NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
GSS Ilorin class of ‘91 preaches peace, patriotism at Sallah
General News

GSS Ilorin class of ‘91 preaches peace, patriotism at Sallah

142 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

The 1991 Set of Government Secondary School (GSS) Ilorin Old Students’ Association has called on members and Nigerians, at large, to be peaceful and patriotic as Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.

The National Chairman of the association, Mr Moshood Sayi, gave the charge in his Sallah Message made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was titled: “Happy Eid-El-Kabir  to All Our GSS Ilorin 1991 Set.”

Sayi, who is an engineer and a staff of University of Ilorin, urged everyone to inculcate the practice of tolerance and sacrifice as exemplified in the Holy Book.

“On behalf of myself and the executives of GSS Ilorin 1991 Set, I am felicitating with all Muslims on Eid El Kabir celebration.

“While underscoring and imbibing the tenets of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmael, I implored all to inculcate the practice of tolerance, perseverance and sacrifice in strengthening peace, harmonious living and patriotism in the state and the country at large.

“I pray to Allah to continue to elevate us all in our respective places of work and businesses, and may we witness more years of the celebration on earth.” he said.

GSS Ilorin, which was established in 1914, was the oldest secondary school in the old northern Nigeria with a watchword: “No Struggle, No Success.” (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NBC promoting peaceful coexistence among border communities – D-G
Metro

NBC promoting peaceful coexistence among border communities – D-G

189 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is promoting peaceful coexistence among internal and international border communities.

The NBC Director-General, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this on Friday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji said that the move was in line with the mandate of the commission to make affected communities live peacefully with others and cooperate for socio-economic development.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the commission was creating awareness in affected communities to encourage cross-border cooperation for a greater good.

He added that the NBC had also created a platform to encourage engagement among border states and local government areas.

According to him, the goal is to enhance cooperation in terms of security and intelligence gathering.

“Recently, we had a programme in Benin Republic where the entire stretch of the Nigeria-Benin border was looked at in terms of the ethnic composition of the two countries.

“Most of these boundaries are artificial and cutting across the same homogenic communities, as such, people on the Nigerian side and their brothers on the Benin side need to cooperate.

“So, we brought them together to see how they can, at least, take advantage of the commonality in terms of social, cultural ethnicity to promote cooperation.”

The NBC boss added that the commission was also trying to build a relationship with Cameroon, where the boundary lines cut the same religious community into two.

He said that a need assessment had been carried out to see what could be of benefit to the two sides that can be jointly utilised.

The goal, according to him, is to see how they can also come together, close ranks and cooperate.

He further said that the NBC was in the process of creating integration and confidence building among the local people for enhancement of intelligent gathering, socio-cultural activities and security of the two countries.

He added that contrary to the erroneous assumptions that cross-border cooperation fuels insecurity, cooperation among the affected communities in a way helps in intelligent gathering.

This, he said, was possible if the affected people see themselves as one and that whatever affects the part of Nigeria, invariably will affect their own part if they don’t cooperate.

“So, cooperation is not failing. We just try to see how they can come together and work together,” he said.

He noted that viewing boundaries from the traditional and ethnic perspective would continue to be a challenge.

He, however, said that the commission would continue to sensitise the border communities on the need to view boundaries from merely an administrative line for administrative convenience.

Adaji noted that the absence of clearly defined and demarcated boundaries constitutes a serious security threat to the border communities.

He added that the NBC was doing all it could to ensure that all resolved boundaries were clearly defined and demarcated. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Insecurity: Benue govt.seeks help to return IDPs home, secure borders
Defence/Security

Insecurity: Benue govt.seeks help to return IDPs home, secure borders

257 total views today

By Angela Atabo

Gov Hyacinth Alia of Benue has called for assistance in facilitating the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.

Alia made the call at the North-Central Regional Consultation on the Harmonisation of  the National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Framework in Makurdi.

The Workshop on the  theme “Towards Creating Exit Pathways out of Violence and Criminality” was organised by International Alert in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), through the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

“We have about 17 IDP camps in the state and we have started working to return them home.

“As we deliberate and reflect during this consultation, let us all remember that the safest shield is not the wall but trust. And the most reliable armour is not fear, but accountability and courage.

“People in some local governments have been killed, driven out, and their lands taken and occupied.

“This is our reality. There is no other way of saying it, but this is the truth. We need every resolution and we need every solution to be placed on the table for this to work,” he said.

