World
Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection
By: Michael Mike
The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
Mirjana Spoljaric has called for the protection of civilians in Gaza and respect for the laws of war.
Spoljaric, who was in Gaza to advance efforts that alleviate the devastating humanitarian toll the ongoing conflict is taking on civilians, reiterated the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza and respect for the laws of war.
She also reiterated the ICRC’s call for the hostages to be immediately released.
According to a statement from ICRC, Spoljaric travel to the region is happening in several stages, with a visit to Israel expected over the coming weeks.
The statement issued before her visit read: “In Gaza, President Spoljaric will spend time with the ICRC team on the ground and visit the European Hospital, where ICRC medical teams have been conducting life-saving surgery alongside local healthcare workers.
“The ICRC has also been providing medical and other supplies to health care facilities as well as livelihood support to displaced people.
“The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has been providing ambulance and other core healthcare services in extremely dangerous circumstances in Gaza since the fighting escalated. Many humanitarian and health workers, including members of the PRCS, have been tragically killed in the conduct of their duties over the last weeks.”
Spoljaric was quoted in the statement to have said: “The level of human suffering is intolerable. It is unacceptable that civilians have no safe place to go in Gaza, and with a military siege in place there is also no adequate humanitarian response currently possible.
“The purpose of my visit is to advance efforts that alleviate the desperate humanitarian situation. I will convey my deep concern for the plight of civilians and underline the ICRC’s utmost commitment to doing everything we can to ease their suffering. We have urgently appealed for civilian life to be protected and respected on all sides, in line with international humanitarian law, and I reiterate that appeal today.
“An unimpeded and regular flow of aid must be allowed to enter Gaza. All those deprived of liberty must be treated humanely. The hostages must be released, and the ICRC must be allowed to safely visit them.
“The last week provided a small degree of humanitarian respite, a positive glimpse of humanity that raised hopes around the world that a path to reduced suffering could now be found. As a neutral actor, the ICRC stands ready to support further humanitarian agreements that reduce suffering and heartbreak.”
Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection
World
China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders in diplomacy, academia, and the media have dismissed the claim that China has ulterior motives in Africa, insisting that the Chinese Government has come to the continent as a friend and key development partner.
They made this point at the Media Executives Forum and Book Launch held in Abuja at the China Cultural Centre.
The event, which featured the unveiling of Balancing the Narrative: China-Africa Relations authored by seasoned diplomatic journalist Raphael Oni, brought together diplomats, media professionals, and scholars to discuss the impact and perception of China’s growing involvement in Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Oni, who recently participated in a media training programme in China, described the book as a product of his experience and research.
He said: “There is a gap in understanding China’s role in Africa. A lot of misinformation is being circulated, especially through Western media. This book is my effort to correct that.”
Oni, who is the Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Extra, a magazine dedicated to foreign affairs and diplomatic reports, pointed to China’s numerous contributions in areas such as infrastructure, education, and technology, citing projects like roads, railways, and airport construction supported by Chinese funding and expertise.
He also highlighted capacity-building programmes that send Nigerian professionals and students to China for training.
on his part, the Director, Centre for Chinese Studies in Nigeria, Mr. Charles Onunaiju, commended Oni’s work, stating that it contributes to knowledge-driven cooperation. He noted that: “There are myths surrounding China-Africa relations, but what we need is deeper understanding and accurate information.”

In his remarks, the President of the African Union of Journalists and erstwhile President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate China’s development-driven approach. “China’s progress is rooted in long-term planning and strong national vision. We can learn a lot from that,” he said.
Diplomatic representatives from the High Commissions of Sierra Leone and Malaysia, as well as the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, also delivered goodwill messages. They praised the book and emphasized the importance of cultural and media exchanges in building international partnerships.
Participants at the event called for greater collaboration between African and Chinese media to present more balanced narratives and foster mutual understanding. They urged African journalists to take the lead in shaping the continent’s global image by telling stories grounded in fact and experience.
The forum concluded with a consensus that China remains a reliable ally in Africa’s development journey and that dispelling misinformation through responsible journalism is essential for strengthening bilateral ties.
China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders
News
6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Thursday, declared that his vision of transforming the state, set six years ago, has now become a tangible reality.
He stated this in Gombe during a state-wide broadcast marking the sixth anniversary of his administration’s leadership in the state.
According to Yahaya, his government has achieved remarkable progress since 2019, with visible development in every region of the state serving as undeniable proof.
He noted that the transformation agenda spanned education, healthcare, the economy, roads, infrastructure, and security, among other key areas of governance and public welfare.
Yahaya noted that his administration met public expectations by delivering quality governance, making Gombe a national benchmark across various development sectors.
“When we began this journey six years ago, we promised to transform Gombe into a development model. Today, that promise has come to fruition,” he said.
He said that every corner of Gombe bears evidence of growth and change, reflecting the state’s steady advancement under his leadership.
In the health sector, Yahaya said his government revamped and equipped 114 primary health centres, recruited personnel, and revitalised healthcare delivery across the state.
On education, he emphasised a holistic, data-driven strategy that improved learning outcomes and earned praise from the Federal Ministry of Education and development partners.
“We have also overhauled Gombe’s road infrastructure, delivering over 900 kilometres of rural and urban roads to enhance accessibility and economic growth,” he said.
These projects, he added, have linked communities, boosted trade, and eased the movement of people and goods across the state.
“All township roads under this scheme feature solar-powered streetlights, improving visibility at night and enhancing local security,” Yahaya noted.
Addressing water scarcity, the governor stated that over 900 boreholes had been constructed during his tenure to improve access to clean water.
He thanked the people of Gombe for their steadfast support and vowed to consolidate on achievements during the remaining two years of his second term.
“In the next two years, we’ll enhance Gombe’s strengths in commerce, agriculture, and renewable energy,” Yahaya pledged.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, good governance, and youth empowerment to prepare them for a dynamic and changing world.
6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya
News
Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Rivers State have arrested a serving soldier over an alleged attempted rape, theft, and assault on a police officer in Kpor Division, under Zone 16, Yenagoa.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Cpl. Dinebari Legudu, who claimed we was attached Special Forces, in Maiduguri, was arrested on Wednesday following a complaint by a 17-year-old female, Peace Baridor, of Bera community.
According to the police, the teenage girl reported that the suspect, whom she recently befriended on Facebook, visited her residence around 3:30 p.m. on the same day and allegedly attempted to rape her. She managed to escape and locked the suspect inside the house.
“In her absence, the suspect ransacked the home and allegedly stole N150,000 belonging to the girl’s mother before breaking out and fleeing,” the statement said.
Upon receiving the report at about 6:05 p.m., officers from the Kpor Division, acting swiftly alongside the complainant, traced and apprehended the suspect. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that he is a serving soldier currently on pass from his unit in Maiduguri.
The police also reported that the suspect resisted arrest and assaulted one of the arresting officers during the operation.
He is currently in police custody and investigation is ongoing.
Authorities said due process would be followed and the military hierarchy has been notified for necessary administrative procedures.
Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer
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