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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
ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than 10 fighters of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) were killed on Jan. 8 during a night attack by the rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Dabar Ledda, within the Doron Naira axis of Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that ISWAP fighters launched a surprise assault on a JAS checkpoint, locally referred to as an Irasa, in the Dabar Ledda area, overwhelming the position after a brief but intense clash.
Sources familiar with developments in the area told Zagazola Makama that the attack ended decisively in ISWAP’s favour, with about 10 JAS fighters killed. Following the operation, ISWAP elements were said to have withdrawn swiftly to their major stronghold located between Kangarwa and Dogon Chuku, also within Kukawa LGA.
Both group has, in recent years, focused on degrading each other’s capabilities in an attempt to consolidate control over key corridors around Lake Chad as well as Sambisa Forest.
However, the latest clash is expected to trigger a violent response. Intelligence reports suggest that JAS leadership, acting on directives allegedly issued by Abu Umaima, has ordered mobilisation of fighters across the northern and central parts of the Lake Chad region of Borno (LCRBA) in preparation for retaliatory attacks.
The planned counter-offensive could lead to an upsurge in large-scale attacks in the days and weeks ahead, particularly around the Kangarwa–Dogon Chuku corridor, an area that has witnessed repeated factional battles due to its strategic value for logistics, recruitment and access routes.
While the infighting has historically weakened Boko Haram/ISWAP overall cohesion, Zagazola caution that intensified clashes often come at a heavy cost to civilians, as armed groups raid communities for supplies, conscripts and intelligence. Kukawa LGA, already battered by years of insurgency, remains highly vulnerable whenever such rivalries escalate.
ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates
Troops foiled bandit attack in Sokoto, recovered rustled livestock in Gudu
By: Zagazola Makama
A bandit attack on Karfen Chana village in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State was successfully thwarted on Saturday evening, with security forces recovering all rustled domestic animals.
Zagazola report that the attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. when armed bandits, described as Lakurawa, invaded the village and opened fire sporadically, stealing an unspecified number of livestock.
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing the attackers to retreat towards the Niger border.
All the rustled animals were recovered and returned to their rightful owners. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported among the security personnel.
The troops have continued to maintain rigorous patrols in the area to ensure sustained security and prevent further attacks.
End
APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa
The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa in partnership with the party’s Unity Forum is committed to conducting a free, fair and credible primary election in the state ahead of 2027 general elections.
Mr Abubakar Hamma-Girei, Director General of the Forum stated this at a press conference in Yola.
He said that the forum would ensure that all Party members have an equal opportunity to participate in the process, and that the outcome reflects the will of the party faithful.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and all stakeholders for the remarkable achievement recorded in the country that makes opposition to join the party
“We understand the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our members, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the Primary Election is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.
“Let me assure you that there will be no imposition of the candidate, and that will be free from any form of manipulation or interference.
“We will uphold the principles of internal Democracy and ensure that the best candidate emerges to fly our Party’s flag in the forthcoming elections”, he said.
The DG urged all party members to participate actively in the primary election and to report any irregularities or concern to the relevance authorities.
“Together we build a stronger more united Party that will deliver for our great nation.
“We are calling on all Nigerians who are passionate about positive change and good governance we invite you to join the All Progress Congress (APC) family”, he said.
According to him,, the ongoing membership revalidation exercise is a unique opportunity for shaping the future of the great nation.
Hamma further said that the forum also resolved to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming Local Government election in the state.
“We are directed to intimate all our members across 21 LGA to give them adequate support they deserve”, he said.
APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa
ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates
Troops neutralise eight terrorists in Kayamla, Sojiri villages in Borno
Zulum picks APC’s digital membership card
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