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Protest: Nigeria Warns Foreign Diplomats Against Interference
Protest: Nigeria Warns Foreign Diplomats Against Interference
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has warned that Nigerian government would not tolerate any form of foreign interference in the ongoing protest in the country.
The Minister said the government will deal with any entity within the country found to have directly or indirectly supported the protest.
He however assured Nigerians and the world at large that President Bola Tinubu understands the pains and frustration driving the protest and is doing everything to address them.
He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the pain and frustration that drive the protests and has assured that his government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of Nigerians. He has appealed particularly to the youths and advised them not to let violence and destruction tear the country apart. While admitting that there have been many dashed hopes in the past, he affirmed that Nigeria is in a new era of Renewed Hope as the government is working hard, and that the results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy.
“Consequently, the President has directed that the security operatives should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in the country in line with the necessary conventions on human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory, as the safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.
“Members of the diplomatic corps, I have provided you with a lot of detail, and some of the facts and figures that reflect where we are and what we, as a responsible, elected government, are trying to do. But this is about more than the numbers. The President led the campaign against military dictatorship in the 1990s and believes in a democracy, in Nigeria’s democracy that freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and the right to dissent are fundamental.
“But Nigeria is a country under the rule of law. No one can tolerate the thuggish behaviour of fringe elements and those who stand behind them.
“While the government continues to work hard through the various reform programs and measures to address the challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent to remind us that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens. Nigeria is not an exception.
“The government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.
“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your individual countries and organizations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships. Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerian at home and abroad.”
Also addressing the Diplomatic corps, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said the government respects the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, which are cornerstones of all democratic societies, but stressed that what began as a peaceful protest in some States and the Federal Capital Territory, was soon hijacked by elements who infiltrated the protest and orchestrated violent activities that destroyed lives and properties.
He said: “There were reports of arson, vandalism, looting, and clashes with law enforcement agents in several cities. Tragically, these incidents led to the loss of innocent lives and significant damage to properties.
“In response to these unforeseen events, the Federal Government acted swiftly to restore peace and order. It is important to emphasize that the security forces were instructed to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to international standards in managing civil protests.
“They have indeed put in a lot of work to ensure the safety of all law-abiding Nigerians, and to maintain order, in the last week. But they have also been decisive in their response to criminality, and it is important to separate these from their commendable approach to legitimate protests,” he said.
He assured the Diplomatic Community that it was not the primary focus of the administration to impose hardship on Nigerians but to correct poor policies and dysfunctional choices of the past.
He said President Tinubu is determined to implement reforms that would drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for all citizens, stressing that the current challenges are only temporary.
“It is important to kick off on this note: that President Tinubu did not come to office to cause hardship or make life difficult for Nigerians. He has come to office with bold solutions to historical problems; with the determination to correct many of the poor policies and dysfunctional choices that have held us back as a nation for decades.
“The President assumed office during one of Nigeria’s most challenging periods in its history, where the country was spending 97% of all its revenue on debt service; coupled with widespread poverty, rising unemployment, dilapidated infrastructure, and insecurity. Faced with these daunting realities, the administration took decisive action and implemented long-overdue reforms to save the economy from collapse,” he said.
The Minister said for decades, the costly, wasteful and unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had denied Nigeria the opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure, social service, and the welfare of its citizens hence the President took a very painful decision to abolish the fuel subsidy and redirect the funds towards critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security, which directly impact citizens’ well-being and the development of the country.
He said the President was not under any illusion that the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the harmonization of foreign exchange rates would not come with some transitional pains – situation that informed the decision of the Federal Government to design comprehensive intervention programmes to cushion the transitional pains.
“We have been very determined about ensuring that these interventions are fully implemented, and bring the intended relief to Nigerians,” he stated.
Idris, while informing the Diplomatic Community that the worst is over, said the Federal Government has launched an investigation into the violence that occurred during the protest in order to identify and bring to justice all those responsible.
