Uncategorized

U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S

Published

3 months ago

September 4, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

OP-ED ON THE SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE

By: Michael Mike

World Leaders Must Re-boot Global Cooperation for Today and Tomorrow

Final negotiations are underway in New York for this month’s Summit of the Future, where Heads of State will agree on reforms to the building blocks of global cooperation.

The United Nations has convened this unique Summit because of a stark fact: global problems are moving faster than the institutions designed to solve them.

We see this all around us. Ferocious conflicts and violence are inflicting terrible suffering; geopolitical divisions are rife; inequality and injustice are everywhere, corroding trust, compounding grievances, and feeding populism and extremism. The age-old challenges of poverty, hunger, discrimination, misogyny and racism are taking on new forms.

Meanwhile, we face new and existential threats, from runaway climate chaos and environmental degradation to technologies like Artificial Intelligence developing in an ethical and legal vacuum.

The Summit of the Future recognizes that the solutions to all these challenges are in our hands. But we need a systems update that only global leaders can deliver.

International decision-making is stuck in a time warp. Many global institutions and tools are a product of the 1940s – an era before globalization, before decolonization, before widespread recognition of universal human rights and gender equality, before humanity travelled into space – never mind cyberspace.

The victors of World War II still have pre-eminence in the UN Security Council while the entire continent of Africa lacks a permanent seat. The global financial architecture is heavily weighted against developing countries and fails to provide a safety net when they face difficulties, leaving them drowning in debt, which drains money away from investments in their people.

And global institutions offer limited space for many of the major players in today’s world – from civil society to the private sector. Young people who will inherit the future are almost invisible, while the interests of future generations go unrepresented.

The message is clear: we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents. The Summit of the Future will be an opportunity to re-boot multilateral collaboration fit for the 21st century.

The solutions we have proposed include a New Agenda for Peace focused on updating international institutions and tools to prevent and end conflicts, including the UN Security Council. The New Agenda for Peace calls for a renewed push to rid our world of nuclear arms and other Weapons of Mass Destruction; and for broadening the definition of security to encompass gender-based violence and gang violence. It takes future security threats into account, recognizing the changing nature of warfare and the risks of weaponizing new technologies. For example, we need a global agreement to outlaw so-called Lethal Autonomous Weapons that can take life-or-death decisions without human input.

Global financial institutions must reflect today’s world and be equipped to lead a more powerful response to today’s challenges – debt, sustainable development, climate action. That means concrete steps to tackle debt distress, increase the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, and change their business model so that developing countries have far more access to private finance at affordable rates.

Without that finance, developing countries will not be able to tackle our greatest future threat: the climate crisis. They urgently need resources to transition from planet-wrecking fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.

And as leaders highlighted last year, reforming the global financial architecture is also key to jump-starting desperately needed progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Summit will also focus on new technologies with a global impact, seeking ways to close the digital divide and establish shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all.
Artificial Intelligence is a revolutionary technology with applications and risks we are only beginning to understand. We have put forward specific proposals for governments, together with tech companies, academia and civil society, to work on risk management frameworks for AI and on monitoring and mitigating its harms, as well as sharing its benefits. The governance of AI cannot be left to the rich; it requires that all countries participate, and the UN is ready to provide a platform to bring people together.
Human rights and gender equality are a common thread linking all these proposals. Global decision-making cannot be reformed without respect for all human rights and for cultural diversity, ensuring the full participation and leadership of women and girls. We are demanding renewed efforts to remove the historic barriers – legal, social and economic – that exclude women from power.

The peacebuilders of the 1940s created institutions that helped prevent World War III and ushered many countries from colonization to independence. But they would not recognize today’s global landscape.

The Summit of the Future is a chance to build more effective and inclusive institutions and tools for global cooperation, tuned to the 21st century and our multipolar world.

I urge leaders to seize it.

U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S

Uncategorized

Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder

Published

3 days ago

December 15, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba, suspected to be behind the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.

The operation, conducted on Dec. 14 at 10 p.m., followed intelligence reports that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.

Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurency Expert and Security Analysts in the Lake Chad region that troops apprehended Wurgi after discovering he had been transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds.

The sources said that During the operation, two accomplices fled, but troops arrested another individual who assisted in transporting the suspect in a tricycle

The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and murdered on Aug. 22 after negotiations for his release collapsed.

Reports indicate that Wurgi played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed.

Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.

His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to act as a getaway biker for Turji, highlighting familial links within the banditry network.

Wurgi’s arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the Northwest region.

Wurgi is currently being held at an undisclosed location, while a manhunt is underway for his accomplices

Residents in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have lauded the operation, expressing hope that it will alleviate the long-standing impact of banditry and violence in the region.

Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder

Uncategorized

Business Communities in Nigeria, China Asked to Support Tinubu/Xi Plan for Improved Trading, Bilateral Relations

Published

3 days ago

December 15, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Business Communities in Nigeria, China Asked to Support Tinubu/Xi Plan for Improved Trading, Bilateral Relations

By: Michael Mike

A call has been made to business communities in both Nigeria and China to support Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping plan of improving trade and bilateral relations between both countries.

The call was made at the weekend in Abuja
by the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe,during a meeting with Executive Chairman of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibility (ACBASR), Diao Chunhe,, and the Director-General of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce-NIG. Dr Tristan Cui,

The meeting is aimed at fostering greater collaboration between Chinese companies operating in Nigeria and Nigerian businesses in China.

During the meeting, Tegbe called on the Chinese Business Community to support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping to foster a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between both countries.

He assured that Nigeria, under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, is willing to leverage on the comprehensive strategic plan between Nigeria and China to transform from a trade relationship to developmental partnership where China serves as a catalyst for industrialization in Nigeria.

In his response, Diao Chunhe outlined ACBASR’s mission to promote social responsibility among Chinese enterprises in Africa. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in ensuring that businesses from both countries uphold social responsibility in their respective host countries.

The Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibility (ACBASR) has been at the forefront of promoting social responsibility among Chinese enterprises in Africa. Established to promote sustainable development and social responsibility, ACBASR has been working closely with African governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to achieve these goals

While hosting the delegation from the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Dr Tristan Cui, the Director-General of the China General Chamber of Commerce highlighted the chamber’s role in facilitating trade and investment between Nigeria and China. He assured the delegation of the support of the Chamber and its member-companies, which include all Chinese State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) operating in Nigeria, as well as top-level private companies.

As Nigeria and China continue to strengthen their bilateral ties, these engagements by Tegbe mark a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting social responsibility and sustainable development in Nigeria. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to transform Nigeria-China ties into a more comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership provides a platform for the actualization of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda which involves exploring more development paths, with China as a major development partner in terms of industrial collaboration and knowledge exchange with a view to increase Nigeria’s export capacity.

Business Communities in Nigeria, China Asked to Support Tinubu/Xi Plan for Improved Trading, Bilateral Relations

Uncategorized

Breaking: Governor Yusuf reshuffles cabinet, drops SSG, scraps COS portfolio

Published

6 days ago

December 12, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Breaking: Governor Yusuf reshuffles cabinet, drops SSG, scraps COS portfolio

By: Our Reporter

In a major political decision, Kano state Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf as announced a reshuffle of the state executive council to effect pragmatic political realignment of his administration.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, on Thursday, Governor Yusuf disclosed that the first major rejig of his cabinet takes immediate effect.

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf maintained the much awaited decision finally came to enable uptimum performance that will drive more dividend of democracy to the good people of Kano state.

Those affected by the major shake up are the Chief of Staff, Alh. Shehu Wada Sagagi whose office is now scrapped, and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi dropped on health ground.

According to Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf removed some cabinet members and reassigned others to enhance administrative performance and political retool.

Those who retained their positions are Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar, Commissioner for Budget and Planning Hon Musa Suleiman Shannon and Commissioner for Works and Housing Engr. Marwan Ahmad.

Also retained are Commissioner for Solid and Mineral Resources, Sefiyanu Hamza, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Shiekh Ahmad Tijani Auwal, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya and that of Internal Security and Special Services, Major General Mohammad Inuwa Idris Rtd.

According to the statement, those reassigned are the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam who is moved from Ministry of Local Government to Higher Education, Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman moved from Science and Technology to Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata from Higher Education to Science, Technology and Innovation.

Others on reassignment list include Hon. Amina Abdullahi from Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to Ministry for Women, Children and Disable, Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo, from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to Ministry of Special Duties.

Commissioner for Project Monitory and Evaluation Hon. Ibrahim Namadi now moved to Ministry of Transport, while Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa of Ministry of Education now moved to Ministry of Water Resources.

On the reassigned list, are Hon. Ali Haruna Makoda moved from Water Resources to Ministry of Education, Hon. Aisha Lawal Saji from Ministry of Women, Children and Disable to Tourism and Culture, and Hon. Muhammad Diggol from Transport to Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has dropped five members of his cabinet to include Ibrahim Jibril Fagge, of Finance Ministry, Ladidi Ibrahim Garko, Culture and Tourism; Baba Halilu Dantiye, Information and Internal Affairs, Shehu Aliyu Yammedi, Special Duties and Abbas Sani Abbas, Rural and Community Development.

Also, the Governor has directed the Chief of Staff and the five commissioners that are dropped to report to the office of the Governor for possible reassignment.

Breaking: Governor Yusuf reshuffles cabinet, drops SSG, scraps COS portfolio