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Queen’s Funeral: Solidarity of world leaders ennobling for Nigeria, Commonwealth -Osinbajo

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Queen’s funeral: Solidarity of world leaders ennobling for Nigeria, Commonwealth— Osinbajo

Queen’s Funeral: Solidarity of world leaders ennobling for Nigeria, Commonwealth – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the solidarity of world leaders at the Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral is ennobling and strengthening for countries like Nigeria and the Commonwealth.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Monday, said the vice president spoke with newsmen after attending the State Funeral Service of the late Queen of England at Westminster Abbey, London, UK.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Commonwealth compress 54 member states from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.

The vice president said that the coming together of leaders to celebrate the live of late Queen and attend her funeral was a show of solidarity and goodwill by people from around the world.

According to him, it is also a testament to the brotherhood of nations.

“For countries like ours, for Nigeria and for the Commonwealth, this has been very ennobling, very strengthening.

“I am sure that King Charles felt not just the honour of having so many people come by, but also the reassurance that there is a brotherhood across the world and that the Commonwealth remains strong.

“A Commonwealth of free nations who willingly subscribe to coming together to work together; to achieve sometimes, disparate political objectives but clear economic objectives.”

Osinbajo said that the event was a historic one that was unlikely to happen, perhaps in another lifetime.

He commended the sheer enormity of all that had happened and the gathering of leaders from everywhere, the good will, the good wishes, and all of that from practically everywhere around the world.

“So, I think that this has truly been a testament to the sort of person the Queen was – in life and death, brought people together and perhaps even more so in death.’’

The vice president prayed for a successful reign for King Charles lll.

“One wishes King Charles very well indeed, and I think we are all anxious that he succeeds.

“And that he perhaps does even better than his mother, which is the hope of his mum.

“I am sure that the Queen will really hope that all her successors and in this case King Charles, will do better than she did.

“We are all looking forward to a wonderful reign, a reign that will bring prosperity, peace, not just to England, but to the Commonwealth and to all of us.”

Osinbajo described the late Queen as a Monarch for all seasons.

He said that in the 70 years of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II had been through practically every cycle – war, peace, economic decline, apartheid.

“All the various cycles, where truly major things were going on, she held her own and she was always able to bring a certain degree of understanding.

“And just the gravity of someone who doesn’t hold political office is so well respected and well regarded.

“In so many ways, she was a factor in practically all of the various cycles that we have experienced, not just in the Commonwealth, but in the world itself.

“I think she was a stabilising force, that was why I thought the description (borrowed from “the man for all seasons”) that she was the Queen for all seasons,” he said.

Shortly after the Funeral Service, the vice president and all the foreign dignitaries, no fewer than 500, were hosted to a reception by the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Mr James Cleverly.

The Queen’s funeral procession then proceeded to Windsor Castle where she was laid to rest alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, at the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.

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China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

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China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders in diplomacy, academia, and the media have dismissed the claim that China has ulterior motives in Africa, insisting that the Chinese Government has come to the continent as a friend and key development partner.

They made this point at the Media Executives Forum and Book Launch held in Abuja at the China Cultural Centre.

The event, which featured the unveiling of Balancing the Narrative: China-Africa Relations authored by seasoned diplomatic journalist Raphael Oni, brought together diplomats, media professionals, and scholars to discuss the impact and perception of China’s growing involvement in Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Oni, who recently participated in a media training programme in China, described the book as a product of his experience and research.

He said: “There is a gap in understanding China’s role in Africa. A lot of misinformation is being circulated, especially through Western media. This book is my effort to correct that.”

Oni, who is the Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Extra, a magazine dedicated to foreign affairs and diplomatic reports, pointed to China’s numerous contributions in areas such as infrastructure, education, and technology, citing projects like roads, railways, and airport construction supported by Chinese funding and expertise.

