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Amb Ojukwu Urges Foreign Service Academy Trainees to Uphold Discipline, Excellence

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By Gloria Ikibah.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, has urged participants of the 26th Regular Course, Nigeria Foreign Service Academy to remain disciplined, give their best, and uphold the academy’s standards.

Ambassador Ojukwu made this call while declaring open the 26th Regular Course of the academy on Tuesday in Abuja.

She emphasised that the program is more than just a training exercise; it is a vital stepping stone for the participants’ future in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ojukwu further stated that their selection for the course is proof of their potential, discipline, and commitment. According to her, they are now on the path to becoming Nigeria’s diplomats, who will represent and shape how the world perceives the nation.

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He said: “Your admission into this prestigious training programme is a testament to your potential, discipline, and dedication. You are now on the path to becoming Nigeria’s diplomats, one of the critical mirrors through which the world will see and assess our great nation.
“This is both an honour and a great responsibility. As aspiring Foreign Service Officers, you must always conduct yourselves with dignity, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty. Your comportment, attitude, and mode of dressing should reflect the excellence and decorum expected in diplomatic circles. The image of Nigeria’s Foreign Service is partly shaped by how you present yourselves, both in and out of the Academy.
”A diplomat is not only a nation’s representative but also a custodian of its values, traditions, and aspirations. Therefore, I urge you always to embody the principles of discipline, respect, and integrity”.
Ambassador Ojukwu stated that the training has been designed to prepare participants for the complex and demanding world of diplomacy and it will also challenge them intellectually, test their resilience, and shape their ability to think critically and decisively.
She further encouraged them to approach every lesson, every discussion, and every assignment with an open mind and a commitment to excellence.
“Take full advantage of the knowledge and expertise that your instructors will impart.
Learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and develop the skills that will make you exceptional representatives of Nigeria on the global stage.develop the skills that will make you exceptional representatives of Nigeria on the global stage.
“Success in this programme requires your total commitment. I urge you to do your best, maintain discipline, and meet academic standards. Remember, this is not just a training programme but a crucial stepping stone to your future in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your ability to complete this course successfully, pass your examinations, and demonstrate readiness for the responsibilities ahead will determine whether your dream of joining the Ministry
becomes a reality.
“To excel, you must also cultivate qualities beyond academic brilliance. Diplomacy demands patience, tact, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills. You will be called upon to navigate complex negotiations, mediate disputes, and promote Nigeria’s interests in diverse
international settings. This requires knowledge, wisdom, adaptability, and a keen sense of global affairs. Develop
these qualities now, for they will serve you well throughout your career”, she advised.
The Minister commended the management team of the Foreign Service Academy for their dedication to grooming Nigeria’s future diplomats, and further encouraged the course participants to remain focused, disciplined, as she said “the journey ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth and achievement”.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed appealed to the participants to take maximum advantage of the course and sharpen their skills and develop diplomatic character.
He said: “More significantly the idea of patriotism, loyalty and devotion to serve must be deeply embedded in their character and conduct.
”I will urge you to master the art of speech and report writing and delivery, the production of memoranda and briefs as well as the nuances of colour combination, tie-knotting and etiquette.
“More significantly, the ethos of patriotism, loyalty and professional devotion to service must be deeply embedded in your character and conduct. As representatives of Nigeria, you must begin to embody these virtues and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to he principles that define our nation’s diplomacy.
“You must also realize that many of you will be the only Nigerians that members of the international community will see and interact with”.
The Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) who was represented by Director Training, Ambassador Musa Musa Abubakar congratulated the participants for being chosen to attend this all-important course, which is the foundation of training in the diplomatic service.
“I also wish to appreciate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the support and roles played by the Honourable Ministers and the Permanent Secretary in ensuring the successful take off of the 26th FSA.
”Your Excellency, it is pertinent for me to express my satisfaction at the existing cooperation between the Ministry of foreign Affairs and the Agency which today has manifested in the organization of the Foreign Service Academy programme. I must however, stress on the need for continued synergy and maintaining cordial relationship among the Ministry and Agency personnel while serving in Missions abroad, he stated.
“This synergy connotes that the collective responsibility of the MFA and the Agency is to protect Nigeria’s national interests abroad. Hence the need to further strengthen the synergy between the two organisations to uplift the nation. It must be reiterated that there is the need to protect the identity of Agency officers, at post in the discharge of their duties. In a determined move for excellence, I urge and recommend to the Academy to seek affiliation with any fore most Nigerian University for further professional training to enhance the FSA programme.
“As you embark on your studies, I strongly urge you to pay attention and get the maximum benefit from the various resource persons who are well versed in the art of diplomacy, as this is but a rare opportunity for you to gain first-hand knowledge, he said.

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Wike in Italy, to meet with Lombardy Region’s President, agribusiness investors

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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday arrived Milan, Italy, ahead of official engagements with the President of Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana.

Wike is also expected to meet with agribusiness investors in the country.

The minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, announced this in a statement in Milan.

The statement said Wike departed Abuja on Tuesday night and arrived in Milan around 4:30 a.m. yesterday. He was received by the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.

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“While in Milan, the FCT minister will hold a meeting with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday, and also meet agribusiness investors.

“Lombardy is adjudged as the first region of Italy in terms of economic importance, with a population of about 10 million people. It is the second most populous region of the European Union (EU) and the second region of the European Union by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The FCT minister’s meeting with the Attilio Fontana will centre on seeking collaboration and evaluating possible prospects in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education, as well as strategic development partners with the Lombardy Region.

“Subsequently, Wike will meet investors in agribusiness and experts in vocational training, with a view to unlock new opportunities.

