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ECOWAS Defence Chiefs convene in Abuja to address Niger coup crisis

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Defence chiefs representing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are set to gather in Abuja, Nigeria, today to discuss the recent coup in the Republic of Niger, according to a statement released by the regional bloc on Tuesday.

The emergency meeting comes after ECOWAS leaders imposed sanctions on Niger in response to the coup and issued a warning that they may resort to the use of force against the junta. The bloc has called for the immediate reinstatement of President Bazoum, who is currently being held captive.

In response to the ECOWAS sanctions, the junta issued a cautionary statement, vowing to resist any form of aggression from Western or regional powers against Niger.

During a summit held on Sunday in Nigeria, ECOWAS leaders expressed “zero tolerance” for coups and outlined their determination to restore constitutional order within the next seven days.

The bloc emphasized that if their demands were not met within the given timeframe, they would take all necessary measures, including the possibility of military intervention.

The planned meeting of military chiefs will focus on strategizing and planning for potential intervention to address the crisis in Niger, as stated in the recent ECOWAS declaration.

The situation in Niger remains highly sensitive, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in the region. ECOWAS aims to find a peaceful and constitutional resolution to the crisis and restore stability in Niger.

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ForeignGovernanceNewsPolitics

ECOWAS issues ultimatum to Niger coup mastermind, demanding restoration of Bazoom as president

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In a crucial move to restore stability in Niger Republic, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government has given General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the alleged mastermind of a recent coup attempt, a seven-day ultimatum to relinquish power and reinstate President Mohammed Bazoom.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, where leaders from various member states convened to address the political crisis in Niger.

One of the key resolutions passed at the meeting was the stern warning that if the coup plotters fail to restore political stability within the specified timeframe, ECOWAS may resort to using force.

Omar Alieu-Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, who read out the resolutions, disclosed that the organization has directed the chiefs of defense staff of member states to convene immediately to address the situation.

Furthermore, as part of immediate sanctions, ECOWAS leaders have ordered the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger.

Additionally, a no-fly zone has been imposed on all commercial flights to and from Niger to restrict movement in the region.

In an effort to exert economic pressure, ECOWAS has suspended all commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger. This includes freezing all service transactions, including energy-related ones, and freezing the assets of the Republic of Niger held in ECOWAS Central Banks.

The emergency meeting was attended by prominent heads of state and government representatives, including President Patrice Talon of Benin, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo of Ghana, among others. General Omar Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, President Macky Sall of Senegal, and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo were also present, along with representatives from Cape Verde, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Nigerien President Bazoom’s representative.

The ultimatum and sanctions come as a collective effort by ECOWAS to restore democratic governance and uphold stability in Niger Republic, while sending a strong message against any attempts to subvert democratic processes in the region.

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CrimeEditor's PicksFeaturesForeignHealth

Of Substance Abuse – I write…

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written by Editor

By Raphael Adeyemi, PhD

Today, June 26 2023 – we’ll yet adjust our global gaze and keenly look towards drug and substance abuse.

It’s the #International Day Against #drugabuse and Illicit #DrugTrafficking and the theme this year is ” People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.”

A day like this gives us all another opportunity to review and revamp our individual and collective effort in stemming the evil tide of substance abuse and drug trafficking.

I am particularly bothered about drug abuse because in the course of my official and personal engagements, I have seen first hand, the grave and pitiable consequences of this vice.

Folks chained like dogs; clean babes and guys in sad lunatic display; needless raw marathon sexual competition… Sad!

Friends, even when imagined, the physical, medical, emotional, spiritual, mental and financial effects of abusing drugs and other substances are scary, how much more when experienced.

But the act and its consequences are with us already. And why won’t they when a better percentage of movies and lyrics of songs released and celebrated by young ones are ladened with both subtle and direct glorification of vices including substance abuse.

Yet we have a Board whose duties include the censorship of such things…

And so today, like every other day when we create or find the opportunity, we cannot but reverberate a vital message, raise our voices in unison against a scourge that is spreading like wild fire, trapping our young ones and clipping the wings of men and women, who are designed to mount like eagles.

For the sake of emphasis, the International Day against #Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is set aside to raise awareness about the major problems that the unlawful use and distribution of drugs portend for the society.

And yes, without any fear of contradiction, I wish to state emphatically that the scourge of drug #abuse has reached a scary, dangerous, alarming and precarious level, as the number of young people, who are being trapped is on a startling upsurge in #Nigeria.

