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Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

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Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

By: Our Reporter

Governor Mai Mala Bumi of Yobe State has assured that the insecurity in the northeast would soon be overcome and Internally Displaced Persons return to their ancestral homes.

Mala Buni stated this when he hosted governors of the northeast region in Damaturu, the Yobe state Capital on Tuesday.

The governor, who shows determination to end insecurity and armed conflicts in the Northeast region, said that such periodic meetings have continuously proven to be vital in their quest for the full return of peace and prosperity of the northeast region. 

While expressing satisfaction with the initiative and commitment of the respective State Governments to such important meetings, governor Buni said. “This underscores our collective commitment to free the Northeast sub-region from the clutches of insecurity, poverty and other emerging challenges of development in the aftermath of the over one decade of insurgency which devastated many communities in our individual states.

“As we are all aware, prior to the advent of Boko Haram insurgency, the Northeast had to contend with desertification and desert encroachment, low rainfall and drought among other natural factors such as flooding that continued to affect agricultural productivity being the major preoccupation of our people.”

He observed that, like most parts of the Country, the region is faced with the challenge of dearth of functional public and private companies to absorb the ever-growing number of skilled and unskilled labour in the area.

“Obviously, it could not be an understatement to say that the task before us is enormous and requires a collective and holistic approach, if we are to bequeath a prosperous future to the next and upcoming generations.

“It is therefore, a matter of pride for all our States that having realized the magnitude of our common challenge, we have evolved a stronger fraternity upon which we would continue to build a solid bond of brotherhood for socio-economic advancement not only among our leaders but also among our people.  Throughout the insurgency period, our people have demonstrated resilience in spite of losing their relatives, shelter and means of livelihood”. 

Speaking on the post insurgency response, governor Mala Buni said, “I would like to appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for creating the North East Development Commission and for the supply of various relief materials and empowerment packages for the victims of insurgency and all the people in this area. 

Also Read:Former MD, Specialist Hospital, Dr. Saidu Bala kidnapped

“Similarly, I would like to commend the humanitarian activities of our development partners, International Non-Governmental Organizations, Philanthropists and other stakeholders for bringing succor to the victims of insurgency during the most trying periods and donation of various items for the restoration of livelihood in the affected areas”.

“In a meeting of this magnitude, we must also continue to appreciate the commitment of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and other related crimes threatening the corporate existence of the Country. 

“In the same vein, I would like to reiterate my commendation to our gallant troops who are diligently performing their statutory duties of defending our fatherland against all internal and external threats.  I also commend the complementary efforts of the vigilante groups in the fight against insurgency and other crimes to make our country more secure and peaceful. It is imperative to note that in spite of the improvement in the fight against insurgency, it is not yet over and therefore, requires re-strategizing and sustenance”.

Buni added that as the situation continues to improve, there is the need for each State to intensify its efforts in the recovery process and to evolve sustainable means of livelihood to our people for accelerated development. “This meeting has therefore provided another golden opportunity for us to share ideas on laying a solid foundation for a brighter future for our States. 

Also Read: GIVE US A FAVOURABLE JUDGMENT IN OVOKE’S KILLING,…

There is no gainsaying the fact that we need to evolve practical and proactive measures to create a peaceful, stable, just and egalitarian society. We should strive to create the right atmosphere for equal opportunities to our citizenry regardless of political, tribal, religious, class or any other subjective factors with a view to avoiding recurrence of insurgency and other menaces”. 

“The government of Yobe State under my leadership has identified revitalization of education as one of the key areas for post-insurgency socio-economic rejuvenation. 

“We have remained focused on the declaration of State of Emergency at the inception of our administration and the current Education Revitalization Appeal Fund in which we have raised funds above the set targets in most of the Local Government Areas.  Simultaneously, we are gearing our efforts towards revamping agriculture to serve as an instrument for attainment of food security, employment and revenue generation”.

“We are constructing an International Cargo airport which is almost completed, just as we are about to commission the new Modern Markets in Damaturu, Gashua, Nguru and Potiskum towns and also a Trailer Park in Potiskum.  In addition, we would support Small and Medium Scale enterprises and encourage the formation of clusters to enable eligible people access loans to boost their occupations”.   

