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Nigeria, China Sign Culture and Tourism Statute
Nigeria, China Sign Culture and Tourism Statute
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have signed a joint Culture and Tourism Statute and inaugurated a sub-committee that would further strengthen bilateral cooperation between both countries.
Representatives of both countries signed the act and inaugurated the committee during a virtual event hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday.
During the event, China’s Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Zhang Xu, while recalling that Nigeria and China “have enjoyed good bilateral relations in the past 50 years,” noted that culture and tourism have played critical roles in strengthening the ties.
He revealed that the aim of adopting the act and establishing the sub-committee was to promote inter-cultural collaboration and connectivity between the Chinese and Nigerian people in furtherance of China-Africa relations.
He said the establishment of an inter-governmental committee with Nigeria is the first-ever between China and Africa, noting that this action testify to how important and strategic China considered Nigeria.
He said: “As important contributors to the strategic partnership between our two countries, culture and tourism should play greater roles in increasing the people-to-people connectivity for the benefit of the two countries.
“That is the mission of the culture and tourism sub-committee that we are establishing today.
“Therefore, members of our ministries and sub-committees must make good use of the platform in alignment with the objectives of FOCAC, its eight ministerial meetings, Belt and Road Initiative, and FOCAC Action Plan 2022-2024.”
He added that: “We must work together to offset the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact and the planned programmes that the sub-committee covers such as culture, tourism, publishing heritage, library, and museum.
“Our goal must always be to promote our interculturality, and cultural collaboration, full relationship and connectivity between China and Nigeria people in the new areas of China-Africa relations.”
Zhang advised the sub-committee to ensure the promotion of activities and events that would further boost cultural ties between both countries.
He said: “I would like to propose the following; keep working on events like Happy Chinese New Year, Chinese and African culture in focus, and resume mutual visits of artists as soon as the pandemic situation allows.
“Also, we should continue to carry out capacity building programmes in culture and tourism and support cooperation between Chinese and Nigerian cultural businesses.”
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On his part, the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun said that the establishment of the Act and sub-committee on Culture and tourism is a good start to a greater future with new dynamics.
The Ambassador said that in a generation where the youth are taking the lead with great innovations, reinvigorating the culture and tourism sector will help boost both economies with mutual benefits.
According to him: “The establishment of the sub-committee on Culture and tourism is really a milestone.
“I do believe we are doing good things now because culture and tourism mean a lot to young people. We have already embarked on a new journey of mutually beneficial cooperation and we all believe that a thousand miles begin with a single step.
“The potentials of our cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism will surely be further released and a better tomorrow must belong to us.”
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Dr Ifeoma Anyawutaku, who led Nigerian team to the signing, said the potentialities in the creative sector in Nigeria were untapped and that the new cooperation would help facilitate that.
She said Nigeria will also leverage this to diversify its economy by adequately harnessing the potentials in the culture and tourism sector.
Anyawutaku said: “While taking a cursory look at the Statutes of the sub-committee on Culture and Tourism, Nigeria, as well as China have reviewed our achievements and experiences in the cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation.
“Under the framework of the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This evaluation and experiences will help reposition the culture and tourism sector. For the development of both countries and the reinforcement of our bilateral cooperation.”
The establishment of the sub-committee and drafting of the act was an outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the foreign ministers of both countries with the aim of boosting bilateral ties.
Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi had signed the MoU on behalf of his country during his visit to Nigeria while his Nigerian counterpart, Geoffrey Onyeama signed on behalf of the Federal Government.
Nigeria, China Sign Culture and Tourism Statute
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ECOWAS Court Declares Case Filed by Togolese Diaspora Groups Against Togo Inadmissible
ECOWAS Court Declares Case Filed by Togolese Diaspora Groups Against Togo Inadmissible
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has dismissed the case filed by le Collectif pour la Vérité des Urnes TOGO-DIASPORA et le Réseau de la coordination de la diaspora togolaise indépendante – (CVU- TOGO-DISPORA ET CONSORTS (RCDTI) against the Republic of Togo. The Court ruled the application inadmissible due to the lack of legal standing of the applicants.
The applicants, le Collectif pour la Vérité des Urnes TOGO-DIASPORA et le Réseau de la coordination de la diaspora togolaise indépendante – (CVU- TOGO-DISPORA ET CONSORTS (RCDTI), alleged violations of the 1992 Constitution of Togo (amended in 2019) and the rights of Togolese citizens. The case referenced constitutional and legislative changes, electoral irregularities, and alleged misconduct by Togolese institutions, seeking accountability and reparations for victims.
The Republic of Togo, despite being notified, did not file any written defense.
The applicants requested the Court to declare the constitutional amendments invalid, annul all acts stemming from them, and order reparations totaling 3.870.000 euros for damages. They also sought the release of political prisoners, accountability for crimes against humanity, and reforms in governance.
In the Judgment delivered by Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, the Judge Rapporteur, the Court determined that the applicants, as an association operating outside Togo, failed to prove their legal status under Togolese or any other ECOWAS Member State’s law. Additionally, it said that the absence of a legal registration document rendered the applicants ineligible to initiate proceedings before the Court. Therefore, it declared the application inadmissible due to lack of legal standing.
