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Venezuela calls for economic ties with Nigeria

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Venezuela calls for economic ties with Nigeria

Venezuela calls for economic ties with Nigeria

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, has called for economic ties with Nigeria, particularly in the area of oil production.

The call was made during a bilateral meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and the Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Félix Plasencia, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States. 

Speaking during the meeting, Plasencia noted that Venezuela, like Nigeria, is an oil producing country and a regional leader, saying that the country and Nigeria should get closer.

He recalled the visit of the Secretary General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, to Venezuela where he instructed that the country should work hard.

Plasencia stated that Barkindo decided to visit Venezuela as a founding member of OPEC, in commemoration of the 61st anniversary of the founding of OPEC and urged member countries to come together.

He particularly said Barkindo had during the visit, emphasised on the need for Nigeria and Venezuela to strengthen their relationship and for the country to be the best partner of Nigeria in Africa.

Also Read: Federal Fire Service Saves 166 Lives, N15trn Worth Of…

Plasencia, during the bilateral meeting, mooted the idea of flight connectivity with Nigeria, particularly with local airlines in Venezuela which it is currently doing with Russia, Iran and under discussion with China .

Plasencia further mentioned the need for Venezuela and Nigeria to cooperate in the field of medicine through the training of medical students from Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Vice-Minister for Africa of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Yuri Pimentel, recalled that his country received Nigerian students in the past in the field of medicine and other areas.

Pimentel however said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme was delayed, but that Venezuela is currently working with Nigeria to open scholarships for Nigerian students.

Earlier, Onyeama told the Venezuelan Foreign Minister of the challenges bedevilling the country such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, herders-farmers conflicts and militancy in the Niger Delta region.

Onyeama also said the reduction in the price of oil has affected the country economically and coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said, were real economic heat for the country.

He further told the Venezuelan Foreign Minister that Nigeria was in the process of seeking to diversify its economic before the developments.

Onyeama however said nevertheless, there have been a lot of efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari in investing, especially in infrastructure.

“We are pushing ahead in that area, prioritising agriculture also, which is where we are going,” Onyeama said.

Venezuela calls for economic ties with Nigeria

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Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

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Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

A bandit attack on Tungar Dada Village in the Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto on April 13, 2025, has left one person dead and 50 others abducted.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 0400hrs, when a group of armed bandits stormed the village, shooting and killing one individual while abducting 50 villagers to an unknown destination.

Security officials have confirmed the death and are actively pursuing leads to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the suspects.

Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

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Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

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Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

Republic of Korea has called for enhanced cultural exchange with Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of cross-fertilization to bolster diplomatic relations and share mutual experiences.

Making the call at the weekend in Abuja at the second edition of the Hansik Contest, the Director, Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Kim Changki, said his country is willing to build on the already existing cultural relationship with Nigeria.

On the cooking competition, he said the primary goal is to foster social and cultural interaction between Nigeria and Korea.

He noted that this year’s contest was better organized and well attended than the first one held last year, disclosing that this will mark his final event as the director of the Korean Centre, which tenure conclude in May.

He said: “Nigerians have a deep appreciation for Korean Pop and Korean cuisine, and this concert serves as a celebration of culture through various artistic expressions. The winner of the contest will receive a prize of N1 million along with a trip to Korea.”

The culture and events officer, Yunijin Lee, on her part, emphasized that the contest has received sponsorship from Korean food institutions (KFPI) and is specifically designed to bring the vibrant experiences of Korean culture and cuisine to Nigerians.

She also highlighted that the selection process for the winner was both thorough and impartial, stating, “The judging panel consists of Korean individuals, including the ambassador, director, and the embassy chef, who worked alongside a Nigerian chef to ensure fairness in the selection of the winner.”

The contest attracted a diverse group of 40 participants, all eager to showcase their culinary talents and knowledge of Korean cuisine. After a series of intense competitions and eliminations, the field narrowed down to 12 finalists.

Among them, Patience Vincent secured an impressive third place, while Ruth Igbayiola Olowo took home the second prize. The top prize of N1 million and a trip to Seoul, Korea went to Deborah Olabelurin, who impressed the judges with her exceptional skills and creativity in preparing Korean dishes.

The event was well attended by a vibrant audience, including enthusiasts of Korean cuisine and fans of Korean pop culture, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement. Attendees were treated to a rich variety of traditional Korean foods, which were beautifully presented, showcasing the intricate flavors and techniques of Korean culinary art.

Additionally, the event featured captivating dance performances set to popular Korean pop songs, further enriching the cultural experience and demonstrating the deep connections between the two countries.

The jubilant winner of the contest Deborah Olabelurin, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Korean Culture Center for organizing such a transformative event.

She expressed excitement about her upcoming trip to Korea, where she looks forward to immersing herself in the local culture and cuisine and how this incredible opportunity will play a crucial role in advancing her career as a chef.

Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

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Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

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Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

By: Zagazola Makama

Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.

“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.

The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.

Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.

In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.

The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.

Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

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