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FG to Reintroduce Undersecretaries into Its Foreign Policy Administration
FG to Reintroduce Undersecretaries into Its Foreign Policy Administration
… Tuggar Insists Constitutional Governance Solutions to Terrorism
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has concluded plan to appoint undersecretaries as part of its foreign policy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has said.
Tuggar also said that the threat to peace from terrorism and irridentism in the Sahel can only be countered with a solid foundational basis of constitutional governance, strong democratic institutions and an alliance of democratic countries in the region.
The Minister said plans are underway to reintroduce underscretaries to enable the federal government achieve the set foreign policy agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Tuggar made the disclosure while presenting a paper: “The Foreign Policy Agenda under the Tinubu Administration” at the Annual Lecture of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
He explained that Tinubu’s 4Ds foreign policy (Democracy, Diaspora, Demography and Development) could be attained in a technology-driven foreign affairs ministry with appropriate bureaucracy.
The Minister noted that: “None of these (4Ds) will be possible without reforming our workplace- the Ministry- into a technology-driven environment with the right bureaucracy to achieve our smart objectives.
“The reform is already in place and we are improving the working terms and conditions of the ministry’s staff.”
Tuggar said: “We also intend to bring back the system of undersecretaries in the New Year, with the return of several senior ambassadors.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives still exist and are entailed in the country’s constitution.
“With regards to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, they exist and remain immovable because they are enshrined in our constitution.
“They are: to promote and protect Nigeria’s national interest, to promote African integration and support African unity, promote international co-operation for the consolidation of universal peace and mutual respect among all nations and elimination of discrimination in all its manifestations.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda that catalogued President Bola Tinubu’s promises to Nigerians during the Presidential campaign further elucidated three objectives: to protect against all forms of external aggression; promote the best possible outcomes for Nigeria in all engagements with other nations; improve Nigeria’s standing and dignity among the comity of nations,” he said.
On reemergence of coup d’etat in West Africa, the Minister noted that the illusion that military regimes may somehow be better equipped to fight terrorists and separatists remains just that, stressing that soldiers are prone to turning their guns on each other instead of terrorists, in their contestation for control of the capital metropolis.
He said: “This leaves the periphery and border areas more at the mercy of non-state actors, creating more insecurity and instability to neighbouring countries and the region as a whole.”
The Minister while some citing instances, said many countercoups have been encountered in West Africa and perhaps more to come adding that Burkina Faso government currently only controls less than 40% of its territory.
He therefore maintained that it is incumbent on Nigeria as Africa’s largest democracy (and serendipitously Chair of ECOWAS) to pull its weight ally with other democracies and constitutional governments to reverse this deadly trend.
“Nigeria and ECOWAS’s role in the successful elections in Liberia and President George Weah’s noble concession is an indication of what can be achieved through Diplomacy. But the Democracy in 4-D also calls for Democracy in global organisations and institutions that remain exclusive clubs under sketchy criteria.” He added.
In his remarks, the President ARCAN, Amb. John Shinkaiye stated that the formulation and execution of the foreign policy of the country is crucial as decisions made in this aspect of the nation’s governance have far reaching implications for Nigeria, the West Africa region, the African continent, and even beyond.
He said: “It is important therefore that the new government sets appropriate
priorities and strategies and identify potential challenges that the government may face.
“It is recognised that Nigeria’s foreign policy will be shaped by, among other
things, a combination of domestic factors and imperatives, regional dynamics and global realities.
“Understanding how these factors can affect the country’s position on
many key issues, including security, economic cooperation, relations with other countries and the international community at large, is very important to the success of the Tinubu administration,” Shinkaiye advised.
Shinkaiye also said ARCAN was also disposed to exchange views with other arms of government with interest in the implementation of the nation’s foreign policy.
FG to Reintroduce Undersecretaries into Its Foreign Policy Administration
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
By: Balami Lazarus
The Southern Borno Concerned Citizens has made her position clearl on the tax reform bills.
In a press release issued recently to newsmen in Maiduguri signed by her National Chairman/ Spokenman Comrade Bulama Ali Haruna Sawa said that the organization is standing firm with Senator Ali Ndume on tax reform bills.
