SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
Try "researchers"
Home Blog Page 652

Efik Kingdom Inducts 85 Diasporans Into Ancestral Clan

Omowumi Samuel
-
0
Efik Kingdom Inducts 85 Diasporans Into Ancestral Clan

By Eme Offiong, Calabar

Eighty-five diasporans of African origin have been formally inducted into the twelve ancestral clans of the Efik Kingdom.

The Efik Kingdom, which has the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, the fifth, as the Grand Patriarch and Treaty King, is administered from Calabar, the Cross River State capital in southern Nigeria.

The Obong of Calabar officially welcomed the diasporans, who, after performing the cultural rituals of induction and recitation of the oath of allegiance to the Efik Kingdom and Nigeria, were given new names, signifying their return to ancestral lands.

The inductees were drawn from countries including Barbados, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, France, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, Ghana, and Uganda, among others.

READ ALSO: Wole Soyinka, Tourists to Attend 2025 Diaspora Festival

The Obong of Calabar described the inductees as bonafide sons and daughters of the kingdom and commended them for making the effort and time to trace and reclaim their ancestral identities.

The monarch stated, “With this induction, I welcome all of you as part of the ancient Efik Eburutu Kingdom and members of the twelve clans. I believe that henceforth, you will never forget that you are Efik sons and daughters and this land is now your ancestral home.”

Before the induction rituals came to a conclusion, the monarch directed the clan heads (also referred to in the local parlance as Etubom) to ensure their full integration.

To the inductees, the Obong reminded them that they have been granted full rights and privileges as indigenous people of the Efik Kingdom: “I encourage all of you to visit home frequently, participate in every activity we have as a community, and explore investment opportunities to foster stronger socioeconomic ties.”

He applauded Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for establishing a diaspora commission, an initiative aimed at reconnecting Nigerian diasporans with their roots, describing the effort as a step that would yield long-term socioeconomic benefits.

Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of certificates to the inductees bearing their new Efik names, conferment of special titles to eight accomplished entrepreneurs in the group and recognition of the oldest member of the group alongside six of the youngest.

 

One of the inductees, Mrs. Nkwa Edet Otu, overwhelmed with emotion, described the moment as spiritually and emotionally fulfilling as the visit to Cross River State and the Efik land in particular presented them with the unique opportunity to reconnect with their roots.

She said, “with these certificates, we have received what rightly belonged to us. I feel that my fellow Diasporans and I are finally back home. We declare an end to tears of separation and embrace forgiveness and unity.”

Cultural displays such as the revered Ekpe masquerade, Nyok and Ikpaya dances entertained the inductees, visitors and members of the Obong’s palace including community folks.

Kwara Sports Commission Hails Governor’s Investment in Development

Mosunmola Ore
-
0
Kwara Sports Commission Hails Governor’s Investment in Development

The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bola Magaji, has lauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for revitalising sports in the state through strategic investments in infrastructure and development.

Magaji made the commendation on Saturday during a media tour organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara Council.

According to him, the governor has made remarkable contributions to the development of sports infrastructure in the state.

“I can proudly say I was a founding member of this complex in 1977, and I was already working here at the time. What I have seen today is monumental.

“This facility was abandoned for years, but the governor believed that such a legacy should not be left to decay.

READ ALSO: Kwara SWAN Seeks Stronger Media Inclusion In Sports Development

“He came to our aid, and a lot has changed. From the gate, you can see the roads are now tarred and most of the buildings have been renovated or reconstructed,” he said.

He described the governor’s intervention as a true example of leadership.

“Leadership is about considering the general public, not personal gain. What the governor has done here is a legacy,” Magaji added.

He said that former military Gov. George Innih originally built the facility, and following the high cost of maintenance, no subsequent administration had managed to sustain or improve it, until now.

“The governor has helped us in terms of roads, equipment and buildings,” he stressed.

Magaji highlighted the administration’s support for athletes, many of whom have now gained national and international exposure.

“A lot of our athletes have been sponsored to travel abroad. Opportunities like this were never available before,” he said.

