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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas, including humanitarian affairs, youth empowerment, cultural exchange, countering extremism and socio-economic development.

This formed the focus of discussions when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received the Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC, Ambassador Dr Tarig Ali Bakheet, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both officials reviewed the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the OIC and explored new areas of collaboration aimed at addressing emerging regional challenges.

During the meeting, Ambassador Dunoma reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals and programmes of the organisation and proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs.

He said the initiative will strengthen regional coordination in tackling insecurity and the growing humanitarian crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

The Permanent Secretary also stressed the need to promote interfaith dialogue and provide greater support for displaced populations across the region.

He further advocated stronger cultural cooperation among member states, including the organisation of cultural festivals to encourage greater interaction among young people.

According to him, such initiatives will expose young people to diverse cultural traditions while promoting peace, unity and mutual understanding.

Ambassador Dunoma also called for increased support for vocational training, women’s empowerment and healthcare programmes.

He emphasised the need for OIC-backed interventions that will have a direct and measurable impact on the lives of citizens.

On his part, Ambassador Bakheet commended Nigeria for what he described as its active and constructive role within the organisation.

He reaffirmed the OIC’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in areas of mutual interest.

The Assistant Secretary-General also invited Nigeria to consider hosting the next OIC Social Development Conference, as well as the organisation’s annual cultural festivals.

He further encouraged greater Nigerian participation in the management structure of the organisation.

Both officials agreed that sustained high-level engagement and practical cooperation will be crucial to advancing the interests of Nigeria, OIC member states and the wider Islamic world.

The Permanent Secretary also assured the visiting OIC official that Nigeria will participate in the forthcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting scheduled to hold in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on August 27, 2026.

The meeting is expected to feature the election of a new Secretary-General of the organisation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, has called for stronger institutional structures and legislative frameworks to guarantee gender equality, describing gender mainstreaming as an ongoing process that must remain at the heart of governance.

The ambassador made the call during a dialogue session organised under the Female Legislative Mentorship Initiative on Parliamentary Affairs and Diplomacy at the Philippine Embassy in Abuja.

The session, themed “Women at the Table: The Philippine Gender and Development (GAD) Framework for Inclusive Governance, Diplomacy, and Peace,” brought together officials from the Directorate of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community.

Speaking during the event, Mellejor outlined the Philippines’ approach to gender inclusion, explaining how the country’s legal and institutional frameworks compel both public and private institutions to prioritise gender-responsive policies.

“In the Philippines, we have parameters in place that carry direct budget implications for government agencies.

“Failure to implement gender mainstreaming directly impacts an agency’s budgetary allocation, serving as a firm measure to force compliance,” Mellejor said.

The envoy explained that the Philippine model goes beyond policy declarations by tying compliance to funding, thereby ensuring that government institutions take gender issues seriously.

He also highlighted the country’s Safe Spaces Act, which criminalises gender-based harassment and abuse in both public places and workplaces.

According to him, the law empowers not only victims but also third parties to initiate legal action in cases involving gender-based violations.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s efforts to promote gender equality, Mellejor commended the progress already made despite the country’s social and cultural complexities.

“As an outsider, I am very encouraged by where Nigeria is in terms of gender initiatives.

“Nigeria is a diverse nation of over 230 million people, but based on the Philippine experience, diversity should not be a source of weakness; it is a vital generator of unity,” he said.

He also pointed to Nigeria’s youthful population as one of its greatest assets, noting that the country’s growing digital and technology-driven workforce presents enormous opportunities for economic growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s expanding creative and technology sectors could serve as important areas for deeper collaboration between both countries.

The mentorship session provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas on gender-responsive legislation, women’s participation in leadership and peacebuilding strategies.

Members of the Philippine diplomatic mission, including Vice-Consul Norman and Vice-Consul Yate, also shared insights into the embassy’s Gender and Development programmes and how they have been implemented in both domestic and international engagements.

Mellejor expressed optimism that the discussions will lead to stronger institutional partnerships between the Philippine Embassy, National Assembly and civil society organisations.

He said sustained collaboration will help deepen diplomatic engagement and strengthen efforts to advance gender equality through legislation and public policy.

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana, has reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnership and fostering relationships that contribute to institutional development, security and community engagement.

The GOC stated this on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, while receiving separate courtesy visits from the Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Jos Branch, Mr Akwashiki Nathaniel Aya, and the National Commander, Man O’ War Nigeria, NC Adedamola Gbenga, at the Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.

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Receiving the CBN delegation led by the Controller, Jos Branch, Mr Akwashiki Nathaniel Aya, Major General Dangana appreciated the management of the apex bank for the visit and expressed his readiness to sustain the cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and CBN.

Earlier in his remarks, the CBN Controller congratulated Major General Dangana on his appointment as the GOC 3 Division and Commander OPEP. He explained that the visit was aimed at paying respect to the new GOC, strengthening the existing relationship between the two institutions and identifying areas of mutual interest that could further enhance collaboration.

In a similar engagement, the GOC also received a delegation from Man O’ War Nigeria led by its National Commander, NC Adedamola Gbenga. The visit was also aimed at congratulating the GOC on his appointment and exploring areas of collaboration between the organisation and the Nigerian Army.

Welcoming the Man O’ War delegation, Major General Dangana expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as both timely and significant. He particularly acknowledged the presence of the National Commander and a member of his delegation, the National Coordinator for Financing Safe Schools under the Federal Ministry of Finance in Nigeria, Hajiya Iliya Ibrahim, noting the importance of the organisation’s contribution to youth development and community security.

The GOC reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the development, empowerment and security of young people across the country. He noted that organisations such as Man O’ War Nigeria, with their youth-focused programmes and basic security training, have an important role to play in complementing the efforts of government security agencies.

Major General Dangana therefore called for stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders, stressing that a whole-of-society approach remains essential to building a safer, more peaceful and secure nation.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the National Commander, NC Adedamola Gbenga, said the engagement was intended to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and consolidate the existing relationship between Man O’ War Nigeria and the Nigerian Army. He also solicited the support of 3 Division in the area of security for the successful conduct of the organisation’s 4th National Campaign Exercise.

The separate engagements further underscored the importance of sustained institutional partnerships in advancing shared objectives in security, youth development and community engagement.

Highlights of the visits were the presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.