“In reality Senator Ndume stands has only bolstered our support for his commitment to our welfare.” It further said that government should consider tax relief for the suffering masses “this is a time when our government should be considering tax relief , as seen in neighbouring countries.”
The organization disputed the fallacies of one Adamu Bashir of the so called “Northern Redemptions Colliations” regarding the position of Senator Ali Ndume, on the tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly.
“We feel compelled to counter the fallacies in Bashir’s recent response to Senator Ndume interview on channels TV. “
Finally, the statement said that they strongly affirm that the people of Southern Borno are satisfied with Senator Ndume’s representation and stand with him.
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
*** Commissions Mosque in Ogbomoso, warns against selfishness
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to exemplify true leadership by prioritizing community service and legacy-building over personal gain.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise spiritual obligations and community service over personal interests in an era where people are becoming more individualistic and giving less premium to God.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the Ibapon Central Mosque in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, the Vice President expressed worry about the shifting societal values in contemporary Nigeria.
“Today, the world is unfortunately marked by a mindset that values self-interest over selflessness, and many see giving back or even engaging in spiritual obligations as burdens or distractions,” VP Shettima said.
According to him, the Mosque, a multi-million naira project built by Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District, is a “gift for generations” that stands in stark contrast to prevailing materialistic trends.
“Every second of our lives is a reminder of our impermanence, and the brevity of life underscores the urgency of filling our days with deeds that matter in the hereafter,” the VP added.
VP Shettima lauded the project, describing it as an example of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), noting that such initiatives represent the kind of legacy-building that society desperately needs.
“This is a legacy, a bridge between this world and the next, grounded in kindness and devotion,” he stated.
In a pointed message to political leaders and wealthy Nigerians, Shettima questioned the lasting impact of material accumulation: “We must ask ourselves—what remains when this race ends? In the end, all that endures are the records of our selfless deeds, our adherence to our faith, and our acts of charity.”
The new religious edifice is expected to serve as a major spiritual centre for Muslims in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with the Vice President expressing hope that it will “be a source of spiritual strength and inspiration for this community and beyond.”
Earlier, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, also eulogised Senator Buhari, saying the Mosque project was not just a service to the Muslim Ummah but to humanity at large.
“My prayer is that God reward you with Al-Jannatul Firdaus. You are an epitome of good character and someone who is always at the forefront of service to this country and humanity at large,” he said.
On his part, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, said the immediate family of Senator Buhari would be proud to have someone who makes them very proud all the time.
“On behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, we appreciate the Vice President for coming to our state,” he said.
He said the Mosque project is not just a physical building but a spiritual exercise in which the reward extends beyond one’s earthly life.
“It is also a means of spiritual purification and unity, fostering the unity of Nigeria because whenever we worship, we call for the unity and peace of Nigeria,” he added.
Responding, Senator Buhari said it was indeed an honour and a dream come true for him to have completed the Mosque project.
He specifically thanked the Vice President, the governors of Oyo and Kwara States, members of the National Assembly, and community members who contributed to the success of the worship centre.
There was also a welcome address by the Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland and the turbaning of two Imams for the newly commissioned Mosque.
Other officials at the event included the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the Soun of Ogbomoso Land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, state government officials and traditional rulers.
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
News
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) concluded the fifth and final session of its Executive Leadership and Strategic Management Course. This intensive program, spanning from 23 September to 8 November, trained senior and mid-level officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian military, and other security agencies. The course, organised by NARC in collaboration with the EFCC, aligns with NARC’s vision to be a leading think tank focused on research, knowledge advancement, and sustainable development solutions.
The graduation ceremony was graced by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab (Rtd), Director General of NARC, and the EFCC Secretary, Mr. Mohammad Hassan Hamman-Joda, representing the EFCC Chairman, Executive Director Consult, Major General AS Ndalolo, management staff of NARC, and consultants. Highlights included the presentation of certificates to the course participants, souvenir presentations to dignitaries and resource persons, and the decoration of key NARC figures with the EFCC Crest as Ambassadors for Anti-Corruption. The event took place at Hall F, ML Agwai Block, NARC.
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
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