Mogaji said that a six-year-old boy from Offa who represented the state in Scrabble among 180 participants won, adding that it wouldn’t have been possible without the government’s support for sports.

He mentioned Kwara athletes who had represented Nigeria internationally, including Eniola Bolaji, who won a medal at the Olympics in para-badminton.

“Before now, our athletes were leaving to represent other states, but today they are proudly representing Kwara and winning medals,” Magaji stated.

“Many of our young people are now engaged in various sporting activities instead of cultism or hooliganism,” he said.

He said that no stadium in any state can match the Kwara stadium, adding that all sports are concentrated there, except golf.

“We can host 32 different sports here without needing to go elsewhere,” he said.

He concluded by revealing plans to build a mini golf course to further expand the state’s sports offerings.

 

 

UN Delegation Reviews Nigeria’s IDP Programmes

Chidimma Anikwenze
-
0
UN Delegation Reviews Nigeria’s IDP Programmes

In a move to assess the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, a high-level United Nations delegation will visit Nigeria from 20 to 22 October to evaluate and showcase the country’s ongoing efforts on IDPs.

The delegation will be led by Ms Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The others are Mr Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Ms Shoko Noda, Director of the Crisis Bureau at the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

According to Mr Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, “the mission will engage with senior government officials, development partners and UN personnel operating in affected communities.”

As of July 2024, Nigeria has hosted up to 3.5 million IDPs largely due to environmental shocks such as flooding.

The North-East region has sheltered more than 2.1 million displaced persons.

The visit by the UN delegation is expected to reinforce international support for Nigeria’s transition from emergency relief to long-term recovery, stabilisation and reintegration of displaced populations.

The visit will also showcase Nigeria’s progress in managing internal displacement and resettlement.

It will promote best practices that could serve as models for other displacement-affected countries.

The visit will also strengthen collaboration among humanitarian and development actors. It will also mobilise increased international support and financing for long-term, development-focused interventions.

 

Cross River Governor Reaffirms Support for Vulnerable Citizens

Omowumi Samuel
-
0
Cross River Governor Reaffirms Support for Vulnerable Citizens

The Governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Senator Bassey Otu, has reiterated his pledge to protect and uplift vulnerable groups.

Governor Otu reiterated the pledge when he attended an emotion-laden celebration of his 66th birthday alongside a cross-section of widows in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.

Otu, who appreciated the widows for the time to celebrate with him and his family, praised them for their resilience and support despite the numerous challenges of providing for their families.

The governor said, “I decided not to celebrate my birthday with anyone except with you widows. Your husbands may be no more, but God has not forgotten you. We share every pain you have gone through, and my government will always be there for you.”

He further said, “Women are the backbone of society, in acknowledgement of the sacrifices and strength shown through prayers in support of his administration’s successes.

“Women remain integral to the progress of society. Let me thank you for all the prayers you have offered for this administration. Cross River State has grown in content and character,” Otu said.

READ ALSO: Speaker Abbas Marks 60th Birthday with Humanitarian Service

Acknowledging the socioeconomic contributions of women entrepreneurs to the Cross River economy, Governor Otu warned that his administration would spare no effort to nip illegal collection of taxes in the bud.

He warned extortionists against preying on widows and women business owners, noting that failure to heed the warning would attract stiff punishment.

“Those who extort widows in markets and other places under the pretence of collecting tolls or taxes will be forced to return every kobo they took. We have set up a task force to address any complaints and cases,” he said.

In a remark, the wife of the governor, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, expressed delight at the massive turnout of women for the birthday celebration, describing the occasion as a reflection of their implicit trust in the governor’s leadership and appreciated them for their prayers as well as loyalty.

Also speaking, the chairperson of the widows’ association in Cross River State, Mrs Uduak Spencer Efem, commended Governor Otu and his wife, Eyoanwan, for the support given to women across the state.

Efem noted that the statistics surrounding widowhood were alarming, saying, “It is rare to find leaders who remember us (widows). We are deeply grateful to Governor Otu for his compassion.”