Alia said the government was a  willing collaborator and partner of peace and would ensure at all times that peace was  the watchword throughout the state and its  borders.

“Let us walk this road together, not armed with bullets, but with bold ideas, collaborative spirit and unwavering resolve. Support me to take all the IDPs back to their ancestral land.

“Let our farmers go back to their own farmlands. Let our children have a future as we continue to work towards a one unified state, region and nation,”he said.

The governor said that although there were a lot of sentiments on the security challenges in the state, guns and land grabbing were not the answers, peace was  the target and must be achieved.

A representative of  the National Security Advisor, Mairo Abbas, Director, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, said the workshop was aimed at  building  a framework that mirrored a collective aspiration.

He explained that it would also  leverage  indigenous knowledge systems and strengthen  national unity.

Abbas said the workshop provided a unique opportunity to jointly explore practical and viable exit pathways for all affected groups, including women, children and others, who have been caught up in cycles of violence.

“We convene here today at a time when Nigeria as a nation is intensifying its effort  towards achieving sustainable peace, enhanced national security and inclusive development.

“What we are  here to deliberate upon is a critical pillar of our national strategy for managing post-conflict transitions, addressing the root causes of violent extremism and fostering lasting peace and stability.

“The Northern Central Region is uniquely impacted by a range of security challenges, which has been outlined here, which also includes farmers’ and headers, conflicts, communal violence, banditry and violent extremism,” he said.

Abbas urged all participants to  ensure that the national DDR framework to be developed was inclusive, context-specific, attuned to the peculiar realities  and anchored on forgiveness, reconciliation and unity.

Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, said the convergence was important in the light of the violence in the North Central.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, was about seeking exit pathways out of violence and criminality.

“So this range of stakeholders we have convened with the support of the Office of National Security Advisor, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the SPRING Programme and the UK Government is aimed  at opening up platforms for conversation.

“This is to ensure that the different stakeholders, groups, actors come together to frame their peace, and  identify the drivers of violence.

“It is for them to also  recognise that, even though kinetic measures have been taken,  different communities have taken up arms against each other, different actors have attacked several communities, there is still a place for peace.

“There is still a place for finding an exit out of the dilemma that we face in the North Central.” he said.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said the event convened experts to address the issues and chart a way forward, saying a  communiqué would be issued at the end of the meeting.

Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead, Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING), said the SPRING Programme was  an initiative of  the UK Government intended to foster efforts at stability in Nigeria.

Ukiowo said the UK recognised the potential and possibilities of Nigeria being a stabilising force, not just in Africa but in the world as the most populous black country.

The team lead said that over the past 20 years, security challenges in the country had made different subnational entities, particularly state governments, to develop non-kinetic solutions. (NAN)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

Military more determined than ever to go after terrorists – CDS
Defence/Security

Military more determined than ever to go after terrorists – CDS

234 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the military is more determined than ever to go after all terrorists to restore peace and stability in the country.

Musa gave the assurance at the Defence Headquarters Psychological Operations Workshop with the theme “Defence Headquarters Influence Operations: Optimising Psychological Operations for Efficiency in a Joint Environment” on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that there was a need for enhanced non-kinetic activities, particularly psychological operations, to shape the environment in favour of the ultimate aim of all on-going operations.

According to him, the workshop is timely, given the evolving nature of modern warfare and the increasing importance of influencing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours.

He said the nation had in recent times, grappled with complex security challenges and threats which had brought to the fore some occurrences that threaten the peace and security of the nation.

These, he added, had undoubtedly continued to test the resolve of the Nigerian people and the capacity of security agencies to discharge their constitutional roles.

The CDS said the tactics of the non-state actor of indiscriminate violence against innocent citizens had continually created fear and despair amongst the populace.

He said the prevalent threats in Nigeria’s internal security landscape will not be tackled through kinetic operations alone, due largely to the continuous mutation in the nature and character of the threats.

“This situation therefore presumes that the threat has since gone beyond purely traditional military actions but requires a combination of robust and well-coordinated non-kinetic efforts by all the stakeholders to support our kinetic actions.

“From the kinetic perspective, troops have continued to deny insurgents/terrorists freedom of action despite isolated attacks on troops’ locations.

“With the recent changes in some of the commands in the theatres, we expect new strategies to further destroy the capacities of the terrorists to attack troops’ locations and isolated communities.

“We are more than ever determined to go after all the non-state actors to restore peace and stability in the country.

