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Modi Gives Acceptable Standards of Globalization for Developing Countries

Modi Gives Acceptable Standards of Globalization for Developing Countries
By Michael Mike
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed the acceptable standard of globalization to developing nations, insisting that it should be human-centric.
Modi, in his Opening Remarks at the Concluding Leaders’ Session of the Voice of Global South Summit recently held by his country, said “developing countries desire a globalization that does not create Climate Crisis or Debt Crisis.”
He said: “We want a globalisation that does not lead to unequal distribution of vaccines or over-concentrated global supply chains.
We want a globalisation that brings prosperity and well-being to humanity as a whole. In short, we want a ‘human-centric globalisation’.”
The Summit, which was held over two days, has participation of more than 120 developing countries, the largest-ever virtual gathering of the Global South.
Modi said, “We developing countries are also concerned about the increasing fragmentation of the international landscape,” noting that: “These geopolitical tensions distract us from focusing on our development priorities.
They cause sharp swings in international prices of food, fuel, fertilizers and other commodities.”
He added that: “To address this geopolitical fragmentation, we urgently need a fundamental reform of the major international organisations, including the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods institutions.
“These reforms should focus on giving voice to the concerns of the developing world, and reflect the realities of the 21st Century.”
He promised that: “India’s G20 Presidency will attempt to voice the views of the Global South on these important issues.”
The Indian Prime Minister said: “In its development partnerships, India’s approach has been consultative, outcome oriented, demand driven, people-centric, and respectful of the sovereignty of partner countries.
“I firmly believe that countries of the Global South have a lot to learn from each other’s development experiences.
I am happy to announce that India will establish a “Global-South Center of Excellence”.”
Modi explained that: “This institution will undertake research on development solutions or best-practices of any of our countries, which can be scaled and implemented in other members of the Global South.”
He said: “As an example, the digital public goods developed by India in fields like electronic-payments, health, education, or e-governance, can be useful for many other developing countries,” explaining that India has also made great strides in areas like space technology and nuclear energy.
He revealed that “We will launch a ‘Global-South Science & Technology initiative’ to share our expertise with other developing nations.”
The Prime Minister while disclosing that during the COVID pandemic, India’s ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative supplied made-in-India vaccines to over a 100 nations, said: “I would now like to announce a new ‘Aarogya Maitri’ project. Under this project, India will provide essential medical supplies to any developing country affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crisis.”
He added that: “For synergising our diplomatic voice, I propose a ‘Global-South Young Diplomats Forum’, to connect youthful officers of our foreign ministries.
India will also institute ‘Global-South Scholarships’ for students from developing countries to pursue higher education in India.”
Modi Gives Acceptable Standards of Globalization for Developing Countries
News
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.
Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.
According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.
He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.
Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
News
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
By: Michael Mike
The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.
He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.
In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.
Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.
The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.
Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
News
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.
According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.
Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.
“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
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