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Israeli Envoy Calls on Nigeria to Embrace Unity as Key to Development
Israeli Envoy Calls on Nigeria to Embrace Unity as Key to Development
By: Michael Mike
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has reiterated that peace and progress can only thrive in an environment built on dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect, calling on all Nigerians to embrace unity as a key to development.
Speaking at an interfaith conference on coexistence and dialogue among Abraham Faiths in Abuja, Freeman noted that there should be continuous conversation on coexistence as it remains “important and timely,” especially as many parts of the world continue to grapple with division, hate, and misunderstanding.
Freeman said: “It’s an honour to join today’s important and very timely discussions on coexistence,” adding that: “At a time when so many parts of the world are struggling with division and misunderstanding, this conversation could not be more necessary.”
He further explained that coexistence should not be mistaken for the mere absence of conflict, but should be seen as “the presence of respect, empathy, and shared purpose.”
He said: “It is about choosing dialogue over hate, building bridges rather than walls, and recognising that our diversity can be a source of strength rather than weakness.”
Freeman who described coexistence in Israel as “a lived reality” rather than a distant ideal, said: “Every day, Jews, Muslims, Christians and Druze live, work and study side by side.”
He added that: “In our hospitals, doctors treat all patients equally. In our universities, students from every background learn together. In our parliament, voices from every community help shape the nation’s future.”
The envoy while admitting that coexistence in Israel is “not perfect,” said it is “real and cherished.”
The ambassador highlighted Israel’s regional peace efforts through the Abraham Accords, which have strengthened diplomatic and economic ties with countries such as Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
He noted that: “These accords have already changed the face of the Middle East, proving that peace between peoples is possible when we focus on what unites us,” he said. “We continue to hope and work for the expansion of the Abraham Accords so that more nations will join the circle of peace and prosperity.”
He declared that Israel and Nigeria both share similar aspirations for peace, diversity, and progress.
He said: “Here in Nigeria, we see a nation that mirrors that same aspiration, diverse, faithful, and full of promise. Nigeria has faced painful challenges attacks on Christian communities and attacks on Muslim communities. Each tragedy is a wound that must be healed, and healing can only begin through understanding and partnership.”
He however noted that sustainable peace must begin at the grassroots level, not only in political or diplomatic circles.
Freeman said: “Peace does not begin in government halls or international conferences, it begins in neighbourhoods, in schools, in our places of worship, and in our hearts.”
He expressed Israel’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with Nigeria in areas such as innovation, agriculture, education, and security, while also building a stronger “moral partnership” founded on mutual respect and shared values.
Islamic, Christians and Jewish religion leaders during a panel debate called for grassroots leadership, youth engagement and shared moral duty.
Imam Muhammed Ashafa, speaking for Muslim communities, said faith need not divide and emphasised the duty of leaders to guide youth into society rather than push them away. “We have convictions that our faith is complete and true,” he said, “but when people of faith come together, speak to each other and share on issues that matter to all of us freedom of practice, the welfare of youth, family life we show the world a living example of unity.”
He however arned that religious education should prepare young people to rejoin and strengthen their communities, “By the time you graduate, you should go into the community to build, not to disagree. Religious leaders must teach what is more important to let youth engage in society irrespective of the faith we possess.”
He added that leaders bear a responsibility “to make sure everybody around you are aware of your territory, live with peace and coming,” arguing that faith leaders must actively prevent anyone under their influence from sowing division.
For his part, Rabbi Menachem Chitrik, representing the Jewish community, echoed the call for leadership by example and the importance of teaching tolerance from an early age. He said: “You have to be an example in your house, reflecting on the personal and educational work required to model respect across beliefs.”
He recalled historical moments of interfaith cooperation and urged renewed emphasis on mediation and negotiation, “The mediation and the negotiation process is on behalf of the people of law. Our leaders must be willing to stay and work through crises, not walk away.”
Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa of the Christian Association of Nigeria praised the event’s spirit of inclusivity and urged that leaders and citizens translate principles into practice. “What we are trying to practise is inclusiveness.”
“If we decide to have a space to practise human existence together, then we will meet, work and achieve the peace we desire.”
Ogunmuyiwa however warned against claims of superiority that breed conflict and called for consistent leadership that fosters unity adding that “When we see ourselves as one family, we will not fight one another.”