According to statistics given by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa at a forum in May 2023,  more than 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years use psychoactive substances other than alcohol and tobacco, thereby constituting grave danger for the future of youth in the countr

And please do not entertain the thought in your heart that any gender, age grade, social class, religious faithfuls are not involved. Victims and perpetrators cut across all classes.

For most people, this dangerous dive into the deep ocean of drug abuse started innocently, as a form of experiment or response to peer pressure.

Gradually, they may miss or frequently be late for work or school, their job performance may progressively deteriorate, and they start to neglect social or family obligations.

Eventually, the ability to stop using drugs is compromised and what began as a voluntary choice turns into a physical and psychological trap.

Today, it is almost becoming ‘normal’ for folks to get high on skunk, weed, codeine, tramadol, and other substances such as glue, petrol, stench from pit latrine, gutters and aerosols like nasal sprays. Hmmm!

And if you look carefully and well enough, there is most likely, someone around you, who is deeply involved. That person may even be under your roof!

Never think that innocent friend or child is as innocent as he or she looks. Be alert and inquisitive, get familiar with the signs and symptoms of drug users.

And if I may ask, Is the effect of drug abuse not seen in the high rate of crime, #rape incidences, kidnapping, suicide, poor health condition, #violence, academic failure, cultism, thuggery and other social vices?

A saying in yoruba parlance lends credence to this – ‘ Ojú lásán òse se wèrè’ meaning you can’t engage in vices without being under an influence. One of such influence is drugs.

It is almost needless to repeat that the consequences of drug abuse are numerous:

Financially drug abuse is draining, as it compels its victims to borrow, steal, beg or sell all or some of their valuables to keep up with the habit.

Academically , it does not help, because the time one ought to devote to reading and studying is taken over by getting busy with drugs and this may lead to low grades and failure.

Spiritually, the devil uses it against your relationship with God, steals your joy and most likely doing drugs would lead a person away from God and His people.

Mentally, it distorts the proper functioning of one’s brain, leading to impaired vision and judgment.

As drug abuse takes hold, a person may miss or frequently be late for work or school, the job performance may progressively deteriorate, and he or she starts to neglect social or family obligations.

And then, the ability to stop using it is eventually compromised. So what began as a voluntary choice has turned into a physical and psychological need and I tell you, it’s not worth the trouble!

So What can I do?

Just in case you are concerned and have asked yourself the question above, let me remind you of the words of Helen Keller who said “ I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

This clearly shows that personal responsibility is key. We cannot afford to wait for government at any level before we take action.

Parents, NGOs, CSOs, FBOs, Traditional Leaders, Churches, Mosques, NDLEA, Counsellors, NAFDAC, MDAs individuals and indeed every other stakeholder need to accept the reality that this problem is beyond what we can treat with kid gloves.

THE BATTLE IS REAL AND IT APPEARS WE ARE LOOSING OUR SOLDIERS TO THIS DEADLY ACT.

We need to do more by taking personal responsibility to solve this problem with or without government’s intervention.

?? You can educate yourself by reading about drug abuse, symptoms and other basic things.
?? You can join or support the numerous Civil Society Organisations that work in that area.
?? You can even float an NGO, a virtual or physical platform focused on enlightenment and orientation to prevent others from stepping into this ditch
?? You can establish an organization that reforms and rehabilitates drug users
?? We need more ‘drugfree clubs in primary and secondary schools
??We need more private rehabilitation centres built

?? We need Churches and Mosques to create avenues, platforms and programmes that would unveil and dissect this act and minister complete healing to those already involved
?? You can do so much and we can do much more…

To my young people out there, know this, YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO DRUGS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

Thousands of young people like you and I are making an impact around the world, and they are not under the influence of ANY drug.

Just in case you are reading this, and you are hooked to substance abuse (or you know someone who is), I DO NOT CONDEMN YOU , but you must realize that you are hooked to a dangerous master, and you need to be free, so that you can live the good life God designed for you.

The help you need is a mix of Spiritual, Medical, Psychological intervention which are readily available to you through government and nongovernmental organisations you can be referred to.

I can be of help in this area if you will ‘sorosoke’

Friends, my appeal is simple, I urge everyone to take both personal and collective actions to end this scourge, particularly in Nigeria, by becoming interested in issues that bother on substance abuse even if your children are not involved.

You never know the impact of your effort.

So much more to say…

Raphael Oluwamayowa Adeyemi writes from Ilorin, Nigeria.

