News
Botswana Ready to Learn Nigerian Entrepreneurial, Resilience Spirit, Says Envoy
Botswana Ready to Learn Nigerian Entrepreneurial, Resilience Spirit, Says Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The Botswana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miss Philda Nani Kereng has sought improved bilateral relations with Nigeria, stating that her country is ready to learn from Nigeria.
Kereng who spoke on Monday night in Abuja on the occasion of her country’s 58 Independence anniversary, said she would be working towards ensuring active projects between both countries.
The envoy said her people want to learn the entrepreneurial and resilience spirit that makes Nigerians excel wherever they find themselves.
She said:”Nigeria for us is a very, very critical partner. We have had relationship with Nigeria for a long time, but this time we want active projects, tangible projects, tangible business collaborations that will see our people trading together, that will see our government trading together, that will see us joining together to lead the rising of the African continent because of the strength that both countries have.”
The envoy said Botswana has special regards for Nigeria, saying “This is a country where we have seen a lot of progress in terms of enterprise, trade, the spirit of enterprise of Nigerians. These people, when they want to do business, they go all out.They hit all milestones and they go against every odds so that they can achieve their intentions.
” We have seen and learned from Nigerians that the mindset of business is something that Botswana wants to learn from. Our people, the government does so much to support small enterprises, micro enterprises, businesses, young people, women and so forth.
“But we want to connect more so that we can learn from you how you do this business, how you venture out in the global space, technology application in trade markets and venturing out into the globe.
” We are also looking up at Nigerian creative sector that is so vibrant. We have talented young people who are not working, but they want to be developed so that they can enter the film industry, fashion industry, food industry, culinary arts, acting, arts, music and everything because Nigeria lives in that space”.
The envoy, who is just four months in Nigeria, said her major task in Nigeria is to foster better trade and business relations between both countries.
According to her: “I’m here to make those connections. And as I celebrate, I know I’m celebrating some milestones because I have already started talking with critical stakeholders. Last week on Monday, we had a business breakfast meeting with the stakeholders in business, giving them information about Botswana investment opportunities. And together we joined one spirit to say we can work together as the two countries.
“At the end of it all, we are using tangible projects and business connections and progress for people of Nigeria and Botswana to make sure that business dealings and business facilitation is made easy for us because we want to both benefit.”
Speaking on areas of interest, the envoy said currently the trade between both countries are secondary and still very small, ” But, you know, we are looking at opportunities where we can get more products from here, especially the natural, you know, products, you know, how you do cosmetics and stuff like that, textiles and so forth.
“We also want to trade on skills and capacities. So there’s not much that we are doing together in terms of volumes of imports and exports, but we are here to cultivate what we have seen a big potential.”
On the other hand, she said Nigeria can learn from her country in the area of agriculture, especially aniimal husbandry.
“Those that are in the agricultural sector, Botswana beef production story, livestock rearing story is very powerful. We have been exporting to the European market the best beef for decades. So we want to teach you how to do animal husbandry, produce quality beef, because here, I’m sorry, I can’t eat the beef because I’ve tasted the best.
“So we want to collaborate for the beef development sector. But Nigeria can also invest in Botswana to do trainings and set academies for the creatives and also bring your products to Botswana. But most importantly also, or more importantly, travel to Botswana as tourists.”
She stressed that “We believe that cultural exchange is a powerful tool for building bridges between nations. By sharing our customs, traditions, and values, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation for one another.
“As we move forward, we’ll continue to promote people-to-people diplomacy, fostering greater understanding and cooperation. We believe that the ties between Botswana and Nigeria will grow stronger with each passing day.”
Botswana Ready to Learn Nigerian Entrepreneurial, Resilience Spirit, Says Envoy
Two arrested over alleged child trafficking in Cross River
By; Zagazola Makama
Two suspected child traffickers have been arrested by the Police in Oboho Ito community, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River, following a foiled attempt to allegedly sell a one-month-old baby.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended on March 2 after youths of the community intercepted them based on a tip-off.
