World
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.
News
Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
A bandit attack on Tungar Dada Village in the Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto on April 13, 2025, has left one person dead and 50 others abducted.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 0400hrs, when a group of armed bandits stormed the village, shooting and killing one individual while abducting 50 villagers to an unknown destination.
Security officials have confirmed the death and are actively pursuing leads to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the suspects.
Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto
News
Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Republic of Korea has called for enhanced cultural exchange with Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of cross-fertilization to bolster diplomatic relations and share mutual experiences.
Making the call at the weekend in Abuja at the second edition of the Hansik Contest, the Director, Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Kim Changki, said his country is willing to build on the already existing cultural relationship with Nigeria.
On the cooking competition, he said the primary goal is to foster social and cultural interaction between Nigeria and Korea.
He noted that this year’s contest was better organized and well attended than the first one held last year, disclosing that this will mark his final event as the director of the Korean Centre, which tenure conclude in May.
He said: “Nigerians have a deep appreciation for Korean Pop and Korean cuisine, and this concert serves as a celebration of culture through various artistic expressions. The winner of the contest will receive a prize of N1 million along with a trip to Korea.”
The culture and events officer, Yunijin Lee, on her part, emphasized that the contest has received sponsorship from Korean food institutions (KFPI) and is specifically designed to bring the vibrant experiences of Korean culture and cuisine to Nigerians.
She also highlighted that the selection process for the winner was both thorough and impartial, stating, “The judging panel consists of Korean individuals, including the ambassador, director, and the embassy chef, who worked alongside a Nigerian chef to ensure fairness in the selection of the winner.”
The contest attracted a diverse group of 40 participants, all eager to showcase their culinary talents and knowledge of Korean cuisine. After a series of intense competitions and eliminations, the field narrowed down to 12 finalists.
Among them, Patience Vincent secured an impressive third place, while Ruth Igbayiola Olowo took home the second prize. The top prize of N1 million and a trip to Seoul, Korea went to Deborah Olabelurin, who impressed the judges with her exceptional skills and creativity in preparing Korean dishes.
The event was well attended by a vibrant audience, including enthusiasts of Korean cuisine and fans of Korean pop culture, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement. Attendees were treated to a rich variety of traditional Korean foods, which were beautifully presented, showcasing the intricate flavors and techniques of Korean culinary art.
Additionally, the event featured captivating dance performances set to popular Korean pop songs, further enriching the cultural experience and demonstrating the deep connections between the two countries.
The jubilant winner of the contest Deborah Olabelurin, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Korean Culture Center for organizing such a transformative event.
She expressed excitement about her upcoming trip to Korea, where she looks forward to immersing herself in the local culture and cuisine and how this incredible opportunity will play a crucial role in advancing her career as a chef.
Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria
News
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
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