He is the Director of Operations
Synergy For Positive Development

You can reach him via Raphaeladeyemi81@gmail.com
+2348098480376

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ForeignHealthNews

World Hypertension Day: Experts advise on regular check-up

by Editor
written by Editor

The Nigerian Hypertension Society has emphasised the need for regular medical check-up as part of measures to reduce the risk of complications from hypertension.

The body, in a statement on tuesday in IlorIn, also cautioned against excessive intake of salt to minimise complications that could threaten life spans.

The statement which was co-signed by the Society’s President, Prof. Ayodele Omotoso, and the Secretary General, Prof. Kolawole Wahab, was to commemorate this year’s World Hypertension Day (WHD).

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which there is sustained elevation of blood pressure above a threshold of 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic in an adult.

The WHD is celebrated every May 17 to increase global awareness of hypertension and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control the disease.

According to the statement, the theme for the 2023 WHD – Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer – is targeted at increasing awareness and ensuring accurate blood pressure.

It is also targeted at detecting and controlling hypertension in order to prevent premature death, it added

“The proportion of Nigerians with hypertension is high, while awareness, treatment and control rates are low in spite of the availability of potent drugs,” it said.

About one third
of adult Nigerians are living with hypertension, with only half of them aware of their
status. Less than twenty percent of those with hypertension who are on medications
have their blood pressure controlled.

The statement said that hypertension was the number one cause of preventable death worldwide, adding that its complications also affect the social and economic life of the people.

“Unfortunately, hypertension only announces its presence in most people after development of complications like stroke, heart failure, heart attack or kidney failure,” it observed.

On reducing the negative consequences of hypertension, the society advised those with hypertension to consult their medical practitioners for proper advice and management.

“If you are hypertensive, please take your medications regularly to achieve a good blood pressure control and thus prevent complications like stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure which can shorten lifespan.

“You must also avoid excessive salt consumption as this is strongly linked to development of hypertension or poor control of same,” the statement added.

The statement therefore, encouraged people to engage in physical exercises, monitor weight gain, eat healthy diets and avoid unhealthy lifestyles like smoking and alcohol consumption.

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Editor's PicksForeignLawNewsPolitics

UNESCO holds global dialogue to regulate digital platforms

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UNESCO’s Internet For Trust Conference brought together 4,300 participants in person and online across the world to discuss regulatory solutions to the ongoing crisis of online information.

The first ever such global conference witnessed speeches from UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, to the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa underlined the urgent need for common global guidelines to improve the reliability of information while protecting human rights.

The Internet For Trust Conference serves as a high point in a global dialogue launched by UNESCO to develop first global guidelines for the regulation of social media to improve the reliability of information and promote human rights online. 

The Organization involved all stakeholders: governments, independent regulators, digital companies, academia and civil society. The guidelines is expected to be launched by UNESCO in September 2023.

The Internet For Trust Conference opens with calls on digital companies to step up efforts against online harms.

With welcoming remarks by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO and an inspiring speech by Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize and 2021 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize, calling on digital companies to be part of the solution against content that is potentially damaging to human rights and democracy.

The long-awaited conference kicked off on February 22 at UNESCO Headquarters, while several others joined the two days conference online via zoom.

The opening of the event was also marked by messages from the Prime Minister of Iceland, H.E. Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and the President of Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

A vivid discussion moderated by Carole Cadwlladr (The Guardian, The Observer), Felipe Neto, Maria Ressa and Melissa Fleming stressed the need for digital platforms to protect the public sphere and the information ecosystem from manipulation, hate speech, violence and other content that is damaging democracies and societies in unprecedented dimensions and speed. The debate also drew attention to the role of influencers, calling on them to come to the table and use their power to improve the quality of online information. 

The opening was followed by a series of panel discussions with several participants highlighting the need to hold governments and regulators accountable following human rights standards. Comments from in person and online participants were taken during the sessions. Online participants connected from different parts of the world and there were comments from members of each multistakeholder group.

Marie Ressa, Novel Peace prize-winning journalist went on to caution that if we continue to tolerate social media algorithms which reward lies, future generations will inherit a world in which truth has been dangerously devalued.

“Without facts, you can’t have truth, without truth, you can’t have trust, and we have no shared reality”.

In his message to the Conference, the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recalled the violent attacks on democratic institutions in Brazil on January 8.

The Director-General of UNESCO pointed out the proliferation of regulatory initiatives – at least 55 countries are working on these. But she advocated a coherent, global approach, based on human rights. “If these regulatory initiatives are developed in isolation, with each country working in their own corner, they are doomed to fail. Information disruption is by definition a global problem, so our reflections must take place at the global scale,” she said.