“In the same vein, we need non-kinetic activities, particularly psychological operations, to shape the environment in favour of the ultimate aim of all on-going operations,” he said.

The Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr Mohammed Bulama urged the military and other security agencies to find ways to end the killings within the country and restore peace.

Bulama said the solutions and resolutions from the workshop would contribute in entrenching peace and stability in the country

He said that Nigeria had over the past decade, faced and still facing one of the greatest security challenges in its history.

“As much as I am aware that such security threats are usually difficult to tackle, I have never doubted the capabilities of the Nigerian armed forces and all government security and intelligence agencies in eradicating these security challenges.

“This is evident in the successes that have been recorded so far in the various theatres of operations across the country.

“In recent times, however, the news of insecurity within the nation’s internal security landscape has made headlines in most of our print and electronic media outlets, especially the social media.

“I must therefore observe that the armed forces has done and is still doing a lot to stem the rising insecurity across the country, despite its limited resources,” he said.

Bulama called for timely but workable solutions that convinced Nigerians that the government was committed to its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.

He said the federal government has so far demonstrated strong political will to end the menace of insecurity in the country.

The FRCN boss charged the military to counter radicalisation, win hearts and minds in conflict zones and counter misinformation by utilising AI, social media, and analytics to monitor sentiment, track propaganda, and measure impact. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Military diplomacy as tool for peace, stability in Nigeria
Features

Military diplomacy as tool for peace, stability in Nigeria

340 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The Nigerian military recently initiated a new diplomacy campaign aimed at fostering peace and stability as well as winning hearts and minds in communities.

Observers say this innovative approach marks a significant shift from the traditional militaristic approach to security, recognising that lasting peace can only be achieved through building trust and cooperation with local populations.

The campaign, which is being implemented across various theatres of operation, involves engaging with community leaders, women, and youth groups to understand their concerns and needs.

Under this mode, military personnel are being trained to be more empathetic and responsive to the needs of the communities, providing humanitarian assistance and support where possible.

One of the key aspects of this campaign is the emphasis on civic engagement; military personnel are participating in community development projects, such as building schools, hospitals, and roads, and providing medical care and educational support to local children.

These efforts are designed to demonstrate the military’s commitment to the well-being of the communities and help build trust and confidence.

The results of this campaign are already being felt; in several communities, local residents have expressed gratitude for the military’s efforts, noting that they feel safer and more confident in the military’s ability to protect them.

The campaign has also helped to reduce tensions and improve relationships between the military and local populations, making it easier to gather intelligence and conduct operations against terrorist groups.

The maiden edition of the military diplomacy campaign being conducted by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), commenced on April 24 in three states, namely, Adamawa, Anambra and Katsina.

The campaign is in line with the Chief of Defence Staff’s leadership concept, which is, “To Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People – Centric, Collaborative and Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint Environment”.

In Adamawa, specifically in Yola South Local Government Area, the campaign aims to promote peace, security, and patriotism by deepening civil-military relations through dialogue and sensitisation.

Addressing the audience at the Shagari Primary School premises in Yola, the DHQ Team Lead, Commander Godwin Egbunu, said the campaign was organised to also appreciate the people for their cooperation.

Egbunu said the campaign was an initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to encourage continued collaboration between the military and its host communities.

He said it was a way of reaching out to communities to encourage them to come out and share credible intelligence to support the ongoing military operations nationwide.

“Part of our message is for the youths and community members to desist from joining or being lured into criminal groups, cult groups, kidnapping gangs, and all other things that will bring about negative vices.

“We want to ensure that communities live at peace with one another, avoiding communal clashes.

“Wherever there are controversies, they should reach out to the nearest military unit to air their grievances so that the military can step in to avoid skirmishes.

“Also, we want to encourage you not to see the military as enemies but to see the military as partners and uphold the trust.

“The military is your military; so, they should love the military, embrace the military, and be friendly with the military,” he said.

Egbunu urged the people to also exhibit spirit of patriotism, orderliness and attitudinal change to ensure peace and security in their communities.

He also urged parents to observe their children, know how they lived outside homes to be able to know when they began to engage in negative activities.

Egbunu also urged them to always volunteer useful information to the military and other security agencies as well as avoid taking laws into their own hands, adding that self-defence did not mean killing another person.

The team leader also warned about the danger of fake news caused by the use of social media, saying that fake news had a negative impact on peace and security in the society.

