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US to Collaborate with Nigeria, Others to Harness Full Potentials of Atlantic Ocean
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
News
KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe
KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended the newly appointed Acting Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, for what it described as his zeal, competence and commitment to driving the policies and programmes of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Damaturu by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, the association said Dr. Goje’s appointment had generated widespread positive reactions across Yobe State, especially among residents familiar with his performance as former Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
KACRAN described the appointment as timely and well-deserved, noting that Dr. Goje distinguished himself through sacrifice, loyalty and dedication to humanitarian service while at SEMA.
The association particularly recalled his role in coordinating relief and support for victims of flooding in Maiduguri and parts of Yobe State, saying his response demonstrated leadership capacity and ability to deliver under pressure.
According to the statement, the large turnout of Permanent Secretaries, Directors, traditional representatives, Special Advisers, security personnel, journalists, SEMA staff and other well-wishers during his assumption of office reflected the confidence many stakeholders have in his leadership.
“KACRAN is impressed by the smooth transition and the immediate positive energy Dr. Goje has brought to the Office of the SSG,” Bello stated.
“From his articulate remarks during the handover to his engagements within the first week in office, he has shown he understands the task ahead and is ready to sacrifice his time and effort to ensure Governor Buni’s policies are implemented effectively.”
The association added that Dr. Goje’s previous working relationship with the Governor’s Office and former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, had equipped him with the experience needed to coordinate government activities effectively.
KACRAN further praised his consultative leadership style, citing his engagements with commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors and other critical stakeholders as evidence of his readiness to foster collaboration and improve governance.
The association also commended Governor Buni for appointing what it termed a committed and experienced public servant capable of supporting the administration’s development agenda and campaign promises.
In the same vein, KACRAN applauded the Yobe State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, for efforts aimed at reforming and strengthening the state civil service through training and capacity-building programmes.
The association specifically hailed the ongoing training of Yobe teachers in Kaduna, describing it as a strategic investment toward improving the quality of education in the state.
KACRAN reaffirmed its support for policies and initiatives geared toward promoting good governance, security and the welfare of pastoralists and other citizens, while pledging continued partnership with the Yobe State Government in advancing development objectives
KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe
News
Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families
Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Sunday visited Bama town in the state to sympathise with victims of a devastating windstorm that destroyed hundreds of homes and claimed lives in the community.
The governor, who travelled to the affected area alongside top government officials, announced immediate relief measures for victims, including a cash donation of N500,000 to each family that lost a relative in the disaster.
Zulum was accompanied on the visit by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bukar Talba, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Malumbe, former commissioners and other senior government officials.

Addressing residents during the visit, the governor directed an immediate assessment of the scale of destruction caused by the windstorm, assuring affected households that government assistance would be provided according to the level of damage suffered.
The disaster, which swept through parts of Bama town, reportedly destroyed rooftops, buildings and other properties, leaving many residents homeless and vulnerable.
Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Babagana Barma, disclosed that no fewer than 1,200 houses were affected by the storm, while four persons lost their lives.
Zulum described the incident as unfortunate and expressed condolences to bereaved families, assuring them that the state government would continue to stand by victims during the difficult period.

The governor, however, used the occasion to raise concerns over environmental degradation, warning residents against indiscriminate tree felling, which he identified as a major contributor to the increasing occurrence of windstorms and ecological disasters in the region.
“We must stop cutting down trees arbitrarily. This is a key factor behind the increasing intensity of storms and ecological challenges we face. We already have laws on the ground, and there is a need to ensure that we fully implement them,” he said.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that deforestation and desert encroachment remain major threats in many parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in states within the Sahel region, where changing climate patterns have continued to worsen flooding, erosion and wind-related disasters.
Borno State has in recent years intensified campaigns on environmental protection and tree planting as part of broader efforts to combat desertification and climate-related challenges.
During the visit, Zulum also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safe return of displaced persons currently residing in Internally Displaced Persons camps across the state.
He assured residents that government would continue to pursue policies aimed at restoring communities devastated by years of insurgency and humanitarian crises.
Bama, one of the communities worst affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, has continued to witness gradual reconstruction and resettlement efforts under the present administration, despite recurring security and environmental challenges.
Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families
News
UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth
UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth
By: Michael Mike
Members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) have called on Nigerians to embrace positive thinking, patriotism and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for national transformation and sustainable development.
The association made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 2026 Annual National Re-union held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, between May 8 and May 10.
The conference, themed “The Potential Within Nigeria: Positive Mindset and Communication for Success,” brought together Muslim professionals, academics, business leaders and alumni from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting national development, education, governance and economic growth.
The communiqué, signed by the National President of the association, Mohamed Buari, and the National Secretary, Sefiu Ikudaisi, stressed that Nigeria possesses abundant human and material resources capable of transforming the country into a global economic and political force if citizens adopt the right mindset and attitudes.
According to the association, negative narratives, disunity and poor value orientation have continued to undermine the country’s enormous potential.
It noted that Islam encourages development, innovation and the pursuit of knowledge capable of improving the quality of life, provided such advancements remain within the ethical boundaries prescribed by the religion.
The conference commenced with a special Jumat service at the OAU Central Mosque of Unity and a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, and other principal officers of the institution.
During the visit, discussions centred on issues of mutual interest, with the university management reportedly commending the association for its contributions to the growth and development of the institution.
A major highlight of the reunion was the presentation of scholarships worth N14.6 million to 140 students of the university as part of the association’s welfare and educational support programme.
UNIFEMGA disclosed that since the introduction of the scholarship initiative in the 2009/2010 academic session, it has disbursed over N103.4 million to 1,148 students of the institution.
The association also launched a N200 million endowment fund targeted at supporting widows and orphans of members under its welfare scheme.
The event featured a networking dinner sponsored by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, Rafiu Ebiti, focusing on value-driven entrepreneurship and investment opportunities.
The reunion lecture was delivered by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy Group, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, chaired the occasion.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Osun State Government, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, Bello Adeniyi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Adejare Bello.
The association expressed concern over the growing challenges confronting tertiary education in Nigeria, including brain drain, obsolete learning equipment, unstable academic calendars and outdated curricula.
It urged the government to urgently address the problems and transform the current “japa” trend into an opportunity for “brain gain” capable of enhancing national productivity and innovation.
UNIFEMGA further called for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector to ensure sustainable research, innovation and technological advancement.
On the economy, the association urged governments at all levels to create an enabling business environment through improved electricity supply, infrastructure development and investment in human capital.
It also stressed the need to tackle unemployment, warning that many jobless youths are vulnerable to manipulation by individuals promoting violence and instability.
The association said that a positive national mindset remains the foundation for building a prosperous and united Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace values that promote peace, productivity, discipline and national cohesion.
UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth
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