The celebration featured goodwill messages from the wife of a former military administrator of the state, Mrs Florence Dan Archibong, Mrs Felicia Etaba and Mrs Linus Okom.

The climax of the birthday celebration was the distribution of cash gifts and food items to all the widows, with an assurance from the governor to deliver on his People First agenda for an inclusive Cross River State.

President Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Security, Peace

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
-
0
President Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Security, Peace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians as part of his administration’s efforts to ensure peace and accelerate national development.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Niger South Senatorial District Zone, at a stakeholders’ interactive session and campaign council inauguration in Bida, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Tinubu has directed security agencies to do whatever it takes to restore lasting peace in Niger State and across the country.

The minister urged Nigerians to continue to have faith in the president’s reform agenda, noting that the ongoing economic policies are already showing positive signs. He said that the current challenges will soon give way to better opportunities for all citizens.

As Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for the forthcoming November 1 local government elections in Niger State, Idris contributed 100 million Naira to support campaign activities, 10 million each to the eight local government areas in Zone A and 20 million to women and youth groups.

He also appealed for peaceful campaigns and unity among party members, reminding them that no political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The minister further prayed for the victims of recent attacks in Niger North and urged residents to promote peace and brotherhood in the spirit of democracy.

 

Gombe, Rano Air Seal Deal to Begin Abuja- Gombe Flights

Manomsi Mallum
-
0
Gombe, Rano Air Seal Deal to Begin Abuja- Gombe Flights

The Gombe State Government has concluded arrangements with Rano Air Limited for the commencement of scheduled commercial flight operations between Abuja and Gombe.

This followed a meeting between Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and senior management officials of the airline in Abuja, where both parties finalised plans for the service.

To formalise the partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, with the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, representing the Gombe State Government, while the General Manager (Operations) of Rano Air, Mr Abah Godwin, signed on behalf of the airline.

The Sole Administrator of Brigadier Zakari Maimalari International Airport, Gombe, Mr Suleiman Daniel Musa, and Mr Auwal Sulaiman Ubale witnessed the signing on behalf of their respective organisations.

Under the agreement, Rano Air will deploy an Embraer 145 aircraft, with a 50-passenger capacity, to operate four weekly flights on the Abuja–Gombe–Abuja route.

The flights will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Airline representatives assured the Governor that Rano Air’s operations would be reliable, efficient, and customer-focused, thereby facilitating business travel and stimulating economic growth across the state and the North-East region.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya welcomed the development, describing it ‘as proof of Gombe’s growing reputation as a safe, stable, and business-friendly state.’

DHQ Refutes Coup Allegation, Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Rule

Ademola Adepoju
-
0
DHQ Refutes Coup Allegation, Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Rule

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked a report by an online platform linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged attempted military coup.

It described the publication as false, malicious and intended to create public tension.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) clarified that the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade was taken to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country.

The statement further explained that “the decision was aimed at sustaining the ongoing momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.”

Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed the publication’s claim linking the cancellation of the parade to the investigation of 16 officers as baseless.

He clarified that the investigation of the officers was part of routine internal disciplinary measures designed to uphold professionalism and accountability within the military.

“The investigative panel has been duly constituted and its findings will be made public in due course,” the statement read.

The DHQ appealed to Nigerians to disregard the false report and continue supporting the military and other security agencies in their efforts to safeguard the nation.

It reiterated that the Armed Forces remain committed to the unity, stability, and progress of Nigeria, under the democratic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nigeria, China Partner to Empower 10m Women

Victoria Ibanga
-
0
Nigeria, China Partner to Empower 10m Women

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has initiated high-level strategic engagements aimed at strengthening Nigeria–China cooperation and advancing shared goals in women’s economic empowerment, agricultural innovation, and social protection.

The engagements took place on the sidelines of the Beijing+30 Global Women’s Summit, where the Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with China through gender-focused development initiatives.

During a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Jilin Province, Mrs. Yang Andi, Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the economic potential of the partnership.

“Our discussion confirms an existing trade volume of 150 million USD between Jilin and Nigeria, a potent foundation we are ready to scale,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

“The presence of a woman like Her Excellency Mrs. Yang Andi in a powerful provincial leadership position is a compelling testament to the vital role women play in high-level global governance,” she added.

