News

Nigeria Seeks Permanent Spot on UN Security Council

Published

5 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…Builds Stronger Regional Alliances to Boost Global Standing

By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has stated again strongly the commitment of the country to securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), even as he stressed Nigeria’s unique role in representing Africa’s interests on the global stage.

The Minister who stated this at a media conference on Thursday in Abuja, highlighted the imbalance in Africa’s representation on the Council, despite the continent being central to many of its decisions.

He appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to achieving this goal, noting the progress being made, and seeks support for Nigeria’s bid.

He said: “The United Nations Security Council remains important because 68% of decisions made there concern Africa, yet not a single African country has a permanent seat. It’s important that Nigeria is there to represent not just ourselves, but our region, our continent, and the world as a whole.

“For the first time, the United States has publicly supported permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council. Other African leaders have also suggested innovative approaches, including a seat for the African Union and another that rotates among countries”.

He further emphasized Nigeria’s track record of selfless leadership, focusing on her role in supporting neighboring countries and its contributions to the fight against racism in Africa.

“Nigeria has consistently been a stabilizing force, never threatening its neighbors, and always standing firm for the collective good of the continent,” Tuggar added.

Tuggar also stressed the importance of the Security Council in addressing global challenges, including health, climate change, population, and education, as outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The UNSC remains critical because this is where key decisions on global priorities are made.

“68% of Security Council decisions concern Africa, yet no African country has a permanent seat. Nigeria is best suited to represent the continent,” he said.

Nigeria’s bid for a seat is part of broader efforts to ensure Africa’s voice is heard on the international stage, and Tuggar expressed optimism about the growing support for this initiative.

Ambassador Tuggar also revealed the outcomes of his recent diplomatic mission across West Africa, where he engaged in discussions on economic collaboration, regional security, and Nigeria’s global aspirations.

He stated that during his visit to Togo, the talks was on economic opportunities, particularly in the mineral and fertilizer industries.

“Togo is rich in phosphate, which is used in making fertilizer, and Nigeria has many blending plants. We discussed opportunities for investment between our two countries,” Tuggar said.

In Guinea Bissau, he highlighted the discussions was on security within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nigerian troops stationed there have been supporting stability, and Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s role as a mediator in resolving parliamentary challenges.

He also explored investment opportunities in fisheries, agriculture, and fibre optics, assuring that recommendations would be made to relevant Nigerian agencies.

In Gambia, Tuggar noted Nigeria’s longstanding support, particularly in judiciary development and education and enhancing economic integration and security cooperation.

“The Vice President and Foreign Minister of Gambia reminded us that without Nigeria, they would not have a judiciary today. Through the Technical Aid Corps, we will continue providing professionals, especially university lecturers,” he said.

The final stop was Côte d’Ivoire, where the minister emphasised the importance of the Abidjan-Lagos trade and transport corridor as a key infrastructure project for ECOWAS.

Amb. Tuggar further said talks also included collaboration in cashew production, where Côte d’Ivoire leads globally, and partnerships in coffee and other agricultural sectors.

“We saw Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to improve roads on this route, which facilitates significant trade and movement across the region,” he stated.

He described the mission as the first phase of broader shuttle diplomacy, with plans to continue engagements after addressing other commitments.

News

Olaiya Flyover Bridge In Osun Closed Temporarily

Published

15 mins ago

November 8, 2024

Naijablitznews

The popular Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, has been closed temporarily.

According to reports, this closure is to allow for the installation of barriers at the bridge’s entrance to prevent heavy trucks from using the bridge.

Inside Osogbo shared the updates on social media, urging motorists and other road users to exercise patience along the axis.

The blog wrote: “ATTENTION: The popular Ọlà-Ìyá Bridge is currently closed to give way for the installation of barriers at the entrance of the bridge to disallow heavy duty trucks from using the bridge. Motorists and other road users are enjoined to exercise patience along this axis.Kindly rebroadcast

The Olaiya Bridge was constructed by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Recently, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun accused the state government of planning to demolish the iconic flyover bridge.

However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied these allegations and banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the flyover.

News

NUJ FCT SEC Directs Members to Ignore Boycott Call by Ousted Chairman Osadebamwen

Published

50 mins ago

November 8, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has called on members to disregard a boycott order issued by Patrick Osadebamwen and Ochiaka Ugwu, referred to as former officials without authority.

In a joint statement signed by key chapel leaders, the SEC accused the duo of spreading false information to undermine preparations for the NUJ FCT Council elections scheduled for December 4, 2024.

The SEC emphasized that the sale of nomination forms is being conducted by the legitimate Credentials Committee, in line with the union’s constitution.

The statement reads: “The Credentials Committee operates under the constitution and has been cleared by the National Secretariat. It is independent of state and national officers, as stipulated in Article 5(9C)”.

The SEC clarified that Osadebamwen and Ugwu were impeached during a Congress held on October 19, 2024, and have no legal standing within the union, and urged members interested in contesting positions to obtain nomination forms from the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, starting November 8.

The council dismissed the boycott directive from the impeached individuals as baseless, describing their actions as “illegitimate, illegal, and void”, and reassured members that security agencies have been informed of the impeachment and urged members to carry out their union activities without fear of intimidation.

“We will not engage in public exchanges or inflammatory rhetoric, despite provocations,” the SEC stated, reaffirming its focus on protecting the union’s integrity.

The statement was endorsed by several chapel leaders, including:

– Jide Oyekunle, Chairman, NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel

– Yahaya Ndambabo, Chairman, VON Chapel

– Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, Chairman, FCTA Chapel

– Collins Yakubu-Hammer, NAN Chapel

– Onuh Holina, Chairman, Aso Radio/TV Chapel

The SEC reiterated its call for unity and adherence to constitutional procedures, concluding: “For the union makes us strong.”

News

Drama As Abuja Bolt Driver Makes U-turn, Apologises To Abia Rep, Alex Ikwechegh

Published

2 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Naijablitznews

An Abuja Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya has apologised to the Abia federal lawmaker, Alex Ikwechegh who assaulted him.

Abuwatseya said his provocative utterances caused a misunderstanding with Ikwechegh.

He asked Nigerians for forgiveness.

In a video released on Thursday, the Bolt driver urged Nigerians to move on from the incident.

He said: “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.

“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.

“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”

On October 28, the House of Representatives member representing Aba North/South of Abia State, assaulted the Bolt driver while he was delivering a package at his residence in Abuja.

In the footage, the lawmaker repeatedly slapped and insulted the driver.

Ikwechegh also threatened to make the Bolt driver disappear from Nigeria.

He was subsequently arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory where he pleaded not guilty.