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IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Inculcate Virtues of Tolerance
IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Inculcate Virtues of Tolerance
By: Michael Mike
The Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu has called on Nigerians to inculcate the virtue of tolerance, stating that the major driver of racism, xenophobia, aggressive nationalism, anti-semitism, terrorism, ethno-religious violence, and youth restiveness is intolerance
Speaking at the Occasion of the 2024 International Day for Tolerance organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) at the UN House in Abuja on Tuesday, Ochogwu said the theme of this year’s International Day for Tolerance, which is “Cultivating a Culture of Tolerance for Peace Against All Forms of Discrimination Among Nigerian Youth”. is apt and timely, given the alarming rise in racism, xenophobia, aggressive nationalism, anti-semitism, terrorism, ethno-religious violence, and youth restiveness in nations across the world.
He noted that: “The major driving force behind these phenomona is intolerance – an act of resistance to respect, accept and appreciate the rich diversity of our world’s culture, our forms of expression and ways of being human.”
Ochogwu decried that Nigeria has not fully benefited from its rich diversity due to the inability of many of its citizens to embrace individuals’ cultures, religions, and socio-economic background, insisting that: “This situation has, over time, hampered the achievement of durable peace, security, stability and progress in our dear nation.
“Additionally, the nation has witnessed an unprecedented increase in social exclusion, inequality, marginalization, and discrimination particularly due to the unpatriotic activities of corrupt politicians. This development has fostered enmity, hatred, discord, disunity and violent confrontations in communities across board.”
He added that: “Indeed, this ugly trend remains a serious concern for future generation and this concern is further heightened by the voluntary and/or coercion of youth and minors into violent extremism, thereby systematically destroying the core values of today’s generation.
“Furthermore, our country’s young people have continued to face discrimination in terms of job opportunities, political exclusion, stigmatization on health grounds, ill-treatment of persons with disabilities and harmful traditional practices. For instance, a significant number of girls and young women have been forcefully married without their consent most especially in Northern Nigeria. The deeper implications of this act of prejudice and gender intolerance include depression, reproductive and mental health issues, poverty, disruption of education, high rates of divorce and drug abuse.
“Moreover, young people have played strategic roles in the spread of falsehood, hate speech and intolerance via social media platforms, exacerbating tensions, provoking political mistrust, fostering polarization among Nigerians, and undermining human respect, safety and dignity across our dear country, Nigeria. With this development, achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals would be a mirage.”
He noted that there is an urgent need to expedite action in combating this ugly trend and in particular to create awareness as well as engage in robust discussions towards liberating our nation – Nigeria and the World from intolerance and discrimination for global peace and prosperity.
He said: “Specifically, our goals in this year’s International Day for Tolerance Commemoration include: Improving youth understanding of how to safeguard and respect cultural diversity as an essential element in promoting a culture of tolerance for peace; Increasing Media and Information Literacy (MIL) among youths, and skills against online vices such as hate speech, cyberbullying, and the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation; Enhancing youth awareness and understanding of tolerance in line with the UNGA Resolution 51/95; and Promoting non-violence behavior and global citizenship among youth, as well as skills for intergroup dialogue and mutual respect, with a specific focus on gender-based violence and the rights of individuals with disabilities.”
On his part, the Head of Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo, said UNESCO was aware of the peculiar forms of discrimination that exist in Nigeria today.
He said: “Discriminations that are anchored on negative interpretations of our diversities, religion, race, ethnic and political affiliations. These negative tendencies are demonstrated through various means of our interpersonal, intercultural, interreligious and other social relationships, and recently more pronounced in our interactions on various online spaces.”
He noted that: “Whereas these challenges question the efforts in building tolerance within these past years, we are not deterred. It is rather for us, a call that we are required to improve our recipe, return to the kitchen and dish out new meals that can produce better results at tolerance. Because we are unwavering in our commitment to support member states to live together in a shared heritage as humanities.”
