Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

By: Michael Mike

Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs is in the country to explore avenues for deepening bilateral ties with Nigeria in the areas of healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange.

A statement on Sunday by the Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Kimiebi Ebienfa read that: “Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes His Excellency, Mr. Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, on his official visit to Nigeria. This visit underscores the strong and cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba, which have been nurtured over many decades of mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation.

“The sterling role played by both countries in the abolition of apartheid and in support of liberation movements as well as the actualization of independence for many African nations is the rallying point for the relations.”

According to the statement, the visiting Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar on Monday to explore avenues for deepening bilateral ties in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange. Both nations will also deliberate on enhancing collaboration within multilateral frameworks to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.

Part of the schedule lined up for the visiting Cuban Foreign Minister is the meeting with
Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima to deliver a special message from the Government of Cuba. He is also expected to engage in high-level discussions with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Nigeria and Cuba are members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 plus China. Both countries share similar positions on numerous global issues, particularly on the advancement of global peace and security, new international order and sustainable development.

The statement said the visit of the Cuban Foreign Minister is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate Nigeria-Cuba relations and to foster greater South-South cooperation, noting that Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Cuba to advance shared interests and to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in our regions and beyond.

Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS

By: George Okupe

The Nigerian Army paid its final respects to the Late Captain Keziah Godiya Ayuba, who was laid to rest with full military honours on Friday 14 March 2025, in her hometown, Sambon Gida, Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

In a heartfelt tribute, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede mni NAM, represented by the Commander 1 Division Supply and Transport, Brigadier General Philip Ebuk, described her as a dedicated officer whose service was marked by professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to duty.

Born on 9 July 1987 in Shogunle, the Late Captain Ayuba hailed from Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State. She completed her education at Police Children School, Ikeja and Toamy Private College Egbe, before earning a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic. She was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on 3 July 2017 as a member of Direct Short Service Course 23.

Throughout her career, Late Capt Ayuba served in key roles, she was Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport and Staff Officer of Grade 3 Information and Publication at 81 Division Army Public Relations. She was also known for her leadership, discipline and dedication, earning the respect of her colleagues and superiors.

A highly trained officer, she completed several courses, namely the Young Officers’ Course (Public Relations), Media Operations Officers’ Course and Legal Aspects of Combatting Terrorism Course, excelling in all. She was widely admired for her intelligence, teamwork and mentorship, particularly among female soldiers. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the General Operations Medal. Until her passing, she remained a pillar of excellence in military public relations, known for her composure, eloquence and professionalism.

Describing her as a vibrant officer with exceptional capabilities, the COAS noted that she would be deeply missed by her family, the Nigerian Army and the Nation. As a final mark of respect, the military rendered a 21-gun salute and her Next of Kin was presented with the National Flag along with her military accoutrements.

THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS

Youth O’clock engages stakeholders on peace-building in Gombe

Youth O’Clock Advancement Association, Gombe State chapter has organised a one-day dialogue to strengthen efforts at improving peaceful coexistence amongst citizens of Gombe State.

The dialogue which had Federal, State and local government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Civil Society Organisations, women groups and the media was themed: “Building Bridge, Promoting Peace, Fostering Harmony in Gombe State.”

The event, which was the Association’s first Peace dialogue, was hosted in Gombe on Saturday.

The Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd.) restated the commitment of the state government to peace and security of lives and property in the state.

Bello said that the state government had taken measures and was regularly re-strategising ways of improving security in the state.

He urged residents to support the state government’s effort at maintaining the prevailing peace in the state for citizens to enjoy development and good governance.

For his part, the National Convener and Coordinator of Youth O’Clock Nigeria, Engr Seth Francis emphasised the need for all stakeholders to engage more towards smoothening relations and ensuring peace.

Francis said that there was need for citizens and stakeholders to support efforts towards building peace in the country.

“We realise that for the society to be at peace, there must be understanding and religious tolerance, and that’s why we brought the stakeholders together for a dialogue.
“We can’t really find solutions to our problems if we don’t understand one another.
“Our aim is to ensure that there is peace at the end of the dialogue; so we are urging the stakeholders to step down the message to their people towards strengthening the peace in Gombe State.”

Also speaking, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, the Gombe State Coordinator of Youth O’Clock reiterated that the event was aimed at bringing out the young people to interact with religious leaders, traditional rulers, service chiefs and the media.

Labaran said the task of peace-building remained a collective one, hence the reason his association engaged all stakeholders towards strengthening peace in the state.
“We came to discuss on ways we can promote peaceful coexistence that will lead to further development.

“As we know, peace is everybody’s business and that’s why we needed to bring on board all the stakeholders to ensure that we contribute toward the enhancement of our peaceful coexistence in Gombe.”

He assured that more engagements would be carried out towards ensuring youths participation in peace building, governance and positive decision-making that would bring about a better country for all Nigerians.
He commended the participants for coming to dialogue and also to observe Iftar with them, noting that the outcome of the dialogue would encourage youths and other stakeholders to put all hands on deck towards sustaining Gombe State as a reference point for peace.

For her part, the Gombe State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Adaline Patari commended Youth O’Clock for hosting its maiden peace dialogue, describing it as a worthy initiative that would contribute to peace-building efforts of the government.
Patari urged youths to support government at all levels towards building a better future for them and all citizens of the state and country

.Youth O’clock engages stakeholders on peace-building in Gombe