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Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts
Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
The eight-nation Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi, India last week has emphasised that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for “sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist act.”
Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval chaired the dialogue, which was attended by his counterparts from. Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
India hosted the dialogue to firm up a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting increasing threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking
following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.
Afghan representatives were not invited, while Pakistan and China declined to attend the meet, with Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf last week calling India a “spoiler” and not a “peacemaker” in Afghanistan.
The Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan called for support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan.
It called for collective cooperation against the menace of radicalisation, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking.
It stated that the dialogue on Afghanistan has condemned in strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed firm commitment to combat terrorism.
At the meeting, humanitarian assistance was sought for Afghanistan in an unimpeded, direct and assured manner.
It should be ensured that fundamental rights of women, children and minority communities in Afghanistan are not violated, the declaration mentioned.
Participants at the Delhi dialogue discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, its regional and global ramifications, the declaration informed.
The Delhi declaration also stated that Wednesday’s NSA-level meet talked about the need to form an open and truly inclusive government in Afghanistan.
The eight-nation meet, hosted by India, stressed on the importance of inclusion of all sections in the administrative and political structure imperative for successful reconciliation in Afghanistan, the said declaration also mentioned.
“The recent developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for the people of that country but also for its neighbours and the region,” NSA Ajit Doval said at the eight-nation dialogue.
Chairing the meet, Doval in his opening remarks said it is time to have close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination among the regional countries on the Afghan situation.
NSA Doval also said, “We all have been keenly watching developments in Afghanistan.” He said developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for people of that country but also for its neighbours.
Ajit Doval said he is confident “our deliberations will contribute to help Afghan people and enhance our collective security”.
Doval added that this is a time for close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination amongst the nations on Afghanistan.
Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Secretary, Security Council of Tajikistan, said: “As we have a long border with Afghanistan, the current situation creates extra risk and possibilities for drug trafficking, terrorism. The situation on Tajik-Afghan borders remains complicated.”
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Mahmudzoda also said, “We, as the neighbouring country are ready to participate in all programs that can help the people of Afghanistan.”
Iran calls for inclusive government
Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary, National Security Council, Iran, said: “There’s a crisis of migration, refugees in Afghanistan and the solution can come with the formation of an inclusive government, and participation of all ethnic groups. Hoping to come up with a mechanism to resolve it.”
Shamkhani said it is unfortunate that today, Afghanistan is involved in terrorism, poverty and misery. He said that “issues of multilateral dimensions, the issues which have already destroyed Afghanistan” would be discussed.
“I am very much proud and happy of the fact that the meetings in Tehran have continued and we are able to consult each other in order to resolve the crisis,” he added.
Afghans should be extended help: Kyrgyzstan official
Marat M Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, said it is a very difficult situation in our region and all over the world. Talking about “terrorist organisations in Afghanistan”, he said, “With joint efforts, help should be extended to the Afghans.”
Multilateral meetings help talk challenges, threat, says Russian NSA
Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, at the meeting on Wednesday said: “Multilateral meetings help in discussing issues linked to the development situation in Afghanistan, counter challenges, threats emanating from the country, and establish long lasting peace.”
Joint effort can restore peace: Uzbekistan
“To restore peace in Afghanistan and in the region altogether, we have to find a collective solution. It is possible only through joint efforts,” Victor Makhmudov, Secretary of Security Council of Uzbekistan, said at the dialogue hosted by India.
Turkmenistan speaks on establishment of peace
“This meeting gives us the opportunity to find out a solution to resolve current issues in Afghanistan, and establish peace in the region,” Charymyrat Amanov, Secretary, Security Council of Turkmenistan said at the NSA-level meet on Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan says it’s time to take concrete actions
Stability issue of Afghanistan demands efforts of the whole international community, Karim Massimov, Chairman, Kazakhstan National Security Committee, said, adding that it is highly important to begin taking concrete actions.
Speaking at a regional security dialogue on Afghanistan hosted by India, Massimov said there is a need to increase humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
“We are concerned about the prevailing situation in Afghanistan. The social and economic situation of Afghans is deteriorating and the country is facing a humanitarian crisis; necessary to increase humanitarian assistance,” he said.
“With the Taliban movement coming into power the situation inside the country remains complicated. There are many obstacles to forming an effective government. The terrorist organisations are intensifying activities,” he noted.
PM Modi meets NSAs
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the officials who attended the NSA-level meet in Delhi.
The participants of the meeting thanked India for holding the Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in New Delhi and agreed to hold the next round in 2022.
Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts
GSS OMU-ARAN, GATEWAY SET, CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH LEGACY PROJECTS
By: Michael Mike
All is now set as the 1971-1975 set of Government Secondary School, Omu Aran, Kwara State, otherwise known as the Gateway Set, will on Friday July 4, celebrate its 50th year anniversary, with series of legacy projects.
In a statement in Ilorin by Prof. Tajudeen Akanji, Chairman, Central Planning Committee, said many activities have been lined up for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee, on Friday.
According to him, activities lined up for the day include the launch and dedication of some legacy projects by the Old Boys, visit to His Royal Highness, the Olomu of Omu Aran and a communal walk.
He added that the Kwara State Government has indicated its willingness to partner with the set to construct and uplift some identified infrastructural facilities in the school.
Other events lined up for the Day is a lecture on : NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE IMPERATIVE OF PEACE AND SECURITY to be delivered by Comrade Isa Aremu, Director General, Michael Imodu Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin and staging of a play: Flight Ticket by the school drama group.
Dignitaries expected at the event to be chaired by Major General Yemi Abidoye rtd, include representatives of Kwara State Government, Royal fathers and other important dignitaries, many of whom have made impacts in their fields of endeavours.
Some of the dignitaries who were also almunus of the College were Bishop Caleb Atolagbe, Mr Olusegun Abifarin, the first alumnus to become the principal of the school and indeed the longest serving principal of the school. Others include; Alhaji Mufutaudeen Balogun, a former MD of Harmony Security, Dr Dele Ige, Dr Segun Dogunro and Dr Depo Agboola, Engineers Kayode Adeoti, Dauda Awojobi and Jacob Oyedepo Navy Captain Yekini Mustafa, Chief Stephen Ayelabola, Mr Tunji Oyinloye, Adegoke Olanrewaju, James Aina, Professor Tajudeen Akanji, Professor Funsho Afolayan, Professor Olabode Bamgbola, among several others.
GSS OMU-ARAN, GATEWAY SET, CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH LEGACY PROJECTS
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
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