International
UN Laments Increasing Gulf between Government and the Governed in Nigeria
UN Laments Increasing Gulf between Government and the Governed in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations has lamented the gulf in relationship between the government and the governed in Nigeria, insisting that that multidimensional poverty is currently affecting more than 139 million people in the country.
In his remarks at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2023 Watch Party held at the UN House in Abuja, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale said Nigeria has its own share of internal challenges including the insurgency in the Northeast, the limited scope of the social protection system, multidimensional poverty affecting more than 139 million people and a somewhat broken social contract between those who govern and the citizens.
He noted that: “All this has made a significant portion of Nigeria’s young population more vulnerable, as evidence by a 34.9% rate of youth unemployment and 20 million out-of-school children.”
Schmale lamented that: “Your generation has had its educational experiences and job prospects disproportionately hit by global crises such as COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and the resulting downturns in the global economy.
He however told the youths that: “If your generation can triumph, then so will Nigeria and the broader African continent. With a median age of 18, this country has one of the highest populations of young people in the world and will play a critical role in promoting sustainable development and achieving peace and prosperity on a global scale.”
The Resident Coordinator while stating that the theme of this year’s forum: “Accelerating the COVID recovery and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda with and for youth” – is especially relevant to young Nigerians, said: “The resolutions produced at ECOSOC’s Youth Forum will help shape the agenda for the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development being held in July and the SDG Summit being held in September,” noting that: “These events are important stocktaking moments, and will help shape the course of action for rescuing the global development agenda 2030 and the associated SDGs.”
He said: “Today’s dialogues and discussions are an opportunity to make your generation’s voices heard and to surface creative ideas which can contribute to building back better from the devastating pandemic and other challenges.
“Nigeria’s young people must be effectively included in the design, implementation, and monitoring of policies and programmes aimed at addressing the impacts of the pandemic and achieving the SDGs. We must leave no one behind.”
He noted that recently, the UN and the Government of Nigeria together signed a Cooperation Framework which provides a five-year roadmap for UN efforts to accelerate progress towards the SDGs in partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.
He revealed the Cooperation Framework is centred around four pillars – people, planet, prosperity, and peace – and includes a package of key Transformative Initiatives which really move the needle on development across the nation.
He assured that: “The UN is committed to ensuring young people are meaningfully engaged and involved in the Cooperation Framework and its strategies for achieving the SDGs including climate, gender inequality, health, and education.
Meanwhile, the participating youths called on the UN to make more opportunities available to them, and apart from sponsoring educational programmes, assist in vocational training.
UN Laments Increasing Gulf between Government and the Governed in Nigeria
Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Russian Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and military-technical cooperation with Nigeria as part of efforts to promote peace, sovereignty and stability across the African continent.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting with Nigerian Defense Chief, General Christopher Musa and other officials, a Russian envoy described Nigeria as a strategic and promising partner, noting its position as the most populous country in Africa and a key regional player.
“We consider the Federal Republic of Nigeria a promising partner on the African continent. You are the largest country, and we support the efforts of the Nigerian authorities to strengthen national armed forces to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and ensure regional security,” the envoy said.
He expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s willingness to pursue constructive cooperation with Russia in the areas of military and defence technology.
“We positively assess your commitment to fruitful cooperation with our country in military and military-technical spheres,” he added.
The Russian official called for an open discussion on current defence priorities, pledging continued support to Nigeria and other African partners.
In his response, Gen Musa, appreciated them for their support and commitment to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and for inviting him and his for the 80th victory parade.
He also appreciated them for the donation of weapons and drones to boost the campaign against terrorism within Nigeria and the Sahel Region
“Today, we discuss the most relevant issues of cooperation between our defence ministries. We value our friendship with Russia and deeply appreciate all the assistance Russia has provided assistance that has often been critical for many countries,” he said.
He praised Russia’s reliability and action-oriented diplomacy, saying, “You don’t just make promises, you fulfil them. Everyone knows Russia works for the good of peace and stability.”said General Musa.
The meeting, attended by top defence officials from both countries, is expected to yield agreements that will boost training, logistics, arms supply and intelligence-sharing in the fight against terrorism.
Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has extended its warm congratulations to Germany on the successful election of Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor. The Conservative Leader
won with 325 votes in the 630-Seat Bundestag on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “Nigeria commends Germany’s strong democratic traditions and values, which have once again been demonstrated through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We are confident that under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, Germany will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As longstanding partners, Nigeria looks forward to deepening bilateral relations with Germany in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, security, and sustainable development. We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international fora.
“The Nigerian government and people wish the new Chancellor a successful tenure and express our readiness to work closely with Germany for the benefit of both nations and the global community.”
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.
The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.
The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”
The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
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