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ActionAid: Conceited Efforts of All Needed for Seamless Migration of Returned Migrants

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ActionAid: Conceited Efforts of All Needed for Seamless Migration of Returned Migrants

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has called for conceited efforts from all sections of the society to make reintegration of returned migrants seamless in the country.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the at the Community Forum on Sustainable Reintegration of Returned Migrants in Nigeria and Project inception meeting for the ActionAid, GIZ RECONNECT Project, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said all stakeholders should identify the barriers that still exist in seamless reintegration of returned migrants into the society and find solutions together.

He said: “This forum is a space for that kind of critical dialogue, and it is my hope that as we engage over the next few hours, we can begin to chart a way forward for more effective, inclusive, and sustainable reintegration practices.

“At ActionAid Nigeria, we recognise that sustainable reintegration is not a one-off conversation. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous engagement, collaboration, and action. That is why we are launching this forum as a biannual event. We envision this forum as a “community of practice” platform where stakeholders from different sectors, ranging from government agencies to civil society organizations, development partners, and returned migrants themselves, can come together to share insights, experiences, and best practices.”

Mamedu, who was represented by AAN Deputy Country Director, Hajia Suwaiba Dankabo, said: “So, I invite all of us—whether as organisations, institutions, or individuals—to take a moment to critically assess the state of our work. Are we truly meeting the needs of the individuals we serve? Are our interventions making a lasting difference? Are we ensuring that our work is sustainable and impactful in the long run? It is only by having these difficult conversations, not just within our own organisations but across the entire community, that we can begin to make headway.”

He highlighted two challenges faced in seamless reintegration of returned migrants into the society to include; the challenge of big numbers and that of lack of community support.

He noted that: “One of the consequences of this fragmentation is that some individuals have taken advantage of the system for personal gain, turning the status of being a returned migrant into a commodity. This undermines the credibility of our efforts and compromises the well-being of those we seek to support,” adding that: “Without effective coordination, we lose valuable opportunities to share intelligence, resources, and best practices, which could lead to more efficient and impactful interventions.

“We must ask ourselves: how can we promote true cooperation within the migration space? How can we create a shared platform that goes beyond meetings, trainings, and workshops to define and implement industry standards? How can we ensure that we are working in a way that maximizes our collective resources and expertise, rather than competing with each other? It is clear that our approach needs to evolve. We must prioritise collaboration over competition, sharing resources and intelligence to create a more effective and efficient system of support for returned migrants.”

On his part, the Honourable Federal Commissioner – National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs (NCFRMI), Hon. Tijjani Ahmed said the project, a timely and strategic initiative aimed at ensuring the sustainable reintegration and economic empowerment of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

He further said: “Today’s gathering portrays our commitment to improving the quality of life, reducing suffering, and fostering long-term stability for those most affected by displacement, irregular migration, and socio-economic challenges.”

The Commissioner who was repented by a Director in the Commision, Ambassador Kathrene Udida, said: “At the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), we recognize that sustainable reintegration is about restoring dignity, ensuring livelihoods, and creating an environment where returnees can thrive ni their communities. This requires collaboration, innovation, and a people-centered approach, and we commend ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) and GIZ for their leadership and support in this transformative initiative.

“Therefore, Iurge al stakeholders, government agencies, civil society, private sector actors, and community representatives, to work ni synergy to ensure that this project delivers lasting impact. The success of reintegration programs depends on creating economic opportunities, strengthening social cohesion, and ensuring that returnees and displaced persons are not left behind.”

ActionAid: Conceited Efforts of All Needed for Seamless Migration of Returned Migrants

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UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts

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UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts

By: Michael Mike

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has said the principles of the United Nations Charter offers guidance to Nigeria and other African countries bedeviled by terrorism and other violent conflicts.

The message was given by the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of United Nations.

Ochogwu said: “Today, October 24, 2025, marks exactly 80 years since the entry into force of the United Nations Charter. As the world commemorates this historic milestone, we are reminded of the enduring vision of the Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. This vision remains profoundly relevant to Africa and to Nigeria, where the pursuit of peace, justice, and inclusive development continues to shape our collective aspirations.

“In today’s complex and rapidly changing security environment, the principles of the Charter, namely sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law offer essential guidance. Across Africa, the persistence of violent conflicts, terrorism, and governance challenges underscores the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation, preventive diplomacy, and mediation capacities. Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her experience in regional peacekeeping and conflict resolution affirm our commitment to these ideals and to the transformative role of international law in sustaining peace and security.