“This august gathering may be pleased to note that, we have this year created the Ministry for Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation chiefly to arrest youth restiveness and unemployment by providing grants to communities in the form of empowerment materials for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons in host communities, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, persons with disabilities, women, youth and other vulnerable groups.

The Ministry is also charged with the responsibility of uncovering our potentialities in solid minerals and other areas for internal revenue generation for the Government and employment opportunities for the people”.

“I believe that for speedy socio-economic development of the North East to be achieved, we need maximum cooperation and support of the Federal Government for resuscitation of Lake Chad, implementation of the Great Green Wall and actualization of the Mambilla Hydro Power Project among other major issues’ ‘.   

“On this note, I would like to once again welcome my dear brothers and colleagues, their Excellencies, the Executive Governors of Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States to Damaturu for the 6th meeting of the North East Governors’ Forum. I wish us all fruitful deliberations and happy stay in Yobe State”.

On his part, the Chairman Northeast Governor’s Forum and Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum revealed that they have been able to identify the problems facing the northeast region and have begun steps to improve livelihood.

“No doubt our problems are enormous but with courage and determination, we shall surmount these problems and take our people once again to those days where we all have a lasting peace.” Zulum said

Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

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EU Declares Nigeria Matters to Us

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EU Declares Nigeria Matters to Us

… Reiterates Commitment to Strengthen Long Standing Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David MacAllister on Monday declared the importance of Nigeria to the bloc, stating that Nigeria “matters” to us.

He also reiterated the bloc’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria.

MacAllister, who led a six-member European Parliament delegation on an official visit to Nigeria on Monday, after a meeting with the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar disclosed that their mission to Nigeria was designed to deepen mutual understanding, explore new areas of collaboration, and reinforce political and economic ties between both sides.

He said: “We are a delegation of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, We are six members in total from five different countries, from three different political groups in the European Parliament. And this shows a cross-party interest in further deepening and strengthening the relations between the European Union and Nigeria.”

MacAllister while describing Nigeria as a strategic partner whose influence on the continent and beyond makes it an indispensable ally in shaping Africa–EU relations, said: “Nigeria is considered as a strategic partner for the European Union. “We have a long-lasting, good and close relationship based on shared values and also on joint interests.”

He noted that the visit was part of the Parliament’s tradition of engaging directly with partner nations to better understand their challenges and opportunities.

He said: “The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee travels with smaller delegations a few times a year to other parts of the world,” adding that: “We mainly travel to get to know better the countries, to understand better the challenges these countries are facing, and also the opportunities these countries have. And we are also there to very carefully listen.”

MacAllister while expressing appreciation to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for hosting the delegation, noted that their discussion was insightful and covered a broad range of regional and global issues.

He said: “It was a great honour for us to be received by the Honourable Minister. His Excellency took more than one and a half hours of his precious time to really go into detail with many, many questions we had as regards the further development of the African Union, the further development of ECOWAS, and the developments in all neighbouring countries of Nigeria.”

He said the dialogue also reflected a shared interest in understanding the trajectories of both regions, stating that: “The Minister was also very interested in finding out how the further developments of the European Union will look like.”

He said: “Because just like Nigeria, just like ECOWAS, we in the European Union, of course, are also facing enormous challenges.”

He reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a vital partner in Europe’s engagement with Africa, stating that: “To sum up in one sentence — Nigeria matters. Nigeria matters for us in the European Union, and we in the European

Parliament are very keen to deepen the strategic partnership with Nigeria. And this will be our message when we go back home to Brussels.”

Responding, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, welcomed the lawmakers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, describing the European Union as a critical partner in trade, security, and development.

He said: “Any visit from the European Union has to be considered very important because Europe still remains our largest trading partner,” adding that: “Figures may vary, but it is not less than 31.8 billion euros.”

He described Europe and Africa as “natural neighbours,” emphasizing that geography should unite rather than separate the two continents.

He said: “For those who understand a bit of Latin, ‘Mediterranean’ means ‘water in the middle of land. So where Europe is concerned in its relations to Africa, what we have is water in the middle of land—we are closer than we imagine.”

