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UN Calls for Youth-Driven Future and Global Unity
UN Calls for Youth-Driven Future and Global Unity
By: Michael Mike
As the United Nations celebrates 80 years of promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development, the Head of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, Ronald Kayanji, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to adapting to a changing world and empowering young people to shape the future.
Speaking at a commemorative event in Abuja, Kayanji reflected on the UN’s eight decades of work and highlighted its five key pillars maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, advancing sustainable development, and upholding international law.
He said: “If we don’t protect human rights, there’s no way we can have peace. Our work goes beyond the scenes to ensure that people live in peace, that conflicts don’t continue, and that justice prevails through international law.” Kayanji said.
Kayanji emphasized that the UN’s role in fostering peace and stability is evolving amid modern challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and global inequality issues that were not envisioned when the organisation was founded in 1945.
He said to remain relevant, the UN recently held a “Summit for the Future”, which produced a Pact for the Future a global action plan designed to address today’s pressing issues, including AI governance, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
“We now live in a world of over eight billion people the largest population of young people in history,”
That’s why the Pact for the Future includes chapters on young people, future generations, and global governance. The UN is thinking about you the young people who will frame the future.” He noted
Kayanji also drew parallels between the UN’s founding period and today’s world, pointing out how global security has transformed with the advent of drones and cyber technologies.
He said: “In 1945, they never imagined artificial intelligence or digital currencies.
“For the UN to stay relevant, we must review what is happening in the world and adjust to new realities.” He said.
As the UN commemorates eight decades of global service, Kayanji called on youth and civil society to actively engage with the organization and participate in building a peaceful and sustainable world.
“The UN is not for us who work here it is for the people, we invite everyone, especially young people, to join in shaping the future we all want.”he said .
Kayanji emphasizes that the purpose of the Model United Nations (MUN) is not just to teach debate or diplomacy, but to help young people think globally beyond their immediate environments. He highlights the importance of preparing students to understand and address worldwide issues.
“What we want them to understand is to think beyond their community, to think beyond their country, to think globally, to understand global challenges. Because it is these young people actually who will face those challenges in the future.”
He shares how the UN experience can spark lifelong interest in international relations, citing the example of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Kayanji believes many of today’s participants could become tomorrow’s diplomats and global leaders.
“Our former Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, before even thinking of being Secretary-General or working in international affairs, he did Model United Nations In future these will be ambassadors, they will be the foreign service officers.”
Kayanji stresses that the UN fosters empathy and a sense of shared humanity by learning about other nations’ issues, students become more compassionate and globally minded traits he sees as essential for a peaceful future.
“One of the challenges we have in this world is that people are thinking about themselves, not minding about the concerns, the fears, the suffering of others. But once we instill this in young people, we think that we are building a good future.” He noted .
Students from across Nigeria shared their excitement and aspirations at the Abuja International Model United Nations (AIMUN), held at the UN House in Abuja. For many, the conference provided a firsthand experience of diplomacy, debate, and global cooperation.
Fatima Ahmed Bello, a student of Newgate University, Minna, described the event as both inspiring and enlightening.
Bello said: “The programme today is really educative. We are here to gain more knowledge and learn how to secure our future together.”
For Dikko Divine Favour, a 300-level Law student from the University of Abuja, representing Russia at the session was a chance to better understand the UN’s workings.
Being here today is a wonderful experience. There’s coordination, and they’re teaching us how the UN works it’s a great platform for people to explore what the UN is about.” Favour stated .
Great Wisdom Wigwe, a 400-level student of Agricultural Economics at the University of Abuja, representing the United States, said the experience deepened his passion for diplomacy.
Wigwe said: “From the moment I got into this house, I felt excitement that I’m going to gain a lot here. Young people actually have a chance to change the world by being focused and intentional about what we do.”
Together, these young delegates reflect the spirit of the Model UN nurturing future diplomats who are learning to think globally and act collaboratively for a better world
UN Calls for Youth-Driven Future and Global Unity
Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with the police and other auxiliaries have neutralised a suspected member of the notorious Lakurawa bandit faction during an engagement in Malam Yaro village, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:26 a.m. on Tuesday when armed bandits attempted a surprise incursion into the community.
The attackers were said to have advanced toward the village with the intent to intimidate residents and reassert their presence along the Kebbi border corridor.