The Minister described the engagement as “a monumental step for Nigerian women in agriculture and social development.”

He noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the collaboration will leverage Jilin’s expertise in agriculture, technology, and industry to power the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII).

“This partnership is smart economics. By activating this partnership, we are set to empower 10 million Nigerian women as economic catalysts, dramatically boosting local impact and moving Nigeria closer to its $1 trillion economy goal by 2030,” she said.

At the core of this initiative is the WAVE Model (Women’s Advancement through Value creation and Empowerment.)

The Minister described as “our roadmap for women’s advancement through value creation and empowerment… helping women earn more, build wealth, and become successful agripreneurs who feed the nation.”

Recognizing that 70 percent of Nigeria’s smallholder farmers are women, the Minister stressed that most face challenges such as limited access to finance, modern tools, and training.

To tackle these issues, Nigeria signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mutual Commitment Group (MCG), a Chinese global business entity focused on inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development.

“This strategic alliance will deliver the vital equipment, training, and resources Nigerian women need to thrive in agriculture,” she stated.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also commended the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, who witnessed the signing, for her “dedication to advancing Nigerian women.”

Dialogue 

The Minister led “a rich and insightful dialogue on agricultural science and education cooperation” at Jilin Agricultural University, alongside representatives of the Mutual Commitment Group and the university’s leadership.

The trilateral meeting explored sustainable ways to strengthen Nigeria–China collaboration in human capacity development, technology transfer, and food security.

Jilin University shared success stories from its “Science and Technology Yard” model in Zambia — a system that integrates agricultural innovation with education.

“We explored sustainable ways to strengthen Nigeria–China agricultural collaboration, with a shared vision to build human capacity, transfer technology, and enhance food security,” the Minister said.

She announced the joint proposal for the Four-Floor Agenda for Women to support training, research, and industrial chain innovation in agriculture.

She said; “We jointly proposed adopting the Four-Floor Agenda for Women.

“It supports skill development, research collaboration, and industrial chain innovation in agriculture.”

In Changchun, Jilin, the Nigerian delegation visited the Dikeng Medical Centre, where they witnessed what the Minister described as the “power of their community-first approach and holistic care.”

“This confirmed our vision that community-centric care is the key to national wellbeing,” she said.

An additional MoU was formalised with the Mutual Commitment Company to establish a robust network of Safe Spaces and Referral Services across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, alongside Mega Modern SARC Centres in each of the six geopolitical zones.

“Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of women and children is our absolute priority,” the Minister said.

“This is a deep-rooted investment in the future health and security of our nation.”

She further stated: “We are providing technical support and resources for communities across all 774 Local Government Areas to establish vital local Safe Spaces and Referral Services. Access to help will be universal.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the Ministry will deploy state-of-the-art Mega Modern SARC Centres across the six geopolitical zones, describing it as “a deep-rooted investment in the future health and security of our nation. The work begins now.”

The Minister reiterated that all initiatives launched in Jilin align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to empower 10 million women across Nigeria’s agricultural and social value chains.

“Through partnerships like this, we are enabling women’s agency as drivers of economic transformation,” she said.

From technology exchange to safe spaces and agripreneurship, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that global partnerships and local impact remain central to achieving inclusive development.

“From experiencing healing in China to enabling national healing in Nigeria — the work begins now,” she said.

By forging cross-sectoral partnerships and leveraging global expertise, Nigeria is ensuring that women stand not at the margins of prosperity but at the centre of national progress.

Through these China collaborations, the Renewed Hope Agenda is being translated from policy into practice — empowering women to drive economic resilience, food security, and social stability in every local government area across Nigeria.

 

 

Victoria Ibanga

400 Indigent Kaduna Students Secure Scholarships 

Oluwasola Akintonde
-
0
400 Indigent Kaduna Students Secure Scholarships 

Four hundred indigent students from Southern Kaduna have been awarded scholarships of 100,000 naira each under the Marshall Katung Foundation in a bid to promote inclusive education and youth empowerment.

