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UN Calls for Youth-Driven Future and Global Unity
UN Calls for Youth-Driven Future and Global Unity
By: Michael Mike
As the United Nations celebrates 80 years of promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development, the Head of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, Ronald Kayanji, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to adapting to a changing world and empowering young people to shape the future.
Speaking at a commemorative event in Abuja, Kayanji reflected on the UN’s eight decades of work and highlighted its five key pillars maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, advancing sustainable development, and upholding international law.
He said: “If we don’t protect human rights, there’s no way we can have peace. Our work goes beyond the scenes to ensure that people live in peace, that conflicts don’t continue, and that justice prevails through international law.” Kayanji said.
Kayanji emphasized that the UN’s role in fostering peace and stability is evolving amid modern challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and global inequality issues that were not envisioned when the organisation was founded in 1945.
He said to remain relevant, the UN recently held a “Summit for the Future”, which produced a Pact for the Future a global action plan designed to address today’s pressing issues, including AI governance, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
“We now live in a world of over eight billion people the largest population of young people in history,”
That’s why the Pact for the Future includes chapters on young people, future generations, and global governance. The UN is thinking about you the young people who will frame the future.” He noted
Kayanji also drew parallels between the UN’s founding period and today’s world, pointing out how global security has transformed with the advent of drones and cyber technologies.
He said: “In 1945, they never imagined artificial intelligence or digital currencies.
“For the UN to stay relevant, we must review what is happening in the world and adjust to new realities.” He said.
As the UN commemorates eight decades of global service, Kayanji called on youth and civil society to actively engage with the organization and participate in building a peaceful and sustainable world.
“The UN is not for us who work here it is for the people, we invite everyone, especially young people, to join in shaping the future we all want.”he said .
Kayanji emphasizes that the purpose of the Model United Nations (MUN) is not just to teach debate or diplomacy, but to help young people think globally beyond their immediate environments. He highlights the importance of preparing students to understand and address worldwide issues.
“What we want them to understand is to think beyond their community, to think beyond their country, to think globally, to understand global challenges. Because it is these young people actually who will face those challenges in the future.”
He shares how the UN experience can spark lifelong interest in international relations, citing the example of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Kayanji believes many of today’s participants could become tomorrow’s diplomats and global leaders.
“Our former Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, before even thinking of being Secretary-General or working in international affairs, he did Model United Nations In future these will be ambassadors, they will be the foreign service officers.”
Kayanji stresses that the UN fosters empathy and a sense of shared humanity by learning about other nations’ issues, students become more compassionate and globally minded traits he sees as essential for a peaceful future.
“One of the challenges we have in this world is that people are thinking about themselves, not minding about the concerns, the fears, the suffering of others. But once we instill this in young people, we think that we are building a good future.” He noted .
Students from across Nigeria shared their excitement and aspirations at the Abuja International Model United Nations (AIMUN), held at the UN House in Abuja. For many, the conference provided a firsthand experience of diplomacy, debate, and global cooperation.
Fatima Ahmed Bello, a student of Newgate University, Minna, described the event as both inspiring and enlightening.
Bello said: “The programme today is really educative. We are here to gain more knowledge and learn how to secure our future together.”
For Dikko Divine Favour, a 300-level Law student from the University of Abuja, representing Russia at the session was a chance to better understand the UN’s workings.
Being here today is a wonderful experience. There’s coordination, and they’re teaching us how the UN works it’s a great platform for people to explore what the UN is about.” Favour stated .
Great Wisdom Wigwe, a 400-level student of Agricultural Economics at the University of Abuja, representing the United States, said the experience deepened his passion for diplomacy.
Wigwe said: “From the moment I got into this house, I felt excitement that I’m going to gain a lot here. Young people actually have a chance to change the world by being focused and intentional about what we do.”
Together, these young delegates reflect the spirit of the Model UN nurturing future diplomats who are learning to think globally and act collaboratively for a better world
UN Calls for Youth-Driven Future and Global Unity
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Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Zamfara to formally receive Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Zamfara to formally receive Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC)
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is billed to receive members of the governor’s cabinet and thousands of supporters into the APC fold at a grand reception at the Gusau Trade Fair Complex.
The Vice President was received by the governor, governors of Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Adamawa States; Umar Namadi, Uba Sani, Dapo Abiodun, and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as well as the governors of Plateau, Kano, and Sokoto States; Caleb Mutfwang, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto.