YouTube influencer, Felipe Neto shared his own experiences with extremist content pushed by algorithms, as one of the world’s most-subscribed content creators.

The Director-General closed by urging all countries to join UNESCO’s efforts to transform the internet into a tool which is truly at the service of the public and that helps assure the right to freedom of expression; a right which includes the right to seek and receive information.

As part of its mandate, UNESCO had launched a global dialogue to provide guidelines for regulating digital platforms, to fight disinformation and hate speech and protect freedom of expression and human rights. 

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ForeignHealthNews

UNICEF, UN support Nigerian NGO on rehabilitation of 60 Borstal minors

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The United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF), in collaboration with United Nation and Save the Future of the Children Initiatives (SAFIN) has rehabilitated 60 Nigerian minors from Borstal correction institution.

Speaking at the sidelines of the training in Ilorin, Mr Femi Oyedeji, the Executive Director of the SAFIN told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the training of the minors is to integrate them back to the society.

According to him, with the support of UN and UNICEF, children who had been incarcerated in the Borstal homes and now released are being rehabilitated with life skills.

He explained that 60 of these children will be supported with necessary skills to be able to cope with challenges of life and make positive decision that will impact their lives positively.

Oyedeji explained that the training will prevent recidivism which is the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.

He lamented that these children were former child delinquent who engage in smoking hard drugs, cultism, stealing and truancy from school.

He attributed such attitude from these as a result of parental failure and broken homes, adding that they lacked proper guide in getting the full support they need.

“We ensure no child is left behind and maximise potential to actualize their goals in life skills and critical thinking.

“The initiatives is dedicated to improving access to children protection services and community-base reintegration for highly vulnerable children in Ilorin East, West and South Local Government Area of the state,” he said.

The expert on child protection explained that the two-day training will give the children psychosocial support in terms of making them to come out of their shell and ensure that they relate well with other people as well as the communities.

He said the children have commenced training on different vocations of choice including tailoring, art works, electrician and photography.

Oyedeji also added that the children have all been enrolled on the Kwara Health Insurance Schemes, so that they can enjoy free healthcare as most come from indigent families.

He therefore appealed to the Kwara government to allocate more resources in addressing issues of child protection services.

He observed the need for the state government to partner more with Civil Society Organisations to prevent factors that can proliferate child delinquency in the society.

“We encourage the government to create more sporting facilities, especially neighborhood sporting games for the youths that will reduce idleness and unfavourable behaviours among them,” he said.

Oyedeji also advise against keeping these children for more than six to nine months in Borstal institutions

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ForeignNews

COSFAN pays tribute to Head of Commonwealth, late Queen Elizabeth II

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The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association, Nigeria has paid tribute to the people and government of the United Kingdom over the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who is also the Head of the Commonwealth.

In a condolence letter jointly signed by the Chairman COSFAN Board of Trustees and the Secretary of the Board who is also the President of COSFAN, Emeritus Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede and Dr Biola Adimula respectively, the Association identifies with the British, the 56 Countries of the Commonwealth and the world at large on the departure of Her Majesty.

The tribute read in parts: “The commonwealth Scholars and fellows Alumni Association, Nigeria(COSFAN) identify with the British, the 56 Countries of the Commonwealth and the world at large on the departure of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, during whose regin we all enjoyed the commonwealth scholarships, fellowships and consistent support of the commonwealth scholarship commission, United Kingdom, through the British Council Nigeria, for career enhancement of our members and community development of the Nigeria society”.

“The extraordinary service of the late Queen Elizabeth II to humanity as shown through her humility, Patience, Kindness and Love will continue to be the hallmark of COSFAN’s activities of giving back to society.

COSFAN welcomes the smooth transition of the crown within the monarchy and pledges our loyalty and support to King Charles III. May the reign of the king bring Peace, Love and Prosperity to all as well as more recognition to COSFAN”, the statement added.

Dr. (Mrs) Biola Adimula, Secretary of COSFAN
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Editor's PicksForeignPolitics

Bolaji Abdullahi: Towards Legislative Capacity and Effective Representation in Kwara Central

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By Comrade Gesua Yekini

One of the major factors that determine growth and development in every democratic government is the quality and the commitment of the representatives elected to coordinate the political affairs of the electorate.

In Nigeria today, weakness in the representative capacity of the legislature threatens democratic advancement, unlike most advanced countries where democratic government is the driving force to growth and development. Quality representation is always a significant factor on which the electorate take seriously in assessing those seeking political offices.

