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Nigeria On Line to Benefit Massively from Korean $24 billion Assistance to Africa- Envoy

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Nigeria On Line to Benefit Massively from Korean $24 billion Assistance to Africa- Envoy

By: Michael Mike

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the country, Ambassador Kim Pankyu has said Nigeria is among the top contenders to benefit from his country’s $10 billion development assistance to Africa.

He also said Nigeria also stand tall to benefit from the $14 billion boost to Korean companies to encourage their activities in Africa.

Speaking at at the Korean National Day Reception in Abuja at the weekend, the envoy said: “During the Korea-Africa Summit, my President announced that Korea would continue to expand official development assistance up to ten billion US dollars by 2030 as a catalyst for projects for cooperation with Africa.

“In addition, he committed to provide fourteen billion US dollars to Korean companies by 2030 to encourage their activities in Africa.

“I am happy to share the news that
recently an intra-governmental task force team has been composed to follow up on the economic partnership agreements made on the occasion of the Korea-Africa Summit.
Since Nigeria is a leading economy and the biggest market in Africa I believe that the partnership between Korea and Nigeria will be one of the most vibrant ones in the years to come.”

He added that: “In fact, we are already witnessing meaningful progress. During the third quarter of this year, the trade between Korea and Nigeria increased by fifty-five percent. In particular, I would like to point out the fact that the import from Nigeria to Korea increased by ninety-one percent. I believe that this positive development will continue as more and more Koreans are interested in Nigeria and more and more Nigerians are interested in Korea.”

Speaking in the level of relationship between the two countries, the Ambassador said: “When I first came to Abuja earlier this year, I was pleasantly surprised by Nigerian people’s high interest in Korean culture such as Korean language, K-drama, K-pop and K-food.

“I had an opportunity to observe K-food contest in Abuja and was deeply impressed by the Korean foods made by Nigerian chefs. When I observed Taekwondo championship in Abuja recently I had a feeling that in a few years the number of gold medals that Korean athletes win at the Olympics may decrease due to brilliant Nigerian athletes. My fellow Koreans may be disappointed, but as a former Korean ambassador to Nigeria I will be happy to watch that. I believe these kinds of cultural exchanges between our two countries
will strengthen our bonds of friendship and mutual understanding. Furthermore, I think there is a huge potential for cooperation between the two countries in the creative economy.”

On his part, the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar said:
“Over the years, the world has witnessed the remarkable process that led to the emergence of Korea as one of the economic giants of Asia and one of the strongest economies in the world. The success story of Korea following the war in 1953, global economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the strength, determination and resilience of successive governments as well as the patriotism of the good people of Korea.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director of Regions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Janet Olisa, said: “I wish to commend the government of Korea for the efforts towards increased cooperation with Africa with the overall aim of achieving shared development through sustainable economic partnerships. The successful hosting of the first Korea – Africa Summit in Seoul in June 2024 is definitely a positive step towards a formidable partnership. Nigeria expresses its appreciation to the government of Korea for its decision, which was announced during the Summit, to extend its Trade and Investment Promotion Frameworks to Africa and to increase its investment and Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the continent.”

He noted that: “Nigeria and Korea have enjoyed excellent and vibrant relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1980. These relations have continued to grow in leaps and bounds across various sectors, including political, economic, cultural and people-to-people relations. On the political front, the two countries have, in recent years, witnessed the exchange of high-level visits, the signing of significant MoUs, as well as the successful hosting of six sessions of the Nigeria – Korea Joint Commission. It is hoped that these relations will be elevated to a more strategic relationship with the highest level of engagement.

“In the economic sector, there have been close collaborations between the two countries in the fields of construction/heavy-duty industries, electronics and chemicals production. There is a significant number of Korean companies registered and doing business in Nigeria, including prominent companies like Samsung, Daewoo, and Hyundai Heavy Duty Industries, as well as LG, Samsung Electronics, and the Lotte Chemical industry. These companies have contributed immensely to the growth of the Nigerian GDP and have created job opportunities in the country..”

The Minister added that: “With the increasing momentum in our bilateral relations and improved trade relations, I am optimistic that both sides will work assiduously towards achieving a significant increase in the volume of trade for the mutual benefit of both nations.”

Nigeria On Line to Benefit Massively from Korean $24 billion Assistance to Africa- Envoy

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Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala

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Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in Gamboru Ngala, a border town in northern Borno State.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the insurgents launched the attack on Saturday evening at about 6:15 p.m., attempting to infiltrate through the Flatari axis of Gamboru.

The sources said the troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat after a brief exchange of gunfire.

“No adverse report was recorded during the encounter. The troops are currently on exploitation to track fleeing elements,” one of the sources said.

The situation in Gamboru Ngala has since returned to normal as residents commended the vigilance and prompt response of the military.