Israeli Envoy Calls on Nigeria to Embrace Unity as Key to Development
Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with the police and other auxiliaries have neutralised a suspected member of the notorious Lakurawa bandit faction during an engagement in Malam Yaro village, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:26 a.m. on Tuesday when armed bandits attempted a surprise incursion into the community.
The attackers were said to have advanced toward the village with the intent to intimidate residents and reassert their presence along the Kebbi border corridor.
The troops were immediately deployed to the area, where they established contact with the armed group.
“During the fierce exchange of fire, one of the bandits was neutralised while several others fled with gunshot wounds along the western axis,” the source said.
Zagazola learnt that two operational motorcycles belonging to the fleeing assailants were recovered at the scene.
Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi
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UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The British High Commission in Nigeria and Manufacturing Africa have hosted an Investor Night where six innovative Nigerian startups from the UK funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator Programme pitched their sustainable manufacturing solutions to potential investors following 16 weeks of intensive business development training and mentorship.
The featured green businesses cover a broad range of industries extending from renewable energy, recycling, organic agriculture and electric mobility.
According to a statement by British High Commission on Tuesday, the startups – GreenSpace Recycling, Sirius-X Energy, Auxano Solar, Taeillo, ZOOMe and Veggie Victory presented their business models and opportunities to a room of venture capitalists, impact investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. The pitching session marked a key milestone in their journey, aimed at unlocking funding and strategic partnerships.
The statement added that designed in a pitch den format, the evening included presentations from the cohort companies, offering insights into their innovative climate friendly business models and the potential for scaling their ventures to create lasting economic and environmental impact.
The businesses also received real-time feedback from funders including potential offers for funding.
Attendees at the event included Jonny Baxter, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and other representatives from the High Commission in Nigeria, prominent investors and key stakeholders from the sustainable business ecosystem in Nigeria.
Designed to catalyse investment in Nigeria’s green industrial growth, the accelerator is part of the UK’s and Nigeria’s commitment to growing and scaling small, innovative businesses to deliver growth and create new direct and indirect jobs across green industries in Nigeria.
Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Simon Field, said,“Manufacturing is Nigeria’s future — and these businesses show how it can also be greener, more inclusive, and globally competitive. I have nothing but confidence in the programme we’re funding. Every pitch tonight was professional, inspiring, and full of ambition.”
Manufacturing Africa Nigeria, Country Lead, Kemi Onabanjo, said: Tonight was all about celebrating progress and creating profitable connections. We are celebrating the progress these incredible founders have made on their journey with the GBB programme, as well as the impact they are already having. It was also about creating connections that bridge the gap between innovation and investment — connecting promising ventures with the capital, networks, and partners needed to scale their impact.
The startup founders commended the programme with CEO, Taeillo, Jumoke Dada, saying: “GBB is hands-on — they take the heavy lifting off you and help you execute. We now have real clarity on our next steps and a plan we can run with.”
CEO, ZOOMe, Adedayo Odunlami, said: “The level of diligence and attention to detail from the team was world-class. They’ve helped us evolve — as a business and as founders — and connected us to an incredible network.”
UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
Nigeria, Russia Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Russia on Tuesday are celebrating 65 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.
The two countries established diplomatic ties on November 25, 1960
Both countries ministers of foreign affairs in celebrating the important milestone exchange congratulations messages.
Russian minister, Sergey Lavrov in his letter stated that: “Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two States.
“We note with satisfaction the high level of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is based on the principles of mutual respect, trust and the closeness of our positions across a broad range of regional and international issues.
“We remain committed to the steady development and maintenance of an active and substantive political dialogue, as well as practical collaboration in the trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, in the interests of the peoples of our countries and in the support of sustainable peace and development on the African continent.
“I wish you good health and every success, and to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – well-being and prosperity.”
On his part, the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar wrote: “On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have the honour to convey warm congratulations to you and through you to the government and people of the Russian Federation, on this historic occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
“As we celebrate this milestone, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strengthening partnership in a manner that advances the prosperity of our peoples and contributes to a more just and equitable international order.
“Since the establishment of ties on 25th November, 1960, Nigeria and Russia have maintained a relationship characterized by mutual respect, constructive dialogue and shared aspirations for global peace, stability and development. Over the decades, our cooperation has expanded across strategic sectors including Defence, Education, Energy, Science and Technology, Space Cooperation, Trade, and Cultural Exchange.
“I look forward to deepening collaboration in economy, security and increased people-to-people exchanges.
“Please accept the assurances of my
highest consideration.”
Nigeria, Russia Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
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