National News
France Expresses Willingness to Foster Relations Based on Mutual Respect with Nigeria Insists No Establishment of Military Base, Exploration of Solid Minerals on the Card
France Expresses Willingness to Foster Relations Based on Mutual Respect with Nigeria Insists No Establishment of Military Base, Exploration of Solid Minerals on the Card
By: Michael Mike
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier has reaffirmed France’s commitment to fostering respectful partnership relations with Nigeria, insisting that there has at no time been a plan by the French government to establish a military base in Nigeria.
Speaking at a music show to roundup the French Ambassador activities to celebrate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, the envoy said France does not impose its interests on any nation, including Nigeria, while acknowledging the deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The event, themed around the fight against gender-based violence, marked the culmination of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, and featured a performance by Nigerian artist Morell, who created a special Hausa song for the occasion, and a documentary screening by Anti-Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative ASVIOL.
In his speech, Fonbaustier highlighted the French Embassy’s collaboration with Nigerian civil society organisations to address gender-based violence.
He explained that over 13 major projects were launched across 11 states, raising awareness among more than 600 people through debates, workshops, and innovative tools like educational games.
The Ambassador lauded the courage and resilience of survivors, urging society to move beyond viewing them as victims and instead honor their voices as a source of inspiration and a call for change.
The evening showcased the power of art as a driver of social transformation.
Ambassador Fonbaustier praised the creative advocacy tools employed during the campaign, such as Morell’s music and ASVIOL’s documentary, which blended sound, storytelling, and visuals to convey powerful messages.
“These artistic expressions transcend cultural and social boundaries, uniting diverse communities in a shared commitment to ending violence.”
The Ambassador concluded by urging sustained action beyond the 16 Days of Activism, emphasizing that the event was a continuation of the conversation on gender-based violence, not its conclusion.
He expressed deep gratitude to the partners who made the evening possible, including Morell, Hassana Maina, and various grassroots organizations.
Their contributions, he said, underscore the importance of collective action in building a future free from violence.
In an interview with journalists at the sidelines of the event, the envoy said:
“I think France can be, frankly, a genuine reference partner for many issues. And I would quote four of them. Training, agriculture, culture and arts activities and industry.”
He added that Tech is very important, and energy is already very present, “but we can really enlarge, I would say, the scope of economic business-to-business cooperation. That’s my conviction as ambassador. We are good and right in doing APD, you see, public aid development.
“It’s very important. But I think that the game changer stems from economy. If French companies invest massively in Nigeria and reciprocally Nigerian billionaires and big companies like your four banks, which are now settled in Paris, come to France, these cross-exchanges will fertilize something very positive.
“I recall the figure. It’s huge. 100 companies operating here, 16,000 jobs directly, 100,000 indirectly. France is already a player, a significant player in your country.
“But we want to do more. Respectfully, I insist on this. We will never impose French solutions or ways to do things on our Nigerian friends.”
Reacting to the misconception that France is interested in establishing a military base in Nigeria, the Ambassador said: “We must listen carefully to what you need and what you look for. This relationship comes with a lot of misconceptions from different sections of Nigeria.
“We heard several stories. French is coming here to establish bases. French is coming.”
He acknowledged that the Nigerian military has done so much to put a lie to that, stating that: “If you look carefully, some messages have been sent by your Ministry of Defence, which have clearly excluded any foreign military presence on a permanent basis in Nigeria. So that’s not me who says it. Your authorities have said it.
“But there is absolutely not the hint of the beginning of any planning of that type. I must say it clearly because there’s been, as you say rightly, some fake news or misunderstandings, maybe. We have not at all any intention of that type.”
He however said: “By the way, we can enhance military cooperation in some fields and security cooperation, but not with a permanent presence. This is absolutely not in the air du temps, as we say. So it’s not in the mood of the times.
“France, as you know, is withdrawing from many countries, sometimes voluntarily, sometimes not. But in Nigeria, it’s absolutely never been an issue. I insist and say it with all clarity.
“There’s been something wrong also about maybe this memorandum of understanding on solid minerals. I read some comments saying, well, France will now exploit the resources of Nigeria. It has not been read carefully.
“This is a framework agreement, and President Tinubu was only eager to ask France, as well as other partners, for instance Germany, to provide technical assistance and expertise to help the Nigerian companies and Nigerian authorities to make better usage of the huge resources which are in your soil. But I insist, there is nothing more than that. But as again, you see, I don’t know who exactly has an interest in trying to spoil the relationship.”
France Expresses Willingness to Foster Relations Based on Mutual Respect with Nigeria Insists No Establishment of Military Base, Exploration of Solid Minerals on the Card
FG Urged to Take Over Gen Alkali’s Murder Case from Plateau Government
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Major-General U.I. Mohammed (retd), who led the operation to recover the remains of Major-General Idris Alkali, has called on the Federal Government to take over the case of the late general’s murder from the Plateau State Government.
Over six years after the discovery of Gen Alkali’s body in an abandoned well in Guchwet village, Jos South LGA, no one has been prosecuted.
Gen Mohammed, speaking in an interview, stated the need for justice and shared details of the investigation that led to the recovery of Gen Alkali’s body.
He noted that the Nigerian Army tasked him with leading the search and rescue mission in September 2018 after Gen Alkali went missing en route from Abuja to Bauchi.
