News
United Nations is proud to be your ally – UN Resident Coordinator Fall assures youths
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
News
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) completed advanced training at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the increasing sophistication of criminal networks across borders requires deeper international cooperation and a coordinated global offensive.
Marwa stressed that criminal syndicates no longer operate within isolated territories, making intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building among nations indispensable in dismantling drug cartels and organised crime groups.
The ceremony, held at the elite DEA Training Academy, brought together officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya for an intensive programme designed to sharpen investigative, operational and strategic enforcement capabilities. Participants were equipped with advanced skills to combat complex drug trafficking networks and related transnational crimes.
Describing the event as deeply significant, Marwa noted that the course was dedicated to members of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Referencing the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” Marwa said it captured the collective resolve of partner countries against the global drug menace. He emphasised that only a unified, intelligence-driven response can effectively confront criminal enterprises that thrive on cross-border operations.
The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that the knowledge and competencies acquired by the graduating officers would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of their respective agencies. He charged them to apply the training with integrity, professionalism and courage upon returning home, while upholding the highest standards of service.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their continued mentorship and investment in capacity development.
He said the graduation marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility, urging the officers to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that the partnership between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to deepen, yielding sustained success in the shared fight against illicit drugs and organised crime.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
By: Our Reporter
Shortly after his bilateral discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Vice President Kashim Shettima moved on to a high-level meeting on Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The session, organized by Africa CDC and fully supported by the Nigerian government, convenes African leaders and health policymakers to chart the path toward strengthening the continent’s health emergency preparedness, response systems, and pharmaceutical independence.
Joining the Vice President at the meeting are key Nigerian officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar.
Other African health ministers in attendance include Dr. Ibrahim Sy of Senegal, Madalisto Baloyi of Malawi, and Dr. Mekdes Daba of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
By: Zagazola Makama
Five civilians were abducted on Feb. 12, 2026, by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Doro Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, the Police Command reported.
Sources disclosed that the victims, Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu, were taken while purchasing fresh fish at a local market around 7:00 a.m.
The troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/hunters immediately responded to the incident.
Relevant intelligence has been gathered, and search and rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
