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Gambari Calls for Reform of UN Security Council to Meet Today’s Economic Demographic, Political Realities
Gambari Calls for Reform of UN Security Council to Meet Today’s Economic Demographic, Political Realities
By: Michael Mike
The call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council was once again on the front burner of discussions in the context of preventing genocide as witnessed against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, held at Covenant University, Ota Ogun State at the weekend, the former Under-Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs, UN Headquarters New York, Prof Ibrahim Gambari called on the UN to reform not only in terms of the use or misuse of veto power but in the expansion of its membership in both permanent and non-permanent categories.
Gambari, who was a former Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs (now Foreign Affairs) and at a time the Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari,
emphasized in his keynote speech at the commemorative public lecture organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria, Rwandan High Commission in Nigeria and Covenant University, that the membership of the UN Security Council should be reformed and democratized to reflect today’s economic demographic and political realities, and Africa should be fully represented and taken into consideration.
He said: “The genocide in Rwanda had the additional and perhaps unintended consequence of reawakening governments in Africa to an appreciation of their own Responsibility to Protect regarding civilian populations beyond their territorial borders.”
He added that: “Rwanda taught Africans not to rely purely on the goodwill of the larger international community to police and resolve conflicts on their continent. The need for Pax Africana, for Africa to develop its own resources and mechanisms to initiate effective and robust engagements to resolve the problems of the continent, was becoming increasingly apparent.”
On his part, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his statement to the gathering, urged everyone to shun hatred and discrimination and stand as one. He said: “On this solemn day of remembrance, let’s pledge to stand as one against all forms of hatred and discrimination. Let’s ensure that the acts that began on April 7 1994, are never forgotten — and never repeated anywhere.”
Guterres, whose statement was read by the UNIC National Information Officer, Oluseyi Soremekun, assured that “We will never forget the victims of this genocide. Nor will we ever forget the bravery and resilience of those who survived, whose courage and willingness to forgive remain a burst of light and hope amidst this dark chapter in human history.”
The Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo noted that: “The path to lasting peace demands constant vigilance. As we renew, we restate our unbreakable pledge to fight intolerance, discrimination, ethnic hatred, hate speech, genocide revisionism, and denial in all their forms.”
He said on this occasion of Kwibuka 30, “Let’s together ensure that the memory of the victims becomes a powerful force for good, inspiring future generations to choose peace over hate, unity over division, and hope over despair.”
According to him, this could be achieved in different ways including putting course lessons about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in schools to educate the young and the next generation on the need to fight hate ideologies and stand against any form of discrimination and divisionism.
He charged everyone to work together to build a world where such atrocities never happen again. “Let us renew our commitment to the values of tolerance, compassion, human dignity in our transformative journey, continuously building a better future for all.”
The Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof Abiodun Adebayo acknowledged that in all the conflicts leading to devastating loss of civilian life, massive displacement, capital flights, destruction of infrastructure and economic institutions, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, the United Nations has always played a pivotal role in maintaining international peace and security, protect human rights, deliver humanitarian aid, promote sustainable development, and uphold international law.
He said: “Today’s reflection is critical because those who do not remember the past or mind history are predestined to repeat history. We remember, therefore, the heinous crime of inhumane treatment meted out not only to the Tutsi but the entire humanity that took place in Rwanda in 1994.”
The Chancellor of the university, Bishop David Oyedepo charged African leaders to be sensitive to injustice to ensure peace and stability of the region. He spoke on ‘It’s time to awake and take responsibility.’
Gambari Calls for Reform of UN Security Council to Meet Today’s Economic Demographic, Political Realities
News
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
By: Michael Mike
Students in Monrovia, Liberia, have been honoured for their contributions to a regional essay competition organised to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The awards ceremony, organised by the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, celebrated outstanding undergraduate essays examining the role of young people in driving development and strengthening regional cooperation across West Africa.
Launched as part of the ECOWAS@50 anniversary activities, the competition invited university and college students to reflect on the theme, “Youth Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for National Development and Regional Integration.” Organisers said the initiative was designed to stimulate intellectual engagement among young people and encourage them to think critically about their role in shaping the future of the region.
In total, 40 essays were submitted by students from tertiary institutions across Liberia, offering diverse perspectives on how youth-led enterprise could contribute to economic growth, job creation and deeper integration among West African nations.
At the ceremony, Samuel R. Watkins of the University of Liberia emerged as the overall winner, receiving a $1,000 prize for his submission. The second-place award went to Daniel Isaac-Sie Jr. of African Methodist Episcopal University, who received $700. Organisers announced that the two winning essays will also be published in national newspapers with online platforms to broaden public engagement with the ideas presented.
The event attracted a distinguished audience that included ambassadors of ECOWAS member states accredited to Liberia, university presidents, and representatives from the Ministry of Education of Liberia, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Liberia, and the National Commission on Higher Education of Liberia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, commended the students for the depth of thought reflected in their essays and encouraged them to continue using writing as a platform for civic engagement and policy influence.
She emphasised that empowering young people to participate actively in national and regional development remains a key priority for ECOWAS, noting that youth voices are essential in shaping policies that drive economic transformation and social progress.
Nkrumah also urged participants who did not win to remain committed to intellectual pursuits, describing the competition as a learning experience that should inspire greater academic and creative efforts in the future.
The competition forms part of broader activities marking 50 years since the establishment of ECOWAS in 1975, as the regional bloc continues to promote economic cooperation, integration and shared prosperity among its member states. Organisers say initiatives that engage young people are critical to sustaining the vision of a more integrated and economically vibrant West Africa.
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria has hosted a special classical music concert in Abuja, describing the event as a significant step toward strengthening cultural dialogue and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Russia.
The event, which drew diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, academics and members of the public, featured performances by three talented young Russian musicians from the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, one of Russia’s most prestigious music institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev noted that the concert was organized with the support of the Russkiy Mir Foundation and the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
According to him, the concert represents the first cultural event of its kind organized by the Russian Embassy in Nigeria in several years and marks an important effort to revive cultural engagement between the two nations.
“This evening is not simply a concert,” the envoy said. “It is an important step toward strengthening cultural dialogue between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Russian Federation. We hope it will mark the beginning of a new tradition that brings our peoples closer through the universal language of music.”
He expressed appreciation to several Nigerian institutions for supporting the initiative, including the National Universities Commission for providing the venue, as well as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Nigeria Immigration Service for their cooperation.
Special recognition was also given to Abba Music School for its role in coordinating the event and facilitating the participation of the visiting musicians.
The envoy said Russia also hopes to deepen cultural exchange by creating opportunities for Nigerian artists and creative groups to perform in Russia in the future, allowing Russian audiences to experience Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
“We look forward to the day when Nigerian creative groups will visit Russia, enabling our audiences to appreciate the depth, diversity and richness of Nigeria’s culture,” he said.
Guests at the concert were treated to a carefully curated repertoire of classical masterpieces drawn from Russian and global musical traditions, showcasing the technical brilliance and artistry of the visiting performers.
The evening also provided an opportunity for cultural interaction among diplomats, academics, students and music lovers, reinforcing the role of arts and culture in fostering international understanding.
The Russian envoy concluded his remarks by congratulating Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and thanking guests for attending the event.
Observers noted that the concert reflects a renewed effort by Russia to use cultural diplomacy to deepen engagement with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of education, arts and cultural exchange.
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
By: Zagazola Makama
A fire outbreak has destroyed ten shops at a shopping complex in Garejin Mai Lena area of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, causing extensive property losses valued at millions of naira.
The blaze was brought under control through a joint effort by security operatives and local residents who assisted in putting out the fire.
Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
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