National News
EU Insists World is Interested in Democratic, Peaceful, Strong and Prosperous Nigeria
EU Insists World is Interested in Democratic, Peaceful, Strong and Prosperous Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The European Union has offered to collaborate with the ECOWAS Commission to address the multiple challenges in West Africa and advance peace and security and economic integration agenda of the sub-region, insisting that democratic, peaceful, strong and prosperous Nigeria is in the interest of Europe and the world.
Speaking at the celebration of the European Day in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and West Africa, Samuela Isopi said: “As neighbours, building on the success of the recent EU-ECOWAS High-Level Dialogue, hosted in Brussels in February this year, we will continue to work together to address the multiple challenges of the region and advance ECOWAS peace and security and economic integration agenda.
Isopi while admitting that European Union is far from being perfect, insisted that “It is still work in progress. In the best sense of the term. The European journey has never been easy and it will never be. We will continue to have supporters and detractors, inside and outside the Union. But still, the European Union remains the most successful peace and prosperity project of modern history and the best and most transformative political, geopolitical, economic, social and cultural construct ever designed and concretely realized.”
She said: “Today it is also the day, for us Europeans, to celebrate our Ukrainian friends who are defending their freedom and these same values with their own lives. (I would like to acknowledge the presence here tonight of the Ambassador-designate of Ukraine, Ambassador Ivan Kholostenko. You are most welcome)
“To mark this year’s celebrations, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, travelled to Kiev today, to commemorate Europe Day with President Zelensky and with the brave Ukrainian People.”
Isopi noted that: “Europe Day is also a key moment in the year to celebrate our partnership with Nigeria and with ECOWAS.”
She said: “As neighbours and global leaders, the European Union and Nigeria are natural partners. We both believe and strongly support multilateralism and rules-based order; we are both enriched by “unity in diversity” and bound by shared values and by a common imperative interest to work even more closely together, in the region, in Africa and on the global scene.
@From the fight against violent extremism and insecurity in the North-East of the country, in West Africa and in the Gulf of Guinea, areas where the EU is present through a multi-dimensional engagement; to further boosting our trade, investment, digital and energy cooperation; from supporting the continuous deepening of Nigeria’s growing democracy; to the development of a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership; from addressing climate change to crisis and disaster management and humanitarian assistance, the European Union and its Member States look forward to working with the new Nigerian Administration, under the leadership of President-elect, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on building a win-win partnership to the benefit of the peoples of Nigeria and Europe.
“A democratic, peaceful, strong and prosperous Nigeria is in the interest of Europe and the world.”
Isopi said the EU is already Nigeria’s biggest trading partner accounting for more than 20% of Nigerian trade with the world and a significant trade balance in favour of Nigeria.
She added that the European Union is also Nigeria’s first partner in foreign direct investments, noting that: “With an estimated FDI stock of over 30 billion euros, EU companies contribute to the economic diversification and growth, to job creation and wealth generation. We are keen to do more together!”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama said Nigerian government appreciates the role of EU in Nigeria, stating the region has played prominent roles in the life of the country.
The Minister thanked envoys from EU for their support during his eight years in the saddle at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He admitted that EU is the largest partner to Nigeria and that the country would continue to cherish the relationship and even continue to improve on it.
EU Insists World is Interested in Democratic, Peaceful, Strong and Prosperous Nigeria
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to strengthen unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He said the occasion, which signifies the end of a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion, provides an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values of peace, compassion and national unity.
Ochogwu urged Muslims to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan—such as self-discipline, patience, charity and piety—beyond the festive period, stressing that such values are essential for building harmonious communities and strengthening the nation.
According to him, Nigerians must also rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as vital ingredients for national development.
“At a time when the country is confronted with complex challenges, unity of purpose and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming divisions and building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he said.
The institute also expressed concern over recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed several lives.
Ochogwu extended condolences to families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria, noting that IPCR would continue to work with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict.
The IPCR boss further urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and actively support peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he added.
Ochogwu also prayed that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would usher in renewed hope, healing and unity for Nigeria while advancing peace, stability and national progress.
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
National News
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.
He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.
Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Federal Government, the minister urged Muslims to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which define the Ramadan period. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reflect on these virtues beyond the fasting season as part of efforts to build a more harmonious society.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, noting that collective responsibility remains key to the country’s stability.
He further encouraged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.
The declaration underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, as millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
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