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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
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Zamfara says its operatives have recovered 15 cows rustled by armed bandits during an attack on Gidan Kwagiri village in Damba District of Gusau Local Government Area.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 when the bandits invaded the community and carted away cows and sheep belonging to residents.
According to the sources, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Damba Division mobilised personnel alongside patrol teams from the Department of Operations to pursue the attackers.
The team was said to have successfully recovered 15 cows, which were subsequently handed over to their owners.
Efforts, however, are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the remaining rustled animals, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks.
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested suspects linked to cattle rustling in Benue State, following two separate security incidents in Guma Local Government Area.
Security sources said that on Feb. 15, troops responded to an attack on herders at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam. The attack left one herder dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention. The remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial according to local customs.
In a related operation on the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling. The troops arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders. He also implicated two accomplices, Akpehe and Ashinge, who are still at large.
Further investigation led security operatives to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended along with the recovered meat exhibits. Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the attacks and criminality, affirming the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to halting killings and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.
He urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. Major General Gara also reassured law-abiding residents of the strong resolve of the Joint Task Force to protect lives and property across the region.
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.
Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.
The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
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Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
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