He said: “Inspired by this global model and aware of Nigeria’s unique realities—where ethnic, economic, political, religious, and ability disparities are sometimes manipulated to foster discrimination—we are replicating this initiative with support of our partners to equip young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and foster tolerance in our diverse society, also, literacy skills to function as change agents against online vices like cyberbullying and proliferations of false and disinformation.”
IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Inculcate Virtues of Tolerance
Troops Arrest Two Ammo Couriers, Recover Ammunition in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army Troops of Operation Golden Peace have apprehended two suspected ammunition couriers and recovered a cache of ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Kwari Biba, located within the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted at about 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 18, led to the arrest of Maikudi Danweri, 62, and Abubakar Hamza, 26.
The troops recovered 204 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and a cash sum of N10,000 from the suspects. The suspects and the recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation.
The source noted that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition in the region, which has been linked to criminal activities and insecurity.
Troops Arrest Two Ammo Couriers, Recover Ammunition in Bauchi
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Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba, suspected to be behind the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.
The operation, conducted on Dec. 14 at 10 p.m., followed intelligence reports that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurency Expert and Security Analysts in the Lake Chad region that troops apprehended Wurgi after discovering he had been transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds.
The sources said that During the operation, two accomplices fled, but troops arrested another individual who assisted in transporting the suspect in a tricycle
The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and murdered on Aug. 22 after negotiations for his release collapsed.
Reports indicate that Wurgi played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed.
Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.
His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to act as a getaway biker for Turji, highlighting familial links within the banditry network.
Wurgi’s arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the Northwest region.
Wurgi is currently being held at an undisclosed location, while a manhunt is underway for his accomplices
Residents in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have lauded the operation, expressing hope that it will alleviate the long-standing impact of banditry and violence in the region.
Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
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Business Communities in Nigeria, China Asked to Support Tinubu/Xi Plan for Improved Trading, Bilateral Relations
Business Communities in Nigeria, China Asked to Support Tinubu/Xi Plan for Improved Trading, Bilateral Relations
By: Michael Mike
A call has been made to business communities in both Nigeria and China to support Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping plan of improving trade and bilateral relations between both countries.
The call was made at the weekend in Abuja
by the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe,during a meeting with Executive Chairman of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibility (ACBASR), Diao Chunhe,, and the Director-General of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce-NIG. Dr Tristan Cui,
The meeting is aimed at fostering greater collaboration between Chinese companies operating in Nigeria and Nigerian businesses in China.
During the meeting, Tegbe called on the Chinese Business Community to support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping to foster a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between both countries.
He assured that Nigeria, under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, is willing to leverage on the comprehensive strategic plan between Nigeria and China to transform from a trade relationship to developmental partnership where China serves as a catalyst for industrialization in Nigeria.
In his response, Diao Chunhe outlined ACBASR’s mission to promote social responsibility among Chinese enterprises in Africa. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in ensuring that businesses from both countries uphold social responsibility in their respective host countries.
The Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibility (ACBASR) has been at the forefront of promoting social responsibility among Chinese enterprises in Africa. Established to promote sustainable development and social responsibility, ACBASR has been working closely with African governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to achieve these goals
While hosting the delegation from the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Dr Tristan Cui, the Director-General of the China General Chamber of Commerce highlighted the chamber’s role in facilitating trade and investment between Nigeria and China. He assured the delegation of the support of the Chamber and its member-companies, which include all Chinese State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) operating in Nigeria, as well as top-level private companies.
As Nigeria and China continue to strengthen their bilateral ties, these engagements by Tegbe mark a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting social responsibility and sustainable development in Nigeria. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to transform Nigeria-China ties into a more comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership provides a platform for the actualization of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda which involves exploring more development paths, with China as a major development partner in terms of industrial collaboration and knowledge exchange with a view to increase Nigeria’s export capacity.
Business Communities in Nigeria, China Asked to Support Tinubu/Xi Plan for Improved Trading, Bilateral Relations
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