He noted that Nigeria’s partnership with the EU extends beyond trade, touching on regional stability, food security, and job creation.

Tuggar said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasizes food security as his number one priority because we are a nation of 230 million people, expected to become 400 million by 2050. We are in a race against time to create jobs, feed our people, and ensure our population is healthy.”

He added that Nigeria’s recent inclusion as the 77th shareholder of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development reflects its commitment to global economic cooperation.

He saud: “We have a lot of lessons to learn from the European Union, which itself is still integrating. It gives us hope and serves as a model that we seek to emulate. We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with the EU in all areas.”

Other members of the European Parliament delegation included Christophe Thomas (France), Jaliana Lefebvre (Croatia), Marta Emigo (Portugal), and Tim Kenan (Finland).

EU Declares Nigeria Matters to Us

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CHANGES SERVICE CHIEFS

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CHANGES SERVICE CHIEFS

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.

The President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.

Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service, and dedicated leadership.

The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

All appointments take immediate effect.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CHANGES SERVICE CHIEFS

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Nigeria-Germany Trade Volume Hits €3 billion – Envoy

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Nigeria-Germany Trade Volume Hits €3 billion – Envoy

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria-Germany trade volume has hit an all-time high of €3 billion, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther said on Thursday

The envoy who addressed a press conference in Abuja said the 30% increase could be attributed to Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Gunther who called the press conference ahead of the joint Nigerian-German binational commission scheduled for Berlin, in German, noted that Nigeria remains “Germany’s second biggest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with a total trade volume of 3 billion Euros,” adding that: “Trade volumes have increased this year by 30% due to Nigeria’s economic recovery.”

The envoy equally revealed that more than 90 German companies are active in the country, “indirectly creating about 17.000 jobs in Nigeria.”

Gunther also told journalists that good times between both countries were not over, promising Nigerians that more investments are on the way, especially in the energy and the pharmaceutical sectors.

She revealed that in the energy sector, the Presidential Power initiative is now in the second phase.

She said: “This cooperation with the German energy giant Siemens will add about 7 Gigawatts to Nigeria’s Energy Grid. Secondly, the German –Nigerian cooperation in the Gas sector, eliminating gas flaring and improving Nigeria´s CO2 footprint.”

The envoy revealed that the relationship has also improved in the area of Visa and Migration as no fewer than 7,600 visas were issued to both students and short term stay, adding that plans were already in place to increase the number.

Gunther said: “All the common goals and projects would not work if they were not supported by travels on all levels between our two countries, plus legal migration. Last year alone, the German Embassy here in Abuja and the German Consulate General in Lagos granted around 1400 long-term visas for purposes such as study in Germany, family reunion and employment as well as around 6200 visas for short-term stays such as business and tourism.

She revealed that: “This year, we are well on track to raise those numbers,” stating that:
“The German missions remain committed to furthering the bilateral relations by granting visas to properly documented applications.”

She also assured that in the area of military cooperation, Germany will continue to stand by Nigeria.

She said: “This year marked a new chapter: the launch of our first Bilateral Annual Programme, bringing military experts from both countries together for in-depth exchanges and joint planning.

“Through the Bundeswehr Advisory Group, Germany has been a reliable partner — supporting Nigeria with field medical expertise and counter-IED operations, car mechanical training and other interventions.

“And we’re not stopping here. Germany will continue to stand with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

“Next month, we’ll take this cooperation to the next level: for the first time, high-level military staff talks will take place in Abuja, opening the door to even closer collaboration in the future.”

She also revealed other areas of cooperation which includes support for the Nigeria police force and the drug enforcement agency amongst others.

In the area of stabilization efforts at containing impacts of terrorism and climate change, the envoy said: “Germany is supporting the development of resilient state institutions and the strengthening of local communities.”

She said focus are on the North East (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) and the North West (Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina), “where initiatives such as the reconstruction of schools, health centres, markets, housing, and police stations are improving both security and daily life for local people.”

Nigeria-Germany Trade Volume Hits €3 billion – Envoy

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