“We had credible information that a vehicle was pushed into one of the ponds in the area. Following Gen Buratai’s directive, the 3 Division was ordered to conduct a search and rescue operation,” he said.
During the operation, the team relied on technology, including phone tracking provided by MTN, and human intelligence to locate Gen Alkali’s car and uncover details of his murder.
Gen Mohammed described how divers and specialized equipment were used to drain the pond where Gen Alkali’s car was found. The operation also uncovered other vehicles and led to arrests.
The investigation revealed that Gen Alkali was ambushed, forced out of his car, and killed despite offering money to spare his life.
He was later buried in “No Man’s Land,” and his remains were exhumed and moved to Abuja for burial.
Despite these efforts, Gen Mohammed expressed frustration with the lack of progress in prosecuting the case.
“Since the case started in 2018, they have kept on shifting it. I was allowed to testify only once,” he said.
He also noted recurring challenges, such as community resistance during the operation, including protests by women who attempted to obstruct the evacuation of the pond.
He urged the Plateau State Government to legislate against practices like placing large stones on roads to ambush travelers, which he described as a common tactic in the area.
FG Urged to Take Over Gen Alkali’s Murder Case from Plateau Government
Military
FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY
FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY
By: Our Reporter
The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (Retired), has called on personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA) to remain steadfast in upholding their constitutional responsibilities and democratic values while synergizing with other security agencies to address the nation’s security challenges. He made this appeal on Saturday, 18 January 2025, during the Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA) 2024 held at the Army Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
General Irabor who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), commended the sacrifices and dedication of personnel, encouraging them to remain vigilant and focused on their duties. He highlighted the richness and cultural diversity of Nigerian soldiers which he described as source of strength for effectiveness.
General Irabor averred that NA has a long history of heritage and achievements with documented victories in both World Wars, peacekeeping operations, and internal security operations across the country. General Irabor noted that the Army has made significant contributions to national growth and development, beyond their traditional defence and security duties through the dedication and sacrifices of military personnel, some of whom have paid the supreme price through service to the nation.
He urged the Army to continue synergizing with other security agencies, respect rules of law, and subordinate to civil authority. The former CDS commemorate with the officers and soldiers of the Army and urged them to remain focus as the nation looks upto the NA to keep upholding democratic values.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede emphasized the significance of WASA as a platform to celebrate national heritage and promote unity, camaraderie and esprit de corps among personnel and their families. The COAS stated further that the event also avails the command the opportunity to thank God and appreciate personnel for their individual and collective contributions peace and security of the citizens.
The COAS posited that WASA showcases the Nigerian Army’s diverse ethnic heritage, rich cultural traditions, extensive geographical representation, and huge expectations of Nigerians in NA’s commitment to addressing security challenges.
The Army Chief appreciated the continued support and cooperation of other security and sister agencies in the execution of various operations, assuring that the NA will continue to foster stronger partnerships to enhance collective capacity to address the nation’s security challenges.
The Army Chief further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.
Earlier in his welcome address, Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Koko Isoni recalled the tradition of WASA dated back to the era of the second World War, during which Officers, soldiers and their families come together to socialize in a relaxed mood to mark the end of the year’s activities.
He affirmed that the event also serves as a vehicle to enhance espirit de corps and the spirit of brotherliness within the NA.
The WASA is an annual event that brings together military personnel and their families to promote unity, camaraderie, and esprit de corps.
This year’s event was marked by various activities including Tug of War, Female Soldiers Bike Display, Band display, presentation of awards, Mega Suya/Nigerian Tradition Cuisine Competition, cultural performances showcasing Nigeria cultural diversity and lightening of burn fire by the SGoH.
FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY
National News
Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership…Waives Visa for Diplomats
Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership
…Waives Visa for Diplomats
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Egypt have agreed to elevate their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” and placing emphasis on mutual respect for each nation’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
This was the agreement reached between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, during the visit of the former to Cairo, Egypt, to participate in the third round of political consultations with the Egyptian government.
In the Nigeria’s delegation are also the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
Both countries have also committed to intensify coordination on regional and international issues, aiming to strengthen the African Union’s role in addressing continental challenges and promoting integration. They also pledged to work together to advance democracy, good governance, and the objectives of Agenda 2063.
Egypt and Nigeria, while recognizing the shared threat of terrorism and extremism, agreed to enhance security cooperation by sharing experiences in implementing comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies.
They also expressed a commitment to supporting conflict resolution in Africa through peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives.
The ministers acknowledged the potential for increased bilateral economic engagement and agreed to encourage both governmental and private sector participation in areas such as agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure.
They also discussed plans to establish a Nigeria-Egypt Chamber of Commerce by the end of 2025, with a formal launch anticipated during the fourth round of ministerial-level consultations in Abuja in 2026.
The two foreign affairs ministers also
commended recent agreements on visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and the adjustment of visa fees for citizens of both countries, reflecting a mutual commitment to facilitating easier movement and stronger people-to-people connections.
The next session of the Joint Committee at the ministerial level is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, underscoring the ongoing commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership
…Waives Visa for Diplomats
FG Urged to Take Over Gen Alkali’s Murder Case from Plateau Government
FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY
NDLEA arrests India-bound nursing student over attempt to ingest 76 wraps of cocaine
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