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Commonwealth Day 2024 Theme is One Resilient Common Future, says Scotland
Commonwealth Day 2024 Theme is One Resilient Common Future, says Scotland
By: Michael Mike
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has announced the theme for Commonwealth Day 2024 as ‘One Resilient Common Future’.
Commonwealth Day will be observed on Monday 11, March and will start with a series of events and activities, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated by people across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
“Each year, we observe Commonwealth Day to recognise, celebrate and invigorate our 56 member states, all of whom are committed to the Commonwealth Charter. This year’s theme underscores the collective strength that enables us to confront and overcome present challenges, emerging with resilience. This paves the way for a future where wealth isn’t just widespread but genuinely equitable.
“We have countries which are amongst both the smallest and largest in the world. What binds us together is our shared values, and those include a commitment to ensuring stronger and stable governance, a more sustainable environment, robust economies, and societies that empower Commonwealth citizens.”
Secretary-General Scotland also took the opportunity, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to wish His Majesty King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth, a complete and fast recovery.
This year’s Commonwealth Day theme reflects the focus of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be held in Samoa, in October 2024.
When announcing the CHOGM theme in 2023, Samoa’s Prime Minister, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa said: “We look forward to sharing our unique Samoan communal culture and traditions as we come together to transform our one resilient family into a common wealth.”
During Commonwealth Week in March, world leaders, foreign ministers, young advocates and other delegates from across the Commonwealth will come together for wide-ranging conversations.
Together, they will deliberate and decide on collective actions to solve shared challenges while suggesting initiatives that empower people, encourage growth and bring transformative change.
One of these initiatives is the declaration of the Commonwealth Year of Youth, which has put a focus on increasing projects to support the 1.5 billion young people of the Commonwealth.
Countries will observe the day through readings of the Commonwealth Proclamation, hosting celebratory events, or dedicating the week to enlightening citizens about the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s website will serve as a central hub, providing free and accessible resources to support these diverse activities.
In London, where the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters are located, a reception will be held welcoming invited representatives from across the Commonwealth.
Additionally, a vibrant multicultural, multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey on 11 March will celebrate the rich tapestry of the Commonwealth’s people, history, and culture. The event promises reflections, performances, and readings by individuals spanning the diverse nations of the Commonwealth. Each year, one of the highlights of Commonwealth Day is the procession of Commonwealth flags at Westminster Abbey, with young flag bearers representing each of the 56 member states.
This year, Commonwealth Day events will also include a contingent of Speakers and Presiding Officers from the Commonwealth countries, UK Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies and the UK nations, specially invited by the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK.
Each year, Commonwealth Day is commemorated to inspire and foster a dynamic and united community of 56 member states. This year the Commonwealth will celebrate even more milestones. On 26 April 2024, the 75th Anniversary of the modern Commonwealth will be celebrated.
Commonwealth Day 2024 Theme is One Resilient Common Future, says Scotland
Zulum: Borno, FG Review Strategy to Tackle Resurgence of Attacks
… Urges Citizens to Observe Voluntary Fast on Monday
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced that the state government is working on a comprehensive strategy in collaboration with the federal government to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip security agents with necessary tools to confront the recent security threats.
Governor Zulum made the announcement on Saturday during a statewide broadcast.
He pledged to strengthen the volunteer forces, improve intelligence gathering at the community level and early warning systems as part of commitment to address the menace.
“In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies. I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever. Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us,” Zulum stated.
The governor restated that the President has given an assurance to tackle the surge in the security challenges head-on.
“Indeed the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the Service Chiefs have given us assurances that they will do everything possible within their reach to bring to an end the current insecurity that we are facing in the state,”.
“we shall also strengthen our volunteer forces, comprising the CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes, and bolster our community intelligence gathering and early warning systems as part of our commitment to supporting the security agencies. Let me warn against colluding with these armed groups, either individually or as a community, as they are our collective enemy,” he assured.
The governor expressed commitment to address the water scarcity being experienced in parts of Maiduguri metropolis which was caused by the 10th September catastrophic flood disaster.
“Fellow citizens, I am aware of the ongoing water scarcity affecting parts of Maiduguri, Jere, and surrounding areas. This situation is a direct consequence of the destruction of major pipelines during the catastrophic floods of last year. Let me reassure you that my administration has been working tirelessly to restore the affected infrastructure. I appeal for your patience and understanding as we finalise efforts to fully re-establish the water supply system,” he assured.
“We are fully aware that the road to lasting peace is not an easy one. But with unity, perseverance and faith, we shall all overcome it insha Allah. I call upon all stakeholders, our traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, and indeed every citizen to join hands with us. Together, we can secure our communities, restore normalcy, and ensure that Borno thrives once again.
On the disturbing rise in criminal activities within the metropolis, the governor announced the reconstitution of the Anti-Social Vices Committee, tasked with tackling all forms of violent crime. “We will not allow criminal elements to destabilise the progress we are making, insha Allah”.
Zulum Urges Citizens to Fast on Monday
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on citizens of the state to observe a voluntary fast on Monday for peace to reign in the state and country at large.
Zulum in a statewide broadcast noted that the spiritual act of seeking devine intervention would strengthen the unity and renew the resilience of the people.
“In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity. This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, the Northeast and indeed the entire country. Let us come together to seek divine guidance, healing, and peace for our state,” Zulum remarked.
“Fasting is more than a personal spiritual act; it is a communal expression of our shared hope. Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose”.
“I encourage each of you to participate fully in this day of fasting. Let us pray for the safety of our families, the progress of our communities, and the lasting peace in our state and the country at large,” he concluded.
The governor commiserated with members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the course of discharging their duties and prayed for their families to bear the irreparable loss.
Zulum: Borno, FG Review Strategy to Tackle Resurgence of Attacks
Boko Haram terrorists kill 3 Civilian JTF members in adamawa village
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked Kulda community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and setting several homes ablaze.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the assault occurred at about 6:25 p.m. on Friday, May 16.
The terrorists stormed the village located on the fringe of the Sambisa Forest and bordering Borno State catching the local security volunteers during a routine patrol.
Security forces visited the scene. Upon arrival, they recovered the bodies of three slain CJTF operatives.
Boko Haram terrorists kill 3 Civilian JTF members in adamawa village
Borno police recover AK-47 rifle during operation to retrieve rustled sheep in Konduga
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recovered an AK-47 rifle following a joint operation to retrieve rustled domestic animals in Konduga.
Zagazola Makama, gathered that the teams comprising Army, police tactical units, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters recovered the rifle from the bush during efforts to recover stolen sheep.
This development follows earlier reports on acts of terrorism, theft of domestic animals, culpable homicide, and causing grievous hurt in the area.
Borno police recover AK-47 rifle during operation to retrieve rustled sheep in Konduga
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Zulum: Borno, FG Review Strategy to Tackle Resurgence of Attacks
Boko Haram terrorists kill 3 Civilian JTF members in adamawa village
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