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  • *Dr Betta Edu’s Engagement In Series At The Hague, Kingdom Of Netherlands.*

    *Dr Betta Edu’s Engagement In Series At The Hague, Kingdom Of Netherlands.*

     

     

    (Dr Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,)

     

    By Dr. Betta Edu.

    Today; I Chaired a meeting of Ambassadors, Ministers, top Government Officials, and Development Partners of Over fifty Countries at the Hague, Netherlands who came from different parts of the world including, Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and the Middle East to attend the thematic meeting of the Rabat Process on Migration, Youth, and Development, co-hosted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

    At the meeting which had a global audience on social media including X(Former Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin, I spoke about various factors including illegal migration that results in humanitarian crises and poverty challenges in Nigeria, Africa, and the World. The challenges of young people, when they migrate include human trafficking, organ harvesting, modern-day slavery, sexual abuse, poor living conditions in the new country of asylum, and sometimes death in the Mediterranean Sea or desert.

    I also discussed the Multi-sectoral approach of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Policy framework on how to solve the “Jakpa” Syndrome through significant strides in the Poverty Eradication Programmes, Job creation, Creative industry, Education, Health, Science, Environment, the inclusion of young people in leadership, and sports, etc.

    Quick Solutions to most of these Global Challenges were part of the issues discussed at the meeting aimed at exploring the connection between migration, youth, and development especially among the young people between ages 15 and 24 years, who make up 16% of the world’s population.

    The Governments of Nigeria, the Netherlands, and forty-eight (48) other countries in attendance showed commitment to ending illegal migration and developing young people in their countries, creating an enabling environment for them to thrive.

    2) On the Sideline of the event, there was a bilateral meeting where various discussions concerning the Presidential Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund, with a call for different International Development Partners and high net-worth individuals to support.

    The stakeholders were briefed about the policy direction of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on humanitarian response, Poverty Alleviation, and End Hunger Projects.

    3) From there, I moved to the Nigeria House at the Hague, where I met with the Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, and top Diplomats in the Nigeria Mission office, I must tell you that Dr. Eniola is a perfect example of Renewed Hope Agenda Envoy, going by the way she carries the image and flag of Nigeria 🇳🇬 high in the Kingdom of Netherlands 🇳🇱.
    She presented a book she authored to me, “Nigeria At A Glance.” Inside the book were Nigeria’s embassies and high commissioner offices, their addresses, contacts, and directions across the world

    #Renewed Hope Agenda
    #Nigeria Must Work for All
    #End Poverty and humanitarian crises In Nigeria. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Betta Edu Co-Chairs meeting of EU, 48 Countries’ Reps To Discuss Young Migrant Issues In Netherlands

    Betta Edu Co-Chairs meeting of EU, 48 Countries’ Reps To Discuss Young Migrant Issues In Netherlands

     

     

    .By Biola Lawal

    The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has co-chaired  an international meeting in the Hague, Netherlands,  on ways of  ”Preventing humanitarian crises and reducing illegal migration”

     

    Speaking during her opening remarks, Betta Edu said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu was giving young Nigerians productive opportunities with pioneering innovative ideas through different startup initiatives, a statement by Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA disclosed.

    Edu was joined by the European Union and representatives of 48 other countries in Hague, the Netherlands capital, in an event which also  discussed disturbing migration issues involving young people in Africa and the world.

    Co-hosted by Nigeria and the Netherlands, the Minister was leading the Nigerian delegation to the Thematic Meeting of the Rabat Process On Migration, Youth, And Development taking place in the Netherlands capital.

    Dr. Edu noted that exploring the connection between migration, youth, and development was important as the youths between ages 15 and 25 years, who make up 16% of the world’s population are a growing mobile demographic that could play a significant role in fostering positive development.

    She further disclosed that “In Nigeria, like in other parts of Africa, the youth have developed a robust startup ecosystem, attracting over 2 billion USD in investment between 2015 and 2022.