He also highlighted capacity-building programmes that send Nigerian professionals and students to China for training.

on his part, the Director, Centre for Chinese Studies in Nigeria, Mr. Charles Onunaiju, commended Oni’s work, stating that it contributes to knowledge-driven cooperation. He noted that: “There are myths surrounding China-Africa relations, but what we need is deeper understanding and accurate information.”

In his remarks, the President of the African Union of Journalists and erstwhile President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate China’s development-driven approach. “China’s progress is rooted in long-term planning and strong national vision. We can learn a lot from that,” he said.

Diplomatic representatives from the High Commissions of Sierra Leone and Malaysia, as well as the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, also delivered goodwill messages. They praised the book and emphasized the importance of cultural and media exchanges in building international partnerships.

Participants at the event called for greater collaboration between African and Chinese media to present more balanced narratives and foster mutual understanding. They urged African journalists to take the lead in shaping the continent’s global image by telling stories grounded in fact and experience.

The forum concluded with a consensus that China remains a reliable ally in Africa’s development journey and that dispelling misinformation through responsible journalism is essential for strengthening bilateral ties.

China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

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6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

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6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Thursday, declared that his vision of transforming the state, set six years ago, has now become a tangible reality.

He stated this in Gombe during a state-wide broadcast marking the sixth anniversary of his administration’s leadership in the state.

According to Yahaya, his government has achieved remarkable progress since 2019, with visible development in every region of the state serving as undeniable proof.

He noted that the transformation agenda spanned education, healthcare, the economy, roads, infrastructure, and security, among other key areas of governance and public welfare.

Yahaya noted that his administration met public expectations by delivering quality governance, making Gombe a national benchmark across various development sectors.

“When we began this journey six years ago, we promised to transform Gombe into a development model. Today, that promise has come to fruition,” he said.

He said that every corner of Gombe bears evidence of growth and change, reflecting the state’s steady advancement under his leadership.

In the health sector, Yahaya said his government revamped and equipped 114 primary health centres, recruited personnel, and revitalised healthcare delivery across the state.

On education, he emphasised a holistic, data-driven strategy that improved learning outcomes and earned praise from the Federal Ministry of Education and development partners.

“We have also overhauled Gombe’s road infrastructure, delivering over 900 kilometres of rural and urban roads to enhance accessibility and economic growth,” he said.

These projects, he added, have linked communities, boosted trade, and eased the movement of people and goods across the state.

“All township roads under this scheme feature solar-powered streetlights, improving visibility at night and enhancing local security,” Yahaya noted.

Addressing water scarcity, the governor stated that over 900 boreholes had been constructed during his tenure to improve access to clean water.

He thanked the people of Gombe for their steadfast support and vowed to consolidate on achievements during the remaining two years of his second term.

“In the next two years, we’ll enhance Gombe’s strengths in commerce, agriculture, and renewable energy,” Yahaya pledged.

He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, good governance, and youth empowerment to prepare them for a dynamic and changing world.

6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

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Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

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Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Rivers State have arrested a serving soldier over an alleged attempted rape, theft, and assault on a police officer in Kpor Division, under Zone 16, Yenagoa.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Cpl. Dinebari Legudu, who claimed we was attached Special Forces, in Maiduguri, was arrested on Wednesday following a complaint by a 17-year-old female, Peace Baridor, of Bera community.

According to the police, the teenage girl reported that the suspect, whom she recently befriended on Facebook, visited her residence around 3:30 p.m. on the same day and allegedly attempted to rape her. She managed to escape and locked the suspect inside the house.

“In her absence, the suspect ransacked the home and allegedly stole N150,000 belonging to the girl’s mother before breaking out and fleeing,” the statement said.

Upon receiving the report at about 6:05 p.m., officers from the Kpor Division, acting swiftly alongside the complainant, traced and apprehended the suspect. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that he is a serving soldier currently on pass from his unit in Maiduguri.

The police also reported that the suspect resisted arrest and assaulted one of the arresting officers during the operation.

He is currently in police custody and investigation is ongoing.

Authorities said due process would be followed and the military hierarchy has been notified for necessary administrative procedures.

Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

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