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Council of European Union’s Africa Working Group Begins 4-day Visit to Nigeria
Council of European Union’s Africa Working Group Begins 4-day Visit to Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Members of the Council of European Union’s Africa Working Party (COAFR) have arrived in Abuja to begin a four-day working visit to the country.
During the visit taking place from 26-29 February 2024, the COAFR members will engage with Nigerian authorities, government agencies, civil society groups, regional and international organisations and private sector actors in Abuja and in Lagos.
According to a statement on Sunday by the European Union in Nigeria, the Africa Working Party (COAFR) is mandated with the supervision and management of EU external policy towards the 46 countries of the sub-Saharan Africa, the African Union and other sub-regional organisations, including ECOWAS.
The Africa Working Party (COAFR) is composed of representatives of all 27 EU Member States, chaired by a permanent member of the European External Action Service (EEAS), and assisted by representatives of the Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council. It works under the auspices of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), itself composed of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense and/or development of the 27 Member States of the European Union.
The statement said in Abuja, the visiting COAFR members will meet with key Federal Government ministries and agencies starting from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, among others.
They will also have an interactive session with the ECOWAS Commission on regional developments and integration processes.
In Lagos, the COAFR is expected to meet with the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Consuls General of EU Member States, and the leadership of the European Business Chamber (EuroCham) Nigeria.
They will also visit several EU-funded projects in the state featuring digital and innovation, critical infrastructure and connectivity and migration. Deliberations during the meetings will centre on further boosting EU-Nigeria partnership.
The Africa Working Party’s (COAFR) visits to African countries aim at promoting direct contact, mutual information exchange and feedback between the political and foreign policy organs of the European Union and their African counterparts. They play an important role on taking stock of state and non-state actors views, perspectives, aspirations and expectations regarding their partnership with the European Union, its closest neighbour and its sister continent.
The team will commence a similar visit to the neighbouring Republic of Benin at the end of its current mission in Nigeria.
According to the statement, this is the group’s first-ever working visit to Nigeria, noting that in addition to the representatives of 17 EU Member States also officials from EU institutions, are expected to be in the team.
The statement further revealed that this year’s working visit will be the eleventh visit of the COAFR to the African continent, and the third visit to West Africa – following earlier visits to Senegal and Burkina Faso (2015) and Ivory Coast and Ghana (2019).
It said more than ever before, several top EU officials have visited Nigeria in recent years and months, underlining the importance the EU accords its partnership with the country.
Last October, the EU’s Commissioner for International Partnership, Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, her counterpart for Energy, Ms. Kadri Simson, led other top officials to participate in the EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue Meeting held Abuja. The Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Ms Helena Konig, and the Managing Director, Africa at the EEAS, Ms. Rita Laranjinha, were also in the country shortly before then, following the visits in 2022 of European Commission’s Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager in February 2022, EU and Member States Maritime Security Coordinators in April 2022 and senior officials of the European Commission in charge of Energy and Home Affairs.
is mandated with the supervision and management of EU external policy towards the 46 countries of the sub-Saharan Africa, the African Union and other sub-regional organisations, including ECOWAS.
The Africa Working Party (COAFR) is composed of representatives of all 27 EU Member States, chaired by a permanent member of the European External Action Service (EEAS), and assisted by representatives of the Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council. It works under the auspices of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), itself composed of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense and/or development of the 27 Member States of the European Union.
In Abuja, the visiting COAFR members will meet with key Federal Government ministries and agencies starting from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, among others. They will also have an interactive session with the ECOWAS Commission on regional developments and integration processes.
In Lagos, the COAFR is expected to meet with the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Consuls General of EU Member States, and the leadership of the European Business Chamber (EuroCham) Nigeria.
They will also visit several EU-funded projects in the state featuring digital and innovation, critical infrastructure and connectivity and migration. Deliberations during the meetings will centre on further boosting EU-Nigeria partnership.
The Africa Working Party’s (COAFR) visits to African countries aim at promoting direct contact, mutual information exchange and feedback between the political and foreign policy organs of the European Union and their African counterparts. They play an important role on taking stock of state and non-state actors views, perspectives, aspirations and expectations regarding their partnership with the European Union, its closest neighbour and its sister continent. The team will commence a similar visit to the neighbouring Republic of Benin at the end of its current mission in Nigeria.
This is the group’s first-ever working visit to Nigeria. In addition to the representatives of 17 EU Member States also officials from EU institutions, are expected to be in the team. This year’s working visit will be the eleventh visit of the COAFR to the African continent, and the third visit to West Africa – following earlier visits to Senegal and Burkina Faso (2015) and Ivory Coast and Ghana (2019).
More than ever before, several top EU officials have visited Nigeria in recent years and months, underlining the importance the EU accords its partnership with the country. Last October, the EU’s Commissioner for International Partnership, Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, her counterpart for Energy, Ms. Kadri Simson, led other top officials to participate in the EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue Meeting held Abuja. The Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Ms Helena Konig, and the Managing Director, Africa at the EEAS, Ms. Rita Laranjinha, were also in the country shortly before then, following the visits in 2022 of European Commission’s Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager in February 2022, EU and Member States Maritime Security Coordinators in April 2022 and senior officials of the European Commission in charge of Energy and Home Affairs.
Council of European Union’s Africa Working Group Begins 4-day Visit to Nigeria
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
By: Michael Mike
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is set to transform into one of the capital’s premier destinations for romance and social experiences, unveiling an all-inclusive lineup of activities designed for both couples and singles.
