Israeli Embassy Celebrates Release of 20 Hostages by Hamas

By: Michael Mike

The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria has celebrated the 20 Israeli hostages who have finally returned home after 738 days of being held hostage by Hamas.

The embassy in a statement on Monday by the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman said “the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria joins the people of Israel, the global Jewish community, and all people of goodwill in celebrating the release of 20 Israeli hostages who have finally returned home after 738 harrowing days in captivity under the evil terror organization Hamas.

“This long-awaited moment is one of profound relief, national unity, and moral victory. It reminds the world of Israel’s enduring commitment to the sanctity of life and to the defense of its citizens against terror and tyranny.”

The statement added that: “From the beginning, Israel has made clear: Israel did not want this war and did not start it. The conflict began two years ago, on October 7th, 2023, a sacred Jewish holiday, when thousands of Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, committing acts of unimaginable cruelty — murdering, torturing, raping, and burning alive innocent Israelis in their homes and at a peaceful music festival.

“Since that day, Hamas has brought unimaginable suffering not only to Israel but to the people of Gaza, deliberately using civilians as human shields, hiding in and beneath mosques, schools, and hospitals, and turning homes into arsenals of terror. Their crimes have violated every moral, human, and legalprinciple.

“For two years, Israel has faced lies, distortions, and blood libels — false and immoral accusations of deliberate starvation and genocide — while defending its citizens and seeking the return of its kidnapped sons and daughters. Israel has acted with moral clarity, guided by international law, and motivated by a deep moral commitment to protect life, even as its enemies sought to pervert truth and justice.
Today, Israel celebrates the return of its people — and looks forward to the dawn of peace and stability in the region.”

Freeman said: “Today, we welcome home the 20 living hostages who have endured the unendurable. We give thanks for their survival, and we pray for their healing. We remember with broken hearts those who did not make it home, and we renew our commitment to bring back the bodies of the 28 remaining hostages who were murdered by Hamas.
 
“Israel did not seek this war. It was forced upon us by terror, hatred, and darkness. But after 738 days, we also see light — the light of freedom, the light of truth, and the light of hope.

“As Israel has always said, the release of the hostages will bring the end of the war.
The end of this war must bring an end to Hamas’s reign of terror, and open the door to a future of security, dignity, and coexistence — for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to President Donald J. Trump, whose steadfast leadership, moral clarity, and tireless diplomacy played an instrumental role in bringing our hostages home and in advancing peace in the Middle East. His friendship with Israel and his courage in standing with the Israeli people will never be forgotten.”

Israeli Embassy Celebrates Release of 20 Hostages by Hamas

Several Common Fallacies on the Taiwan Question

By: Ambassador Yu Dunhai

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly recently concluded successfully. This was a session of special significance, as it marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the global anti-fascist war and the establishment of the United Nations.

Over the past 80 years, the UN has become the most universal, representative and authoritative intergovernmental international organization, with the UN-centered international system widely supported by the international community.

Eighty years ago, defeated Japan returned Taiwan to China, which was an indisputable outcome of the global anti-fascist war and a crucial part of the post-war international order. Currently, the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities stubbornly adopt a separatist policy seeking “Taiwan independence” , while a small number of countries claim that China’s sovereignty over Taiwan has not been established, openly challenging the authority of the UN and the post-war international order. To clarify the facts and set the record straight, I feel obligated to address several common fallacies on the Taiwan Question.

Fallacy 1: “The two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other.”
Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times, with clear historical and legal foundations. Numerous historical records and documents detail the early development of Taiwan by the Chinese people.

As early as the 12th century, the Chinese government established administrative institutions and exercised jurisdiction in Taiwan. In 1895, Japan forced the Qing government to cede Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Japan through war. In 1943, the Cairo Declaration issued by China, the United States and the United Kingdom stipulated that all the territories seized by Japan including Taiwan must be returned to China.

In 1945, the Potsdam Proclamation issued by China, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union reaffirmed that the terms of the Cairo Declaration must be implemented. In August of that year, Japan accepted the Potsdam Proclamation and signed the Instrument of Surrender in September, pledging to “faithfully fulfill the obligations laid down in the Potsdam Proclamation.”

