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Diasporans Are Important in Any Nation’s National Initiatives- Irish Ambassador
Diasporans Are Important in Any Nation’s National Initiatives- Irish Ambassador
By: Michael Mike
The Ambassador of Republic of Ireland to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Ryan has appraised the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), noting that the country’s diasporans are important partner in any nation’s national initiatives.
Speaking at the sixth edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit which kicked off in Abuja on Monday with pitching sessions for upcoming and start-up businesses, the envoy said he was not surprise about the abundant talents in Nigeria, adding that he was ready to do anything to encourage and support in this direction.
Ryan said: “It’s a really inspiration morning. Any time the diasporans come to gather to connect with one another, I think it is worthwhile and really interesting time for Nigerians in diaspora .
“I am very impressed with what I have seen and impressed with what I have heard. Not surprise at all. I learnt from Nigerians in Diaspora in Ireland that there are so many talented and motivated people ready to work with partners at home and also with partners around the world.
“Anything we can do to support and encourage that and we know from our own diaspora, the important role that they can play as a partner in national initiatives and I am delighted to be part of this, this morning. I’ve learned a lot already.
“I have learned also about pitching and about some of the sectoral and entrepreneurship taking place in Nigeria.”
On her part, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged Nigerians in Diaspora to put their money in businesses back home.
She states that there are abundant opportunities that is available in Nigeria, which can earn them money, without necessarily being present.
She pointed out that the NDIS is all about wealth creation by the Diasporans.
Dabiri-Erewa also applauded the pitching session of the summit which, she said will open doors for upcoming and existing small businesses to connect with investors abroad..
She said: “It is about how you can get money for your businesses and we have those at the Diaspora who are actually employing people here.
“You don’t have to be physically present. There are people who are earning money online through them.
“As we look forward towards that, we are saying we want to have Diaspora Direct Investment. You know, it is slow and steady but we are still doing it. You can see the passion in the country.
She noted that Diasporans are investing already, particularly in healthcare industry, ICT, food business, education. So we are happy with what we are seen here today.
Also speaking, Summit Coordinator and Chair, Planning Committee, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, said the summit which will officially kick off on Tuesday, “Is about human capital development, building humanity, empowering the micro, small and medium enterprises and the ordinary market woman.”
No fewer than 2000 people have indicated interest in participating at the annual event.
Diasporans Are Important in Any Nation’s National Initiatives- Irish Ambassador
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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