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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
At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has performed the lesser hajj (Umrah) at the Holy Mosque of Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) in Saudi Arabia.
The Vice President offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace and stability during the spiritual exercise.
Speaking on Wednesday at the holy site in Makkah, VP Shettima beseeched God’s guidance and intervention for the nation’s leadership and citizenry.
“Our prayer is for peace to prevail in our land. May Allah grant our land peace and social harmony,” the Vice President said.
He also sought divine attributes for Nigeria’s leaders praying, “May Allah grant our leaders, from the President down to our local councillors wisdom , patience and the generosity of Muhammad Rasulullah in all their dealings”.
The Vice President continued his supplications: “May Allah grant us the wisdom to rule our nation well and to govern our people well.”
“Let there be peace, tranquility and prosperity in our nation. This is our prayer and Insha’ Allah, our prayers will be answered by Allah.”
Meanwhile, the Vice President’s scheduled bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah has been rescheduled for a later date. He is expected to return to Nigeria tomorrow.
The Vice President had flown to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the commissioning of a $315 million oil production and storage facility owned by Oriental Energy Limited (OERL).
At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability
News
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
By: Our Reporter
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has donated soap-making machines and office furniture to the Borno State Government as part of its efforts to empower Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through vocational training and livelihood support.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, received the items during an official handover ceremony at the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri.
The donation, which includes two sets of soap-making machines equipped with mixers, crushers, driers, extruders, and tables, as well as 30 chairs and office furniture to replace items damaged by recent floods, reflects UNHCR’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in crisis-affected areas.
Speaking during the event, the Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri, Nicholas Kaburaburyo, emphasized the organization’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with the government and the Ministry of Education. He highlighted UNHCR’s role in facilitating the repatriation, resettlement, and livelihood reintegration of returnees, particularly through vocational training programs.
Engr. Wakilbe commended UNHCR for its unwavering support, noting that the donation aligns with the state government’s resettlement and empowerment initiatives. He revealed that nine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in Borno are actively training IDPs, with the vision of transforming the state into a hub for skilled artisans.
The Commissioner also directed the Director of Science and Technology to commence training for master trainers at the Borno State Vocational Enterprise Institute (BOSVEI) in Muna, with the goal of launching the IDP training program by January 2025.
Zakaria Ahmed, Coordinator of BOSVEI Muna, and Ali Musa, Director of Administration and Supplies in the Ministry of Education, expressed their gratitude to UNHCR. They acknowledged that the donation would significantly enhance vocational training opportunities for IDPs and improve working conditions within the ministry.
This initiative underscores UNHCR’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and fostering sustainable development in Borno State. Through such efforts, the organization continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by conflict and disaster.
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, recently visited Bokkos council Area to engage with stakeholders, discuss peace building strategies and find possible ways to eliminate all threats to peace and security in the area.
The meeting which was attended by council Chairman, Amalau Samuel and his Management Team, as well as Community/Religious Leaders, Youth/Women Leaders, and Security Help Groups arrived at silent resolutions for the peace to remain intact during the yuletide period.
A statement from the police spokesman Alfred Alabo stated that during the meeting, discussions focused on salient issues such as the incessant attacks, farmer/herder clashes, and cattle/animal rustling in the council area.
The release noted that the stakeholders expressed their concerns over the rising levels of insecurity within the area even as they pleaded with the Commissioner of Police to help them ensure peace and calmness within the area.
The stake holders also pledged their support and cooperation to the Police in their efforts to enhance security and ensure the safety of residents in Bokkos area.
“They also agreed to work together through intelligence sharing, to identify and address the root causes of the security challenges facing some communities in the LGA.
“CP Adesina assured the stakeholders of his Command’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in Bokkos council area emphasizing the need for collaboration and information sharing between the Police and the community, to effectively combat crime and maintain peace in the area.
“He further assured them that efforts are being made to deploy additional manpower and logistics to major flashpoints within the area, to forestall any future threats.
“Chairman, Amalau Samuel while responding thanked the CP for his unflinching commitment towards attending to their needs and ensuring that Bokkos council area is peaceful and safe for all to live in.
“He assured the CP that the council Area under his watch will continue to support the Police, untill all criminal elements are flushed out.
“The chair warned all those who intend to cause mayhem especially during this festive period, to desist from such plans, as his administration will not fold it’s hand and watch them destroy the fragile peace currently being enjoyed.
“The Plateau State Police Command remains dedicated to its mandate of protecting lives and property in the state.” Noted the release.
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
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UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
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