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United Nations is proud to be your ally – UN Resident Coordinator Fall assures youths

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United Nations is proud to be your ally – UN Resident Coordinator Fall assures youths

By: Michael Mike

At the sixth edition of the Lagos Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LASSMUN) conference in Lagos, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, assured young people that the UN was proud to be their ally.

He said: “The United Nations is proud to be your ally. And we count on you to be a force for positive change, now and in the future.”

He added in a video message to the LASSMUN 2025 General Assembly, convened by the six Lagos Education Districts; the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria; and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on 8 April 2025, that: “Young people are not just the future; you are the present. Your voices matter. Your ideas can shape policies, transform communities, and drive progress.”

Referring to the LASSMUN 2025 theme, “UN@80 – Dismantling barriers and charting a pathway to meaningful youth engagement for SDGs achievement” as timely in view of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the Resident Coordinator noted that the Pact for the Future was clear about the need for young people to be at the table, not as guests, but as decision-makers.

“Your journey starts now. Learn. Debate. Connect. And when you leave this conference, carry this fire forward.” He charged the LASSMUN delegates who were students of Lagos publicsecondary schools.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Abisola Khadijat Dokunmu-Adegbite, who was also the Special Guest of Honour, urged the delegates to channel their energies in the right direction to make a difference in the society.

“Be bold, but not aggressive; be confident but not unruly. Don’t get tired. Don’t give up. Don’t flow with the tide, I charge you to stand out.” She further said that life would not give them what they deserved, but what they decided to achieve in their hearts.
Addressing the delegates and dignitaries, the President of theSixth Session of the LASSMUN General Assembly, Grace Ogungbamigbe, identified some of the barriers facing young people as economic disparity and limited opportunities, persistent digital divide, social and cultural inequities, and limited access to education and skills development.

“As we approach the UN’s 80th anniversary, we must commit to dismantling these barriers and charting new pathways for meaningful youth engagement.” She said, “This requires a paradigm shift in our approach, moving beyond tokenistic gestures to genuine partnerships that empower young people to lead and innovate.

The President, therefore, called on member states, international organisations, civil society and the private sector to prioritise investments in youth education and skills development to equip them for the 21st century workforce.

The Tutor General and Permanent Secretary of Lagos Education District III, Dr (Mrs) Idowu Oyetola, commended the United Nations for designing Model UN to broaden the horizon of participating students and to create more awareness of real life issues affecting the world today.

The Secretary General, LASSMUN Sixth General Assembly, Peter Alademehin, emphasised that the journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was a collective task with youth at the forefront.

In the resolution presented at the end of the session by the rapporteur, Al-Amee Sowemimo, the LASSMUN General Assembly Called for inclusion of youth in decision-making and reminded the Member States that while education is a human right, millions of children of primary school age are still out of school around the world.
They further called on member states to give due consideration to advancing family-oriented policy development to fully benefit future generations. 

“We, therefore, urge member states to play a central role in ensuring meaningful youth participation and leadership that makes young people and young people-led organizations have opportunities, capacities, and benefit from an enabling environment and relevant evidence-based programmes and policies at all levels.” The resolution stated.

United Nations is proud to be your ally – UN Resident Coordinator Fall assures youths

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Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock

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Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed attackers suspected to have come from Bandawa Gwenzo community have invaded a herders’ residence at Yompi in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing several livestock.

Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred late on Monday, July 7, at about 10:45 p.m., was reported by a resident of the community who said the assailants stormed the settlement and began shooting indiscriminately.

According to preliminary findings, two cows and eight sheep were killed in the attack, while four other cows and eight sheep sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Security operatives visited the scene on Tuesday morning to assess the damage and commence investigations into the incident.

Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those behind the attack. Residents of the affected area have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock

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BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State

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BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State

By:Michael Mike

Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) has concluded plans to construct and operate a 500,000 barrel per day (BPD) refinery at the Sunshine Industrial Park in Ogboti, Eruuna and establish the Sunshine Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The refinery, a joint venture with the Ondo State Government represented by the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), will cost $15 billion, with phase one expected to be completed within 48 months.

BINL is exploring partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to facilitate the delivery of this ultra-modern crude oil refinery.

According to a statement on Wednesday. BINL has scheduled a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on July 14, 2025.

BINL and the Ondo State Government represented by ONDIPA, will then formally execute memoranda of understanding on July 15, 2025 to kick off the delivery of these projects.

According to BINL, a multi-sectoral infrastructure development company with offices in Abuja, London and Zug, this project will be phased commencing with a 100,000 refinery.

BINL’s Vice President for Corporate Services, Mr Wale Adekola, said the BINL refinery will provide petroleum products for local consumption, feedstock for other local industries and petroleum products for the international market.

The refinery project includes the construction of roads, storage tanks, loading bays, terminals and handling equipment. The scope of the Free Trade Zone Project includes the development of the required infrastructure and facilities for the effective operation and management of the Free Trade Zone.

The development framework includes a comprehensive and strict governance structure the development of the local community in compliance with international standards and relevant laws.

According to Adekola, these projects will contribute significantly to reducing Nigeria’s trade deficit, conserving foreign exchange reserves, increasing government revenue and economic development.

He said at the state and local levels, these projects will create local jobs, stimulate the local economy through increased demand for goods and services, noting that the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy includes community engagement programmes, such as education initiatives, local employment quotas, and infrastructure development for surrounding communities.

He revealed that the company is engaging local stakeholders early to mitigate potential opposition to the project.

BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State

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Gunmen attack commuters in Kaduna, kill one, injure others, abduct and release one

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Gunmen attack commuters in Kaduna, kill one, injure others, abduct and release one

By: Zagazola Makama

A deadly attack by unknown gunmen along the Bantang–Dogon Fili highway in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State has left one person dead, three others injured, and one abducted.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Monday, July 7, when armed assailants ambushed commuters traveling in a Toyota Picnic vehicle.

One of the victims, identified as Iliya John, aged 38, from Dogon Fili Village, was reportedly attacked with machetes and other weapons and later confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Kafanchan. Two other occupants of the vehicle, James Ishaya, 39, and Elisha Mallam, 38, both from Antang Village, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Another victim, Danladi Idris, 35, from Lere LGA, who was driving a Zevera vehicle was abducted during the attack and taken to an unknown location.

Following swift intervention by a combined team of security operatives and community vigilantes, the kidnapped victim was successfully rescued and has been receiving medical attention.

The body of the deceased was handed over to the family for burial in accordance with Christian rites after the family declined a post-mortem examination.

Security operatives have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

Gunmen attack commuters in Kaduna, kill one, injure others, abduct and release one

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