National News
SADC to Promote Innovation as Key to Unlocking Sustainable Economic Growth of Southern Africa

SADC to Promote Innovation as Key to Unlocking Sustainable Economic Growth of Southern Africa
By: Michael Mike
As the Southern African Development Community (SADC) begins life under the Chairmanship of President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, the promotion of innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development would be a watchword in the region
This would be a consolidating of the national peace, food and nutritional security, gender development, disaster risk management, and implementing the strategy and roadmap for industrialization which were the crux of the erstwhile chairman, President Joe Manuel Mrosso of Mozambique.
SADC consists of 17 members states that has a rich history of allignment dating back to 1980 when it was formed as the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC).
It was in 1992, it evolved into the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with a renewed commitment to promoting sustainable development, peace, and security in Southern Africa region.
Speaking at the 2024 SADC anniversary in Abuja at the weekend, the outgone Chair of SADC Group in Nigeria, Angola’s Ambassador Bamoquina Jose Zau who handed over to the Ambassador of Zimbabwe, Maxwel Ranga,
while noting that: “SADC has made significant progress in promoting economic growth, social justice, and human development, announced that the anniversary celebration marked the transfer of chairmanship from President Joe Manuel Mrosso of Mozambique to President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.
He said: “We thank President Mrosso for his leadership and commitment to SADC during his tenure, and we welcome President Mnangagwa as he takes the reins to steer our organisation forward.”
“The theme of President Mrosso’s chairmanship was “Promoting Industrialization and Sustainable Economic Growth,” and he made significant strides in promoting human and financial capital development, which are critical drivers of sustainable industrialization.”
“His commitment to consolidating national peace, food and nutritional security, gender development, disaster risk management, and implementing the strategy and roadmap for industrialization will have a lasting impact on our region.”
“As we look to the future, President Mnangagwa’s chairmanship will focus on promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development.”
“This is a critical area of focus, as innovation has the potential to drive economic transformation, create jobs, and improve living standards.”
“We are also proud of the progress we have made in promoting peace and security in our region. The recent summit in Arusha, Tanzania, commended the peace process and mediation efforts between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, and called on the two countries to cease all hostilities.
“We will continue to work towards achieving lasting peace and security in the region, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique.”
“As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of our partnership with other regions and countries.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation we have received from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we look forward to strengthening our ties with other countries, including Russia.”
He added that: “We are proud of our achievements, but we recognize that there is still much work to be done. We must continue to work together to address the challenges facing our region, including poverty, inequality, and climate change.”
“We are committed to creating a better future for the people of Southern Africa. We will continue to work tirelessly to promote sustainable development, peace, and security in our region.”
Meanwhile, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria(VON) Jubrin Ndace, said the media plays a vital role in shaping Africa narratives, noting that Africans cannot expect the world to respect them if they don’t tell their own story.
He said: “We need to be intentional about creating a positive narrative about Africa and Africans. The Voice of Nigeria is a public platform established to consistently create a positive narrative about Nigeria and Nigerians, Africa and Africans.
“We broadcast in eight languages, including four indigenous languages and four international languages, to reach a broader audience.”
“As Director General, I’m committed to deepening our engagement with the international community.”
“I’m currently exploring opportunities to broadcast in Mandarin, courtesy of our partnership with the Chinese government. This collaboration will enable us to reach a vast audience in China and promote cultural exchange between our nations.”
“However, I believe that our efforts should go beyond broadcasting. We need to encourage travel within the African continent.
“We need to promote cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and economic partnerships that foster cooperation and understanding. We need to create opportunities for Africans to experience the beauty and diversity of our continent firsthand.”
“To achieve this, I propose that we establish a partnership between SADC countries and the Voice of Nigeria.
“We can work together to promote positive narratives about our continent, encourage travel, and foster cultural exchange. We can offer our platforms to journalists from SADC countries to share their stories, and vice versa.
“By working together, we can create a unified narrative that showcases the best of Africa. Let’s define ourselves by our strengths, our resilience, and our beauty.
“Let’s celebrate our diversity, our cultures, and our achievements. Let’s take control of our narrative and let the world respect us. We are not defined by our challenges; we are defined by our ability to overcome them.”
“I offer the Voice of Nigeria platform to all SADC countries willing to work with us to consistently tell positive stories about Africa.”
“Let’s unite in our efforts to promote a positive narrative about our continent. Let’s celebrate our common future and work towards a brighter tomorrow for all Africans.” He added.