The troops were immediately deployed to the area, where they established contact with the armed group.
“During the fierce exchange of fire, one of the bandits was neutralised while several others fled with gunshot wounds along the western axis,” the source said.
Zagazola learnt that two operational motorcycles belonging to the fleeing assailants were recovered at the scene.
Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi
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UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The British High Commission in Nigeria and Manufacturing Africa have hosted an Investor Night where six innovative Nigerian startups from the UK funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator Programme pitched their sustainable manufacturing solutions to potential investors following 16 weeks of intensive business development training and mentorship.
The featured green businesses cover a broad range of industries extending from renewable energy, recycling, organic agriculture and electric mobility.
According to a statement by British High Commission on Tuesday, the startups – GreenSpace Recycling, Sirius-X Energy, Auxano Solar, Taeillo, ZOOMe and Veggie Victory presented their business models and opportunities to a room of venture capitalists, impact investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. The pitching session marked a key milestone in their journey, aimed at unlocking funding and strategic partnerships.
The statement added that designed in a pitch den format, the evening included presentations from the cohort companies, offering insights into their innovative climate friendly business models and the potential for scaling their ventures to create lasting economic and environmental impact.
The businesses also received real-time feedback from funders including potential offers for funding.
Attendees at the event included Jonny Baxter, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and other representatives from the High Commission in Nigeria, prominent investors and key stakeholders from the sustainable business ecosystem in Nigeria.
Designed to catalyse investment in Nigeria’s green industrial growth, the accelerator is part of the UK’s and Nigeria’s commitment to growing and scaling small, innovative businesses to deliver growth and create new direct and indirect jobs across green industries in Nigeria.
Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Simon Field, said,“Manufacturing is Nigeria’s future — and these businesses show how it can also be greener, more inclusive, and globally competitive. I have nothing but confidence in the programme we’re funding. Every pitch tonight was professional, inspiring, and full of ambition.”
Manufacturing Africa Nigeria, Country Lead, Kemi Onabanjo, said: Tonight was all about celebrating progress and creating profitable connections. We are celebrating the progress these incredible founders have made on their journey with the GBB programme, as well as the impact they are already having. It was also about creating connections that bridge the gap between innovation and investment — connecting promising ventures with the capital, networks, and partners needed to scale their impact.
The startup founders commended the programme with CEO, Taeillo, Jumoke Dada, saying: “GBB is hands-on — they take the heavy lifting off you and help you execute. We now have real clarity on our next steps and a plan we can run with.”
CEO, ZOOMe, Adedayo Odunlami, said: “The level of diligence and attention to detail from the team was world-class. They’ve helped us evolve — as a business and as founders — and connected us to an incredible network.”
UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
Nigeria, Russia Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Russia on Tuesday are celebrating 65 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.
The two countries established diplomatic ties on November 25, 1960
Both countries ministers of foreign affairs in celebrating the important milestone exchange congratulations messages.
Russian minister, Sergey Lavrov in his letter stated that: “Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two States.
“We note with satisfaction the high level of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is based on the principles of mutual respect, trust and the closeness of our positions across a broad range of regional and international issues.
“We remain committed to the steady development and maintenance of an active and substantive political dialogue, as well as practical collaboration in the trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, in the interests of the peoples of our countries and in the support of sustainable peace and development on the African continent.
“I wish you good health and every success, and to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – well-being and prosperity.”
On his part, the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar wrote: “On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have the honour to convey warm congratulations to you and through you to the government and people of the Russian Federation, on this historic occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
“As we celebrate this milestone, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strengthening partnership in a manner that advances the prosperity of our peoples and contributes to a more just and equitable international order.
“Since the establishment of ties on 25th November, 1960, Nigeria and Russia have maintained a relationship characterized by mutual respect, constructive dialogue and shared aspirations for global peace, stability and development. Over the decades, our cooperation has expanded across strategic sectors including Defence, Education, Energy, Science and Technology, Space Cooperation, Trade, and Cultural Exchange.
“I look forward to deepening collaboration in economy, security and increased people-to-people exchanges.
“Please accept the assurances of my
highest consideration.”
Nigeria, Russia Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
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Police Officer goes missing after signing out rifle in Katsina
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