The consequences of this lack of true representation are not merely symbolic. A legislature’s main responsibilities are representation, lawmaking and oversight. None of these can be done effectively if the interests and identities of the country are not reflected in those who represent and make decisions on their behalf.

The need for quality representation that will lead to a better living for the people of Kwara Central Federal Constituency cannot be undermined. Mall Bolaji Abdullahi (Omoluabi) represents the dawn of a new order, he can be counted among the few sons of Emirate who can give quality representation with positive results. He understands why he has to serve his Constituency better for the peace, progress and prosperity of the nation in general.

Our politics need to evolve beyond choosing candidates based on ethnicity, sentiments, material things, religion etc, but choosing candidates based on their qualification, antecedent, manifesto and policy direction and what they plan to do in office. Citizens need to consider what constitutes their topmost needs and choose the candidate whose agenda provides solutions to those needs.

In recent elections, politicians have resorted to buying votes from poor citizens for as low as N500 and in some desperate cases N10,000 or more in order to gather votes. This has led to more voter apathy and an increased lack of commitment of governments to improving the lives of citizens. If this act is not nipped in the bud, a responsible government answerable to the people may never emerge.

There is need for Nigerians to shun vote buying and selling and rather vote responsible people into government who will deliver dividends of democracy. The people at the grassroots level must be educated on the values of their votes as well as the values they should vote for at the coming polls.

We are tired of poverty and are really searching for ways to end the status quo. We must understand that only our votes for the right candidates can lead Nigeria to a place of prosperity, and give us the ability to seek accountability from elected representatives.

The level of poverty in the land has made a lot of people believe that you have to share something before they could listen to you or the message you are trying to communicate. Our advocacy now must more centred around voting for the best candidate that could make education, health, commonwealth and well being of the people a priority.

Alas, the evil consequences of selling votes are tantamount to selling our future and the future of our kids. All those things we admire in life will remain daydreams if we don’t vote for the credible candidates who would ensure good governance in return.

The candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the Kwara Central Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, Mall Bolaji Ganiyu Abdullahi if given the opportunity, development will be even across the constituency as he intends to be very vocal in advocating government presence in Kwara Central. Serving the people in terms of life-changing moves and engaging in sustainable projects that will see to the growth and development of the constituency will be his cardinal objective.

Records has shown that Omoluabi was one of the vibrant and outspoken Kwarans who has utilized every opportunity that he has been given to serve to the best of his ability. In his personal capacity, he has also dedicated the resources that it has pleased the Almighty Allah to give him to serve those who are less privileged around him and in his community.

In his career spanning almost two decades and several positions at both public and private sector, he served with courage and integrity. He has not been found wanting.

While he was special Assistant Communication and Strategy, between 2003 and 2005, he was responsible for overall media strategy of the Governor. Chairman, Budget Implementation and Management, Committee, responsible for overseeing implementation of budget priorities and ensuring value for money in government expenditure as Special Adviser Policy and Strategy between 2005 and 2007.

Bolaji Abdullahi, a public administrator per excellency while serving as Commissioner for Education in the state launched and implemented ‘Every Child Count’, hailed as the most comprehensive education reform programme in Nigeria. He attracted great support from international development partners, including the World Bank and the DFID, Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN).

Under a continuing teacher improvement strategy, he trained and retrained over 20,000 teachers across the state with full allowances and established the Quality Assurance Bureau that introduced support-based monitoring of teaching in schools, among many others he achieved as Commissioner in the Ministry of Education.

Serving at the Federal level as Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Omoluabi Carried out the reform of the National Youth Service Corps for the first time since its creation in 1976 and launched the You-Win, youth entrepreneurship promotion initiative in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of ICT that awarded grants of up to N10million naira to each winner across the country.

He also convened the first Nigeria National Sports Summit in 2012. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles of Nigeria after 19 years and won the Under 17 World Cup for Nigeria for the 4th time. Won the African Athletics Championship in all categories, including the reformation of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by establishing the League Management Company (LMC) and signed broadcast right agreement with Super Sports worth 4million USD.

His philanthropic interventions includes Founding of the Omoluabi Foundation, a social intervention initiative focused primarily in using extra-curricular activities for youth development in Kwara State.

He has supported several artisans with equipment and start-up funds for their business. Awarded full scholarship to 5 youths at the Kwara State University, Malete and paid registration fees for hundreds of youths for UME, WAEC and NECO.

