Israel/Iran Crisis: Nigerians in Tehran Have Not Been Abandoned to Fate, Says FG

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has debunked the reported claim that Nigeria has abandoned citizens in Tehran, Iran to their fate as Israeli bombs continue it drop.

A statement on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to misleading and unfounded reports circulating on social media and certain news platforms that the Embassy of Nigeria in Tehran, Iran, has abandoned Nigerian nationals and departed the country due to the ongoing crisis with Israel.

“The Ministry categorically debunks these allegations and assures the public, particularly Nigerian citizens in Iran, that the Embassy of Nigeria in Tehran remains operational and committed to the welfare and safety of all Nigerian nationals in Iran. The consistent bombing in Tehran has, however, disrupted normal work schedules and forced staff to work remotely.”

The statement added that: “Given this unfortunate development, the Embassy is actively engaging with the Government of Armenia to grant access for the evacuation of Nigerians via Yerevan.

“Moreover, Nigerians in Iran requiring assistance are encouraged to contact the Embassy directly through its official emergency contacts:
Mr. Esson Anzaku +989393216872 and Abutalib +989024199018 ‪+989393216872, and emails: Nigeria.tehran@mfa.gov.ng
anzakuesson02@gmail.com and lawshed@yahoo.com.”

The statement added that: “Nigerians in Iran are also advised to contact the various designated coordinators of the Nigerian Community in these three locations as earlier arranged.

“The Embassy has also advised members of the Nigerian Community to download the Iranian local messaging app, eitaa, and join the Nigerian group for regular updates.”

The statement further assured: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of Nigerians worldwide.”

Israel/Iran Crisis: Nigerians in Tehran Have Not Been Abandoned to Fate, Says FG

China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders in diplomacy, academia, and the media have dismissed the claim that China has ulterior motives in Africa, insisting that the Chinese Government has come to the continent as a friend and key development partner.

They made this point at the Media Executives Forum and Book Launch held in Abuja at the China Cultural Centre.

The event, which featured the unveiling of Balancing the Narrative: China-Africa Relations authored by seasoned diplomatic journalist Raphael Oni, brought together diplomats, media professionals, and scholars to discuss the impact and perception of China’s growing involvement in Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Oni, who recently participated in a media training programme in China, described the book as a product of his experience and research.

He said: “There is a gap in understanding China’s role in Africa. A lot of misinformation is being circulated, especially through Western media. This book is my effort to correct that.”

Oni, who is the Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Extra, a magazine dedicated to foreign affairs and diplomatic reports, pointed to China’s numerous contributions in areas such as infrastructure, education, and technology, citing projects like roads, railways, and airport construction supported by Chinese funding and expertise.

He also highlighted capacity-building programmes that send Nigerian professionals and students to China for training.

on his part, the Director, Centre for Chinese Studies in Nigeria, Mr. Charles Onunaiju, commended Oni’s work, stating that it contributes to knowledge-driven cooperation. He noted that: “There are myths surrounding China-Africa relations, but what we need is deeper understanding and accurate information.”

In his remarks, the President of the African Union of Journalists and erstwhile President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate China’s development-driven approach. “China’s progress is rooted in long-term planning and strong national vision. We can learn a lot from that,” he said.

Diplomatic representatives from the High Commissions of Sierra Leone and Malaysia, as well as the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, also delivered goodwill messages. They praised the book and emphasized the importance of cultural and media exchanges in building international partnerships.

Participants at the event called for greater collaboration between African and Chinese media to present more balanced narratives and foster mutual understanding. They urged African journalists to take the lead in shaping the continent’s global image by telling stories grounded in fact and experience.

The forum concluded with a consensus that China remains a reliable ally in Africa’s development journey and that dispelling misinformation through responsible journalism is essential for strengthening bilateral ties.

China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Thursday, declared that his vision of transforming the state, set six years ago, has now become a tangible reality.

He stated this in Gombe during a state-wide broadcast marking the sixth anniversary of his administration’s leadership in the state.

According to Yahaya, his government has achieved remarkable progress since 2019, with visible development in every region of the state serving as undeniable proof.

He noted that the transformation agenda spanned education, healthcare, the economy, roads, infrastructure, and security, among other key areas of governance and public welfare.

Yahaya noted that his administration met public expectations by delivering quality governance, making Gombe a national benchmark across various development sectors.

“When we began this journey six years ago, we promised to transform Gombe into a development model. Today, that promise has come to fruition,” he said.

He said that every corner of Gombe bears evidence of growth and change, reflecting the state’s steady advancement under his leadership.

In the health sector, Yahaya said his government revamped and equipped 114 primary health centres, recruited personnel, and revitalised healthcare delivery across the state.

On education, he emphasised a holistic, data-driven strategy that improved learning outcomes and earned praise from the Federal Ministry of Education and development partners.

“We have also overhauled Gombe’s road infrastructure, delivering over 900 kilometres of rural and urban roads to enhance accessibility and economic growth,” he said.

These projects, he added, have linked communities, boosted trade, and eased the movement of people and goods across the state.

“All township roads under this scheme feature solar-powered streetlights, improving visibility at night and enhancing local security,” Yahaya noted.

Addressing water scarcity, the governor stated that over 900 boreholes had been constructed during his tenure to improve access to clean water.

He thanked the people of Gombe for their steadfast support and vowed to consolidate on achievements during the remaining two years of his second term.

“In the next two years, we’ll enhance Gombe’s strengths in commerce, agriculture, and renewable energy,” Yahaya pledged.

He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, good governance, and youth empowerment to prepare them for a dynamic and changing world.

6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya