, the fight against cybercrime is a collective one that cannot be left alone for the EFCC.

The EFCC chairman stressed the importance of engaging state governors in tackling cybercrime at all levels.

”This time around, we are not only interrogating the problems, we are aggregating workable solutions to it.

“What alternative do we have for our youth?

“And that’s where it has become imperative to bring the state governors so that as we are tackling it at the federal level, sub-nationals will also have a role to play.

“The enormity of challenges posed to us as individuals and as a country by cybercrimes are grievous as individuals,” he said.

Olukoyede noted that youth involvement in cybercrime was distorting and corrupting acceptable family values.

“The tendency towards quick riches no longer positions our young people for enterprise, resourceful intellectual aspirations and technological innovations,” he said.

Also speaking, the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, said it was imperative to involve stakeholders to win the war against cybersecurity in the country.

She said that cybercrime was not just a crime against individuals or businesses but an assault on collective integrity, nation’s economic stability and the future of the youth.

She expressed concern over the alarming rates of youth involvement in cybercrime and urged parents to guide their children appropriately by inculcating good values, morals and sense of patriotism in them.

The Head of Programme, International IDEA, Mr Danladi Plang, said that  Nigeria has a very youthful population that is versatile in the use of technology.

He noted with concern that the skill had, however, been used negatively in various forms including in digital financial crime.

“This has not only given the country a bad name internationally, but also a significant threat to the country’s financial system; and increased crimes against the person including child pornography.

“While we acknowledge the effort made by the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies in fighting cybercrime, perhaps we need to rethink our traditional approach of arrest, trial, conviction and imprisonment in fighting crime.

He said that this could be done by focusing on other ways of channeling the energies of youth and their skills in the use of technology.

“We will strengthen our cybercrime prevention and response mechanisms; and at the same time create more legitimate opportunities for young people,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

General News

My dream- Nigerian Para-athlete

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By Oluwole Sogunle

A para-athlete, Oluwakemi Ladipo, says she looks forward to winning an Olympic gold medal, donning the national colours, in her sporting career.

 

Ladipo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

 

She said that since her entry into the sports scene in 2007, she had won several laurels on the local scene representing Ogun and Bayelsa state, but she had her eyes on the international stage.

 

“I wish to make the national team, to run and win in the Olympics, God helping me, and with good sponsors,” Oladipo, whose sporting career has so far spanned 17 years said.

 

She said that actualising the dream could be facilitated by an environment that was conducive for para-athletes through provision of necessary equipment.

 

“Our major challenge on the wheelchair race, or para-athletes majorly, is our equipment.

 

“Our equipment are very expensive, individuals cannot easily afford it.

 

” With government intervention, Yes, I believe something good can come out of it” she said.

 

Ladipo said that presently, they were only managing some equipment left behind for them by a retired para-athlete and coach.

 

“All thanks go to my boss, Chief Aliu Adebayo, he was a former wheelchair racer before he retired.

 

“During his reign, he was able to acquire some wheelchairs that he used in training us, so it’s that one that we’ve been using.

 

“Even the equipment are getting old and outdated as new models are coming in, but thankfully enough, we’re still managing them and God has been helping us,” she said.

 

The para-athlete said that the government could also revisit an area of support it had rendered in the past.

 

“Before, what the government did was that, if you make the national team, there are wheelchairs available for you at the national, but for some time now that is no more the case, so if this can be revisited, and aid is given to states that want to procure, that would go a long way,” she said.

 

Ladipo said that, apart from the wheelchair, the government could also assist with other gadgets, hand gloves, and the like.

 

“If that can be done, it will be a timely intervention for us ,” the para-athlete, a graduate of Business Administration, said.

 

She said that the present scenario was that if one was not in the limelight, people didn’t seem to reckon with him or her.

 

*I will love for sponsors to come and sponsor our games, let them come and encourage us. Disability is not easy, and many of us don’t want to be beggars on the road.

 

“Let them come and encourage us. Let there be encouragement; we find solace, we find joy in this game that we play.