    “In 2022 alone, 107 startups in Nigeria, founded by persons between the ages of 25 and 35, attracted over 800 million USD in investment”

    Aside from Nigeria, Dr. Edu stated, “In Egypt, startups raised 791 million USD and South African startups raised 993 million between 2015 and 2022 according to Disrupt Africa’s 2022 startups report”

    The Minister expressed delight that the youth are not only pioneering innovation through tech startups but are also making significant strides in the creative industry, education, medicine, science, leadership, and sports.

    On the Japa(migration of skilled persons) syndrome in Nigeria, Dr. Edu explained that a good number of the migrants faced myriads of challenges in the countries of their migration.

    “In Nigeria, the Japa Syndrome, which refers to young highly skilled workers and university graduates, migrating in their numbers in search of better education, better-paying jobs, and self-actualization, in Europe and North America, has become a hot-button topic, especially when you consider that in 2022, diaspora remittances to Nigeria, stood at $21.9 billion.

    “However, these young migrants are faced with diverse challenges in their quest for new opportunities and avenues for expression, such as the dangers of human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, sexual abuse, poor living conditions overseas, organ trafficking, modern-day slavery, and other forms of exploitation.

    “A recent survey of immigrants in the United States indicated that almost 50% of migrants between the ages of 15 and 35 years of age surveyed, had experienced some form of depression or psychosocial challenge”, she added.

    The Minister expressed optimism that the thematic meeting would provide a platform to deliberate on the challenges faced by young migrants, as well as celebrate the achievements and innovations of the youth. She called on the developed countries to support the middle and low-income countries to create jobs and an enabling environment for their youths in their country as this would reduce the pressure on these young people to migrate and seek greener pastures elsewhere.

    Netherlands Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paul Huijts, said the meeting was focused on a shared commitment to promote meaningful participation opportunities for young people and ensuring that they meet their needs to address the root causes of irregular migration.

    Huijts commended President Tinubu for the appointment of Dr Betta Edu, a young professional in his Cabinet to oversee Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation which also supervises the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internationally Displaced Persons, saying unbroken cooperation on migration, and solutions for intelligence growth of young people cannot be needed at any time other than now.

    “As part of our commitment to actively support young people, we need to engage in dialogue and change the best practices so that our efforts continue to address their needs.

    “Let us listen to challenges that young people in our country face like poor education, unemployment, low number of youth, and women’s leadership and involvement in national international decision making. For Nigeria, President Tinubu is indeed changing the picture of leadership and increasing daily the youth and women’s inclusion in governance.

    The European Union Commission’s Director General for International Partnership, Erica Gerretsen, said the essence of the program was to engage participants to increase their voice in leadership policies and decision-making.

    “Giving Voice also means building narratives into a positive story about the migration of young people and the potential they have to contribute to the development of their country rather than seeking illegal migration.

    “We are leading by example by strengthening the institutional engagement in the European institutions.

    “Our EU boards for international partnerships is a group of 25 young people from around the world, which was established in 2021, to advise on youth participation and empowerment, as well as helping to use our policies to change the narratives in countries “she explained.

    Other Speakers at the event include the Morrocco Foreign Affairs on Africa Cooperation and Abroad, Fouad Kadmri, Monica Zanette of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) as well as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Eniola Ajayi among others. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Military neutralises 37 terrorists, apprehends 124 in one week- Official

    Military neutralises 37 terrorists, apprehends 124 in one week- Official

     

     

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja:   Defence Headquarters says troops of the armed forces have in one week rescued 53 kidnapped hostages, neutralised 37 and apprehended 124 terrorists across the country.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Buba said those apprehended comprised 95 suspected terrorists and their collaborators, and 19 for oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

    He said the troops also recovered 100 assorted weapons and 1,207 assorted ammunition

    These, he said, included 45 AK47 rifles, 11 locally fabricated AK47 rifles, six pump action guns, 12 dane guns and two AK47 rifles loaded with 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

    Others according to him, included two locally made guns, two locally fabricated pistols, two locally made revolvers, 925 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 28 rounds of 9mm ammo, 157 live cartridges. and 23 magazines.

    Buba added that 27 vehicles, 25 motorcycles and 38 mobile phones amongst others, were also recovered from the criminals.

    He explained that in the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 20 terrorists, arrested 57 and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages in different operations across the theatre.