The three-member panel of the Court were Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves (presiding judge and judge rapporteur), Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma (panel member), and Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara (Panel member).
ECOWAS Court Declares Case Filed by Togolese Diaspora Groups Against Togo Inadmissible
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HMOD LAUDS NAF’S OPERATIONAL READINESS, SYMBOLICALLY FLAGS OFF AIR CAMPAIGN UNDER OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
HMOD LAUDS NAF’S OPERATIONAL READINESS, SYMBOLICALLY FLAGS OFF AIR CAMPAIGN UNDER OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
By: Olusola Akinboyewa
The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni, visited the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Katsina and Sokoto States today, 18 November 2024. The visit emphasized the need for operational readiness and sustained air superiority in the fight against banditry and insurgency in Northwest Nigeria.
During his visit, the HMOD symbolically flagged off the re-invigorated air campaign under Operation FANSAN YAMMA. This marks a key milestone in neutralizing criminal elements and restoring peace to vulnerable communities.
The Minister praised the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its dedication and successful execution of air interdiction campaigns. “Your bravery and professionalism serve as an inspiration to the Nigerian people. We’re witnessing positive changes: farmers returning to farms, children back in school, businesses reopening, and Nigerians sleeping in peace.”
The HMOD acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing NAF’s effectiveness. “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, we’ve prioritized investments in advanced technologies and resources. The President has provided state-of-the-art aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, boosting our capabilities.”
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, thanked the Minister for his visit and support. “Your servant leadership inspires us. Your operational visits have heightened morale and renewed the fighting spirit of our troops.”
The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He also assured the nation of the NAF’s relentless determination to restore peace and stability to troubled areas. “We understand peace and stability are crucial for Nigeria’s prosperity. Rest assured, the NAF remains committed to safeguarding national unity and progress.”
The visit included inspections, discussions with field commanders, and briefings on the air campaign, as well as a breathtaking fly-past by daring young NAF fighter pilots. The HMOD praised NAF’s use of intelligence and technology in striking bandit strongholds.
The visit served as a morale booster, highlighting air power’s critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s citizenry and territorial integrity.
HMOD LAUDS NAF’S OPERATIONAL READINESS, SYMBOLICALLY FLAGS OFF AIR CAMPAIGN UNDER OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
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NSCDC Arrests 5 Suspected Vandals in Abuja
NSCDC Arrests 5 Suspected Vandals in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspects for vandalizing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in Abuja.
Briefing journalists at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command headquarters in Abuja while parading the suspects, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu said the five suspects were arrested with a full truckload of vandalized items at Dei Dei -U- Turn by Mopol barracks last Saturday after resisting arrest at Aso Radio , Katampe axis by speeding off.
Odumosu said investigations so far has revealed that the suspects were coming from Guata junction in Nasarawa state to deposit the items at Iron Melting Company situated at Sabo Wuse, Kaduna road, Niger State.
The FCT Commandant reiterated the Corps ‘ preparedness to keep vandals out of business and out of the FCT for good.
“we are not taking it lightly with those who have chosen to sabotage the good efforts and intentions of the government to give meaningful life to the residents of the FCT.”
Odumosu said that the FCT command is poised to fish out bad eggs with the constant night patrols by the eagle eyes Intelligence team as well as the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department’s Tactical team on routine night patrols.
“We have a renewed vigor to fulfil our mandate of protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, we are not resting on our oars untill we rid the capital city of these miscreants”.
He disclosed that Items ranging from drainage covers, Iron pipe protection for bridge shoulder, communication Mast accessories, Rolls of stainless steel pipe clamps, Angle bar from public water tank and scaffold pipes and clips were recovered.
Other recovered Items included Manhole covers, Electricity Aluminum conductors, wire mesh, Armoured Aluminum conductors, Iron steel section -U, Angle and I section, Rice Milling Machine Iron, Welding wires , Binding Wires, Barb Wires, Vandalized Motorcycle parts, vandalized Vehicle parts, Vandalized Wheel Barros and Household Utensils/ properties suspected to have been stolen.
He said suspects arrested are Aminu Yusuf, 25 years, Saminu Yusuf, 20 years;
Adamu Sani, 20 years; Suleiman Yusuf, 20 years; and Usman Jalo, 27 years.
He assured the corps’ unwavering commitment and determination to continue to perform their duty optimally until vandals, scavengers (Babanbola) and other saboteurs are chased out of the FCT.
He said: “We want to state clearly that FCT is a no go area for vandals, scavengers and all the hoodlums sleeping under the bridges in the city and coming out at night to vandalism government property and attacking innocent commuters and residents.”
He warned vandals to either repent, relocate or be ready to face the wrath of the law stating that the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and due diligence would be followed in ensuring that justice served.
Odumosu, while re- emphasizing the corps ‘ commitment to secure the FCT, solicited the public’s cooperation in the area of prompt intelligence information to enable the corps serve them better.
NSCDC Arrests 5 Suspected Vandals in Abuja
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