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Democracy not a Steady State, Requires Dedication and Determination, US Cautions Nigerians Against Losing Hope
Democracy not a Steady State, Requires Dedication and Determination, US Cautions Nigerians Against Losing Hope
By: Michael Mike
The United States has advised Nigerians against losing hope in democracy, insisting that it is not a steady state, but a continuous process that requires focus, dedication, and determination.
Speaking at the commemorations the 247th Independence Day of the United States of America, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States’ Mission in Nigeria, David Greene noted that Nigeria’s recent elections showcased the contradictions inherent in democracy.
He said: “As large, diverse democracies, the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria share many of these principles: in the content of our constitutions, in the forms of our institutions, in citizens’ relationships to their governments, and in our daily lives. Our struggles for independence – while centuries and continents apart – shared the common vision of nations governed by their citizens, for the welfare of those citizens.
“We can acknowledge that achieving that vision has been a bumpy road, for both our nations. We have had to work hard to preserve democratic principles and values, sometimes in the face of strong headwinds, or even storms. Yet we persevere.
“Nigeria’s recent elections showcased the contradictions inherent in democracy, at once highlighting this nation’s commitment to the democratic system even as many voters were frustrated by the process. We in the United States know as well as any, that democracy is not a steady state, but a continuous process that requires focus, dedication, and determination.”
He added that: “So even as the United States works to ensure our own nation remains true to the ideals of its founding, we seek to partner with friends and allies in strengthening their democratic institutions as well. In recognition of this important, common task, President Biden hosted, on the margins of December’s African Leaders Summit, a session focused on elections – attended by former President Buhari – to highlight this critical moment when democracy needs to be renewed and defended globally.
“Beyond the history and abstract principles, I want to speak to our shared commitment to the practical work of any democracy – helping citizens live prosperous, secure, and healthy lives. As President Biden has said, “Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs.” And the United States is Nigeria’s partner in making it possible to deliver.”
The envoy stated that: “Prosperity demands a stable economy in which businesses can succeed and in which citizens can aspire to leave their children better off. So the United States partners with Nigerian entrepreneurs in agriculture, health, information technology, and renewable energy – to name just a few sectors – to help expand small and medium-sized businesses. We know that the success of a business is dependent on reliable energy infrastructure; so the United States has helped bring electricity to over three million homes and businesses – so far, with the number to grow in the future.”
He however admitted that “economic opportunity by itself is not enough; citizens need security. In this area, too, the United States and Nigeria are working together closely. Through robust military-to-military ties, police training, and judicial cooperation, by way of examples, the United States is partnering with Nigeria to bolster its security capabilities, to combat terrorism, violent crime, and corruption.”
Greene said: “In short, across every sector you can think of, the great federal republics of the United States and Nigeria have long been working together to improve the lives of both of our peoples. And we look forward to partnering with President Tinubu’s Administration to ensure that the Nigerian people’s vision for their country is realized – by strengthening Nigerian institutions and helping, in the words of the Nigerian National anthem, “build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.””
He recalled that President Biden said, on the occasion of President Tinubu’s inauguration, “As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success.” Stressing that: “I, and my whole team here and in Lagos, look forward to working with all of you towards that success.”
Gracing the event that held on Thursday night were prominent people from all sectors including those in government and diplomatic corps, among them are the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Democracy not a Steady State, Requires Dedication and Determination, US Cautions Nigerians Against Losing Hope
MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
CELEBRATING PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU
The President/Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, has been announced “MAN OF THE YEAR” by THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News Board of Editors.
The prestigious recognition reaffirmed Mr. President’s exemplary leadership, visionary thinking, and unwavering commitment to transforming the country amid mounting economic and security challenges.
The awards organisers also noted that the President has marched on with courage and determination to change Nigeria for the better, and proven to be a leader who is driven more by convictions and taken decisions which are in the best interest of the nation.
To commemorate this milestone, THISDAY is unveiling a Special Edition on Monday, January 27, 2025, to afford the President’s
aides, friends, well-wishers, and associates the opportunity to share in the joy and pride that the award brings to Mr. President through placement of Congratulatory/Goodwill messages to honour the awardee among other award recipients.
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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has commiserated with the government and people of Türkiye over the fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort that resulted in the death of 66 persons injured over 50 others.
The condolence message was contained in a statement signed by the acting spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement read: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express deep condolence to the Government and People of the Republic of Turkiye over the unfortunate fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort.
“The fire, which claimed the lives of 66 persons and injured over 50 others in Bolu Province in Northwestern Turkiye, was reported to have started in the early hours of Tuesday 21st January 2025.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathizes with the Government of the Republic of Turkiye and the families of the victims of the fire incident, and also wishes a speedy recovery of the injured.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank
By: Mamman Mohammed
The Islamic Development Bank has expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of Yobe state government to partner the bank for an agricultural project.
Mr. Javed khan, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the Bank stated this at a courtesy call on Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, at the Government House, Damaturu.
Khan said the commitment of Yobe state government to meeting its obligations is quite impressive and encouraging.
Khan who led a team from the bank on assessment tour of the state to see for itself the documents developed and the preparations on ground for the project, said the team was convinced with government’s committment to the project.
“We were initially discouraged not to come to Yobe state citing insecurity but, we insisted on coming and are impressed with the peace and security, and the government’s commitment to the project.
“We are working towards a target in the next three months for the state to obtain approval from the bank for the project.
“The working synergy between our team and your team suggests that we will achieve our target within the stipulated time frame” Khan said.
Responding, Governor Buni commended the Bank for not listening to the enemies of progress of the state.
“l am glad you did not listen to them, some of whom have never been anywhere close to Yobe state but giving stories about what they don’t know.
“You are now here and you have seen things for yourselves and can tell the story better. We are ready for this partnership using agriculture to drive the economy of our state and the people.
“All the 17 local government areas in the state are now accessible and the people can access their farms and make this proposed project successful” Buni said.
The Governor explained the importance of agriculture to the people, adding “this project would guarantee food security and economic prosperity in our post insurgency recovery programme.
“The resilience exhibited by our people in embracing agriculture being their major preoccupation to rebuild their lives after the protracted insecurity is very encouraging and need to be supported” he said.
The Governor re-ephasized the readiness of his administration to partner the bank to make agricultural development in the state a huge success story.
Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank
MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
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Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
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