Through a series of internationally legally binding documents, China recovered Taiwan both legally and in fact. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have not yet achieved complete reunification, the fact that both the mainland of China and Taiwan belong to one China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China has never changed and cannot be changed. This is the true status quo of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan has never been a country, nor will it ever be in the future.

Fallacy 2: “China’s sovereignty over Taiwan has not been established.”

Shortly after the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan in 1945, the Nationalist government led by Chiang Kai-shek launched a civil war. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people won the civil war, ultimately overthrowing the “Republic of China” government led by Chiang Kai-shek. Some members of the Nationalist regime retreated to Taiwan, and with interference from external forces, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait entered a prolonged state of political confrontation.

On October 1, 1949, the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established, and the PRC government became the sole legitimate government of China. This was a change of government within the same international legal entity of China, with no change to China’s sovereignty or inherent territory. The PRC government naturally enjoys and exercises China’s sovereignty in full, including sovereignty over Taiwan.
Fallacy 3: “UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not establish the One-China principle.”

Resolution 2758 fully embodies the One-China principle. On August 20, 1971, before the resolution was put to a vote, the Chinese government issued a statement emphasizing: “There are not two Chinas in the world; there is only one China, the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and a province of China, which was returned to the motherland at the end of World War II. This is an indisputable fact.”

On October 25, 1971, the 26th session of the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which decided to “restore all the rights of the People’s Republic of China, recognize the representatives of its government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations, and expel forthwith the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek from the place which they unlawfully occupy at the United Nations and in all the organizations related to it.”

Resolution 2758 politically affirmed and consolidated the One-China principle: there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is a part of China, and the PRC government is the sole legitimate government representing all of China. Following the resolution’s adoption, UN official documents consistently refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan, Province of China.” These facts are indisputable and unchallengeable.
Fallacy 4: “UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not determine Taiwan’s status.”

Resolution 2758 and the One-China principle that the Resolution embodies impose universal binding force on all subjects of the international community through the UN Charter, bilateral diplomatic treaties, and fundamental principles of international law.
In diplomatic practice, the resolution’s authority is reflected in the correct Taiwan-related positions, policies, and actions of the UN General Assembly, UN specialized agencies and many UN member states.

These collectively form an important international legal and moral foundation for handling Taiwan-related questions. The One-China principle, framework, consensus and related institutional arrangements supported by the resolution have become principles and common knowledge followed by all countries, as well as a solemn commitment by countries with diplomatic relations to respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The claim by a few countries that “Taiwan’s status is undetermined” challenges the authority of the UN, defies the post-war international order, and is an absurd and dangerous attempt to reverse history.
Fallacy 5: “Now is the time for the UN to recognize Taiwan.”

According to Resolution 2758, China’s representation in the UN naturally includes Taiwan as part of the whole of China. This is entirely consistent with the international legal principle that “one sovereign state can only be represented by one central government.” There is only one seat for China in the UN, and the PRC government is the sole legitimate representative of China in the UN. There is no issue of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.”

The Taiwan authorities have repeatedly pushed for farcical attempts to achieve “meaningful participation” or “re-entry” into the UN, trying to challenge the authority of Resolution 2758, but all ended up in failure.

Resolution 2758 clarifies that “China” in the UN Charter refers to the People’s Republic of China, imposing an obligation on all UN member states to avoid raising the so-called issue of Taiwan’s representation in the UN system. Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to participate in the UN or other international organizations exclusive to sovereign states. On this matter of principle, there is no gray area or room for ambiguity.

The One-China principle has become an international consensus, with 183 countries including Nigeria, establishing diplomatic relations with China based on this principle. In 1971, when China and Nigeria established diplomatic relations, Nigeria solemnly pledged in the Joint Communiqué: “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the entire Chinese people.” Since then, the One-China principle has been firmly supported by successive Nigerian governments, serving as the cornerstone for the healthy and stable development of China-Nigeria relations.

The Nigerian government requested the Taiwan authorities to relocate its trade office to Lagos from Abuja in 2017, strictly restricted official interactions between Nigerian government officials and Taiwan, and reiterated that the Taipei trade office in Nigeria is a non-diplomatic commercial entity that does not represent any government.

