News
IPCR Set To Expand Focus on Regional Crises in Africa – Director General
By Gloria Ikibah
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has disclosed plans to extend its scope beyond Nigeria’s internal conflicts to address key regional crises across Africa, including the situation in the Sahel following France’s withdrawal and the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who stated this at a strategic meeting with the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) in Abuja, and emphasised the need for a broader approach to conflict resoresolution
He acknowledged that while the Institute has primarily focused on Nigeria’s internal challenges, regional instability and diplomatic hurdles also require attention. According to him, IPCR’s mandate includes projecting Nigeria’s soft power across the continent through peacebuilding initiatives.
Dr. Ochogwu reiterated the Institute’s commitment to working with international organizations to prevent and resolve conflicts, support post-conflict reconstruction, and promote sustainable peace and development across Africa.
He said: “This year, actually, I am committed, and my management is committed to running a lot of things. We are going to be doing French withdrawal from the Sahel, the issue around the Sahel, the DRC crisis, and how we project Nigeria’s soft power approaches across the continent of Africa, which is our primary mandate.
“The Institute over the years has scaled its operation largely to internal conflicts, which is not supposed to be”.
The IPCR boss stressed the importance of media collaboration in achieving IPCR’s objectives, and noted that research without proper dissemination has little impact.
“The media is central to the work that we do. If you want to advocate for change in any society, the critical role of the media is paramount,” he stated.
Dr. Ochogwu also highlighted the need for greater engagement between Nigeria’s foreign policy experts and the public to counter misinformation and ensure accurate narratives on international issues. He called for improved visibility of Nigeria’s diplomatic and research institutions in global discussions, emphasizing that official statements must be carefully framed to reflect the government’s position without misinterpretation.
The Chairman of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association (DICAN), Comrade Idehai Frederick, earlier in his address said the association has been collaborating closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all foreign missions in the country to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information to the public.
He announced that DICAN’s annual lecture for this year would be held soon, featuring foreign policy experts and scholars who will provide insights into the nation’s foreign policy objectives under the 4D agenda.
Comrade Idehai also highlighted the importance of continuous training and capacity-building for DICAN members by all agencies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized that such training would enhance their ability to report effectively on developments within the diplomatic and foreign affairs sector.
He further stated that the meeting with DICAN executives reinforced the critical role of diplomatic correspondents in shaping foreign policy discourse and promoting public awareness of Nigeria’s global engagements.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Kidnappers have killed a Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, over a delay in ransom payment.
Recall that Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway.
He was reportedly travelling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, at the time of the incident.
His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters had read, “Pls information reaching me now from this sldr whisky that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road, while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday 14th of Feb 2025 and slept at Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday b4 the incident happened to him.
“Currently they are demanding N20,000,0000 for his release. Pse appropriate authority should help the sldr.”
However, another internal memo revealed that the body of the senior personnel has been recovered.
“Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’s body was discovered by police from Jos forest killed by his kidnappers after passing deadline for payment of 20 million naira ransom payment demanded by his kidnappers. Also his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”
SaharaReporters recently reported that Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists killed three army personnel during an attack on a military base in Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly attacked the military facility in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, for several hours.
According to a source, the terrorists destroyed several buildings and stole two gun trucks during the assault.
“There was an attack recently in Borno, one Staff Sergeant with two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities are silent over the attack which happened at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks, later reinforcement came from nearby unit but then the Boko Haram fighters have left,” the source said. (SaharaReporters: Text, Excluding Headline)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Canada’s immigration authorities have clarified that seeking asylum does not provide an automatic exemption from immigration laws.
The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must demonstrate that returning to their home country would subject them to serious harm in order to avoid deportation.
The asylum system is designed to offer protection to those fleeing threats such as torture, persecution, and inhumane treatment.
IRCC has reiterated that the asylum process is not a shortcut to entering the country.
Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of persecution and undergo multiple checks, including medical examinations, biometric data collection, and security screenings.
The statement reads, “It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted. If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to:
Have health, criminal, security and other background checks
Get a medical exam
Provide personal and biometric (photo and fingerprints) information
Provide concrete evidence of persecution and the risks of being in your home country
Declare on your application if you are working with a representative, even if you’re not paying them
“Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.
“You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.
The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.
Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.
He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.
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