    He added that the troops also recovered 13 AK47 rifles, five dane guns, four magazines, two fabricated guns, 203 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, eight motorcycles, four mobile phones, two bicycles, medical supplies, and assorted food items among others.

    According to him, one Boko Haram terrorist, identified as Bulama Bukar, on Oct. 17, surrendered to troops in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno.

    In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) neutralised three terrorists, arrested 53 and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages in different operations during the period.

    He said the troops also recovered three AK47 rifles, two AK47 rifle magazines loaded with 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, two fabricated AK47 rifles, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 28 rounds of 9mm ammo and 37 live cartridges.

    “Also recovered are 12 empty cartridges, four magazines, two motorcycles, two mobile phones, one boafeng radio and charger, and the sum of N451,360,” the defence spokesman said.

    He also said that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised two terrorists, arrested six and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages.

    Buba further said that the troops recovered one dane gun, three mobile phones, eight bags of substances suspected to be cannabis and the sum of N114,500.

    In the North West, the defence spokesman said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 17 terrorists, arrested 10 and rescued 19 kidnapped hostages in raid operations carried out in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

    He added that the troops recovered four AK47 rifles, several burnt AK47 rifles, seven burnt magazines, 158 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 17 motorcycles.

    According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Punch eliminated 10 terrorists and arrested 31 others, while 10 kidnapped hostages were rescued.

    He disclosed that a terrorist collaborator in Chikun Local Goovernment Area of Kaduna State was also arrested by the troops.

    Buba said nine locally made guns, 17 dane guns, three locally made pistols, seven magazines, 211 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, four cartridges, two motorcycles, one HH radio, five mobile phones, one amulet jacket, 20 arrows and N50,000 were recovered.

    In the South-South, he said the troops of Operation Safe Haven, apprehended 19 perpetrators of oil theft and denied oil thieves of N3.3 billion during the period.

    Buba said the troops also discovered and destroyed 56 illegal refining sites, 42 dugout pits, 82 boats, 143 storage tanks, 234 cooking ovens, 61 hoses, 17 drums, one pumping machine, two outboard engines and one vessel.

    He added that the troops also recovered 6.01 million litres of stolen crude, 425,715 litres of illegally refined AGO, 38,100 litres of DPK and 4,500 litres of PMS within the period.

    In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised four terrorists, arrested 21 criminals and rescued one kidnapped hostage in raids on IPOB/ESN hideouts.

    He said the troops recovered six pump action guns, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 113 live cartridges, two motorcycles, one HH radio, four mobile phones, 10 generator sets, four refrigerators and 33,000 litres of illegal refined AGO among others.

    “All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

    “The military is in a good fight and is winning in this war. Our operations have killed or captured several terrorist and insurgent leaders as well as their facilitators and key associates.

    “Accordingly, the insurgents and terrorist are in perpetual mourning as they constantly bury their dead and would continue to do so.

    “Our communities across the country have risen to the occasion in exposing these elements and it is making a tremendous impact on operations as they no longer have a hiding place,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews)

  • CLO urges Gov. Soludo to fix dilapidated Federal Housing, 3-3/Nkwelle Roads

    CLO urges Gov. Soludo to fix dilapidated Federal Housing, 3-3/Nkwelle Roads

     

     

    Enugu:  The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to fix dilapidated Federal Housing/3-3/Nkwelle Roads all leading to Onitsha and extends palliative works to St Stephen Seminary road leading to Nkwelle Junction.

     

    The Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call on Thursday in Enugu while speaking with newsmen on the dilapidated roads leading to Onitsha and the pain the residents face daily.

    Ezekwueme said that it was imperative that the government listen to cries, excruciating sufferings and pains experienced by residents, citizens, commuters and visitors living around Federal Housing, 3-3, Nsugbe and Nkwelle axis on a daily basis.

     

    According to him, this pain is due to deplorable and dilapidated condition of the roads within that axis of the state even as the roads lead to the commercial city of Onitsha.

     

    “A journey that is supposed to take 20 minutes; now takes between two to three hours on a daily basis.