Ends
National News
Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai in Yobe have intercepted a truck loaded with suspected vandalised iron railway sleepers and arrested eight suspects, including five personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), during a targeted operation in Katarko area of Gujba Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which took place on July 8 at about 4:00 p.m., followed credible intelligence about the movement of vandalised railway materials.

The truck, was intercepted while en route to Damaturu. A Hilux vehicle marked NSCDC CD 234 A, believed to be providing escort for the illegal consignment, was also impounded.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the railway materials were vandalised from a section of the tracks around Kukuwa, also in Gujba LGA.
Further findings revealed that the arrested NSCDC officers were allegedly invited by the vandals to provide safe passage in exchange for monetary compensation.
A cash sum of ₦128,500, believed to be proceeds of the illegal escort, was recovered from one of the NSCDC officers. The money was reportedly concealed in his inner clothing.
The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu for further investigation. An anti-bomb squad has also been directed to sweep the recovered materials to ensure public safety.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly.
Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel
National News
NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the rising incident of human rights violation in the country, stating that last alone over 320,000 cases were reported across the country.
Speaking during the presentation of June 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.”
He lamented that: “Every month, when we gather to present this human rights dashboard, we are confronted with a sobering reality of the lived realities of those affected by violence, injustice, discrimination, and systemic neglect. These numbers compel us to reflect deeply on our collective responsibility and ask ourselves the difficult question: Are we doing enough? The events of June 2025 demand not just reflection, but an honest and urgent response.”
He said: “Last month, Nigeria witnessed a harrowing surge in violent attacks, with devastating consequences for affected communities and our national conscience. Among the most tragic incidents were the brutal assaults on the Yelewata and Dauda communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 innocent lives were lost. These were not mere figures on a report; they were fathers, mothers, children, and breadwinners; families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and futures extinguished in moments of senseless brutality.
“Equally alarming is the rising trend of attacks against law enforcement and local security forces. In Kaduna and Niger States, more than 17 soldiers were killed in coordinated attacks, further destabilizing already fragile regions. Equally distressing was the massacre of over 40 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Ruggar Chida, brave individuals who stood on the frontlines to protect their communities, only to pay the ultimate price.
“Their deaths leave a void in local security structures, rendering civilians even more exposed to further violence.”
Ojukwu noted that: “The wave of insecurity plaguing our highways has also intensified. In June alone, more than 50 travellers were abducted along major transit routes in Kogi and Benue States. These are not isolated criminal acts; they represent a direct assault on the fundamental rights to freedom of movement, economic participation, and personal dignity. These abductions inflicts lasting trauma on victims and their families while further eroding public trust in the safety of our roads. This pattern of violence marked by impunity, fear, and systemic failure highlights a grave deficit in protection and accountability.”
He added that: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.
“To the government, we reiterate the need for decisive and coordinated security interventions. To civil society and the media, we urge sustained advocacy and amplification of these issues. To our development partners, we call for strengthened collaboration in addressing the root causes of these issues. This dashboard must not merely serve as a record of tragedies; it must be a catalyst for meaningful and sustainable change.
“Let us never forget; every complaint documented, every statistic recorded in these dashboards represents a Nigerian citizen, a fellow human being seeking justice, safety, and the fulfilment of their basic rights.
“The National Human Rights Commission remains unwavering in its mandate to promote, protect, and enforce human rights across Nigeria. We will forge ahead with purposeful and sustained action.”
NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June
National News
Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas
By:Michael Mike
The federal government has granted five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas to allow travellers comply with the new visa regime.
A statement at the weekend by the public relations officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi said the amnesty would also reinforce a secure and transparent migration system.
The statement read: “The federal government through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, announces an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty).
“This initiative provides a unique window for foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.”
He disclosed in the statement that the initiative, which commenced on 1st May 2025, would run through to 30th September 2025.
He further announced that the amnesty specifically apply to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.
He gave the categories of those affected as: Foreign nationals with Expired Visa on Arrival (VoA); Holders of Expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas and; Individuals with an Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.
Akinlabi urged all affected foreign nationals to promptly regularize their stay through
(https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid overstay penalties.
He said, “To ensure the Amnesty application process is seamless, the Nigeria Immigration Service has assembled a support team to assist with Amnesty applications. Contact the support team via email at:amnesty@immigration.gov.ng
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.
“For further information kindly visit the Nigeria Immigration website www.immigration.gov.ng.”
Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas
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