This was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend by the hotel’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Ms Ijeoma Osuji, who said the iconic hospitality brand will host a three-day “Valentine Weekend Package” from February 13 to 15.
According to the statement, the experience is designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from long-term couples seeking a romantic getaway to individuals looking to connect and celebrate the season of love in a vibrant social setting.
For visitors seeking a complete escape, the hotel is offering a bespoke room package that combines luxury accommodation with carefully curated romantic add-ons, promising a serene retreat from the city’s bustle alongside world-class hospitality.
The weekend programme features a diverse mix of entertainment and lifestyle experiences. Among the highlights is the “Signature Couples Event,” a grand and intimate gathering featuring a specially curated Valentine menu, games, music, and comedy performances.
Guests can also look forward to “A Night of Humour,” a comedy showcase featuring top-tier entertainers, aand“Theatre Magic on Stage,” a specially curated romantic stage play designed to engage audiences through powerful storytelling and emotional connection.
For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel will host Dual Restaurant Experiences, with its signature outlets; Zuma Grill and Bukka Restaurant, offering exclusive Valentine-themed dining packages tailored to diverse tastes.
Breaking away from the traditional focus on couples, the hotel is also introducing a Poolside Party for Singles, providing a chic, lively atmosphere for Abuja’s social crowd to mingle under the stars, accompanied by music and refreshing cocktails.
To help guests capture lasting memories, professional couples’ photography sessions will also be available, allowing visitors to document their special moments against the hotel’s scenic backdrops.
“We wanted to create a weekend that wasn’t just a meal, but a memory,” the hotel’s management said in the statement. “Whether it’s through laughter at our comedy special or a beautiful moment captured during a photo session, our goal is to celebrate love in all its forms.”
Reservations for the Valentine Weekend Package are now open, with organisers confident that guests will experience a memorable, immersive celebration at what remains one of Abuja’s most vibrant social hubs.
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) E-Registration and Reconciliation Committee in Borno State, Ambassador Baba Ahmad Jidda has led a high-powered delegation on a working visit to Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas as part of efforts to deepen grassroots participation in the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise.
The tour, aimed at monitoring progress and galvanising party members, brought the committee into direct engagement with local government officials, lawmakers, traditional institutions, and party executives across the two councils.
Members of the committee on the visit included Hon. Tijjani Umara Kumalia, Mohammed Makinta, Hon. Busami Ardoram, Hon. Babakura Shettima, Hon. Mohd Maina Tar, Hajiya Mairo Bunu Lawan, Alh. Zanna Mahdi, Alh. Yusuf Adamu, Barrister Ba’ande Imam, and the committee’s Secretary, Dr. Babakura Mamman Gadai.
In Bama, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Shehu Umar Ibn Kyari, where Ambassador Jidda expressed appreciation for the traditional ruler’s support and the warm reception accorded the team. He described Bama as a community with which he shares deep personal and political ties.
Addressing party leaders and stakeholders at the Bama Government Lodge, Ambassador Jidda recalled the overwhelming support he received from the people of Bama during the 1999 governorship election, describing it as a testament to the area’s enduring commitment to progressive politics.
He reaffirmed that Borno remains a stronghold of the APC, noting that the party’s decisive victories in the 2023 general elections reflected unity, discipline, and effective leadership within the party. According to him, the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, has been instrumental in sustaining the party’s dominance and credibility in the state.
Ambassador Jidda emphasised that the ongoing e-registration exercise is a strategic political process that goes beyond record-keeping, explaining that it determines legitimate membership, internal participation, and eligibility for leadership and elective positions within the party.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in Bama, Hon. Aji Kolo Ali Gujja, the Matawali of Bama, urged party members to take full advantage of the exercise and ensure total participation. The Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Hon. Babagana Bagados, also assured the committee of the council’s full support to guarantee a smooth and inclusive registration process.
In Konduga Local Government Area, the committee was received by the council chairman, Dr. Abba Saje Mohd Nur, the area’s representative in the Borno State House of Assembly, and the Executive Secretary of the Borno ICT Development Agency, Hon. Engr. Kabir Wanori, alongside other party stakeholders.
The delegation inspected the APC e-registration centre in the area and expressed satisfaction with the level of coordination and turnout recorded. Local party leaders pledged continued mobilisation to ensure that all eligible members are captured before the close of the exercise.
Ambassador Jidda described the extension of the e-registration exercise as a critical opportunity for APC members in Borno State to reaffirm their loyalty, unity, and numerical strength. He called on ward, local government, and zonal leaders, as well as youth and women groups, to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the February 8 deadline.
He assured party members of a transparent, inclusive, and credible process, urging all APC supporters to participate fully and contribute to strengthening the party’s structure from the grassroots level.
APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base
200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state
By: Zagazola Makama
About 200 vigilante men from Nasarawa State have arrived in Ibbi, Niger State, to support local security agencies in maintaining law and order, the Niger State Police reported.
The vigilante were deployed at about 4:18 p.m. on Feb. 8 that the vigilantes were deployed in compliance with directives from the Executive Governor of Niger State.
The arrival of the additional security personnel aims to strengthen joint operations with local vigilantes and police to manage security challenges in Ibbi and its environs.
Monitoring of the situation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated.
200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience
APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base
Kogi police neutralize armed robber in Lokoja community
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