According to the source, the mother of the baby, Favour Effiong, reported that on March 1, one Happiness Etim Udoh, allegedly persuaded her to bring her one-month-old child under the pretext of taking her to receive financial assistance for the upkeep of the baby.
“On suspicion, the mother informed her landlord, and community youths laid ambush for the suspect,” the source said.
Udoh was subsequently arrested alongside an alleged accomplice, Ekpo Inyang, said to have no fixed address.
Police say preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly planned to snatch and sell the baby to a woman in Abuja.
The source further disclosed that during interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to previously selling a child for N200,000 to a buyer in Abuja.
It was also alleged that arrangements had been made to hand over the one-month-old baby to a relative of one of the suspects in Abuja, who was reportedly pretending to be pregnant.
The baby was safely recovered and handed back to the mother.
Police said investigation into the matter had commenced, while efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected trafficking network.
They reiterated commitment to tackling child trafficking and protecting vulnerable children across the state.
Two arrested over alleged child trafficking in Cross River
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI repel ISWAP attack in Damasak, three residents shot
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters Group, successfully repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Damasak town, Nganzai Local Government Area.
According to sources, the assailants invaded the town around 10:30 p.m., opening sporadic gunfire that sent residents fleeing in panic.
“Three civilians, Goni Dauda, 25, of Zanna Umarti Ward; Modu Ya’asham, 32, of Gajiram Town; and Asinamai David, 25, of Bula Kara, Gubio Town, were fatally hit by stray bullets, while Kellu Bukar, 40, an IDP camp resident, sustained a chest wound and is currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Damasak.
The troops stormed the scene and engaged the terrorists in a heavy gun battle forcing them to flee with bullets wounds.
The troops later visited the scene and evacuated the victims.
The corpses of Goni Dauda and Modu Ya’asham were released to their families for burial according to Islamic rites, while Asinamai David was buried according to Christian rites.
Security forces confirmed that normalcy has returned to the town, and monitoring continues to prevent further incidents.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI repel ISWAP attack in Damasak, three residents shot
News
Zulum Appoints Tijjani Kukawa, Abubakar Mazhinyi as Special Advisers; Maina Gajiram as Commissioner Assembly Commission
Zulum Appoints Tijjani Kukawa, Abubakar Mazhinyi as Special Advisers; Maina Gajiram as Commissioner Assembly Commission
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Hon. Tijjani Lawan Kukawa and Hon. Abubakar Umar Mazhinyi as Special Advisers.
Hon. Tijjani Lawan Kukawa is a former member of the Borno State House of Assembly who represented Kukawa Constituency during the Third Republic. He also served as Special Adviser on Education to the Governor from 2020 to 2023.
In addition, he has held several public service roles, including member of the Governing Council of Ramat Polytechnic and member of the Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
A seasoned civil servant, Hon. Kukawa rose through the ranks from Agricultural Extension Officer to Acting Permanent Secretary.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maiduguri and is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administrators of Nigeria.
Also appointed as Special Adviser is Hon. Abubakar Umar Mazhinyi, the immediate past Executive Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
Hon. Mazhinyi holds a Master’s degree in Disaster Management from the University of Maiduguri and is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Studies at the same institution.
He is a grassroots politician and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration, and a recipient of several awards.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum has appointed Hon. Maina Bukar Gajiram as Permanent Commissioner of the Borno State House of Assembly Service Commission, with effect from 17 February 2026, following his confirmation by the Borno State House of Assembly during its sitting on the same day.
The appointment is in accordance with the powers conferred on the Governor by Section 198 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 5 of the Borno State House of Assembly Service Commission Law, 2005
(as amended).
Governor Zulum congratulated the appointees and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving with dedication, integrity, and commitment to the development of Borno State.
Zulum Appoints Tijjani Kukawa, Abubakar Mazhinyi as Special Advisers; Maina Gajiram as Commissioner Assembly Commission
Two arrested over alleged child trafficking in Cross River
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI repel ISWAP attack in Damasak, three residents shot
Zulum Appoints Tijjani Kukawa, Abubakar Mazhinyi as Special Advisers; Maina Gajiram as Commissioner Assembly Commission
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