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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
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
By: Zagazola Makama
An inspection team from the ECOWAS Force Headquarters and Army Headquarters has assessed the operational readiness of Nigeria’s ECOWAS standby force at Naquora Barracks in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the team, led by Brig.-Gen. Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi, visited the barracks on Nov. 7, 2026, to evaluate the troops’ preparedness for possible deployment.
The team received briefings on troop readiness, training and administrative matters, and witnessed demonstrations on roadblock operations and crowd dispersal.
Massaquoi commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and physical fitness.
The inspection visit ended without any incident.
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.
The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have raided a hotel along Baring Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting five suspected criminals and recovering 26 mobile phones and other items.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 1 OPEP, while on patrol, responded to a report of phone snatching at about 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026.
Following the incident, the stolen phone was reportedly tracked to Prime House Hotel within the area, prompting the troops to conduct a raid on the facility.
The operation led to the arrest of five suspects identified as Tahir Suleiman, 25; Muhammed Ahmed, 25; Muhammed Labaran Haruna, 27; Yahya Yunusa, 20; and Aisha Mohammad, 22.
The suspects were reportedly found in possession of the tracked phone, while a further search led to the recovery of 26 mobile phones, 27 pouches, three MP devices, two earpods, an HP laptop, a knife and four power banks.
The vehicle belonging to the suspects was also towed to the headquarters of Sector 1 for a comprehensive search.
The suspects and recovered exhibits remain in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Burglars Attempting to Steal Chickens in Plateau
Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Benue
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