He urged them to always rely on traditional media outlets like TV and radio stations to get authentic news or contact the nearest military formation to verify whatever information they had.

According to him, the military is not only about fighting but also engages in several non-kinetic efforts like medical outreaches, educational support and provision of essential amenities like boreholes.

He urged the people to be bold to relay whatever negative experience they might have had with the military in the past.

The Commander 23 Brigade Yola, Brig.-Gen. Paul Zawaya, represented by the Brigade’s Intelligence Officer, Lt.-Col. Felix Ayeni, commended the people for their cooperation with the military in tackling insecurity in the state.

He said the successes recorded by Operation Farauta in the state, were as a result of the support of the government and people of the state and pledged to sustain the operation to ensure that Adamawa remained safe and secured.

The Chairman, Yola South Local Government Area, Salihu Malkohi, represented by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Aliyu Isah, thanked the CDS for the initiative and thanked the military for the good job being done in the state.

Malkohi said the local government had remained committed to supporting the military and other security agencies in ensuring peace and security in their communities.

He said the security being enjoyed in the local government had attracted an influx of people to the local government and attracted development and economic opportunities.

He solicited for more military presence in Adamawa, saying that were ready to give more land for more military barracks in the state.

Some of the community leaders commended the CDS for the military diplomacy campaign initiative, saying it would boost their confidence that they had a military that they could be proud of.

They called for frequent engagement of such nature to enable them to see the military as their partners and not oppressors.

Mr Darius Susarumso, a civil servant, said the engagement had painted a different picture of the military in the minds of the people.

He urged the military to take such campaigns to all parts of the country, especially the crisis affected areas, to be able to win the support of the people for their operations.

Malam Shehu Ali, a community leader and Secretary of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Yola South, said the engagement was most desirable for both the military and the civilian populace.

Ali said the military diplomacy campaign remained the only way to enhance the performance of both and bridging the gap in communication to avoid being misunderstood and earn cooperation of the civil populace.

“Therefore, this meeting and this kind of forum is unique, fundamental and is very important.

“I am happy that the military initiated an approach to achieve it; you can see the level of openness from the participants; that tells you that they have been looking forward to having this kind of a room and they have gotten it,” he said.

Another stakeholder, Pastor Catherine Christopher, challenged parents to raise up their children in the fear of God, perform their duties, and be able to transfer the same value to their children.

She said the campaign had given them hope that the people had something to hold on to and look up to in the military, urging the people to pray more for the armed forces in their effort to rid the nation of insecurity.

Analysts say the campaign seeks to win the hearts and minds of citizens, encouraging them to support national unity, safety, and peace as part of the military’s non-kinetic approach to fighting insurgency.

They say with the right approach, the Nigerian military’s new diplomacy campaign can become a model for other countries facing similar security challenges; demonstrating the power of building bridges with local communities to achieve lasting peace and stability. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Peace, humanity will continue to run in my veins- Jonathan
Entertainment

Peace, humanity will continue to run in my veins- Jonathan

341 total views today

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to continue to devote his life to the promotion of peace and service to humanity in the country and across the globe.

Jonathan stated this on Sunday in Abuja at a reception organised by the “Friends of Dr Goodluck Jonathan” on his receiving the 2025 prestigious Sunhak Global Peace Prize Award in Seoul, South Korea.

The former president said that it has always being his desire to impact lives and promote peace in his space.

“I wouldn’t say much, but only to thank you and to reassure you that my commitment to peace will continue. I will continue to do my little best until the last day I will live on earth. I believe that’s the only way I can serve God, by serving man,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan said that though he suffered while growing up as a child because of his humble background, he always felt sad seeing people suffering or seeing a country going through crisis.

The former governor of Bayelsa added that it was his desire to see that no Nigerian suffer any lack, even though it was not so easy or possible for any president to achieve that.

“That has been my fear, and that was why I was very reluctant when I was approached to come to the centre, to be a vice president.

“I said, look, Bayelsa is a small state. Let me see what I can do with this small state, whether I can make significant changes, but today here I am,” he said.

Jonathan appreciated the organisers of the Sunhak Global Peace Prize Award for counting him worthy, saying I never expected it.

Jonathan also appreciated the organisers of the reception for the great honour, even though he initially declined it.

“I also appreciate all those who attended this reception. I have listened to the comments from all of you, and I can only say thank you for those good words. They are quite encouraging,” he said.

The 2023 Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, said that Nigeria would continue to celebrate Jonathan for the sacrifices he had made to make the country peaceful.