Also on ground to receive him is the Deputy Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the APC National Chairman, APC governors Forum Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, as well as ministers, party chieftains, and other dignitaries.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Zamfara to formally receive Governor Dauda Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC)
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ECOWAS, Energy China Explore Partnership to Strengthen West Africa’s Power Infrastructure
ECOWAS, Energy China Explore Partnership to Strengthen West Africa’s Power Infrastructure
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has begun discussions with Energy China International (CEEC) to deepen cooperation on the development of regional energy infrastructure aimed at expanding electricity access and strengthening power systems across West Africa.
The engagement took place during a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, where officials from the ECOWAS Energy and Mines Directorate met with CEEC representatives to advance dialogue on priority regional energy projects.
The session also included participants from the West African Power Pool (WAPP), the regional body responsible for coordinating electricity generation and transmission among West African countries.
During the meeting, participants reviewed project portfolios, technical capabilities and potential financing channels designed to accelerate growth in the region’s power sector and support broader infrastructure development.
Discussions focused on exploring partnership opportunities and funding options for ECOWAS priority initiatives covering power generation, electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Acting Director of Energy and Mines at ECOWAS, William Baidoe, provided an overview of the Directorate’s mandate and ongoing programmes aimed at improving energy access across the region. These include projects to expand electricity distribution networks as well as initiatives to develop energy storage systems that can enhance the stability and reliability of power supply.
Also speaking at the meeting, Director of Planning, Investment Programming and Environmental Safeguards at WAPP, Kodjo Afidegnon, outlined the status of several priority projects under the ECOWAS Master Plan for the Development of Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure (2019–2033).
Among the flagship initiatives highlighted were the CLSG interconnection project linking Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea; the North Core project connecting Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso and Benin; the OMVG interconnection linking Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau; and the Medium Backbone project connecting Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Afidegnon noted that the projects present significant financing and investment opportunities for development partners and international energy companies.
On behalf of CEEC, General Manager Huang Aijun highlighted the company’s expertise in conventional and renewable energy, grid expansion, power planning and electricity transmission infrastructure. He reaffirmed the company’s interest in supporting ECOWAS priority projects through technical support and access to diverse funding sources.
Both parties agreed to maintain close engagement on the identified projects in order to assess their development status and explore concrete areas of collaboration.
ECOWAS said the discussions reflect its continued efforts to build strategic partnerships and mobilise investments to improve electricity access, strengthen grid reliability and promote sustainable infrastructure development across West Africa.
ECOWAS, Energy China Explore Partnership to Strengthen West Africa’s Power Infrastructure
Sallah: FRSC deploys 620 personnel in Gombe
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Gombe Sector Command, has deployed no fewer than 620 personnel and operational logistics for the 2026 Eid-el-Fitri Special Patrol Operations.
Mr Samson Kaura, the Sector Commander of FRSC in the state disclosed this in Gombe while speaking in an interview with journalists.
Kaura said that the operation had commenced on Tuesday to end on March 22.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps, Gombe Command has deployed 620 personnel comprising regular and special marshals and operational logistics for the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr Special Patrol Operations.
“This is being done bearing in mind the kind of heavy traffic that comes with such festive period, so we are acting promptly to ensure safe and smooth travels during the Sallah celebrations,” he said.
In addition, he said 10 patrol vehicles, four ambulances and a tow truck were also deployed to serve the motoring public.
“We will enforce adherence to traffic regulations towards ensuring safety during the Sallah celebration.
“We advise drivers against engaging in dangerous driving, over speeding, route violations, overloading, use of phones while driving.
“We urge everyone to observe all traffic rules and regulations towards ensuring easy flow of traffic as personnel would be stationed on major routes.
“We must be mindful of the fact that it is only the living that can celebrate, so let’s drive safety and prioritise safety over speed or profits.
“Underage driving will not be permitted and use of drugs while driving too; we have commenced special patrol for enforcement and control of traffic,” he said.
Kaura further reiterated the command’s warnings against underage driving, particularly during the Sallah celebration in the state.
He said the call was imperative as child driving remained one of the causes of crash, alongside over speeding, overloading, dangerous driving and use of drugs and phone while driving.
He said that it had been observed that persons below 18 years drive cars, motorcycles and tricycles which he said was not permitted, stating that the FRSC would enforce compliance in that regard.
The sector commander assured the motoring populace of the command’s commitment to ensure safety while seeking their cooperation.
“I wish the Muslim faithful Happy celebration while assuring them of our readiness to serve them professionally,” he said.
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