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FG Commends Ghana for Rebuilding Nigerian High Commission Property

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the Republic of Ghana for successfully rebuilding and formally handing over property belonging to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
The handover ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the two West African nations.
In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry noted that the gesture reflects “the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines the relationship between the Republic of Nigeria and Ghana.”
Naijablitznews.com reports that in 2020, a block of four-bedroom flats, was demolished in a controversial incident that sparked strong condemnation from the Nigerian government.
Following extensive diplomatic engagements, Ghana pledged to reconstruct the building, reaffirming its commitment to the long-standing bilateral ties between the countries.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Accra, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, described the project as a testament to Ghana’s dedication to fostering mutual respect and cooperation with Nigeria.
“We deeply value our relationship with Nigeria, and this effort demonstrates our commitment to resolving disputes amicably and strengthening our ties,” she said.
The keys to the reconstructed building were received on behalf of the Nigerian government by Ambassador Chimezie Ogu, Director of the Foreign Service Academy, Lagos, who represented Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“This occasion is a moment of great significance and demonstrates the power of diplomacy.
“The Nigerian government appreciates the efforts of the Ghanaian authorities in addressing this matter with integrity and ensuring the restoration of this important property. It is a gesture that will not be forgotten,” Ambassador Ogu remarked
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja lauded the Ghanaian government for its efforts, describing the reconstruction and handover as a “commendable development” and a “symbol of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties between both nations.”
The demolition of the property in 2020 had initially strained relations between the two countries, with Nigerian authorities expressing outrage over the incident. However, through sustained dialogue and diplomacy, both nations were able to reach a resolution, demonstrating the strength of their historical and strategic partnership.
Observers have hailed the handover as a positive step toward deepening regional collaboration and ensuring peaceful resolution of disputes. Analysts also see the move as a model for other nations in handling similar diplomatic challenges.
The reconstructed building, located in a prime area of Accra, will once again serve as part of the Nigerian High Commission’s facilities, supporting the mission’s operations and housing some of its personnel.
As the ceremony concluded, officials from both nations expressed optimism about future collaborations. “This is a victory for diplomacy and mutual understanding,” Ambassador Ogu stated, adding that the two nations must continue to work together for the prosperity of the region.
The symbolic gesture is expected to strengthen Nigeria-Ghana relations, which have been built on shared cultural, economic, and political values over decades. Both governments reiterated their commitment to fostering peace, security, and development in the West African sub-region.

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Jehovah’s Witnesses announce fresh adjustment to blood transfusion policy

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The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced that members can now decide whether to accept or donate the four main components of blood based on their personal conscience.

The organisation made this known in a statement issued by its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York and made available on its website on Friday.

According to the statement, “the decision to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person’s blood is a matter of personal conscience.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses announce adjustment to blood transfusion policy
It added that “each Witness must decide whether or not to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person.”

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However, the organisation said its position on whole-blood transfusion had not changed.

“The long-standing refusal of whole-blood transfusions on religious grounds, a core teaching based on the command to ‘abstain from blood’ (Acts 15:20), is unchanged,” the statement said.

International spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses at the organisation’s World Headquarters, Paul Gillies, said, “Blood remains sacred to Jehovah’s Witnesses, who continue to regard life and blood as precious gifts from God.

“We recognise that medical decisions involving blood components are a matter of conscience between each Witness and their God, Jehovah.”

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The organisation said the adjustment “follows earlier updates regarding blood fractions and the use of one’s own blood during medical procedures.”

It added, “Since the Bible does not comment on such decisions, they are a matter of individual conscience. That same reasoning has now been extended to the four main components of blood.”

On medical care, the statement said, “Jehovah’s Witnesses love life and want the best available medical care. They do not practise faith healing, and they seek out doctors who can provide effective treatment in accord with their wishes, values and beliefs.”

Gillies said local congregations would not interfere in members’ personal decisions.

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“Congregations do not involve themselves in personal decisions that rest with the individual conscience. We will continue to respect and support the personal decisions of our fellow believers.

“We are grateful, too, for the many skilled and compassionate physicians who provide quality medical care that respects our personal wishes regarding blood,” he said.

The organisation said Jehovah’s Witnesses number “over nine million worldwide, in congregations across more than 200 lands.”

Recall that the religious group had clarified its position on the use of a member’s own blood during surgery and other medical procedures.

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The clarification allowed individual Witnesses to decide whether their blood could be removed, stored and returned to them during medical treatment, while the organisation maintained its position against receiving blood from another person.

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Army speaks on Boko Haram, ISWAP attack alert as fake

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The Nigerian Army has dismissed as fake and unverified a purported intelligence alert warning of planned Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks on schools, churches, mosques, NYSC orientation camps and other public institutions across the country.

Anele said the Army was aware of the circulation and had heightened vigilance across its formations and commands to prevent attacks on vulnerable facilities.

She described the purported intelligence as speculation and urged the public not to treat the document as an official Army security alert.

The response followed the circulation of a document purportedly signed by one A.M. Sodiq, which claimed that Boko Haram and ISWAP were planning coordinated attacks across several parts of the country.

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The document listed churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations as possible targets and alleged that suspected ISWAP operatives had begun surveillance of selected locations.

It further claimed that the alleged attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.

However, the Army disowned the document, maintaining that it did not originate from the institution.

The Army assured Nigerians that security formations remained on heightened alert and were taking necessary measures to protect schools, places of worship and other vulnerable public facilities.

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Police Allegedly Shoot Engine Oil Seller During Minna Protest

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MINNA, Niger State — An engine oil seller in Minna, the Niger State capital, has reportedly sustained serious injuries after allegedly being shot during a police operation to disperse protesters.

The victim, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Dada, was reportedly standing outside his shop at Tunga Market when he was struck by a bullet.

Ibrahim’s brother, Yakubu Dada Mohammed, said the victim was not part of the protest and was attending to customers at his engine oil stall when the incident occurred.

According to him, Ibrahim was simply trying to earn a living and support his family when a police officer allegedly fired a shot that hit him in the head and severely injured his face.

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«“He was not among those protesting. He was standing in front of his shop selling engine oil when one of the police officers fired a bullet that struck his head and badly injured his face,” Yakubu said.»

Ibrahim is currently receiving treatment at Minna General Hospital, where his condition was reportedly described as critical.

The incident occurred amid protests in Minna over the reported deaths of 37 miners who were allegedly in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Reports indicate that 65 miners were arrested on September 15 and 16, with 37 subsequently reported dead while in security custody.

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The protests, which began on Thursday, continued into Friday as security personnel moved to disperse demonstrators. Security forces were reportedly accused of using tear gas and live ammunition during the operation.

However, the circumstances surrounding Ibrahim’s shooting have not been independently established.

The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, appealed for calm and said the incident would be investigated.

The case has since heightened concerns over the conduct of security personnel during the ongoing protests.

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