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Re-echoing dangers of Holocaust to prevent reoccurrence
Re-echoing dangers of Holocaust to prevent reoccurrence
Re-echoing dangers of Holocaust to prevent reoccurrence
By Fortune Abang
The 1933-1945 Holocaust era during the Nazi regime in World War II may have come and gone, but the international community, diplomats and academics believe such antisemitism still abounds.
Holocaust is the ideological-driven persecution and murder of six million Jews across Europe by the then Nazi Germany and other racist states.
The stakeholders alluded that such ideology was built on pre-existing prejudices against Jews and Roma that entails systematic mass murder and persecution of Jews by Nazis and their collaborators.
The world makes progress in the Holocaust era, stakeholder re-echoe the need to prevent a reoccurrence of that ugly part of human history.
At the 80th anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, stakeholders advocated multilateral efforts toward ending all forms of racism, prejudice, and religious bigotry.
The event which had as its theme: “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights” was organised by the UN Information Centre in collaboration with UNESCO, the German and Israeli embassies.
It was used to brief students on lessons of the Holocaust and fight against discrimination, religious intolerance, harassment, mass violence, and hate speech.
Experts say that all forms of such ideology can be fueled by the same lies and loathing that nurtured the Nazi genocide.
They pointed at the October 7, terror attacks by Hamas on Israel and Israel’s reaction, Russia and Ukraine war, Sudan conflict situation among others to have been based on anti-Semitism.
These conflicts and many more have resulte to loss of lives and property, including in Europe, Australia, Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere, particularly with Jewish communities facing increasing hostility and violence.
Also worthy to note is the Rwandan genocide, known as the genocide against the Tutsi that occurred from April 7 to July 19, 1994 during the Rwandan Civil war, resulting in not less than 800 000 people been slaughtered in Rwanda by ethnic Hutu extremists.
It is estimated that no the death of thousands of Rwandans while fewer than 2, 000, 000 Rwandans reportedly fled the country during or after the genocide.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, called on all citizens of the world to speak up and stand up against hate.
Guterres said: “To allow the Holocaust to fade from our memory would dishonour the past and betray the future; remembrance is a moral act and a call to action.
“To know the history of the Holocaust is to know the depths to which humanity can sink; to understand how the Nazis committed their heinous crimes with the complicity of others.
“We must hold fast to our common humanity. We must condemn all forms of racism, prejudice and religious bigotry, and renew our resolve to defend the dignity and human rights of all.”
The Israeli Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Inbar Garden, recounted the Jewish men, women, and children were murdered in the holocaust, alongside millions of others who suffered under the Nazi regime.
She said through collective efforts such occurrences would be prevented.
According to her, it has become necessary to honour their memory not only to mourn the loss of 6-million Jewish men, women, and children alongside millions of others, also to reaffirm commitment to ensuring such atrocities never happen again.
“The Holocaust is not just a chapter of Jewish history; it is a universal reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred, discrimination, and indifference.
“It compels us to reflect on our shared responsibility to fight antisemitism, racism, and all forms of intolerance wherever they may arise,” Garden said.
In the same vein, Mr Mathias Dold, First Secretary of German Embassy, decried the 1933 to 1945 holocaust which he said marked the darkest period across Europe under Nazi Germany and other racist states.
“This is without a doubt Germany’s darkest hour and worst crime ever committed by the then national socialist Nazi government, since the history of the world.
“Beside Jews, other minors were murdered including half a million Roma and Sinti, Persons With Disabilities (PWD), communists, prisoners of war, political enemies and all those the Nazis considered unworthy,” Dold said.
Mr Mendy Albert, Officer -in-charge of UNESCO Country Office in Nigeria, urged people to reflect more on the consequences of hatred, discrimination and intolerance and embrace collective responsibility through peaceful co-existence and education.
He said that UNESCO, as the lead agency for education within the UN system, believes that education can the most powerful tool for re-echoing the dangers of Holocaust and building a just and peaceful world.
“Education for peace is not just about imparting knowledge; it is shaping attitudes, values and behaviours that promote dialogue, understanding and cooperation among individuals and societies,” Albert said.
Analysts agree that a multilateral approach toward raising awareness about ending racism, religious bigotry and all forms of hate is vital in bolstering lasting global peace.
They also believe that if Holocaust should serve as a powerful reminder that hatred, no matter how small it may seem, could grow into unimaginable consequences if left unchecked.
Hatred, often starts with seemingly minor acts of intolerance, hurtful words, exclusion, discrimination, and can quickly escalate into widespread harm and devastation.
Fortune Abang, is an Abuja-based journalist
Re-echoing dangers of Holocaust to prevent reoccurrence
Korea Seeks Nigerian Manufacturing Shift, Urges Ratification of 20-Year Tax Treaty
…Ambassador calls for technology transfer, local production and investment beyond oil trade
By: Michael Mike
South Korea has urged Nigeria to restructure its trade relationship with the Asian country by shifting from crude oil exports and imports of manufactured goods to local production, technology transfer and investment in agriculture and industry.
Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeong Yo-an, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, saying the existing trade pattern had limited the potential of a bilateral relationship worth about $1.1 billion in 2025.
“Today, Nigeria sells us mostly oil and gas. Korea sells mostly cars, electronics and machinery. We can do much more than that,” he said.
Jeong identified local assembly, agricultural machinery production, digital skills, maritime services and emerging industries as priority areas for stronger cooperation.
He also urged Nigeria to ratify the double taxation agreement signed by both countries in 2006, saying the 20-year delay was affecting investor confidence.
He said predictable policies on foreign exchange, customs and taxation were necessary to attract long-term investments.