Obi, who was the Chairman of the occasion, said everybody knew what Jonathan represented and the hope he had brought to Nigeria’s democracy.

“There is no special day to celebrate this award than today Easter day which is a day of sacrifice. We will continue to celebrate you for the sacrifice you made for this country to be at peace.

“You have put in a lot of efforts to ensure there is peace in Nigeria, Africa and the world as a whole,” Obi said.

The Chief Host of the occasion, Azibaola Robert, said that the friends of Jonathan found it worthy to celebrate him for the global recognition.

Robert, an entrepreneur and Managing Director of Kakatar Group, described Jonathan as someone who has strong passion for peace.

He described the event as an appreciation to the pattern of life that Jonathan had lived and for the impact he had shown as a politician and a statesman.

Robert said that Jonathan, as a brother, has created a big character very hard to step in because every day there is a new lesson to gain from his presence.

He described the celebrant as a God-sent not only to his Bayelsa people but to Nigeria and the rest of the world.

Amb. Hassan Tukur, a former Principal Private Secretary to the former President described the Sunhak Global Peace Prize Award as well deserved.

He said that Jonathan had demonstrated his love for peace during the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Guinea-Bissau and many others countries across the globe, during and after his tenure as president of Nigeria.

He recalled how Jonathan led ECOWAS, AU and UN to restore peace in Côte d’Ivoire in the aftermath of crisis that followed the disputed 2010 presidential runoff election between former president Laurent Gbagbo and his former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara.

“Without President Jonathan’s intervention, the peace wouldn’t have been possible. He saved life, he saved people, and he saved the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire .

“Today, the country is one of the most peaceful countries in this sub-region.

“There was also crisis in Mali when Jonathan was in office. He was the only President that took his plane and went to Mali in the middle of crisis, sat down there for 12 hours negotiating with all the various interested parties.

“Up to date, the Malians are grateful that he was the only sitting president who visited their country in the height of their crisis and addressed their problems,” he said.

Tukur said that Jonathan also saved Kenya from going into war that would have claimed many lives in that country.

He said that even after leaving office, the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation was working hard to promote peace in the region.

“This honour is not only to former president Jonathan and his family, but to Nigerians and the country.

“He is a humanist. He is a man of peace. He is a man of integrity. And he is a man of foresight,” Tukur said.

Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, described Jonathan as patriot and transformer, in which the country would continue to cherish his legacy and good examples.

“All Nigerians are delighted in this award, because Mr President, for all his days in power, both as governor of Bayelsa state and President of Nigeria, upheld the ethics of peace and national transformation.

“It is not easy to find in our clan, around this continent, a leader that will say the presidency of a nation is not worth the blood of the citizen.

“That statement was epochal and it stood him up. In 2015, he made a national sacrifice, he refused the fight. He handed back government, the first time in Nigeria that someone would lose an election and refuse to go to court.

“May the significance of this event, impact on our nation, and our search for peace in all communities in Nigeria, yield fruits with this recognition from far away South Korea,” he said.

Some of the dignities at the events includes Dame Patience Jonathan; King Amalate Turner, the paramount Ruler of the Oloibiri Kingdom in Bayelsa State; and Olori Opeoluwa Ogunwusi, Wife of Oni of Ife who conducted the toast.

Also present were former aides to Jonathan, former governors and former ministers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jonathan received the 2025 and sixth series of Sunhak Peace Award, organised by Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation in Seoul, South Korea on April 11.

Jonathan became the third person and the first African leader to win the category of the award, after former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon and Prime Minister of Cambodia, Mr Hun Sen.

He was recognised for his consistent mediations and pro-democracy activities to bring peace to the African continent.

Established in 2015, the biennial Sunhak Peace Prize honours individuals and organisations that have shown extraordinary services to global peace and well-being in the areas of sustainable human development, conflict resolution or ecological conservation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foundation launches peace, unity initiative
General News

Foundation launches peace, unity initiative

435 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) has launched a peace and unity initiative

in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger.

 

The initiative, aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse communities, was launched at the palace of the Etsu Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu.

 

The Country Director of GPFN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, emphasised the importance of unity and peace in building a harmonious society.

 

He said that the foundation’s intervention in Agaie was aimed at promoting inclusive development, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion among

the diverse communities in the area.

 

Joseph-Hayab stressed that the holy books of Jews, Christians and Muslims affirmed that all human beings are from the family of Adam and Eve.