“We are committed to preventing the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future,” he said.
Protest: Nigeria Warns Foreign Diplomats Against Interference
FreeNnamdiKanuNow Movement: NSCDC warns protesters against vandalis
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has cautioned protesters of the FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement to desist from vandalising Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the federal capital territory, Abuja.
The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said that there are plans by Mr Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara reporters, to organise a protest on Monday for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Odumosu called on citizens, in support or against the planned rally to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.
He said: “The corps will not condone any form of destruction, vandalism or theft of public and private facilities in the name of protest.”
According to him, the Corps has massively deployed officers and men to protect all CNAI as well as ensure the protection of residents across the FCT before, during and after the protest.
“We are prepared as always to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to Infrastructure and the peace in the territory.
“The deployed officers and men were drawn from specialised units, including Area Commands and Divisions, and have been properly briefed on the assignment as well as precautions to adhere to during the rally,” he said.
Odumosu said personnel had been warned not to shoot, harass or intimidate any law abiding citizen, but criminals and vandals trying to hijack the situation will not be condoned.
He further urged the deployed men to be civil by adopting the non-kinetic approach while carrying out the mandates of the corps.
The commandant, however, warned those with the intention of hijacking or disrupting the proposed peaceful protest to desist as anyone caught with criminal intents will be arrested and dealt according to the extant laws.
He urged all law abiding citizens to go about their normal activities as deployment has been made to strategic locations and identified flash points to maintain peace and order.
FreeNnamdiKanuNow Movement: NSCDC warns protesters against vandalis
Dogara Commends Tinubu’s NELFUND, educational policies
By: our reporter
Former Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his education policies particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)
Dogara spoke at the Federal University of Lokoja while delivering a Special Public Lecture, titled “Empowering the Future Generation: The Founders’ Vision and Legacy.
The Public Lecture was part of the week long activities for the institution’s 9th Convocation.
According to Dogara, “the President deserves commendation expecially for the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) which he stressed has giving hope to students whose educational dreams would have been cut short for lack of funds.
“Education remains our most powerful weapon against poverty, ignorance and underdevelopment. It is the idea of planting seeds of hope, creating pathways to opportunity, and building a place where talents are refined and human potential is unlocked.
“NELFUND – a program designed to remove financial barriers to higher education for indigent Nigerian students with interest -free loans had disbursed N99.5billion to fund tuition and upkeep allowances.
“As we speak, and as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President has prioritized inclusivity and equity in access to education. We are witnessing the gradual dismantling of systemic barriers, particularly for marginalized grounds such as women and persons with disabilities. No one doubts Mr. President’s commitment to ensuring that every young Nigerian, regardless of background, has access to quality education.
“To those who have often wondered why I promote President Tinubu s education policies – you have found one of the answers. Why would any sensible person who has benefited immensely from education do otherwise?”
The Former Rep Speaker however enjoined the graduands to take advantage of their knowledge to solve Nigerian problems, urging them to develop a global mindset with local relevance.
“Think globally but act locally. While embracing international best practices, never forget your roots. The solutions to Africa problems must be African- led, though globally informed. Weather you become engineers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs or public servants, always ask: How can I apply global knowledge to solve local problems?”
He also tasked them to seek innovation and entrepreneurs, embrace lifelong learning, commit to ethical leadership and be a good steward for the university.
End
India Offers to Share with Nigeria Keys to Women Success in Politics, Business
By: Michael Mike
India has expressed its willingness to share the key to the success of Indian women in politics and business.
This offer was given on Thursday by the Indian High Commissioner Designate to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Abhishek Singh, while handing over 2000 gift packs to the students of Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.
He said India is willing to share its experiences with partners like Nigeria and appreciated the dynamic efforts underway in Nigeria for women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
The envoy acknowledged the government’s focus under the Renewed Hope Agenda on economic empowerment, social protection, and increased political participation of women, while emphasizing the need to harness Nigeria’s demographic dividend for a better and sustainable future.
