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Collective Efforts of All is Needed to Stop Nigeria’s Economic Hiccups- Institute

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Collective Efforts of All is Needed to Stop Nigeria’s Economic Hiccups- Institute

By: Michael Mike

The African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR) has said collective efforts of all is needed to achieve meaningful economic growth in Nigeria, insisting that without this Nigeria’s economy would continue to witness hiccups.

The Vice-Chairman/CEO of ASDIR, Dr Tunji Asaolu, gave the advice at the 2023 annual public lecture series, induction and conferment of honorary doctorate degree ceremony organised in Abuja by the school.

Asaolu, who is also the Deputy Secretary-General, African Affairs, International Society of Diplomats (ISD), said the call has become imperative in order to ensure sustainable progress in the country.

The event, which marked the third edition, had as its theme: “The Political Economy of Nation Building: The World’s Unfinished Business”.

Asaolu said: “To support government efforts to achieve its purpose of representing the people, is the reason we looked at perceived gaps in terms of economic crisis to chart a way forward.

“Critically, we looked at some ways we can be of help in terms of recommending solutions to perceived economic challenges. Then we came up with a topic centered on the political economy of nation building.

“We considered this topic as unfinished business because we will continue to be experiencing economic challenges if all hands are not on deck to tackle issues bordering inequality, socioeconomic crisis, poverty and insecurity.”

He explained that the honourary degrees and fellowship awards were carefully conferred on specific persons based on proven track record of excellence in the society.

He mentioned that the awards, which cut across various fields of endeavour, were conferred through collaboration with Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom, that has the right of conferment.

In his remarks, Prof. Jonathan Aremu, Chairman, Governing Board of ASDIR, said the programme is apt, because it will help to boost the capacity of citizens in the area of diplomacy.

He said: “This programme has become necessary for diplomats like those inducted today, to enable them develop the know-how about best practices and to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on diplomacy.

“What the school is doing is to position the graduands to contribute meaningfully to government efforts centered on diplomatic activities and ensure Nigeria performs excellently, among the committee of developed nations.

“It is mandatory for countries to abide by ratified international relations, therefore, this ASDIR initiative is to enable Nigerians imbibe international best practices and concepts of diplomacy.”

The keynote speaker Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, former Vice-Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu, described knowledge sharing about diplomacy as apt, saying it will enable people tackle challenges collectively.

According to him, the society that has a sound diplomacy inculcated into its leadership will not experience many conflicts.

“Wherever there is a breakdown of law and order, whenever there is conflict, the first thing people consider is the breakdown of diplomacy.

“So what ASDIR is doing for Nigeria actually is a very key role in bringing peace to this country.

“All over the world, diplomacy is rated as the number one tool to advocate peace wherever there is conflict,” Mkpa said.

High point of the event, was the conferment of 10 honorary fellowship, award of 10 honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished personalities and induction of 40 persons into the ASDIR.

The event was chaired by Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, Majority Leader of the 10th Senate, represented by Dr Sadiyat Adepoju.

It attracted dignitaries including Rev. Sam Oye, Founder/Lead Pastor of the Transformation Church and Dr Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, Wife of the Ooni of Ife, as awardees among others.

Collective Efforts of All is Needed to Stop Nigeria’s Economic Hiccups- Institute

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.

In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.

He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”

The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.

He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.

Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.

“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.

He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.

“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.

Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.

He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.

According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.

The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.

He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.

He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.

The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.

Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.

The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.

According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.

They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.

The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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