 

The country director emphasisd the interconnection of humanity as one family under God.

 

He highlighted GPFN’s approach to peacebuilding, emphasising early interventions before crises arise.

 

He added that “we are here to seek the blessings and approval of the emir of Agaie to start our peacebuilding interventions in this local government.”

 

He underscored the importance of engaging traditional leaders and gatekeepers in peacebuilding efforts.

 

Sheikh Abdullahi Maraya, the Northern Coordinator of GPFN, commended the emir of Agaie for fostering peaceful coexistence among communities in the area.

 

He said “GPFN believes that all human beings are one family under God. Islam teaches respect for others’ beliefs”, and encouraged all to always verify

rumors and avoid making general statements.

 

In his response, the emir appreciated GPFN for choosing Agaie local government for its next intervention in promoting peaceful coexistence among the people.

 

Represented by Alhaji Usman Garkuwa, the Garkuwan of Agaie, the emir reiterated commitment to include everyone into the affairs of the area, irrespective of tribe

or religious affiliation.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the GPFN’s visit to Agaie followed its successful 18-month intervention in neighbouring Lapai Local Government

Area of the state.

 

The event featured cultural displays from various groups such as Fulani, Yoruba, Tiv, Igbo, and Nupe communities, as well as performances by students from

Malam Muhammadu Uba Day Secondary School and the Model Secondary School, Agaie.

 

GPFN is an international non-profit organisation with a mission to promote an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision

of “One Family Under God.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Recapturing Aj Jazira will strengthen peace in Sudan- Official
Foreign

Recapturing Aj Jazira will strengthen peace in Sudan- Official

369 total views today

By Fortune Abang

The Sudanese Government believes that regaining control of Aj Jazira State from the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) will pave the way for lasting peace in Sudan.

Mr Ahmed Taboul, Chargé d’Affaires of the Sudanese Embassy in Nigeria, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, this development follows the successful recapture of the strategic state by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

NAN recalls that the conflict between the SAF and RSF has been ongoing, with the RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, facing US sanctions for alleged genocide.

He noted that the recapture of Aj Jazira State by the SAF marks a significant turning point in Sudan since the war broke out on 15 April 2023.

Taboul said, “Aj Jazira is not just strategic; it is also the second largest after Khartoum.

“We consider it a junction connecting the highways of national roads linking most Sudanese cities.

“Aj Jazira is one of the leading states economically, politically, and socially, located less than 200 kilometres from Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

“The successful recapture of the state will give the SAF a strong opportunity to advance and take control of other parts of Sudan, such as the western region, and ensure sustainable peace.

“The southern part of Aj Jazira and other states previously controlled by the rebels have been retaken by the national forces.

“Now, the situation is entirely clear, with the Sudanese Government fully in control through the SAF’s success in reclaiming many villages and other parts of Sudan.”

He explained that the RSF’s position was precarious at the time of the report, adding, “They no longer have any command or central control as they used to.”

This, according to the envoy, is politically and diplomatically good news for the Sudanese people.

He said the Head of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, would soon pay a working visit to four countries: Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, Mali, and Senegal.

“The situation in Sudan is changing, and we are confident that all aspects of the war will improve.

“Hopefully, millions of displaced persons and those who fled to neighbouring countries will regain peace and stability across Sudanese cities,” he said.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Chioma Ugboma

Group canvasses democracy that delivers peace, prosperity, justice
Oil & Gas , Politics

Group canvasses democracy that delivers peace, prosperity, justice

940 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

Dr Kletsaint Akor, Chairman, Proponent Council, National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), has called on stakeholders to build a democracy that will deliver peace, prosperity and justice for citizens.

He made the call at the opening of Nigeria Democracy Week 2024, tagged: “Quarter of a Century of Sustained Democracy in Nigeria’s 64 Years of Statehood”, in Abuja.

Akor said that the occasion was a moment of reflection, celebration and renewed commitment to the ideals that had shaped the country’s democratic journey over the past 25 years.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the resilience, sacrifices and aspirations that have brought us to this significant milestone.

“Democracy, as we know, is not just a system of governance; it is a collective effort that demands our continuous dedication to equity, justice and inclusivity.

“As we celebrate 25 years of democratic governance, let us remember that the true measure of democracy is not in the number of years it endures but in the lives it transforms.

“Let us commit ourselves to building a democracy that delivers peace, prosperity and justice for all Nigerians,” he said.