“The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) stands as a bridge between national policy and global peace initiatives. We reaffirm our partnership with the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and institution-building. In this decade of action, we must deepen investments in peace infrastructure, youth empowerment, and cross-border cooperation to realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

He added that: “As we look to the future of the United Nations in Africa, the challenge before us is clear: to make peace sustainable, justice accessible, and security inclusive. The continued faith of Member States and communities in the principles of the UN Charter is an enduring source of hope for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous continent.”

UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts

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How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity

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How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity.

By Fathia Adenike

The heartbeat of Nigeria’s bustling cities and quiet villages lies ìtàn a Yoruba word meaning “story” or “history” a powerful force shaping cultural identity. Across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscapes Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa,and beyond. Storytelling isn’t just tradition; it’s a living bridge connecting past, present, and future.It’s an Oral Threads of Heritage,From moonlit Yoruba folktales whispering òrìṣà deeds to Igbo elders recounting ancestral proverbs, Nigeria’s oral traditions transmit values, wisdom, and belongings. These stories embed moral codes, communal bonds, and cosmological maps that ground Nigerians amid rapid change. Ancient myths seep into contemporary Nigerian life. Olókun’s oceanic power meets Lagos’ tech-driven streets; Ọṣun’s fertility echoes in art exploring feminine resilience. Writers like Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart and Ben Okri The Famished Road weave such mythic threads into explorations of identity, disrupting colonial ruptures.

Today, Nigerian storytelling leaps into digital realms. Podcasts like “The Nairaland Podcast and Twitter threads” retelling folklore showcase ìtàn’s adaptability. Social media becomes a virtual àbù̀ (drumbeat), amplifying voices across Nigeria’s youthful diaspora.

Ìtàn fosters cultural resilience. As Nigeria navigates urbanization, migration, and tech disruption, these stories offer anchors. They articulate collective memory, mediate conflict, and nurture belonging across ethnic lines Igbo, Yoruba.

Hausa in a nation of profound diversity.In Nigeria’s mosaic, ìtàn remains a vital pulse reminding Nigerians, globally, of roots nourishing identity’s complex, beautiful branches. ìtàn remains an irreducible heartbeat reminding Nigerians globally of identity’s deep, branching roots nourishing complex beauty. As Nigeria braids tradition with cutting edge innovation, these stories transmute into luminescent beacons, diachronistic continuity. Resonating poignantly in diaspora conversations spanning oceans.

Echoing vibrantly in Nigeria’s creative expressions celebrating Ultimately, ìtàn transcends mere retrospection; it dynamically sculpts Nigeria’s unfolding narrative vectors. These andaren’t antiquarian tales; they’re heritage-infused blueprints propelling Nigeria’s stories into uncharted tomorrows narratives carrying ancestral essence into modernity’s unspooling scroll. ìtàn brings identity filaments, affirming storytelling as Nigeria’s quintessential cultural DNA.

How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity

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ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture

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ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture

ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture

LAGOS, NIGERIA – October 11, 2025 — Nigerian sportswear brand, ShightVault is making bold strides in redefining the culture of movement and style in Africa. The brand recently led a major collaboration with the Èkó Runners Club, hosting a vibrant community event themed “RUNWITHLAGOS” at The Finery, Ikoyi.

The activation brought together over 280 guests, including more than 140 runners who took part in a 5KM morning run through the heart of Lagos. The day unfolded into a full lifestyle experience, from yoga sessions and high-intensity training classes to ice baths, networking, food, drinks, and friendly competitions, blending wellness and urban culture in one energetic celebration.

At the center of it all was ShightVault, showcasing its limited-edition collaborative run-fit, a sleek performance line that sold out quickly at the venue.

Speaking at the event, Riches Efe Arhiakpore, Executive Director of ShightVault, described the collaboration as a reflection of the brand’s growing vision:

ShightVault is more than a sportswear label, it’s a movement. This collaboration with Èkó Runners Club represents how we want to connect fashion, fitness, and community. We’re open to working with more run clubs across the country and internationally as we expand our reach in both the sports and fashion industries.

The event was powered by key sponsors including KNGSMN, Pocari Sweat, ZoneX, Red Bull, and Glacee Table Water, alongside partners who helped deliver one of Lagos’ most engaging fitness activations of the year.

As ShightVault continues to grow beyond Nigeria’s borders, the brand is positioning itself as a global voice for African sportswear innovation, bridging performance, design, and cultural expression in every stride.

ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture

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