The ambassador cited the involvement of Korean companies in major Nigerian projects, including Daewoo Engineering and Construction’s work on the Nigeria LNG Train Seven project and the Indorama fertiliser plant. He also named Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Solpia among companies working with Nigerian partners in various sectors.
He encouraged Nigerian businesses to use the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) office in Lagos to establish links with Korean companies and explore opportunities in the Korean market.
The beauty and cosmetics industry, he added, offered prospects for local distribution, employment and partnerships, with Korean manufacturers expected to participate in the Beauty West Africa exhibition on November 13.
On development cooperation, Jeong said about 2,000 Nigerian government officials had received training in South Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
He said KOICA’s Smart School project, implemented with the Universal Basic Education Commission, had reached about 8,000 pupils and trained more than 300 teachers and school administrators.
He also highlighted the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship, being developed in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme. Groundbreaking for the centre took place in September.
The facility is expected to provide young Nigerians with entrepreneurship training, mentorship and connections to finance and markets.
Jeong said Nigerian institutions would operate the centre, while a Training of Trainers programme would build local capacity to sustain its activities.
“A building alone does not create entrepreneurs,” he said, stressing the need to connect start-ups with investors, markets and private-sector operators.
He disclosed that KOICA was also working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation on agricultural initiatives aimed at creating green jobs for Nigerian youths.
Other areas of cooperation include digital development, postgraduate scholarships and government fellowships in information technology, public administration and health. The Nigeria-Korea Information Access Centre, established in Abuja in 2025, is also expected to strengthen digital literacy and access to technology resources.
The ambassador said future partnerships would place greater emphasis on private companies, start-ups and innovators, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital content and technology-based entrepreneurship.
He urged Nigeria to adapt lessons from South Korea’s development experience rather than attempt to replicate its model.
“The key word is not ‘copy’. The key word is ‘adapt’. Nigeria will write its own story. Korea is ready to share what we have learned,” he said.
On diplomatic relations, Jeong cited the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul and the first Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in June as milestones in strengthening engagement.
He said South Korea welcomed Nigeria’s offer to host the seventh session of the Nigeria-Korea Joint Commission in Abuja.
He also disclosed that South Korea was working towards expanding its Official Development Assistance to $10 billion by 2030 and providing $14 billion in export financing to support Korean companies operating in Africa. The country is also planning to host the second Korea-Africa Summit in 2029.
The ambassador said cultural exchanges remained an important part of bilateral relations, disclosing that more than 300,000 people had participated in programmes organised by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria.
He said this year’s Korean Film Festival attracted about 1,000 participants, while the K-pop Festival in Lagos drew more than 400 young people. The 14th Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship in Abuja also attracted about 350 athletes.
Jeong said the embassy planned to expand cultural activities to more Nigerian cities and universities and promote joint film and music productions. He disclosed that Nigerian creators had already produced two Korean-Nigerian drama productions.
He also pledged to support opportunities for Nigerian journalists to visit South Korea through media exchange programmes, including the World Journalists Conference.
The ambassador, a former military officer who served for 36 years before joining the diplomatic service, said he would focus on practical results during his tenure in Nigeria.
“The army taught me one simple lesson: trust is built when you keep your word. That is how I want to work in Nigeria – with more results,” he said.
Korea Seeks Nigerian Manufacturing Shift, Urges Ratification of 20-Year Tax Treaty
ECOWAS, Germany Open Strategic Dialogue as Berlin Commits €49m to West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Germany committing an additional €49 million to support regional development programmes for 2025 and 2026.
The commitment was highlighted during the opening of the strategic dialogue between ECOWAS and Germany in Abuja.
The Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Anthony Ogunjimi, said the engagement marked a renewed approach to cooperation between the regional bloc and Germany, shifting from the traditional concept of consultation to a more strategic, open and constructive partnership.
He said the new strategic dialogue would provide an opportunity for both parties to deepen collaboration and address issues affecting regional development and the welfare of West African citizens.
Germany, which has been a partner to ECOWAS since 1985, has committed approximately €494 million in bilateral technical and financial cooperation over the years.
An additional €49 million was pledged for the 2025–2026 cooperation period during negotiations in November 2025.
The funding comprises €32.8 million for financial cooperation and €16.2 million for technical cooperation.
Ogunjimi, who spoke on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Gen. Birame Diop, expressed appreciation to the German government for its longstanding partnership and support for the regional organisation and the people of West Africa.
The meeting was attended by the German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Stefan Rossel; a delegation from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), led by Karen Pfundt, Head of Division for West Africa II; representatives of the German development agency, GIZ; and directors and senior officials of the ECOWAS Commission.
The strategic dialogue is expected to provide a platform for reviewing existing cooperation and identifying areas for stronger collaboration between Germany and ECOWAS.
ECOWAS, Germany Open Strategic Dialogue as Berlin Commits €49m to West Africa
NSCDC Begins Construction of New Gate, Quarter Guard Post, Access Road
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced the construction of a new entrance gate, modern Quarter Guard Post, access road and solar illumination project to strengthen security and improve its operational environment.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the infrastructure project on Thursday.
A statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said the project was designed to strengthen facility security, improve access control and provide a more conducive working environment for personnel.
According to the statement, the project is expected to be completed within eight weeks.
Audi expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their interventions and continued support for the infrastructural development and operational capacity of the Corps.
The Commandant-General said the infrastructure upgrade would support the Corps in discharging its statutory responsibilities more effectively.
The project forms part of efforts to improve the Corps’ facilities and strengthen its operational readiness.
NSCDC Begins Construction of New Gate, Quarter Guard Post, Access Road
Korea Seeks Nigerian Manufacturing Shift, Urges Ratification of 20-Year Tax Treaty
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