Gamboru Ngala, which shares a border with Cameroon, has been one of the strategic towns targeted by insurgents due to its proximity to transnational routes used for smuggling and movement of fighters.

The latest attack comes amid sustained military operations across the North-East aimed at dismantling remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists still operating in isolated enclaves.

Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala

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Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri

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Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri

By: Zagazola Makama

The Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd.), his orderly, Cpl. Adam Hussaini Gamawa, and his driver, have died in a fatal auto crash along the Malam Sidi–Gombe Road.

The tragic incident occurred on Friday, shortly after the trio departed Maiduguri, Borno State, where they had participated in the North-East Regional Consultation on the development of a national Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) framework.

Col. Bello and his team were said to have left Maiduguri cheerfully after the closing ceremony of the three-day consultation, which brought together delegates from Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States.

According to sources , who was among the panelists at the consultation, Col. Bello actively participated in the session, contributing valuable insights on Gombe State’s role in hosting the Operation Safe Corridor facility.

“Col. Bello introduced himself as the third Commissioner since the ministry’s establishment in 2019. He spoke passionately about consolidating the foundation laid by his predecessors and reaffirmed his state’s commitment to the DDR process,” the sources recounted.

He described the late commissioner as a vibrant participant who engaged meaningfully during discussions and later shared perspectives on the unique security dynamics of different states.

“Our last conversation centered on the importance of integrating Disarmament and Demobilization into any dialogue with armed groups. I emphasized that without those key components, such dialogues amount to mere temporary ceasefires,” sources said.

Sources said the consultation ended successfully on Friday, with delegates departing for their respective states. He added that news of the accident broke later that evening, sending shockwaves through the participants and officials of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“Col. Bello and his orderly lost their lives instantly, while the driver, who was critically injured, passed away on Saturday morning. It was heartbreaking these were people we had just interacted with, full of life and dedication,” sources said.

He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and the people of Gombe State, describing the tragedy as “a painful reminder of the fleeting nature of life.”

“May their souls rest in peace. Indeed, life is transient, and we are all living on borrowed time as mortals,” he added.

Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri

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Book Launch: Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Invest in Education, Announces N50 Miliion Donation

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Book Launch: Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Invest in Education, Announces N50 Miliion Donation

By: Our Reporter

Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his adminisration’s commitment to continue to invest hugely in the education sector and reposition the state for a more prosperous future.

The governor made the commitment at the graduation ceremony and official launch of the Book “Echoes of Memory” authored by the daughter of Borno State Deputy Governor, Aisha Umar Kadafur.

Aisha kadafur, a law graduate from Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, is an advocate of peace and a campaigner on girl-child education.

The 25-page book is a collection of 25 different peoms from diverse themes such as girl-child, morality, technology, mental heath among others.p

Professor Zulum congratulated the celebrant for the accomplishment, describing education as the most effective weapon that can transform an individual and the society.

“Today, we gather not only to rejoice over an academic milestone but to honour a young lady whose passion for learning and writing has produced a meaningful contribution to literature and personal development,” Zulum said.

“Government of Borno State under my leadership together with my deputy and other members of council shall do everything possible to transform the education sector and reposition the state to greater heights. We will, insha Allah, deliver to the good people of Borno State both concrete and quantum values,” he assured.

“Education remains the most powerful weapon through which we can transform individuals and societies. When a young person, especially one from our state, distinguishes themselves through both academic excellence and intellectual creativity, it rekindles our hope for a brighter future. Aisha’s journey is a reflection of what is possible when vision meets commitment.

“The book “Echoes of Memory” is not just a title, it is a voice, a voice of reflection, courage and inspiration. It mirrors the thoughts and experiences of a young mind determined to leave a positive mark on the world. Through her words, Aisha reminds us that stories have the power to heal, to inspire and to shape our collective understanding of life.

“I feel a deep sense of pride seeing one of our own youths achieving such an outstanding feat. It gives me renewed confidence that our investments in education, empowerment and human development are not in vain. It is our young people, like Aisha, who will carry forward the torch of progress, peace and prosperity for our dear Borno State and Nigeria at large.

Governor Babagana Zulum during the Book presentation re-echoed the cordial working relationship between himself and the deputy governor “looking at the relationship between myself and the deputy, I said I must be around, I felt in my absence there will be a missing link, which is the father of the family. indeed I am the father of Aisha,”.ll

“I want to confess to the gathering that my stay with the deputy governor in the last six years needs not to be overemphasized. I cherishe him and I think people from other parts of the country would come and emulate from Borno State how governors should work with their deputies,” Zulum stated.

The governor launched copies of the book for N50 million “On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I am donating the sum of N50 million for this book launch. May the Almighty Allah bless the celebrant for the good work that she has done,” he concluded.

Book Launch: Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Invest in Education, Announces N50 Miliion Donation

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