 

” Anyone you see on the road, introduce them to sports. Sports can take you a long way, even longer than you can imagine.

 

“With more of us in this game, that will be less of us on the streets,” she said.

 

Ladipo said that the government could also create a niche for PWDs in sports, to make them look forward to something that would make life easier for them after retirement. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Foreign

Nigeria, Ericsson sign MoU on 5G technology, innovation

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Nigerian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ericsson to establish a framework of cooperation on 5G technology development, deployment and innovation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks.

Up to 100 times faster than 4G, 5G has created never-before-seen opportunities for people and businesses

The Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria while Mr Peter Ogundele, Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria, signed for the company.

The MoU, which was signed at the Ericsson’s Global Headquarters Research and Development lab in Kista, North of Stockholm was witnessed by the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima.

Similarly, the signing of the MoU was witnessed by Mr Patrick Johansson, Ericsson Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Middle East and Africa.

Earlier, the company conducted Vice-President Shettima on a demonstration-tour of its mobile communications infrastructure solutions.

The company also made a presentation to Shettima about its 5G technology evolution, radio spectrum matters and standardisation as well as Cyber and Network Security by its professionals.

Speaking after the presentation, Shettima asked the company on the possibility of deploying its 5G technology to help Nigeria improve the security of its oil facilities.

”What value can you add to us? Security of oil facilities, oil pipelines. How can you come in with 5G to secure the oil pipelines, address the issue of oil theft and vandalisation of the pipelines.

“The quantum of oil theft that is lifted is very crucial for economic planning and everything,” he said.

On his part, Tijani explained that the signing of the MoU would enable Nigeria to make the most use of 5G technologies in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

” So we signed the MoU to set up an innovation lab with Ericsson, and the focus of that lab will be to come up with applications that is based on 5G technology.

” For things in agriculture, mining and in some cases in education as well as for the general usage of connectivity to improve the quality of lives for our people.

” The Renewed Hope Agenda, in particular, goes into what we are trying to do with the reforms.

” The aim of the reform is to diversify our economy and it is clear that we cannot diversify our economy without digital technology.

” With this MoU we can strengthen the state of connectivity, particularly 5G. You know Nigeria is already one of the few countries with 5G on the continent.

” With the MoU, we can continue to ensure the spread of 5G across the country not just in key locations and this is how we can ensure that we see the growth that we want to see in our economy,” he said.

Tijani described the visit of the Vice-President to Sweden as ”extremely important to the growth and development of Nigeria’s digitisation drive process.

” But I have to speak to the strength of Sweden as a country and how the visit of the Vice-President is extremely important.

” This is a country that built the use of technology to lift front development. It’s a country that is extremely powerful in technology and business.

” They have significant brands likes Volvo, Ericsson, they are global brands.

” And I think for the reforms that is going on in the country and ambition to raise the level of productivity and make our economy more competitive.

” It is important that we use the strength of the VP and this visit, to truly deepen the relationship and that is what the VP has done with all the meetings that he had,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shettima met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm.

L-R Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Hjalmar Kristersson during a Bilateral Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden on Friday

The high-level talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions covering trade expansion, strategic partnerships, regional security cooperation, deepened collaborations, and proactive interventions.

Shettima was joined in the talks by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and some Embassy officials.

Other dignitaries that witnessed the signing of the MoU were; Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communication Commission, and Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

Also present are Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Charge d’affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Sweden, Malam Aliyu Mahmud; among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

General News

Nigeria will explore viable, sustainable solutions to transportation- Shettima 

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Nigera will continue to explore viable and sustainable solutions towards solving its transportation challenges.

It will also collaborate with relevant players in the private sector to work out alternatives for the challenge to achieve optimum result.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this on Thursday during a facility tour of the Scania headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Scania is a world leading provider of transport solutions.

The visit is a strategic engagement to discuss Nigeria’s market potential and explore deeper collaboration opportunities.

It focused on Biofuel solutions for Nigeria’s transport sector which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s push for cleaner and efficient transportation, with emphasis on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

On arrival at the company, Shettima was received by the Head of Sales Africa, Middle East and Central Asia, Mr Fredrik Wijkander.

