International

Nordic Countries Agree to Reform of UN

Published

9 months ago

August 14, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nordic Countries Agree to Reform of UN

Call for Increase in Members of Security Council

By: Michael Mike

Nordic countries have agreed to support Nigeria’s demand for the reform of the United Nations.

The Nordic countries: Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden gave the promise on Tuesday in Abuja during the visit of their foreign affairs ministers to Nigeria.

The countries said it was important to address Africa’s under-representation in the UN Security Council.

The foreign affairs ministers from the five countries are in Nigeria on a joint visit, the first of its kind outside of Europe.

The visiting Nordic delegation consists of Mr Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ms Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Ms Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ms Bjørg Sandkjær, State Secretary for International Development, Norway and Ms Eva Marie Frida Barløse, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark

Speaking during a visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, Mr Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden described Nigeria as a prominent actor both in Africa and globally.

Billström, while commending Nigeria’s efforts towards promoting peace and forging international cooperation, said: “Our engagement in Africa has been guided by solidarity and long-term equal opportunities. The diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Nordic countries date back more than 60 years, half a century. And Nigeria is also one of our largest trading partners on the African continent.

“And the recurring business forum Nordic-Nigeria Connect, hosted in Lagos last year is an important venue for further boosting trade and investments between our countries. The role and importance of African countries in international politics is greater than ever.

“Nigeria is a prominent actor on the regional and global stage, and plays an important role in maintaining peace and furthering international cooperation.

“We highly appreciate the Nigerian President’s efforts to promote stability and democracy within ECOWAS, and supporting ongoing efforts to further enhance cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations.

“The adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719 is a welcome step in this direction. At the same time, it is important to recognize and address Africa’s under-representation in the Security Council.

“And to this end, the Nordic supports the extension and expansion of the Council in both the permanent and two-year term elected categories. Just like Nigeria, the five Nordic countries are firmly committed to standing up for the international rules-based order, democracy, and human rights.

“These values are now under attack, notably through Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine which threatens not only peace and security, but the very principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“And we acknowledge and welcome Nigeria’s clear stance in the UN General Assembly on this matter, in defence of international law and the UN Charter, as well as leading the way for many other countries.

“Excellency, this visit is of particular importance to us. Nigeria and the Nordics are key partners in an array of areas, not only global and regional security, but also trade and investment, promoting human rights and democracy, as well as combating climate change.”

Corroborating the Swedish Minister words, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ms Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, said the visit is for dialogue and deep discussions; stressing that: “We share fundamental values, and we believe in the rule-based order and as well that the African continent needs to be represented stronger and better in the multilateral system, which is a system that we believe in and we truly need to continue.”

On her part, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark, Ms Eva Marie Frida Barløse, said “This visit of the Nordic group is a reflection of the increased importance that we attach to engaging more with Nigeria, and I look very much forward to the conversation and the increased dialogue with you.”

Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen,, said the visit was meant “to further strengthen our partnership and deepen our friendship.”

The State Secretary for International Development, Norway, Ms Bjørg Sandkjær, said: “We’ll be able to talk a bit more, I think, about the strong focus that the Nordic countries have on democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.

“And we also welcome the very close collaboration between our countries on these issues, including in multilateral forums, as has been – has been mentioned.”

In his response, Tuggar said that Nigeria and the Nordic countries share the same democratic ideals.

The Minister while welcoming the support of the Nordic countries for the reform of the United Nations organs, said: “We also aspire to the same democratic ideals, and I’m happy that you mentioned your support to see a reform of the United Nations Security Council, permanent members, and, of course, our aspiration to become not only a permanent member, but then also, you know, maybe closer.

“We’re looking at membership in the United Nations Security Council. And, of course, this aspiration for democratising the global governing institutions of the planet goes beyond the United Nations.

“That’s why we’re also aspiring to become a member of the G7 important bodies.”
He also commended the Nordic countries for their efforts towards ensuring peace and security in the Lake Chad region.”

He added that: “And, of course, the good work that all the countries have been doing in the Lake Chad region is something that is not unnoticed by Nigeria, and it’s something that we really appreciate and that we treasure.

“We’re looking to engage, to learn so much from all the countries, because the Nordic region is one that excels in terms of the circular economy. This is something that we feel we can do a lot together.

