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UN Reaffirms Commitment to Building Act of Diplomacy in Young Nigerians

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UN Reaffirms Commitment to Building Act of Diplomacy in Young Nigerians

By: Michael Mike

United Nations has reiterated its commitment to supporting young Nigerians imbibe diplomacy as skills to ensure a better future.

The commitment was made on Tuesday by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Fall, in Abuja at the inaugural Premiere Academy International Model UN (PAIMUN) conference organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria.

The conference, which is centered on commemorating the 80th anniversary since the founding of the United Nations, seeks to promote peace, tolerance, diplomacy and consensus building amongst youths.

Fall said while delivering a welcome address at the maiden Premiere Academy International Model UN (PAIMUN) that Nigeria has an undoubtedly commitment to the UN and its many goals.

He said: “Nigeria joined the UN shortly after gaining independence and since then it has a key player, the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN is from Nigeria.

“It is critical we take UN out of formal space like interaction with government, get young people and civil society involved and because more than ever, UN goals and ideals are needed.

“Let us not forget that UN was established to prevent conflict, promote security, human dignity and development, as well as provide assistance to the most vulnerable and leave no one behind.

“It is time for us, to double down, reinforce them, and spread this message. What I have seen young people do in this regard is part of it, because the future is theirs,

“Getting them trained and know how UN functions, learn diplomacy, learn tactful way of solving and peaceful way of solving difference is something which is really critical in today’s world.”

He promised to improve on the maiden edition of the conference beyond Abuja and a specific school, in order to accommodate the 36 states and all local government areas in the country.

He noted that the UN Charter started with people and the people are not only the government, but also those who are hard to reach and most vulnerable.

Fall said: “It is everyone, those who are female, those who live with disability, and I think the notion of inclusion of UN has found expression in this principle of we the people.

“Young people to understand that the future is theirs. Today’s and tomorrow’s shape have to be done by them. It is their call.

“The same way the generation of those who came out of the Second World War created UN for building peace and security. It is their time and their call to take the challenge of today.

“The challenge today are conflict, insecurity, climate-related shock, poverty and inequality, they have to take it and that is my appeal to all young people,” Fall advised.

The Principal of Premier Academy, Mr Christopher Akinsowon, on his part, commended the conference for helping the students to better understand the operation of the UN General Assembly.

He said: “What we are doing here is a simulation of the UN General Assembly. This very section teaches not only students, even we adults, the process of diplomacy.

“Such that we can resolve all issues in a very diplomatic way, as against fighting, war and aggression.

“If all states and local governments in Nigeria adopted diplomacy, there will not be so much war or crises here and there; we will talk it out instead of war.

“So, that is what we here to inculcate in these young minds, because very soon they will be

the ones that will take over as leaders, whether you like it or not.”

Highpoint of the PAIMUN conference attended by 109-students was the students playing the roles of ambassadors of UN Member States with focus on UN@80: “Building the future together.”

UN Reaffirms Commitment to Building Act of Diplomacy in Young Nigerians

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Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Gamboru Ngala, kill one terrorist

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Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Gamboru Ngala, kill one terrorist

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled a ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) along the Pump House axis of Gamboru Ngala–Kala Balge Road in Borno State.

Sources report that the attack occurred at about 1:15 a.m. on Sunday when terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat. One of the terrorists was fatally injured during the exchange of fire, and his corpse was recovered from the scene.

The security situation in the area has since been stabilized.
End

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Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students

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Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students

By: Michael Mike

Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, have been advised to pursue academic aspirations in Saudi Arabia Universities.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the Forum of Saudi Arabia Universities Alumni in Nigeria and Neighboring Countries. Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs, King Khalid University, Prof. Saad Daajim, said no fewer than 850 Nigerian students are currently schooling in various universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with over
3,200 Nigerians graduated from Saudi Arabian universities in last one decade.

The forum which was has as theme “alumni of Saudi universities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Surrounding countries and their impact on sustainable development.”

Daajim said: “In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 850 students from this country (Nigeria) studying in Saudi Universities. Already, in the last one decade, there are more than 3,200 graduates from Nigeria.”

He said his country is open to admitting more Nigerians to study in their universities, adding that prospective students from Nigeria will be given acceptable rate.

“We are actually proud to accept more Nigerian students in our university in different disciplines, education, engineering, science, Arabic language, religious studies and medical sector. Hopefully, we will arrange a good acceptance rate for this country because it contributes a huge number of population to the African contigent,” he added.

He also revealed that his country has a scholarship scheme which is available to all irrespective of religion.

The Khalid University Don said scholarship are for both Muslims and non-Muslims, adding that: “According to our regulation, admission will be accessible to all even scholarships.

“And we have King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, most of the scholarships for students are for Muslims and non-Muslims as well. And King Fahd University for Mineral and Petroleum also employs and accepts students from all cultures, all religions, all continents.”

Speaking on the forum, the Don said it is to open communication with alumni from Saudi Universities and see how they are impacting on their environment.

He said: “We found them very active and we expect that when they come back to their country, they will contribute to sustainable development, either for personal living or in the country.”

On the prospect of Nigerian graduates in Saudi Arabia, Daajim said graduates who wishes to pursue higher degrees after their first degree are allowed to continue and also those whose skills are needed stand the chance to be employed.

He said: “Actually, when they graduate from Saudi University, they could continue their higher studies in Master or PhD. And if they are well qualified, they will be hired by the university as a professor.”

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, in her opening remarks commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its long-standing commitment to educational cooperation and cultural institutions with Nigeria.

Ahmad said: “Such partnerships enrich our human capital and strengthen bilateral ties for mutual good. As we celebrate this gathering, I urge the alumni to continue to serve as ambassadors of knowledge, peace and development.”

She added that: “Your role in mentoring young Nigerians, advancing intercultural understanding and contributing to national development cannot be overstated. The Federal Ministry of Education will continue to support initiatives that harness alumni network for national advancement, for educational advancement and sustainable nation building.”

She also recognised the invaluable contributions of Nigerian alumni of Saudi universities to the national growth, peace, education, culture and development of the country.

She said: “Beyond academic achievement, you embody the bridge of friendship, cooperation and shared values between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Education, as we know, is the bedrock of progress.

“The training and exposure you acquired in Saudi institutions have not only equipped you with knowledge but also instilled in you discipline, global perspective and a strong sense of science. These qualities are critical to advancing Nigeria’s quest for inclusive and sustainable development. Indeed, many of you have become respected scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and public servants whose influence continues to shape our society positively.”

On his part, the Secretary of the Alumni, Dr. Mohamed Munir Ilyas, who was a graduate of Islamic University of Medina said since returning home, he has been contributing towards peaceful co-existence between the two major religious groups in Nigeria.

He stressed that “Of course, when you look at development, where there is no peace, it’s very hard to have development. We have been encouraging our members to be law-abiding citizens and peacemakers, peace builders and peace keepers also. And also to make an impact as far as academics is concerned, as far as moral is concerned, as far as even earning livelihood is concerned.”

Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students

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Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto

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Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected bandits, an informant, and a suspected drug supplier during a coordinated raid on a criminal hideout in Kware Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said the operation, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on Oct. 4, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a five-man syndicate notorious for terrorising communities in Wamako and Kware areas.

The police team stormed the suspects’ hideout in Sabon Birni, Kware LGA, leading to the arrest of Bubale Mohammed and two others, alongside an informant and a suspected drug baron who allegedly supplied the gang with hard drugs.

Items recovered during the operation include dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and various illicit drugs.

According to the sources, video footage retrieved from the suspects’ phones showed them dressed in military uniforms and displaying rifles inside their camp.

Sources said efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto

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