     

    “Most pathetic and unbelievable is the exorbitant cost of transportation in the area. The unbridled quest for wealth by commercial drivers plying the roads makes the situation unbearable and despicable.

     

    “It is no exaggeration but existential reality that they charge between N500 and N800 in a journey that is supposed to cost N200.

     

    “Sometimes residents sleep in their relatives’ and friends’ houses at Onitsha due to traffic jams and escalating cost of transportation,” he said.

    The CLO boss called on Gov. Soludo to urgently award a contract for construction and rehabilitation of Obinna Ilo Street that would link 3-3 with Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government and 3-3 to Nkwelle junction.

     

    He said that by doing this, it will certainly in no small measure create a quick flowing access road and decongest heavy traffic in 3-3 and Federal Housing roads.

     

    “His Excellency should in his usual magnanimity send his commissioners for works and transport to pay working and accessible visits to the areas to enable the government to take urgent and immediate actions.

     

    “There is no doubt in our minds that this will inject more life and hope in the citizens and ameliorate their plights and predicament.

     

    “We equally thank his Excellency for massive ongoing road constructions and rehabilitations across the state and revolution in our educational system,” he said. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Enugu CP assures Centre of synergy to check illegal arms, weapons

    Enugu CP assures Centre of synergy to check illegal arms, weapons

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Enugu: The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has assured the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons of synergy towards the actualisation of the Centre’s mandates.

    Uzuegbu gave the assurance when leadership of the Centre led by its South-East Zonal Coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Okechukwu Ugo (retired), paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Enugu on Friday.

    “The Police Command in Enugu State will give you all necessary backing to achieve your mandate particularly in the area of drastically reducing the circulation of illegal arms and weapons in the state,” the commissioner said.

     

    Earlier, Ugo highlighted the critical importance of the police in the actualization of the Centre’s primary mandate of controlling and mopping up illegal arms and weapons in circulation and to back-load arms not in use by security agencies.

    “I, therefore, solicited the continuous collaboration and support of the police,” he said.

    The CP was joined by some of the Command’s management team members and staff officers to welcome and interact with the Centre’s personnel. (Flowerbudnews)

  • GOC charges 52 graduates of Operational Planning Cadre on teamwork, discipline

    GOC charges 52 graduates of Operational Planning Cadre on teamwork, discipline

     

    Enugu (Flowerbudnews):  Maj.-Gen Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Nigerian Army, has charged 52 graduating officers of Operational Planning Cadre on teamwork, discipline, professionalism and jointness of action during operations.

     

    Dada gave the charge on Friday in Enugu while declaring close the 82 Division Operational Planning Cadre training held between Oct.16 and Oct. 20, 2023.

     

    He said that the training had exposed all the participants on need to operate in joint environment with others notwithstanding security formations and specialties.

    “With this, the issue of rivalry would have been removed as currently being propagated by our bosses,” he said.

     

    According to him, I therefore thank the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his visionary leadership in providing direction for this valuable and innovative training which has enhanced our capabilities in conducting our current and future operations.

     

    “This cadre is in line with the Command Philosophy of the COAS which is to Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving Our Constitutional Responsibility within a Joint Environment.

     

    “In concrete terms, the contemporary security environment does not assure any single service or security agency success if it does not work jointly with others,” the GOC said.

    He said that with the approval of the Army Headquarters, the participants were expanded by two officers from Nigerian Air-Force and Nigeria Police as well as three officers from NDLEA and NSCDC to enjoin desired jointness towards attaining a well-secured nation.

     

    The GOC said: “Judging from the enthusiasm generated from presentation on selected topics, I am certain that the objectives of this Cadre have been largely realised.

     

    “I am aware that during this Cadre you were extensively taken on the Intelligence Preparation of the Environment (IPE) and the Military Decisions Making Process (MDMP) which offers proven analytical process that will assist you in developing, integrating and synchronizing your plans.

     

    “The knowledge and skills you have acquired will undoubtedly prove crucial to your success in the asymmetric warfare situations we combat today.

    “The practical scenarios that have been simulated have undoubtedly enhanced your understanding of the complex crises situations and how to manage them.”

