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Rwanda Pledges to Strengthen Trade, Aviation, ICT Ties with Nigeria
Rwanda Pledges to Strengthen Trade, Aviation, ICT Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, has said his country is poised to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria through trade, aviation, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Bazivamo made this known on Friday night in Abuja during the 31st anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day, also known as Kwibohora, with the theme: “The Journey Continues.”
The event is held annually on July 4 to commemorate the end of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, during which about one million people died.
Bazivamo emphasised that strengthening trade collaboration between Rwanda and Nigeria was a catalyst for bolstering their bilateral relations, economic growth, and development.
Bazivamo also disclosed that Rwanda and Nigeria had recently taken a major step toward deepening economic relations with the signing of a landmark Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) on June 27, 2025. He described the agreement as “more than a legal instrument,” calling it a bridge to unlocking investment opportunities and eliminating fiscal barriers.
“Just last week, on June 27, our two countries signed a landmark Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement—a major step towards eliminating fiscal barriers and unlocking investment opportunities,” he said. “This is more than a legal agreement—it is a commitment to build bridges, not borders.”
The envoy said that Rwanda would also deepen its partnership with Nigeria across other sectors, including aviation and digital innovation.
According to him, such efforts aim at not just bolstering bilateral relations between the two countries but also to collectively shape a prosperous Africa.
He said that Rwanda was currently working assiduously to facilitate seamless connectivity between Rwanda and Nigeria through cooperation in the aviation sector.
According to him, the aviation sector plays a crucial role in enhancing business activities and tourism across the two countries.
Bazivamo also highlighted the benefits of investing in ICT partnerships for both nations, adding that the potential of ICT in driving innovation and economic transformation cannot be overemphasised.
The High Commissioner also underscored Rwanda’s commitment to regional stability and alluded to Rwanda’s recent peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo as evidence.
He attributed Rwanda’s record achievements and progress in various areas, such as technology, gender equality, and economic growth, to “deliberate choices and a unified national purpose.”
Bazivamo also explained that Rwanda’s Vision 2050 is a strategic framework that is focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
According to him, it aims to catapult Rwanda to an upper-middle-income status by 2035 and a high-income, knowledge-based economy by 2050.
“This is not a dream; it is a strategic plan anchored on inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that the fruits of our development benefit every single Rwandan,” the envoy added.
Rwanda’s official Independence Day from Belgium is July 1, Kwibohora is significant because it symbolises Rwanda’s rebirth, unity, and journey toward healing and rebuilding after the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
The Kwibohora celebrations, which include patriotic, cultural events, and military parades, are aimed at honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and to reflect on the progress achieved since liberation.
It commemorates the defeat of the Hutu-led regime by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) during the Civil War, which ended the Genocide that targeted the Tutsis.
Rwanda Pledges to Strengthen Trade, Aviation, ICT Ties with Nigeria
Breaking: Kanu fails to open defence, cites former counsel’s retention of case file
By: Zagazola Makama
The detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday failed to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu attributed his inability to present his defence to the failure of his former legal team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Kanu Agabi, to hand over his case file, preventing him from adequately preparing.
The defendant was initially slated to open his defence on Thursday but instead announced the sacking of his legal team and requested a short adjournment until Friday.
On Friday, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), informed the court that the case was scheduled for Kanu to open his defence. When called, Kanu informed the court he could not proceed as those responsible for delivering his case file to the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, where he is being held, had failed to do so.
Kanu prayed for an adjournment until Monday, October 27, to access the case file and familiarise himself with its contents. He further stated he was expecting witnesses from the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and requested an order allowing him to meet with them over the weekend for preparation.
The court granted his request, instructing the DSS to allow Kanu receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the trial till October 27 for Kanu to open his defence, warning that the six days initially granted for his defence, which began on October 23, will not be extended.
Breaking: Kanu fails to open defence, cites former counsel’s retention of case file
Farmer injured in herders’ attack in Konduga
By: Zagazola Makama
A farmer has been hospitalized after sustaining severe machete wounds in an attack by suspected herders at Jakana Village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when a group of herders reportedly led their cattle into a beans farm belonging to locals and grazed on the crops.
During an attempt by Mohammad Ali Fantami, 30, of Kadamari Lamboa bush, to drive the cattle away, one of the herders allegedly attacked him with a machete, severing his left hand and inflicting deep cuts on his neck before escaping.
The victim was evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where he is said to be responding to treatment.
Efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the perpetrators as investigations continue into the incident.
End
Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a series of ambush attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Damasak–Gubio road in Magumeri axis of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the troops, who were on a fighting patrol as part of Operation Desert Sanity IV, came under fire from suspected terrorists on arrival at Binduldul.
Sources stated that the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. Reinforcements led by the Commanding Officer of the Battalion later exploited the scene, recovering two motorcycles, one AK-47 rifle, five blankets, three praying mats, a spare motorcycle tyre and two gallons of engine oil.
The sources added that one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter.
Furthermore, at about 3:05 p.m. on the same day, while withdrawing from the area, the troops encountered another ambush involving an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack followed by heavy gunfire from ISWAP fighters near Kardio village.
The soldiers successfully repelled the assault, safely detonated another IED along their main supply route, and returned to base without any casualty.
Photographs from the operation indicated successful recovery of items and neutralisation of threats in the area.
Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
Breaking: Kanu fails to open defence, cites former counsel’s retention of case file
Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South
Man abducted after delivering ransom for kidnapped child in Kogi
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