The initiative, unveiled on Saturday, is aimed at supporting underprivileged students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria to enable them to achieve their academic aspirations.

Speaking on behalf of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who is the founder of the foundation, the Chairman, Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations, Elder Bature Likoro said the initiative was borne out of the Senator’s genuine desire to support students whose educational dreams are threatened by financial challenges.

Elder Likoro explained that Senator Katung believes education remains the strongest tool for social change and human capital development, stressing that empowering young people through education would reduce poverty, crime, and unemployment in the region.

He reaffirmed the Senator’s commitment to sustaining the scholarship scheme annually and expanding its reach to cover more students across Southern Kaduna.

He also appealed to those who applied but were not shortlisted to remain patient, assuring them that their turn would come in subsequent editions.

The Chairperson of the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, Barr. Gloria Ballason said that “a total of 3,125 students applied, out of which 400 were carefully selected after a rigorous screening process.”

She commended the transparency of the selection exercise and applauded the dedication of the team in ensuring that only genuinely indigent students benefited from the support.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Scholarship Committee, Mr. Edward Pama Auta, urged government and well meaning individuals to invest more in scholarship and educational support programmes to reduce the burden on struggling families and promote equal learning opportunities for all.

The Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Professors Forum, Prof. John La’ah delivering a keynote paper on Mainstreaming STEM Education for National Development.

He spoke extensively on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). He said for Nigeria to fully harness the potential of innovation, the teaching of STEM subjects must begin from the primary school level.

La’ah noted that early exposure would inspire creativity and prepare young minds to solve real life problems in science and technology.

He further emphasised that the progress of any society is directly tied to the quality of education it provides, calling for stronger partnerships between government, private organizations, and individuals to build a culture that prioritizes learning, research, and innovation as the foundation for sustainable development.

Two of the beneficiaries, Zingina Precious Samuel and Omega Enoch Alajibi, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, thanked Senator Katung for what they described as a lifeline intervention that came at a critical time.

They however, pledged to make judicious use of the opportunity and prayed for God’s blessings and continued strength for the Senator and the Foundation.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Defence Minister Inspects Production Of Helicopters, Fighter Jets

Oluwasola Akintonde
-
0
Defence Minister Inspects Production Of Helicopters, Fighter Jets

Nigeria’s air power push took a decisive step forward as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, inspected the production of advanced helicopters and fighter jets at Leonardo S.p.A. facilities in Italy.

The move reinforces the country’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and strengthening international defence partnerships.

The Minister, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s high-level delegation to the AQABA Process meeting, visited two key sites: the Leonardo Helicopters Division in Vergiate and the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Venegono.

These sites are assembling AW109 Trekker attack helicopters and M-346 Fighter Attack Jets for the Nigerian Air Force.

At the helicopter division, Badaru inspected the production line of ten AW109 Trekker helicopters. Three units are fully completed and ready for delivery, three more will follow before the end of 2025, and the final four are expected in early 2026.

The visit then moved to the fighter jet division, where six out of twenty-four M-346 jets are in advanced production stages, with three already undergoing flight tests. Full delivery will come in four tranches of six aircraft each, including armaments, support equipment, spare parts, and training.

Badaru praised the progress and quality of work, commending Leonardo’s technical team.

“These aircraft are critical to boosting the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capability. This investment is not just about equipment, but about projecting Nigeria’s readiness and resilience,” he stated.

The visit reflects the Tinubu administration’s focus on strategic defence acquisitions, joint training, and international partnerships to secure Nigeria’s airspace and deepen the capabilities of its armed forces.

 

 

1...651652653...3,588Page 652 of 3,588

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

WORLD

NEWS COMMENTARY

NEWS FEATURE

Voice Of Nigeria Mission is “Reflecting Nigerian and African perspectives in our broadcasts, winning and sustaining the attention, respect and goodwill of listeners worldwide, particularly Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora … making Nigeria’s voice to be heard more positively in the shaping of our world.”

More from CN

Contact

© Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service