He noted that over 70% of the population is under 30, 42% under the age of 15, with a median age of approximately 18.1 — making Nigeria one of the youngest populations in the world.
He also acknowledged the increasing role of Nigeria in the world and in the Global South, and the vital contributions of Nigerian women to the country’s development.
The High Commissioner Designate appreciated the Indian companies operating in Nigeria and their contributions, noting that Indian companies are the second-largest employers of Nigerians after the federal government, with over 200 companies and total investments exceeding US$27 billion.
He also highlighted the strong CSR credentials of Indian companies and noted that India’s robust CSR ecosystem contributes meaningfully to social, environmental, and economic development.
On the celebration, the envoy said that the theme is not only very significant in terms of the two or three aspects that it covers, but it is very poignant.
“In many societies we see that howsoever hard we try, still we are not able to have, you know, full gender parity. So, the recognition of having the girls’ rights and their role in leadership and well-being is highlighted in this year’s theme. And I am sure we will have many occasions to discuss that. You now think about how we can further promote leadership amongst women.
“And I think there can be no cause greater or more noble than educating the Girl Child.
“Because you hold not only the promise of bringing prosperity and happiness to your homes, but also you ensure the prosperity of the entire society, the entire nation and the entire world. In India, in various countries, every country around the world, when we empower the Girl Child, when we empower women, we empower the societies.
“You know, we all emphasise that when you educate the girl child, you save the society, you save the country, you build the future. Not only save the society but you build the future.
“Because when there is happiness at home, there will be happiness in the society and you are the source of happiness everywhere. So, my gratitude, my greetings to all of you.”
He also cited his country where women have occupied the highest political position available.
He stressed that women “are contributing a significant amount to the India’s GDP. So, they are contributing, Indian women are contributing significantly to the Indian economy.
“In India also, we have been, you know, ensuring that we provide equal opportunity to the girl child and to place special emphasis on that under the visionary leadership of my prime minister, Narendra Modi.
He also said that “ I feel that we are all in safe hands because when we look at women leadership, we look at sympathetic leadership, we look at empathetic leadership and you bring a different touch, a different aura to the leadership. So, we are very grateful that you are all set to do great things to take up the leadership role.”
He commended the Indian companies in Nigeria for organising and donating sanitary materials to the students.
He encouraged young girls to dream big and work hard to achieve their aspirations, quoting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi word’s: “When a girl rises, a family grows and a nation shines.”
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to promoting gender equality, women empowerment and women
led development both in India and globally.
The event was attended by Dr. Mohammed Sani Ladan, Director/Secretary, and Mrs. Omolaiye Toluwa, Director (Bilateral) from the FCTA Secondary School Education Board, and Dr. Fatima Mohammed, Principal
of Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse.
On his part, the Director/ Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Mohammed Ladan said the board remains “committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment where every girl can thrive in a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment where every girl can thrive in a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment.”
Ladan also noted that the visit of the Embassy delegation is an indication that the Girl Child can be dependable and reliable in any career.
“We affirm our dedication to promoting gender equity in education, combating barriers to access and retention in schools, supporting mentorship, leadership, and life skills programmes for girls. We encourage step partnerships and career readiness. Therefore, explore every Girl Child to embrace proper education with seriousness and enthusiasm.
“To excel, the sky remains the stepping stone if well proved. To every girl in our school, you are seen, you are valued, and you are unstoppable. Keep dreaming boldly and strive fearlessly. The world needs your voice.
“ To the High Commissioner of India, we look forward to more opportunities to partner with you, and together let us build a future where Girl Child is free to learn, live, and live with dignity.”
Meanwhile, India companies in Nigeria have pledged to work with the Education Board across the country.
“We look forward to engaging further with the Education Board and seeing how we can do many more projects like this across all states in Nigeria.”
India Offers to Share with Nigeria Keys to Women Success in Politics, Business
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