National News
Insecurity: US Expresses Readiness to Lend Support to Nigeria
Insecurity: US Expresses Readiness to Lend Support to Nigeria
The United States (US) has told Nigeria of her readiness to lend support towards the country’s bid to contain insecurity.
The assurance was given during a meeting between the visiting US Deputy Security Adviser, Jonathan Finer and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affiars, Geoffrey Onyeama, where security issues were discussed.
The US Deputy National Security Adviser said his country was willing to support Nigeria in every area.
Speaking to journalists after a closed door meeting, Finer said: “Going forward, the security issues are very pretty whether it’s terrorism or piracy, the US can support.
“You mentioned democracy. The President is very much looking forward to conveying the summit for democracy in December. The pillar of this summit is going to be issues relating to election, corruption.”
He added that: “Nigeria is not just a partner of the US but also a friend which is much appreciated. The time that we spent and the conversations we had are very constructive and the partnership over all.
“I will not repeat all of the Minister’s briefing but it does speak to the enormous agenda that the two countries share. We talked about the pandemic and the delivery of vaccines and the next phase of this which is actually making sure that those vaccines are administered and get into people’s arms which is something we want to support”.
On climate change, Finer said the U.S “welcome Nigeria’s commitments to increase its ambition when it comes to climate change and we hope that it continues.”
“There are no significant issues on our mutual agenda that can be addressed without working together. So we are committed to continue doing that.”
Onyeama who received the US Deputy Security Adviser who is on a working visit to the country on Monday, said discussion was broad range.
He said, “We talked about the security situation of the country; banditry, Boko Haram, Sessionist groups and other acts and challenges to insecurity including that of Guinea and how we can cooperate with the US in addressing all the issues.
“While acknowledging the tremendous support from the US in the area of security. The recent delivery of A29 fighters and supporting other areas.
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“We assessed the situation in the Sahel beyond Nigeria right up to Libya and how we can work closely together to address the terrorist challenges and the security situation in Nigeria.”
On twitter, the minister said, “We talked about the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria and how that is progressing. “
The Minister also said that the issue of COVID-19 came up at the meeting.
“We talked about the COVID-19 context and the US has been very generous. Just very recently, last week, they provided again vaccines to Nigeria, 5.0 and then another vaccine of 3.5 million that were delivered to the Nigerian Government. We are grateful to the US government for this generosity.”
The Minister added that the meeting discussed the issues of democracy, democracy in Nigeria and the importance of the US to Nigeria as a big democracy.
He said: “I gave an overview of the Democratic process and election process here in Nigeria. President Biden of the US will be conveying a meeting/summit on democracy in December and I hope Mr. President will be invited.
“The issue of good governance, and corruption also came up for discussion.”
On trade, Onyeama said, “We talked about trade and the importance of facilitating market access to Nigeria especially in the agricultural sector and how to fix trade between Nigeria and the US. The US has the Africa Growth Opportunities Act which facilitates and encourages market access for African countries to the US and we also looked at how this can be further strengthened and improved.
“We also talked about consulate matters and visas; challenges that have been faced by Nigerians in terms of obtaining US visas.”
The minister who said the meeting covered human rights, also commended Mr. Finer for “identifying areas where we can strengthen and increase cooperation between the two countries.”
Insecurity: US Expresses Readiness to Lend Support to Nigeria
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to strengthen unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He said the occasion, which signifies the end of a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion, provides an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values of peace, compassion and national unity.
Ochogwu urged Muslims to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan—such as self-discipline, patience, charity and piety—beyond the festive period, stressing that such values are essential for building harmonious communities and strengthening the nation.
According to him, Nigerians must also rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as vital ingredients for national development.
“At a time when the country is confronted with complex challenges, unity of purpose and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming divisions and building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he said.
The institute also expressed concern over recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed several lives.
Ochogwu extended condolences to families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria, noting that IPCR would continue to work with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict.
The IPCR boss further urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and actively support peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he added.
Ochogwu also prayed that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would usher in renewed hope, healing and unity for Nigeria while advancing peace, stability and national progress.
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
National News
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.
He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.
Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Federal Government, the minister urged Muslims to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which define the Ramadan period. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reflect on these virtues beyond the fasting season as part of efforts to build a more harmonious society.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, noting that collective responsibility remains key to the country’s stability.
He further encouraged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.
The declaration underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, as millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
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