Akor called on the country’s leaders to prioritise transparency, accountability and the welfare of the people.

“The strength of a democracy lies not in its institutions but in the trust that citizens place in their leaders,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Steering Board of NDSG, Morgan Okwoche, said the most significant achievements of Nigeria’s democracy had been the peaceful transition of power between administrations, particularly across party lines.

Okwoche, however, identified some challenges in Nigeria’s democratic journey, including insecurity, economic inequality, civic apathy, insurgency in the north-east, banditry and communal insecurity.

“These issues have disrupted governance and have also eroded economic development,” he said.

Okwoche called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to the ideals of democracy and the vision of a united, inclusive and thriving Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that the past 25 years of uninterrupted democracy represented a triumph for Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Egbetokun was represented by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olatunji Disu.

He said that the uninterrupted democracy was a statement of an enduring commitment to the principle of governance, the rule of law and the freedom that underpinned democratic systems.

“For the Nigerian Police Force, this period has underscored our vital roles as custodians of peace and security, which are fundamental to the success of any democracy,” he said.

Similarly, the Controller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Haliru Nababa, said that there were no fewer than 83,000 inmates in 265 custodial centres across the country.

Nababa, who was represented by Assistant Controller of Corrections, Ope Fatinikun, added that there were also a total of 53,000 awaiting trials.

“Democracy has given the NCS space to operate. Democracy has been a good journey so far,” he remarked. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Adoption of conflict sensitive climate action crucial for  lasting peace – Stakeholders 
Environment

Adoption of conflict sensitive climate action crucial for  lasting peace – Stakeholders 

528 total views today

By Angela Atabo/Emmanuel Oloniruha

Stakeholders in the peace-building, humanitarian and development space have emphasised the need to integrate climate sensitive approaches into resolving conflicts in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders unanimously agreed to this approach at the inaugural meeting of Nigeria Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Facility (NC-SAF) on Thursday in Abuja.

NAN also reports that the meeting was organised by International Alert, with support from Irish Aid.

According to the stakeholders, climate-sensitive conflict action prioritises understanding and addresses the interconnections between climate change and conflicts.

They stated that by adopting climate-sensitive adaptation, Nigeria could mitigate climate-related conflicts, promote sustainable peace and development as well as enhance sustainable peace in vulnerable communities.

The Country Director for International Alert, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, said the meeting brought together a range of stakeholders to discuss the existential issues of insecurity facing Nigeria.

According to Nyulaku-Bemshima, Irish Aid is supporting International Alert to implement the “Powering Peace Through Climate Actions.”

This, he said, was because climate change was impacting communities, drying up grazing areas, making farming difficult and affecting food security, with productivity going down.

“As a result, the competition between occupational groups, such as headers and farmers, is increasing, becoming more intense and escalating conflicts in different parts of the country.

“Most conflicts in Nigeria are resource-based conflicts and so by that, we need to look at the issue of conflict and insecurity from a climate lens.

“This is because if we fail to do that, then the very drivers of the insecurity that we see will continue to fester,” he said.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said the banditry and insecurity in the north-west zone was impacting communities being influenced by climate change issues.

He said that most headers were moving south in search of grazing areas, thus creating tensions in those areas, such as the farmer-header conflicts.

According to him, the crises are being driven by climate change, thus necessitating the need to ask critical questions around insecurity and humanitarian development.

He said that a joint strategy would be required to address those issues at the national, state and community levels.

He called for conflict-sensitive policy-making to recognise the drivers of conflicts and respond to them.

Also speaking, Mr Dapo Oyewole, Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation, commended International Alert for the initiative.

He said that the Federal Government was committed to tackling the effects of climate change, which he described as a “global problem”.

He said that it required a holistic approach by government, civil society, international development community, and the citizens to find lasting solutions.

“Climate change tops the President Bola Tinubu administration’s agenda, with efforts focused on creating an enabling environment for prosperity, peace and security,” he said.

Oyewole said to tackle climate change, government had set up initiatives and interventions to bring critical stakeholders together by providing resources to chat the way forward.

Dr Kimaris Toogood, Peace and Development Advisor, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, stressed the importance of recognising the role conflict sensitive approach played in the work of climate peace and security.

“By that I mean that the root of addressing and responding to climate change and conflict induced by climate change comes from understanding the root causes.

“It is only if we diagnose or understand the conflict correctly that our response will be able to be accurate, sustainable and resilient,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email