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US to Collaborate with Nigeria, Others to Harness Full Potentials of Atlantic Ocean

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US to Collaborate with Nigeria, Others to Harness Full Potentials of Atlantic Ocean

By: Michael Mike

United States has expressed her willingness to collaborate with Nigeria and other countries in the Atlantic Ocean region to harness the economic potentials that the ocean presents.

Speaking to selected journalists in Abuja on Tuesday night, the Senior Coordinator for Atlantic Cooperation, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Ambassador Jessye Lapenn who was in the country to further cement relations between Nigeria and United States on Blue Economy and Maritime Issues, said her home government was ready to deployed equipment and resources to ensure peace and safety in and around the Atlantic Ocean.

She noted that the challenges associated with piracy and insecurity on the Atlantic Ocean would be soon be a thing of the past as all the countries in the Atlantic Ocean Treaty would work together to ensure that there is peace and growth of commercial activities on the Atlantic Ocean.

She disclosed that during her visit to the country she was presented with the opportunity of meeting key decision makers in Nigeria’s maritime industry, explaining that it was a great decision that a ministry was created to take charge of the nation’s blue economy.

Thirty-two coastal Atlantic countries across four continents have recently adopted a Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation launching the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The new multilateral forum brought together an unprecedented number of coastal Atlantic countries across Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean.

This Partnership is the first grouping to span both the North and South Atlantic and address a broad range of issues, from economic development to environmental protection to science and technology. It is also the first time that so many Atlantic countries have come together to establish a forum through which they can work together on a more regular basis and to lay down, via the Declaration, a set of shared principles for the Atlantic region, such as a commitment to an open Atlantic free from interference, coercion, or aggressive action.

The recent Declaration builds on last year’s Joint Statement on Atlantic Cooperation, which started a process to explore deeper cooperation in the region. It was the product of that process and intensive diplomacy by the White House and the State Department.

Coastal Atlantic countries share direct and interconnected interests in the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is the world’s most heavily traveled ocean with critical trade routes and global energy reserves.

The World Bank had estimated that the ocean contributes $1.5 trillion annually to the global economy—and expects this figure to double by 2030.

Sustainable ocean economy sectors are estimated to generate almost 50 million jobs in Africa and to contribute $21 billion to Latin American GDP.

Meanwhile, challenges like illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing; natural disasters; and illicit trafficking threaten this economy. It is however recognized that no country alone can solve the cross-boundary challenges in the Atlantic region or fully address the opportunities that it presents.

The Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation seeks to usher in a new chapter in regional cooperation, forging deeper connections across Atlantic countries on four continents, with the purpose of the Partnership being twofold: to enable Atlantic countries to expand cooperation on a range of shared goals and to uphold a set of shared principles for Atlantic cooperation.

The Partnership is expected to give member countries a new platform to work together on issues such as science and technology, sustainable ocean economy, and climate change. Participating countries also endorsed a Plan of Action outlining the first phase of work this new grouping will undertake, including scientific cooperation and shared research, information and maritime awareness, and development of a cadre of young Atlantic scientists. The Partnership will convene regularly and establish working groups to carry out this work. To the greatest extent possible, the Partnership will collaborate with and build on existing regional initiatives.
The participating countries include Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Canada, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, the Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Spain, Togo, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay.

US to Collaborate with Nigeria, Others to Harness Full Potentials of Atlantic Ocean

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Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty

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Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has emphasized the critical role of independent broadcasters in promoting the country’s information sovereignty, national cohesion, and digital security. 

Represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, at the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference, on Thursday, Tuggar stressed that the broadcast sector is a key player in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative and ensuring internal stability.

The event’s theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security,” according to the minister aligns with the nation’s foreign policy objectives.

He urged broadcasters to produce locally relevant content, counter disinformation, and bridge ethnic and cultural divides, adding that a united Nigeria commands greater international respect.

He also highlighted the need for robust digital security measures to protect against cyber threats and misinformation campaigns, warning that breaches in the sector could undermine national security.

He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media to safeguard Nigeria’s information ecosystem and project a positive global image.

The conference aimed to address the evolving challenges of broadcasting in a digital age.

Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty

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Zulum Declares Monday Day of Fasting and Prayers to Ward off Terrorist Group

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Zulum Declares Monday Day of Fasting and Prayers to Ward off Terrorist Group

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has called on citizens to dedicate next Monday for prayers and fasting to ward off the resurgent Boko Haram attacks.