In September 2024, during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China, Nigeria reiterated in the Joint Statement: “Nigeria firmly adheres to the One-China principle, recognizes that there is only one China in the world, that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Nigeria opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence,’ opposes interference in China’s internal affairs, and firmly supports the Chinese government’s efforts to achieve national reunification.”

China highly appreciates the Nigerian government’s firm stance on the Taiwan Question. Nigeria’s political resolve and firm stance align with the fundamental interests of the Nigerian nation and people, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and the global landscape of one China.

Currently, the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership continues to deepen, with friendly cooperation becoming a model for China-Africa cooperation and Global South collaboration. China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and practical cooperation with Nigeria, promote the early implementation of a zero-tariff policy for 100% of tariff lines on products, enhance collaboration under the framework of Global Governance Initiative, and jointly build a China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

We hope that all peace-loving countries and peoples will stand on the side of historical justice, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguard the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, firmly oppose the deliberate distortions by the Taiwan authorities and a few countries, and take concrete actions to support the Chinese people’s just cause of defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieving national reunification.

Several Common Fallacies on the Taiwan Question

UK Reaffirms Commitment Towards Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Across Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Nigeria as the country
navigates rising energy costs and the growing urgency of the climate crisis,

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter made the commitment on Wednesday at his residence in Lagos in a statement at the second edition of W.O.M.A.N by Alitheia, a high-level forum for Women in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Nutrition and key stakeholders, hosted by Alitheia Capital, a pioneer in gender-lens impact investing private equity firm, in collaboration with Manufacturing Africa, a UK government programme focused on attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the manufacturing sector.

Themed “Scaling Sustainable Manufacturing & Energy Transition for Women-led SMEs in Africa,” this year’s edition brought together a dynamic mix of industry leaders, women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and energy solution providers to explore the pivotal role of women-led businesses in Africa’s sustainable industrial transformation.

The discussions, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria. addressed the acute pressures SMEs face amid surging fuel prices and electricity tariffs – conditions that have made sustainable energy adoption both an environmental and economic imperative. Insights from Alitheia’s own portfolio reveals that adopting renewable energy can cut operational costs by as much as 60%, underscoring the financial viability of clean energy for scaling women-led businesses.

Participants examined practical pathways for women entrepreneurs to access clean energy solutions, scale sustainable manufacturing practices, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s green economy.

In his remarks, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter stated: “We are proud to collaborate with Alitheia Capital on W.O.M.A.N. (Women in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Nutrition) to drive Africa’s green industrial future. We recognise the indispensable role of women in this transition and are committed to expanding access to capital and capability to ensure sustainable growth. This event reflects our shared vision for inclusive and transformative development, and we are committed to supporting this journey through targeted investments and strategic private partnerships.”

Also speaking, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Alitheia Capital, Tokunboh Ishmael said: “We are no longer just talking about sustainability as a nice-to-have. It’s an economic imperative, especially for women entrepreneurs at the heart of Nigeria’s industrial transformation and through W.O.M.A.N by Alitheia, we’re not only spotlighting solutions—we’re scaling them. In our own portfolio, we’ve seen up to a 60% reduction in energy costs among businesses that have adopted clean energy. This is proof that green transition is not only possible but profitable.”

The event also featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with industry leaders including Yemisi Iranloye (CEO, Psaltry), Affiong Williams (CEO, ReelFruit), Temilola Adepetun (Managing Director, SKLD), James Fabola (CFO, Arnergy Solar), Bukola Badmos (Executive Director & CFO, Starsight Energy), and Sarah Ogbewey, (Head, Strategic Partnerships, Renewable Energy & Mobility, Sterling Bank).

Alitheia Capital also launched Nzinga, its SME capacity-building platform designed to equip entrepreneurs with tools for scaling their businesses sustainably. In parallel, Manufacturing Africa unveiled its Green Business Building (GBB) accelerator, which will drive the growth of green businesses through strategic support on core business problems, leading to the development of an ecosystem for green manufacturing and green jobs in Nigeria.

The day closed with an ESG knowledge session, exhibitions from green energy and manufacturing solution providers, and a resounding call to action: expand access to capital, strengthen ecosystems, and enable policy that supports inclusive green industrialization.

UK Reaffirms Commitment Towards Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Across Nigeria