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FG Inaugurates Magnificent Building for Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to ECOWAS in Abuja

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FG Inaugurates Magnificent Building for Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to ECOWAS in Abuja

By Michael Mike

The Federal Government has inaugurated a magnificent edifice in highbrow Asokoro, Abuja to house the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

The Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is one of the over 100 Nigerian Diplomatic Missions across the world.

The request for the establishment of the Mission was approved by President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2012, in compliance with the provisions of Article 8(1a&b) of the ECOWAS 2010 Supplementary Act which defined the Roles of the Permanent Representatives of Member States to ECOWAS and mandated all Member States to accredit a Permanent Representative to the Institution.

This Mission, which is similar in function to the United States Permanent Mission to the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and the Ethiopian Permanent Mission to the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, amongst others, is unique as it is based in Abuja and enjoys diplomatic status.

Since, its’ establishment this strategic Mission has been headed by three (3) substantive Ambassadors namely: Sunday Omoigiade, the pioneer Permanent Representative, Babatunde Anyinla Nurudeen, the immediate past Permanent Representative, and Musa Sani Nuhu, the incumbent Permanent Representative.

The edifice was commissioned at the weekend by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who acknowledged the importance of having a befitting building to provide office space for the Nigerian team at the ECOWAS Commission.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada who further explained the importance of the edifice, insisted that Nigeria being a foremost country in West Africa should lead other countries from the front and with the new building the country has shown the importance it attached to ECOWAS.

He said that the office would afford the officials of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS space and convenience to work in a conducive atmosphere.

The Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu told journalists that given the importance that Nigeria attaches to developments in the West African Sub-region, the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS is considered one of Nigeria’s most strategic diplomatic Missions, as well as an important platform for advancing its foreign policy objectives.

He said: “Therefore, the Mission is considered critical for the articulation and advancement of Nigeria’s positions and engagements with other West African Member States on multilateral issues and Community Institutions, on matters of regional importance. In order words, the Mission serves as a think tank for the administration of Nigeria’s foreign policy in the sub-region.”

He disclosed that although the Permanent Mission was originally designed to be a smart Mission, made up of only the Ambassador and the Finance Attaché, efforts have been made, in the last three years, to reposition the Mission and make it function as a full-blown multilateral Mission, similar to the Nigerian Missions in Addis Ababa, New York, and Geneva.

He noted that with the unfolded strategic plans for the Mission, measures were adopted to enable it keenly monitor all ECOWAS activities through the introduction of a cluster system and Officers at the Mission were trained to be conversant with each thematic/sectoral issue in ECOWAS. The Mission has also began regular but diplomatically appropriate interface with relevant Nigerian MDAs, particularly those with the mandate on ECOWAS matters, for the cross fertilization of ideas in the formulation of national positions on ECOWAS issues.

FG Inaugurates Magnificent Building for Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to ECOWAS in Abuja

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UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

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UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

By: Michael Mike

In a significant step toward advancing gender equality and inclusive development, UN Women Nigeria Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, was hosted by the Royal Iwere Foundation under the gracious leadership of Their Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, and Olori Atuwatse III.
 
The high-level engagement, held in Warri, focused on strengthening partnerships between UN Women and the Warri Kingdom to promote women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and community development. 

According to a statement on Tuesday, discussions with the traditional leaders explored ongoing initiatives within the Kingdom that empower women and girls, particularly in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to deepening collaboration and scaling up interventions that create sustainable opportunities for women and young people.
 
“Traditional institutions are powerful drivers of social transformation,” said Ms. Eyong. “UN Women is committed to working closely with Their Majesties and the Royal Iwere Foundation to amplify the remarkable efforts already underway in Warri Kingdom and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.”
 
Their Majesties reaffirmed their support for partnerships that promote women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, and community resilience, noting that the Kingdom’s development vision aligns with global aspirations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
This mission underscores UN Women’s commitment to local partnerships that advance gender equality and inclusive development across Nigeria. By engaging traditional and community leaders, UN Women continues to bridge global frameworks with local realities, ensuring that women’s voices, leadership, and economic participation remain central to achieving sustainable progress.

UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

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NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

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NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday launched a digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of the agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) in Abuja, where the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the anti-narcotics agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) declared that the symbolic launch signifies “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”

Marwa, who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna said in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the scourge of illicit substances, with focus on two critical fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.

He said: “For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterized by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles. This manual process was no doubt prone to human interference, delays, and a host of other issues.

“With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks. The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies.

“It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the agency as accredited centres for Drug Integrity Test. The system brings efficiency, flexibility and convenience to the process. Following this ceremony, applicants for Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home and choose any preferred location and book a date convenient and available for both applicant and the desk officer of the NDLEA without having to go and wait the whole day at the NDLEA office.

“With the E-Certification and Verification system, it also eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsifications and establishes the reliability and transparency of the process with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations and at the headquarters.

“The extension of the service to students of tertiary institutions, and others is to significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without any attempt to stigmatize any student or anyone, while our rehabilitation and counselling centres are open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.”

Speaking further on the essence of the platform, the NDLEA boss explained that “the portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels. This is a commitment to the Nigerian citizen: a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.

“All applicants need to do is logon to the portal (www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng), create an account and apply from anywhere and book appointment at any available centre for either Drug Integrity Test or Visa Clearance, while the system generates drug test certificates on the spot as the desk officer completes the testing process and reports the result, with the Visa Clearance process completed within three days or maximum a week in peculiar circumstances.”

He noted that the agency’s primary mission is to save lives, hence its advocacy for the Drug Integrity Test founded on a principle of prevention, rather than punishment, adding that it is an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances, giving them an opportunity for intervention and treatment before dependence sets in.

“This new digital portal allows institutions, organizations, and individuals—including parents and prospective couples—to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardized, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for Demand Reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force. This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign—proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.

“This initiative is a proof that the NDLEA is committed to leveraging the power of technology to combat the evolving complexities of drug trafficking and abuse. It is part of a broader strategy to digitize all our operations, ensuring our processes are modern, secure, and world-class. The war against drug abuse is one we must win for the sake of our youth, our families, and the future of our nation. With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before,” he said.

He urged all stakeholders to embrace the new change and utilize the new platform fully because its success is a shared responsibility.

NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

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Tinubu, listen to the masses, and release Nnamdi Kanu- FCT Igbo Community

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Tinubu, listen to the masses, and release Nnamdi Kanu- FCT Igbo Community

By: Michael Mike

Igbo Community in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to listen to the voices of the masses and release detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The President General, Igbo Community Association FCT, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, in a letter on Tuesday, said: “Mr. President the time has come for you to sit back and take a reflective rethink over the unending cries of the masses of Nigerians, not just the Igbo speaking people.

“The cries for the release of the freedom fighter, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has begun to reach feverish pitch – and may begin to pose a distraction to your administration if you fail to act timely.

“Nnamdi Kanu may become your Achilles heel if this unfolding “free Nnamdi Kanu” protests is not addressed properly in a democratic manner.

“The masses of Nigeria have come to the realization that holding a Nnamdi Kanu for over 4 years for no crime that he has been found guilty of, is injustice. They also remember how he was abducted from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria by agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“We call on you to use your executive powers and influence to solve this growing problem before it grows out of control.

“You are a clever and wise politician. No doubt about that. But you must also be a clever and wise President. Continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not wise or clever.

“A true democratic leader listens to his people. The people want Nnamdi Kanu to be freed. He deserves justice.

“We believe it is not illegal for a people to agitate for their rights. Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
End

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