The governor in a statewide broadcast, told his people: “As a people of faith, we believe our security strategies must be underpinned by prayer. I, hereby declare Monday, 24th November, 2025, as a Statewide Day of Fasting and Prayer for the restoration of peace in Borno State and the country.”

This is not the first time special day for prayers and fasting would be declared to ward off the arms barring terrorist group in the state.

The governor said: “On this day, I call upon every resident of Borno, regardless of faith, to join in prayer for the lasting peace and prosperity of our beloved state and Nigeria.

“Consequently, let us therefore devote ourselves to constant prayers, seeking Almighty God’s mercy.

“I also urge the people to use this period to pray for divine protection against evildoers, saboteurs, and all enemies of peace.”

He assured the people of his administration’s continued investment in the welfare of our security forces, support community-based vigilance, and pursue dialogue where possible, without compromising the state’s integrity or the safety of our people

He noted that: “For the past 15 years, Borno State has been in the global spotlight owing to the Boko Haram insurgency. This conflict has affected every segment of our society, displacing millions of people across all 27 local government areas, and dislocating the socio-economic activities and livelihoods of our people.

“We were able to overcome those harrowing days of insurgency by uniting as one, setting aside differences of ethnicity, religion, and sectionalism. We rallied behind our armed forces and other security agencies to confront the common enemy, whose aim was to destabilize our state, the North-East, and the nation as a whole.

“The relative peace attained in the state has contributed to a promising harvest for this year’s farming season. Farmers have been able to cultivate their crops that is expected to sustain them for the next one to two years.

“The Borno State government remains committed to supporting farmers with inputs and agro-chemicals. The continued support is to ensure year-round farming, in order to achieve food sufficiency across the state.

“Despite the recent sporadic attacks Borno State has witnessed reasonable degree of stability. However, the unfolding situation in the state, the Nation and indeed the globe is a matter of great concern to us.

“Let me commend the people of Borno State for their steadfastness and commitment to the cause of peace. This has been demonstrated through relentless prayers, fasting, and continued support for our gallant troops in the frontline, the Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes. Indeed, your resilience has been a source of inspiration and strength to me and to the entire administration.”

Zulum Declares Monday Day of Fasting and Prayers to Ward off Terrorist Group

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KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings

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KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings

…Appeals for Immediate Release of Students

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has condemned the recent tragic kidnapping of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger States.

The group in a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Bello named Ted that the issue has become a major national concern, highlighted by the decision of President Bola Tinubu to cancel his scheduled trip to South Africa for the G20 Economic Summit to focus on the crisis at home.

Bello said: “The most regrettable aspect of this deeply disturbing incident is that it targets innocent secondary school students. These are children who have left their parents for the first time to attend boarding school, pursuing an education that is vital for the future development of their states, Nigeria, and the world.

“Furthermore, we must consider the lasting emotional and psychological trauma being inflicted upon these young victims. The suffering of their parents and relatives, who are enduring days of uncertainty, hunger, and heartbreak, is a grave humanitarian crisis that threatens their health and overall well-being.”

He addd that: “The Federal Government’s subsequent directive to close over 40 Federal secondary schools across the country, along with closures ordered by the Niger and Katsina State governments, represents a significant educational setback. This is particularly alarming for the Northern region, which is already struggling with a high rate of out-of-school children. KACRAN is profoundly concerned that the perpetrators of this unholy act are now turning their unlawful attacks on vulnerable children who deserve the highest levels of protection.

“The aforementioned incident, which prevented our visionary President from attending the G20 meeting—an event of crucial importance to Nigeria’s global image—is a painful economic and reputational loss for the nation. KACRAN highly appreciates the serious concern and sympathy Mr. President has demonstrated towards the victims and their families.

“At this juncture, KACRAN reiterates its strong condemnation of all acts of violence in the country, especially the unacceptable kidnapping of innocent students. We passionately appeal to the kidnappers to fear the Almighty God and contemplate the day of judgment. As an act of clemency, sympathy for the victims and their families, and for the restoration of our national pride, we urge them to kindly and immediately release these poor students and return them safely to their parents. Nothing is gained from the suffering of small children and their poor families.”

KACRAN called on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or region, to reject all forms of violence. “We must embrace one another as one beloved family and unite to firmly develop an indivisible Nigeria, ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a better country.

“Finally, while once more commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his government’s sincerity and total commitment to securing the immediate release of these students, we respectfully request him, as a caring father to all, to accept and urgently implement KACRAN’s comprehensive proposal on how to easily resolve insecurity problems in the North-West and North-Central regions within six months.”

KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings

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