IOM Applauds Nigeria’s Migration Reforms, Disaster Preparedness

** As VP Shettima calls for collaboration to tackle migration, ecological disruptions

By: Our Reporter

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has commended Nigeria’s significant strides in migration governance and disaster preparedness.

This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for enhanced partnership to address the humanitarian challenges facing crisis-affected regions across the country.

He said there was an urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the interconnected problems of climate change and migration across Nigeria, as they are directly linked to the economic well-being of the population.

Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the IOM led by its Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, at the Presidential Villa, the Vice President called for practical and inclusive solutions to the complex intersection of migration, poverty, conflict, and ecological disruption.

“I have worked with the IOM for a long time, from my days as Governor in Borno State, and I must commend your remarkable interventions in supporting our people. But much more pragmatic and all-inclusive solutions are needed.

“I urge you to support us in the North Central, so we can have a win-win, workable solution that fosters unity and brings progress to our people,” VP Shettima said.

He decried poverty, illiteracy, and environmental degradation fuelling displacement and insecurity across several regions, saying, “There is an incestuous relationship between ecology and economy in sub-Saharan Africa.

“You cannot divorce the challenges of migration from climate-induced effects. Even the crises in the North-East, North-West and North-Central have direct links between poverty and violence,” he added.

Quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Shettima added: “We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools. We are essentially one people with a common destiny, united by our common challenges. We have no business fighting each other. We should fight poverty, illiteracy, and gender disempowerment.”

He also urged the IOM to scale up support for gender empowerment and land reclamation efforts, particularly in areas affected by deforestation and displacement.

In her remarks, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche, praised Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in migration governance and disaster preparedness, noting that the diversity of the country presents both challenges and opportunities for tailored interventions.

“Since I came to Nigeria, what I have seen is remarkable. Every state is different. It’s like one Africa wrapped into one country. We are particularly impressed with the launch of the State Action Plan on Floods and the Framework for Anticipatory Action for Nigeria,” Dimanche said.

She reaffirmed the IOM’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s durable solutions agenda, including through data provision, shelter support, climate resilience initiatives, and youth empowerment.

“As I take over office, we seek the government’s guidance on areas to focus. One of our key priorities is working to provide sustainable solutions and opportunities for people affected by crisis.

“I will like to request for a special initiative where we can co-work with your office and mobilise resources for more durable solutions to immigration, youth empowerment and climate resilience,” she stated.

IOM Applauds Nigeria’s Migration Reforms, Disaster Preparedness

VP Shettima Joins President Tinubu For Juma’at Prayers In Abuja

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside several other government officials, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Juma’at prayers on Friday at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque, Wuse 2, Abuja.

The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, and the governors of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani; Jigawa State, Umar Namadi; Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; and Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin.

The prayers were also offered in honour of President Tinubu’s late mother, Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji.

VP Shettima Joins President Tinubu For Juma’at Prayers In Abuja

ASEAN Diplomatic Missions Commit to Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) diplomatic missions in Nigeria, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, have pledged to deepen bilateral ties with Nigeria.

The pledge was made on Thursday evening in Abuja during the “Essence of ASEAN” festival reception hosted by the High Commission of Malaysia in Nigeria in partnership with Embassies of Philippines, Indonesia , Thailand and Vietnam.

ASEAN, is a regional grouping of 10 states in Southeast Asia “that aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its ten members.

The High Commissioner of Malaysia, Mr Aiyub Omar, who is also the current chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Abuja, highlighted the festival’s importance in fostering understanding and collaboration between ASEAN member countries and Nigeria.

He said: “Malaysia has been a partner to Nigeria since 1965, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of our bilateral relations

“This festival aims to raise awareness of ASEAN’s cultural offerings and opportunities in Nigeria, where interest in travel to Malaysia has surged, with over 300 applications from Nigerians to visit the country each month.

“Additionally, more than 3,000 Nigerians are currently studying in Malaysian universities, both public and private.

“There are so many travellers now travelling to Malaysia, for instance in a month, we receive about more than 300 applications for Nigerians to travel to Malaysia.”

The envoy also noted that ASEAN diplomatic missions rotate the chairmanship every six months, which helps maintain a dynamic engagement among member states.

Also speaking, Philippines Ambassador, Mr Mersole Mellejor, called for greater awareness of ASEAN among Nigerians, stating that efforts must be made to increase exposure and understanding of ASEAN’s aspirations as a vital partner in Africa.

He said: “The common people of Nigeria need to know what ASEAN represents and our aspirations.”

He also stressed the importance of increasing ASEAN’s visibility and engagement with Nigeria, recognising the potential of collaborating within a collective market of nearly 1 billion people across ASEAN and West Africa.

On his part, the Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressed appreciation for the support and emphasised Nigeria’s strong connections with ASEAN countries, stating how collaboration in trade and tourism is crucial for mutual economic growth.

Tuggar, who was represented by Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director of Regions in the Foreign Affairs Ministry pointed out that ASEAN has a lot to offer in terms of educational exchange programs, leveraging the robust network of institutions available in the region.

He said: “ASEAN has taught us that the first thing you need to do is trade among yourself, tourism among yourself, before you go out.

“So you have to build each other’s economy, each other’s trade and we borrowed the lead from the West African Economic Summit taking place tomorrow for all West African countries.

“So we are talking about how we grow together economically. Have a lot of collaboration with most of the ASEAN countries. Malaysia has a very robust scholarship exchange programme that they do provide. Same with Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and the other 5 countries.”

The highlight of the event was a display of ASEAN cultures, featuring traditional dances, attire, music, culinary delights, and promotional materials aimed at familiarising Nigerians with the diverse nations of ASEAN

ASEAN Diplomatic Missions Commit to Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Nigeria