News
Expanding Economic Partnership with Nigeria Has Always Been Top Priority of Nigeria/Korea Diplomatic Relationship, Says Envoy
Expanding Economic Partnership with Nigeria Has Always Been Top Priority of Nigeria/Korea Diplomatic Relationship, Says Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu has said expanding economic partnership with Nigeria has always been top priority of his country since the establishment of Nigerian/Korean diplomatic relationship over 44 years ago.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the envoy who have only spent 50 days in Nigeria, said: “First and foremost, I would like to do my best to further expand economic exchanges between Korea and Nigeria. Promoting economic partnership has always been the focus since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between our two countries 44 years ago.
“Nigeria is already Korea’s top 5 trade partners in Africa. I believe we can do more. Since the current Nigerian government is actively carrying out economic reform to improve business environment in Nigeria, I will introduce this change to Korean companies and encourage them to venture into Nigeria and make investment.”
He added that: “Secondly, I will explore ways to deepen security cooperation drawing on my expertise in military and security affairs. In particular, I would like to focus on promoting cooperation on maritime security because securing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is essential not only for coastal countries including Nigeria but also for countries passing through this region including Korea. In addition, I intend to expand Korea’s support for capacity building of the Nigerian military and security officers.”
He assured that he would try to facilitate people-to-people exchange between the two countries. “I believe culture has the power to connect people and improve understanding of each other. Korean Culture Centre in Abuja has played an important role in introducing Korean culture in Nigeria so far. I will do my best to provide Nigerians with more opportunities to experience various Korean cultural contents. I will also explore ways to let more Nigerian students study in Korea,” he added.
The envoy said: “I believe the first Korea-Africa Summit to be held in June in Seoul will be a momentous occasion for the relations between Korea and Africa, and also Korea and Nigeria. The inaugural Korea-Africa Summit is expected to be the largest international gathering under the current administration. This reflects President Yoon Suk-yeol’s commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial, sustainable, and strategic long-term partnership with Africa, aligning with Korea’s vision of becoming a Global Pivotal State. This marks a significant step in Korea’s comprehensive strategy to engage more deeply with the Global South, reflecting our commitment to global inclusiveness and cooperation.”
He revealed that Korea will host many side events on this occasion including Korea-Africa Business Summit and a multiple fora on ICT, health, tourism and energy.
He said: “These events will help us come up with practical and concrete measures to expand cooperation. During the Summit, there will be plenty of opportunities for Nigeria and Korea to explore ways to expand their bilateral economic and cultural exchanges both between governments and private sectors. In a nutshell, I believe the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit will set a new milestone in the relationship between Korea and Africa.”
Expanding Economic Partnership with Nigeria Has Always Been Top Priority of Nigeria/Korea Diplomatic Relationship, Says Envoy
Crime
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled simultaneous attacks by ISWAP terrorists on Jihuhi and Harang villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving one person dead.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Jan. 27 at about 1630 hours, the terrorists invaded the villages, firing indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.
The attack fatally injured Adamu Inusa, also known as Daddy, 35, a member of the Hunters Group in Hawul.
He was evacuated to General Hospital Hawul, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary and will be released to his family for Islamic burial after clearance operations in the affected communities.
A combined team of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, police tactical units, and local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters groups responded promptly, engaging the terrorists and successfully repelling the attack.
The area remains under close monitoring as security forces continue clearance and patrol operations.
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
News
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
By: Zagazola Makama
Gombe State Police Command has arrested a suspected cattle rustler and recovered 50 sheep following a distress call in Amada.
The report revealed that on Jan. 28 at about 8:22 p.m., a mob apprehended one Sani Jamilu, 25, of Sabon Kaura LGA, Katsina State, who was reportedly seen with a flock of sheep around Dolli and Shilto communities.
The second suspect, identified only as Lawali, escaped.
The injured suspect was rescued by police and taken to Amada Primary Health Clinic for medical attention.
Sources say Police have launched an investigation into the incident and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
News
How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria
How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Ambassadors of Germany and France to Nigeria have urged the country to draw lessons from decades of Franco-German cooperation, stressing that reconciliation, friendship, and shared responsibility are critical drivers of growth, stability, and regional integration.
German Ambassador Annett Günther and French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during events marking the 63rd anniversary of German-French Day, which commemorates the signing of the Élysée Treaty on January 22, 1963.

Speaking jointly, the envoys reflected on how France and Germany overcame centuries of rivalry and conflict to become close partners and allies after the Second World War.
They noted that the experience demonstrates that even the most hostile relationships can be transformed through sustained dialogue and political commitment.
“The history of reconciliation and European unification shows that no matter how dark the past may seem, a different future is possible,” the ambassadors said, adding that this message is particularly relevant for Nigeria and its partners. “We are stronger together — and stronger as friends.”
They explained that Franco-German cooperation is anchored in formal treaties that mandate continuous consultation between both countries at all levels, including heads of state, foreign ministers, and senior officials. This coordination, they said, now extends beyond Europe to global and African issues.
Fielding questions from journalists, the ambassadors pointed to Nigeria’s strategic role within West Africa, saying the country could apply similar principles to strengthen the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Fonbaustier said stronger countries within a regional bloc have a responsibility to drive integration while supporting weaker members to ensure collective progress. “A union only succeeds when all its members move forward together,” he said, noting that unity should be based on shared development rather than narrow national interests.
He described Nigeria as the leading power within ECOWAS and encouraged it to continue playing a central role in promoting regional security, economic integration, and people-to-people exchange.
Günther also echoed these views, highlighting what she described as a “Franco-German reflex” of constant consultation and coordination. She said this habit of cooperation enables both countries to respond jointly to emerging challenges and align their diplomatic efforts, including in Africa.
They both stressed that the Franco-German journey from hostility to partnership offers valuable lessons for Nigeria and the African continent, particularly in fostering regional unity, managing diversity, and building long-term peace through cooperation.
How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria
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