     

    Dada also advised graduating officers to put into practice all they had learnt as they go back to their respective units, adding: “Remember continuously brief your men as that is the only way that you can be on the same pedestal.

     

    “Whatever you have learnt here must be shared with your men on the ground as you will need them to operate with you to achieve meaningful success,” he added.

    High points of the closing ceremony were the issuance of certificates to the graduating officers and souvenirs to facilitators of the training and heads of security agencies. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Ember Campaign: Lagos records 353 road crashes in 8-month —- FRSC

    Ember Campaign: Lagos records 353 road crashes in 8-month —- FRSC

     

    Lagos:  The Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos Command, says it recorded 353 road traffic crashes which claimed the lives of 79 citizens in the state between January and August.

    The FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Babatunde Farinloye, made this disclosure during the Flag-Off of the 2023 Ember Months jointly organised by the Guinness Nigeria Plc and corp in Lagos on Thursday.

    The theme of the campaign is: “Speed Thrills but Kills: Drive responsibly and Avoid Overloading.”

    Farinloye said 603 other sustained different degree of injuries, some with permanent disabilities in the same period under review.

    The sector commander attributed road accidents that occured to speeding, excessive load and operational irresponsibility which underlines the abuse of the roads, the vehicles and rights of other road users.

    He noted that speed has been identified globally as a causal or aggravating element in almost 96 per cent of road traffic crashes, adding that Its dimensions consist of excessive speed and inappropriate speed.

    Farinloye said besides speeding, overloading and irresponsibility, statistics had also depicted the potential for high rate of driving under Influence of drug and alcohol, fatigue driving driving during this period of festivities.

    The sector commander noted that just a few days ago, around 0045Hrs in the morning, the crash between a luxury bus and a truck making a U-Turn at Kara end of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway led to the death of four passengers.

    “These incidents constitute huge human capacity loss and high level of trauma, social cost and other consequences that may change the course of several destinies.

    “This is the essence of our continuous campaign and interventions. Nobody’s life has to be untimely terminated as an inevitable price for mobility on the roads.

    “Today therefore we are flagging-off this campaign to remind ourselves and unequivocally reiterate that crashes are self-destructive occurrences.

    “We (the road users) are the prime causal agents; we are the victims and we must be the solution. And it begins with our individual mindsets and convictions!”

    Farinloye said this year’s theme had been selected in a unique emphasis of the three leading safety imperatives on the roads during this period.

    He noted that the campaign represents an integral component of FRSC’s strategic interventions towards elevating the consciousness of Nigerians to the realities of road crashes and its’ mind-boggling implications on their lives, societies.

    Farinloye said annually, over 1.3 million people die on world roads with about 50 million others sustaining various degree of injuries.

    The sector commander added that the developing nations (including Nigeria) account for about 91 percent of world road fatalities with nations losing three per cent to five per cent of their annual GDP.

    He said: “For us at FRSC Lagos State Sector Command, we shall be deploying the full capacity of the command for a multi-dimensional intervention.

    “This is in the forms of enforcement operation, traffic control, public enlightenment and education, point-of-load education and surveillance, strategic advocacy and help-area for emergency response during this festive season.

    “In the most aggressive and efficient way, we shall prosecute our programs around the identified leading crash causatives factors. Our vision for 2023 Operation Zero remains Zero Fatality.”

    Farinloye therefore called every stakeholders and indeed road user to support it in this arduous task through exemplary conducts on the road and the propagation of the message of safety across our various constituencies.

    Speaking, the ACM Gilbert Igbokwe, the Zonal Commanding Officer Zone 2, noted that road traffic menace continually cause collosal trauma on the victims, their families and to the nation.

    Igbokwe said this was why the command cannot afford to be on the fence in taking concrete actions to redress any negative road use aversion such as driving irresponsibly or speeding beyond posted limit or overloading.

    He therefore appealed to motorists to urgently take urgent steps in promoting safe road use in order to endangered good health and economic growth and development in the state.

    The zonal commander also urged the Ministry of Transportation to support the campaign in the quest to rid the road of carnages to the benefits of mankind.