They had discussions to innovative solutions to ease Nigeria’s transportation challenges through heavy-duty trucks and buses.

The company expertise is expected to play a crucial role in modernising Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.

NAN reports that the Vice-President, who is on a two-day working visit to Sweden, held a close-door meeting with its Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Nigeria not snubbed in UN Human Rights Council election – Presidency

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By Salif Atojoko

Nigeria was not snubbed in the 2024 UN Human Rights Council election, as some reports have claimed, says Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy.

Onanuga said this in a statement titled, “Setting the Record Straight,” on Sunday.

He said the country did not stand as a candidate for this cycle of elections, just like it did not stand for election in 2023 when a Nigerian medium reported that the country earned three votes.

“The same lie was rehashed in the erroneous report in circulation. Again, we restate that Nigeria was not on the ballot in the election held on Oct. 9.

“Whatever vote was recorded for our country must have been cast in error in the secret balloting by some countries which thought Nigeria was on the ballot,” said Onanuga.

According to him, for those conversant with elections into international organisations, especially to the Human Rights Council, countries vying for positions usually receive regional endorsements.

He said the regional bloc endorsed Benin and Gambia, both members of ECOWAS, for the 2025-2027 term.

Given Nigeria’s continued leadership in fostering African unity, he said the nation focused on supporting the endorsed candidates to promote collective African representation.

“This has been the hallmark of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership on the continent.

“This strategic approach aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic efforts to ensure Africa speaks with a united voice on the global stage.

“The media should cross-check their information before rushing to press. There was no sign this was done with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or our country’s mission in New York.

“As Nigerians, we should not be quick to disparage or drag our country, especially on international matters,” said the presidential aide.

He stated that on Oct. 9, the UN General Assembly elected 18 members to the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.

The members elected to the Council are: Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand.

Onanuga said the Council was an intergovernmental body within the UN system consisting of 47 States tasked with promoting and protecting human rights globally.

“The election, conducted via secret ballot, determined which nations would fill three-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, replacing members whose terms expire on Dec. 31, 2024.

“Among the outgoing members are: Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, United Arab Emirates and the United States,” he said.

He added that a report on the meeting published by the UN said Argentina, Cameroon, Eritrea, India and Somalia, which had served two consecutive terms, were ineligible for immediate re-election.

Also, Albania, Algeria, Brazil, China, Ghana, Japan, and South Africa will continue serving on the Council.

“In the African regional group, the endorsed candidates, Benin, Gambia, Kenya, DRC, and Ethiopia – successfully secured all the five available seats.

“There was no competition in the African regional group, as the continent fielded the same number of candidates as available seats,” Onanuga clarified. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Agriculture

Stakeholders seek FG’s support for agroecology in Nigeria

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By Eric James Ochigbo

Some stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called for the Federal Government’s support for agroecology to enhance production of healthier food and to ensure environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

The stakeholders made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the second regional workshop on agroecology organised by Bread for the World (Brot für die Welt) a German development organisation.

The workshop is titled” Advancing Agroecology in Nigeria: Building Pathways for Sustainable Agriculture.”

In the keynote address, Mrs Joyce Brown, Programme Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) explained that agroecology as a practice, includes different farming methods like mixed cropping, crop rotation, cover-cropping among others.

According to her, agroecology increases biodiversity, reduces need for chemical inputs and ensures increased productivity while enhancing Nigeria’s food system resilience.

Brown said that strict application of the principles of agroecology would also protect the environment as it is in line with nature.

She explained that agroecology focuses on building soil health through appropriate farming practices including agroforestry and use of organic fertilisers.

Brown said that adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) does not have any advantage over agroecology but rather poses more health and environmental risks.

NAN reports that a GMO is a plant, animal or microorganism that has had their genetic material modified in a way that does not occur naturally through a process called genetic engineering.

Brown said that GMOs have implications from biodiversity loss as a result of intensive chemical use, loss of indigenous seed varieties, health and cultural implications as well as labelling issues.