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“The FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as the Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang, and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multi-Lateral Cooperation, Benedict Daudu, accompanied the Minister on the trip,” the statement said.

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Ramadan: HoR Minority Caucus counsels Muslim faithful to uphold tenets of Islam, pray for peace, unity

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The House of Representatives Minority Caucus advises Muslim faithful across Nigeria to abide by the tenets of Islam, pray for peace, unity and national security this Ramadan.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the caucus leaders,  Rep Kingsley Chinda, Ali Isa JJC Minority Whip, Isa Madaki Deputy Leader and George Ozodinobi Deputy Minority Whip.

The caucus said “we congratulate the entire Muslim Ummah on the commencement of this year’s Holy Month of Ramadan; which is one of the major tenets of Islam.

“Conscious that Ramadan is a sacred time for spiritual growth; renewal of utmost believe in our Creator; time for seeking forgiveness, and direction.

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” We urge all Muslim faithful to use this period to among other requests; pray for peaceful co-existence, love, unity, and development in Nigeria.

” Also, we urge the Muslim Ummah to pray for the security, and protection of lives and properties across the country, where, sadly, blood birth is gradually resuming in our communities.

“As we warmly felicitate with all Muslim faithful for being alive in good health to observe the Ramadan fasting, we counsel that, in this sacred month, all followers of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), Peace Be Upon Him, should embrace deep reflections, renewed faith, and demonstrate gestures of kindness to all and sundry.

“As admonished in Islam teachings, we urge our brothers and sisters to consciously extend acts of compassion, generosity, and good neighborliness towards all, especially the needy, and less privileged in the society.

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“Given our firm commitment to the preservation of the lives of all Nigerians, and the need to deepen good governance, the Caucus calls on Federal Government to tackle the resumed cases of killings in the society.

“It is imperative to also call on all security agencies to ensure that such cases of killings, maiming, and bloodletting are comprehensively curtailed during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and post-fasting period.

“Finally , as Muslim faithful rededicate themselves, and reflect on the purpose and lessons of Ramadan, we are confident that Almighty Allah will accept the fasting, prayers, and supplications as an act of Ibadah, Amin.

Ramadan Kareem!!!

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Akpabio Gate: Social media abuzz as Natasha hails ex-Gov Fayemi for upholding her integrity

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…as netizens hammer Senator Fasuyi
…it was prayers galore for the senator that she will triumph 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has applauded former Governor of Ekiti Kayode Fayemi for upholding her integrity as he denied there was no time the Kogi Senator accused him of sexual harassment. 

Taking to her FB account, Senator Natasha thanked him for standing out for truth. 

But netizens did not spare Senator Cyril Fasuyi who concocted the lie as they lay heavy causes on him. 

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Hear Senator Natasha:
“Thank you H.E. @kfayemi for speaking truth out. My activity during his time as a minister was strictly an advocacy to revive Ajaokuta steel company. 

“Shame unto Senator Cyril Fasuyi for lying against me right in the hallowed chambers while quoting the bible. 
Indeed, God is patient. 

Senator @natashaakpoti  Uduaghan Kogi central.

See reactions below :
God is delivering you from the hands of wicked and unreasonable men both in the chamber and outside the chamber……The truth will always prevail

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Thank God the good people of Kogi State recognize n love you as ours…. indeed God is patient if not, many for kpai instantly for lying against God’s choosing one.

Dear Natasha H Akpoti I don’t really know you and I don’t fully support you either, but you see that Cyril Fasuyi, I want to advise you not to take the word of that Cyril Fasuyi. 

He’s a useless and incompetent senator who was brought to us by APC government. He has no meaning impact in his constituency till date. 

Worry not, this is his only term as a senator, as he will never win any election in Ekiti North again.

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Your Excellency Ma, you are one of the few Senators doing well at the National Assembly at the moment Ma. May it occur to you that, Kogi and indeed Nigeria is Proud of your outstanding performance and Capacity and are looking forward to seeing you do more for the Constituents.

May this very issue as bad and sad as it may be, not come to serve and fulfill it purpose of distracting your good intentions for your people to drive away the zeal.

May God almighty in his infinite Mercies and wisdom grant all of you the Divine Providence and Grace to come to terms with each other and return to round table discussion for the greater Nigeria of our Dreams Amen.

Long live our beloved Mother Dist Sen Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan,
Long Live Nigerian Senate,
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Hon Stephen Suega TseAgu is the Chairman A P C Media Team Vandeikya Local Government area of Benue State.

Your grace is high. God is with you. We appreciate a good prince that God gave you as a crown over your head. May God reward him abundantly. Let no man underestimates you. You would always triumph in the mix of lies and gang ups. May God guide, protect and show you more ways to teach these men hard lessons. They think they can bewildered you and scuttled your good work, intelligent and productive representation of kogi central senatorial people and Nigerians. We are with you in prayers, by God’s grace. All their evil plans, weapons shall fail them.

Our amiable senator Natasha H akpoti. Senator Cyril Fasuyi didn’t say you sexually harass former Gov Fayemi he said you accused him of selling Ajaokuta steel company that till today Ajaokuta is still federal govt property. Pls stop Feeding us with lies you. We are still supporting you don’t need to tell us lies we all heard the senator’s speech.

Idiot of people want you to use what you have to get want you want like i always said, whoever fight with Grace will be disgrace, Allah Rahma Always Ozi anebra Oboro

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He quoted the Bible just so he can fabricate a lie. His intel had a network failure. so much for a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dear Distinguished Senator Natasha H Akpoti you have overcome so much already and I know you have the strength to get through this. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. Don’t give up, you are making a difference.

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