    Speaking, the Managing Director of Guinness, Mr John Masunga urged consumers, motorists and the public to make a personal commitment not to take alcoholic drink while driving.

    The managing director advised consumers to make a firm commitment never to drink while driving,

    Magunda said: “Remember that drivers have responsibility not only to ensure that passengers reach their destinations safely, but to ensure that they return home safely to see their families and the loved ones.

    “Our aim for this campaign is to promote safety on our roads by fostering a culture of not drinking while driving.

    “We believe that our position as a market leader places a significant responsibility on us to raise awareness about the importance of consuming alcohol in a responsible way.”

    The event had in attendance representative from Lagos State Traffix Management Authority (LASTMA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Fire Service, Nigeria Army, Vehicles Inspection Officers, members of NURTW among others.

    The event featured free medical check for sugar and blood pressure levels among others. (Flowerbudnews)

  • FG moves to tackle human rights challenges

    FG moves to tackle human rights challenges

     

     

    Abuja:  The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said it was commited to addressing issues of human rights violations in the country.
    Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, made the remarks at the 4th Cycle of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) engagement with stakeholders in Abuja.

    Jedy-Agba, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, said the meeting would help to contribute to the country’s ability to develop an objective and Independent report on the efforts to promote and protect human rights in compliance with international obligations.

    “We have done all that has been recommended by the UN to ensure that there is a proper engagement so that we are not just presenting a desk talk representation of the human rights situation in Nigeria.

    “So we are engaging strategically with members of the public, the media, civil society organisations (CSOs), government officials, to get their ideas and recommendations on how far we have gone and where we should be going, particularly in relation to areas that have been pointed out following the 3rd Cycle review of the country,” she said.

    According to her, the UPR is a unique process which involves a review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Members States.

    “It is a state-driven process, under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, which provide the opportunity for each state to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situation in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations,” she said.

    Jedy-Agba said the meeting was part of the workplan for collating information and useful data from various stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory.

    This, she said, is in line with the United Nations (UN) guidelines on national reporting, which stipulates that a country’s national report should be independent, objective, transparent and inclusive.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Lamuwa, represented by Ambassador Naomi Nwachukwu, urged members of the inter-ministerial committee to keep correct information.

    “We should make conscious effort that whatever information we get are verifiable,” he said.

    The Lead Consultant, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, SAN, said “UPR process must be people’s led because it talks about human rights of the people and the ultimate beneficiary of those rights are people of the country.

    “So UN wants a situation where the CSOs, non-state actors, as well as state actors that are driving the process participate, come together, look at the draft reports across the country towards a collective decision.”

    Ezeilo, who was former UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, said the importance of UPR “is to ensure that human right matters and in the end that everyone enjoys his or her human rights wherever one is located.

    “It is a way of advancing human rights, and you know that human right is all-inclusive of civil and political, socio-economic developments, environmental rights and also the issues of SDG. They are human rights and development issues.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria was reviewed by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in 2009, 2013 and 2018 during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd UPR Cycles respectively, and preparations have been ongoing for Nigeria’s 4th review scheduled between January and February 2024.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • Ambassador Debo Adesina Prepares His Exit From Togo

    Ambassador Debo Adesina Prepares His Exit From Togo

    The Ambassador of Nigeria to Togo, Julius Adebowale Adesina, is preparing to leave the country after a two-year mission.

     

     

     

     

    On Wednesday, he bid farewell to the Prime Minister, Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé.

    The visit was marked by an update on cooperation between Lomé and Abuja, and a review of the diplomat’s activities.

    Julius Adebowale Adesina expressed his satisfaction at a mission well fulfulfilled, and his fond memories of Togo

    I worked to promote cooperation between Nigeria and Togo, so I really enjoyed what we did here together. What I particularly remember is how hardworking the Togolese are”, said the Ambassador.

    Ambassador Julius Adebowale Adesina was posted to Togo on 28th May 2021. Prior to his appointment, he was Editor-in-Chief of the independent Nigerian daily “The Guardian

     

    Togo and Nigeria enjoy excellent cooperative relations, particularly in the fields of economics, trade, energy and education

    .