According to Brown, agroecology on the other hand strengthens local economies, ensures rural development, energy and water efficiency, environmental conservation and increased food productivity.

Stakeholders at the event recommended that the Federal Government should develop and implement an agroecology policy built on practical solutions and successes.

They also highlighted the need to integrate agroecology into national agricultural plans, and develop appropriate institutions to drive organic and agroecological farming in Nigeria.

The stakeholders further called for more training for farmers, extension workers, and policymakers as well as establishment

of farmer field schools and demo plots for peer learning.

In his remarks, Prof. Olugbenga Adeoluwa of the Department of Soil Resource Management, University of Ibadan, said that agroecology is not averse to new technology.

He, however, said that just like guns and bombs, not all technologies are safe for human and environmental consumption.

“Many people that are supporting GMOs do not understand the underlying agenda which is business, control and monopoly.

“We should understand this and not be fooled,” he said.

Also, Mr Andrew Kwasari, President of Sa’l’anwaraTumal Consultaire Limites (SCI) an agro firm, stated that there was a need to have in-depth research and conversations around improved seeds. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security , Sports

Military Games‘ll strengthen cooperation, partnership in Africa – CDS

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By Philip Yatai

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa said on Thursday that the Africa Military Games would strengthen military cooperation and partnership in the region.

Musa stated this in Abuja at a World Press Conference to announce the forthcoming games, scheduled for Nov. 8 to 30, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

He added that the event presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria’s Armed Forces to showcase their skills to the world and foster camaraderie amongst participants.

He also said the sports fiesta was another means of Nigerian military non-kinetic operations.

The CDS said hosting the African Military Games in Abuja was a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the African region.

He added that it is also an opportunity for the nation to demonstrate its capabilities as a host nation.

“The games will provide a platform for our Armed Forces to compete internationally and exchange best practices with their counterparts from other African countries.

“It will also build lasting relationships that will contribute to the overall security and stability of the continent.

“I am confident that our Armed Forces will rise to the occasion and make the nation proud with their performances both on and off the field,” he added.

Musa said that the Nigerian Armed Forces was currently finalising preparations for the games, including ensuring that necessary infrastructure and logistics support was in place to host this prestigious event.

He expressed gratitude to the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, for being a wonderful host, saying that the noble opportunity to host the continent would bring significant benefits to the FCT and the nation in general

He identified economic and sports development, global recognition, and national pride as some of the benefits the country stands to derive by hosting the fiesta.

“Let us therefore come together to ensure a hitch-free event.

“I, therefore, urge all well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to support our armed forces as they prepare to compete in the African Military Games.

“Let us unite as a nation to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and togetherness that this event embodies.

“Let us show them the love and hospitality that Nigerians are known for,” the CDS said.

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, AVM Abidemi Marquis, said that the theme of the event is “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports”

He said the objective was to foster the already established relationship among the African armed forces and enhance awareness and cooperation away from war.

According to him, 42 African countries have indicated interest in participating in the games and that 27 countries have submitted their final entries, while awaiting others from now to Oct. 15.

“As of today, we have 17,75 officials and athletes from the 27 countries, out of the 3,000 officials and athletes expected to participate in the games from the 42 countries.

“We will be competing in 19 sporting events, including all the ball games, swimming, obstacle crossing, taekwondo, and wrestling, among others,” he said.

Also, the President of Military Sports in Africa, Maj.-Gen. Maikano Abdullahi said the organisation’s design is to take the African armed forces from the battlefield to the sports field.

“The idea is to bring peace, stability, and understanding among members of the armed forces from the 44-member countries in the continent, to understand ourselves,” Abdullahi said.

In his remarks, Wike thanked the CDS for giving Abuja the opportunity to be the chief host of the games.

The minister said the 3,000 expected participants would become ambassadors and tell the world that indeed, “Abuja is one of the best cities in Africa and that Nigeria is moving forward.

“We will do everything to give you the necessary support so you can have a successful hosting of the event so that your colleagues can be proud of you,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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