Nordic Countries Agree to Reform of UN

International

Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis

Published

2 weeks ago

April 21, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.

The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.

The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.

“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”

The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.

“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”

Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis

International

Chinese National Abducted in Durumi Abuja, as Kidnappers demand N300million ransom

Published

2 weeks ago

April 19, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Chinese National Abducted in Durumi Abuja, as Kidnappers demand N300million ransom

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected abduction occurred on April 18, 2025, when Mr. Yangi Ming, a Chinese national working at Panda Supermarket in Jabi, was reportedly abducted by unknown individuals.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Mr Yangi Ming left his residence at Stargate Apartment in Durumi around 1700hrs and was last seen wearing brown shorts and a black polo shirt.

His sister, Aisha Pan, residing in Sharanda, Kano State, later received a ransom demand of ₦300 million, made from Yangi Ming’s mobile phone number.

Chinese National Abducted in Durumi Abuja, as Kidnappers demand N300million ransom

International

India-bound Siblings Arrested with Cocaine at Lagos Airport

Published

4 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

India-bound Siblings Arrested with Cocaine at Lagos Airport

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two siblings at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos during a planned travel to India with 5 kilogrammes of cocaine.

The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday said: “Operatives of a Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested two brothers: John Abugu, 43, and Kenneth Abugu, 31, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja, Lagos with 5 kilogrammes cocaine concealed in walls of their suitcases while attempting to board a flight to India.”

He said the two brothers were arrested at the Lagos airport last Thursday following proactive processing of credible intelligence. He said they claimed they were travelling to India for medical treatment but when their suitcases were thoroughly searched by NDLEA officers, whitish powdery substances later confirmed to be cocaine were discovered on the walls of their bags.

Babafemi said in a similar development, NDLEA officers of the MMIA Strategic Command same day, Thursday intercepted a 20-year-old Ghanaian – British man, Parker Osei with 36 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 19.4 kilogrammes packed in a giant travelling bag. The suspect who claims he is a student of Computer Science at East London University, UK, was arrested during the inward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand, at the E-arrival hall of the Lagos airport.

In his statement, the techie claims he lives with his parents in the UK but left London about a week ago for Bangkok where he picked up the illicit drug consignment to deliver in Nigeria.

NDLEA operatives in Kogi state have arrested a 33-year-old woman, Ngozi Ogili while moving 3 kilogrammes of methamphetamine from Lagos to Abuja. She was nabbed in a commercial transport bus along Okene-Lokoja highway last Monday. Babafemi said a follow up operation at her point of delivery in Apo mechanic area of Abuja led to the seizure of quantities of Loud and Colorado, both synthetic strains of cannabis.

In Abia state, NDLEA officers on Saturday arrested a 75-year-old grandpa, Nnanna Felix with 1.6 kilogrammes skunk, a strain of cannabis during a raid at Umunteke Asa, Ukwa West local government area, while another suspect David Chinemerem, 21, was nabbed with 2,050 ampoules of pentazocine at 7 Nnajiego Lane, Umuode road, Aba last Tuesday.

No fewer than 381 bottles of codeine syrup and 108 tablets of tramadol were seized from a suspect, Abdullahi Adamu along Potiskum-Damaturu road, Yobe state by NDLEA operatives on Saturday, just as raid operations at Osogbo motor park, Onitsha and a house at Oba in Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra state led to the arrest of Obinna Sunday and the seizure of 195,000 pills of tramadol. Also arrested during the raid at the motor park was Ugochukwu Ojalanonye with 4.2 kilogrammes codeine syrup and 5.4kg pentazocine.

In the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, NDLEA operatives last Thursday arrested 51-year-old Sunday Ayogu with 25 kilogrammes skunk and 90.4 grammes of methamphetamine during a raid operation at Wuse market Abuja, while two women: Faith Etim, 64, and Victoria Etim, 40, were nabbed lasr Friday when NDLEA operatives supported by men of the Nigerian Army raided cannabis plantations in Esuk-Odot community, Odukpani local government area of Cross River State where 250,000 kilogrammes of the psychoactive plant were destroyed on over 100 hectares of farm land.

Babafemi said with the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

Meanwhile, while commending the officers and men of MMIA, SOU, Yobe, Abia, Kogi, Anambra, Cross River and FCT commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

India-bound Siblings Arrested with Cocaine at Lagos Airport