ASEAN Diplomatic Missions Commit to Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) diplomatic missions in Nigeria, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, have pledged to deepen bilateral ties with Nigeria.

The pledge was made on Thursday evening in Abuja during the “Essence of ASEAN” festival reception hosted by the High Commission of Malaysia in Nigeria in partnership with Embassies of Philippines, Indonesia , Thailand and Vietnam.

ASEAN, is a regional grouping of 10 states in Southeast Asia “that aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its ten members.

The High Commissioner of Malaysia, Mr Aiyub Omar, who is also the current chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Abuja, highlighted the festival’s importance in fostering understanding and collaboration between ASEAN member countries and Nigeria.

He said: “Malaysia has been a partner to Nigeria since 1965, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of our bilateral relations

“This festival aims to raise awareness of ASEAN’s cultural offerings and opportunities in Nigeria, where interest in travel to Malaysia has surged, with over 300 applications from Nigerians to visit the country each month.

“Additionally, more than 3,000 Nigerians are currently studying in Malaysian universities, both public and private.

“There are so many travellers now travelling to Malaysia, for instance in a month, we receive about more than 300 applications for Nigerians to travel to Malaysia.”

The envoy also noted that ASEAN diplomatic missions rotate the chairmanship every six months, which helps maintain a dynamic engagement among member states.

Also speaking, Philippines Ambassador, Mr Mersole Mellejor, called for greater awareness of ASEAN among Nigerians, stating that efforts must be made to increase exposure and understanding of ASEAN’s aspirations as a vital partner in Africa.

He said: “The common people of Nigeria need to know what ASEAN represents and our aspirations.”

He also stressed the importance of increasing ASEAN’s visibility and engagement with Nigeria, recognising the potential of collaborating within a collective market of nearly 1 billion people across ASEAN and West Africa.

On his part, the Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressed appreciation for the support and emphasised Nigeria’s strong connections with ASEAN countries, stating how collaboration in trade and tourism is crucial for mutual economic growth.

Tuggar, who was represented by Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director of Regions in the Foreign Affairs Ministry pointed out that ASEAN has a lot to offer in terms of educational exchange programs, leveraging the robust network of institutions available in the region.

He said: “ASEAN has taught us that the first thing you need to do is trade among yourself, tourism among yourself, before you go out.

“So you have to build each other’s economy, each other’s trade and we borrowed the lead from the West African Economic Summit taking place tomorrow for all West African countries.

“So we are talking about how we grow together economically. Have a lot of collaboration with most of the ASEAN countries. Malaysia has a very robust scholarship exchange programme that they do provide. Same with Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and the other 5 countries.”

The highlight of the event was a display of ASEAN cultures, featuring traditional dances, attire, music, culinary delights, and promotional materials aimed at familiarising Nigerians with the diverse nations of ASEAN

ASEAN Diplomatic Missions Commit to Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Nigeria

Marwa Commissions NDLEA/NOA Vision Centre

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has commissioned a high-tech Vision Centre at its National Headquarters Annex in Abuja as part of efforts to promote and prioritise staff welfare as well as to boost their morale.

The facility, a product of strategic partnership between the Agency and the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and its partner, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, is designed to provide comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality eye care services to NDLEA personnel and members of the public.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, Marwa expressed deep appreciation to the NOA and its partners for considering the NDLEA worthy of such a vital collaboration.

He said: “We are here with every sense of fulfilment and happiness to commission this Vision Centre,” while reflecting on the personal and public importance of vision health.

Marwa, drawing from his own experience with eye care, urged officers, men and women of the agency to prioritize regular eye checkups, noting that vision is key to productivity and quality of life.

He also commended the dedication of the team of optometrists managing the centre, while acknowledging their pioneering role and voluntary service.

He said: “We appreciate you for accepting to serve in this capacity even in uncharted grounds. This Centre is a worthy addition to our several initiatives to promote and cater for the wellbeing of our workforce.”

In his remarks, the NOA President, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, described the commissioning as the culmination of a purposeful collaboration with the NDLEA and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation.

He recalled how the idea for the centre was birthed during a meeting in Lagos and praised the leadership of the agency for embracing the initiative.

He said: “This Vision Centre is one of only a few we have established within government institutions. It stands out as a model for sustainable eye care delivery. With support from our partners in France and Dubai, we are bringing world class equipment and services here, ensuring access to premium eye care and quality eye glasses for NDLEA staff and their families.”

The Director, Medical Services of NDLEA, Dr. Audu Okpe in his welcome remark noted that the establishment of the NDLEA-NOA Vision Centre marks another milestone in the agency’s growing portfolio of staff welfare initiatives under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa.

He said: “It also underscores a broader commitment to fostering public health partnerships between security institutions and professional medical bodies in Nigeria.”

Marwa Commissions NDLEA/NOA Vision Centre

FCT police nab bolt rider with hard drugs in Apo

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Police Force(NPF) FCT command has arrested a suspected drug transporter, Boniface Yakubu, 37, in possession of hard drugs at the NNPC Mega Station, Apo, Abuja.

According to police sources, he suspect, a Bolt rider from Nasarawa State, was arrested at about 6:05 p.m. on June 19 after operatives acted on credible intelligence.

“Boniface Yakubu was intercepted while riding a Qlink motorcycle. A search led to the recovery of five sachets of a substance suspected to be Canadian Loud, weighing approximately 32.05 grams,”said the sources.

The source added that during preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed that he was contacted by an unidentified individual to deliver the substance to a client.

The police said efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the principal drug peddlers behind the operation, adding that the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.

FCT police nab bolt rider with hard drugs in Apo