Omoluabi Built and renovated classrooms in selected community/public schools in the State. Bult literacy and numeracy laboratory in Barakat LSMB primary schools, and provided furniture and writing materials to all the pupils. Likewise, he sank motorized boreholes with full reticulation in his Community.

Bolaji Abdullahi’s Community Participation and Interventions includes Financial contribution to the renovation and maintenance of llorin Central Mosque and also served as secretary of the llorin Central Mosque Financial Sustainability Committee.

Supported the completion of mosques and procurement of power generators and public address systems to several mosques. Supported the activities of the llorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), including convening a special interactive session of Emirate indigenes in Abuja with the national executives of the union under the leadership of Ambassador, Sheikh Usman Abdul-Azeez.

He also supported the activities of the llorin Emirate Youth Development Association and the Annual Durbar events since inception.

To the people of Kwara Central Senatorial District, this is the time to vote for value and diligent candidate. For us to move forward, we must elect among us a credible representative that understands the very nature of constituency challenges and how to address them.

It’s time we raise the bar of our expectations from our representatives. Our demands should be nothing short of global standards of development.

Comrade Gesua Yekini is a former Chairman, Radio, Television, Theatre, Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), Kwara State Chapter.

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BusinessForeignNewsPolitics

EU imports 40% of Nigeria’s gas, demands more

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European Union ambassadors on Monday said at least 40 per cent of Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas was exported to Europe, as they called for greater cooperation between Nigeria and the EU in the area of a possible increase in LNG supplies.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, who spoke on behalf of the group, stated that the current geopolitical situation in Europe had made it necessary for the continent to strengthen its relations with Nigeria, particularly as regards the supply of gas from Nigeria to EU countries.

Isopi disclosed this when the EU ambassadors paid a courtesy call on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, seeking to strengthen the EU’s partnership with Nigeria in the energy sector, according to a statement issued in Abuja by NNPC.

The ambassador was quoted as saying, “Nigeria is the fourth gas supplier to Europe. At least 40 per cent of the Nigerian LNG is currently exported to Europe.“We are not only major clients for Nigeria, we are also major partners in the oil and gas sector because some of the companies that are working with you are from Europe.

So we share the same interest and objectives.”The Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mele Kyari, assured the European delegation that the company would continue to deepen its historical relationship with EU companies in Nigeria.

This, he said, was in order to add more value to the NNPC’s business, particularly towards increasing gas supply to the global market and enhancing domestic gas utilisation.

The statement outlined other diplomats from the European delegation on the visit including the Ambassador of Portugal, Luis Barros; Ambassador of Spain, Juan Sell; Ambassador of Italy, Stefano De Leo; and Deputy Head of Mission, France, Olivier Chatelais.

Last month, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, had told a delegation from the European Union that Nigeria was ready to step in as an alternative gas supplier to Europe.

Sylva, however, urged the European Union to step up investments in gas and hydrocarbon in Nigeria so that the country would be able to help meet the EU energy needs.His call came on the heels of the festering war between Ukraine and Russia, which currently posed a threat to the gas supply to European countries.

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CrimeForeignNews

Ukraine: Nigeria to comply if UN imposes sanctions on Russia — Foreign Affairs Minister

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The Nigerian government said it would comply if the United Nations imposes sanctions against Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama disclosed this on Monday night while speaking on Channels Television.

“On imposing (the) sanction, this is going to be a collective action. The United Nations has to act,” he said.

He added that Nigeria would “act and engage within the framework of the United Nations”.

“So if the United Nations adopts and imposes sanctions against Russia, we will comply with UN’s resolution.”

Commenting on the outcome of the UN General Assembly emergency meeting on Monday, the minister said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was unanimously condemned by participants.

The UNGA resolution is expected to be voted on Tuesday, after over 100 listed speakers make their statements.

According to a draft circulated before the discussion, if passed, the UNGA would “deplore in the strongest terms” Russian “aggression” on Ukraine, demand a complete withdrawal of troops and a reversal of the Russian decision to recognise the enclaves of Donetsk and Luhansk.

It will also demand an immediate return to talks that allows all parties to facilitate “rapid, safe and unhindered” access for all civilians to humanitarian assistance.Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Russia claims it is targeting Ukrainian military installations, including air bases, but civilians numbering hundreds, including women and children, have reportedly been killed by Russian air raids.Putin’s actions have received worldwide criticisms and economic sanctions from the United States and European Union.

In peace talks with Ukraine on Monday, Putin canvassed Western recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea as a condition for ending the war.

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