Africa’s rise crucial in dynamic global order — India’s Foreign Minister.

Africa’s rise crucial in dynamic global order — India’s Foreign Minister.

In the changing global order, the rise of Africa is very crucial, says India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishanker.

Jaishanker, who is currently on a visit to Nigeria, made this known on Sunday evening in Lagos.

He spoke at a lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs titled, “Resetting the Global Agenda: The Role of India and the Global South.”

According to Jaishanker, the global agenda, in many ways today, is about restoring Africa and the world at large to its natural state because the world was diverse and still is.

He noted that the global south was a mindset with some principles for non-interference, non-alignment and non-judgment as well as about solidarity and sharing.

“So, how does the global south today deal with the global north? I think in many ways, by being empathetic, understanding, and being respectful while recognising that every country has its sovereignty.

“Every country has its culture and traditions and solutions must be found in a way in which they are not imposed, but are organically grown by the society to actually cultivate.”

Jaishanker highlighted three global challenges that had to be overcome to get along with the global agenda. These, he said, include the quest to make the world a better place, globalisation and narrative setting.

The minister noted that globalisation had been a game changer and was a combination of economics, a shared common dependence, and a degree of mobility that had never been experienced.

He, however, said while globalisation has had many positive results in Africa and the rest of the world, it also has led to deep economic concentrations, adding that much of the world today depends on production.

“COVID-19 brought home to every one of us that we are often dependent on suppliers and producers for the most basic things of our life.

“The third challenge, narrative setting, is actually a very powerful force in international relations.

“We also have the challenges of the polarisation of the world. Conflicts such as the one in Ukraine have polarised the east and the west. How do we talk about a global agenda when there is polarisation?”

Speaking on how his country’s relations with Nigeria could yield more positive outcomes, he said that although India has had its ups and downs, He, however, noted that what had changed in the last 10 years was the innocence, leadership, and understanding of technology, adding that a different kind of energy had been awoken.

“It’s very hard to say the exact combinations or factors that accelerate national growth and progress.

“One of the big changes that happened in my country is very basic changes such as connecting houses to pipe water. Basic things are as important as the biggest things and one can be used to deploy the other.”

Jaishanker also said neo-colonialism was pervasive and visible in so many ways, noting that the world was still far away from being a just, and equitable planet.

“Now we are struggling for economic strength. How do we actually get something that is more mutually respectful and not just as a diplomatic gesture?

“The world will not be truly diverse, or have a true sense of ownership if 54 countries of the world are left out of the manner in which things are being discussed.

“India’s growth and prosperity is not complete until we see that Africa has gotten what is rightfully theirs,” he said.

Director-General, NIIA, Prof Eghosa Osaghae, said India was a great partner with Nigeria, adding that both nations have had larger global frameworks and networks, beginning with the non-aligned movement.

On his part, India has been at the forefront of solidarity with Nigeria considering that they opened diplomatic ties with Nigeria two years before her independence.

“India is a country that we share so much in common with and we are delighted to be hosting the minister, and what greater time than now, seeing that the world is at several reflection points.

“There have been conversations ongoing about the need to recalibrate the global order, the search for global justice, the search for global equity, all of those issues that have been thrown up by the experiences that we’ve had since the days of COVID.

“Also, the demands for the democratisation of the multilateral institutions, especially the demand for permanent seats for the global south in the UN Security Council.

“So we wanted to see how India, as a great power in the world, collaborates with other great powers in the world, like Nigeria on these kinds of issues,” Osaghae said.

(NAN)

Zelensky to reward foreign fighters with Ukrainian citizenship.

Zelensky to reward foreign fighters with Ukrainian citizenship.

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday announced draft legislation that could pave the way for foreigners fighting against Russia in his country to receive Ukrainian citizenship.

Thousands of foreigners rushed at the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to help fend off Moscow’s forces trying to wrest control of the country and topple Ukraine’s leadership.

“Foreign volunteers who took up arms to defend Ukraine, all those who fight for Ukraine’s freedom as if it were their homeland. And Ukraine will become such for them,” Zelensky said in a post on social media.

He was announcing new proposed legislation that would formally allow Ukrainians to gain dual citizenship, with the exception of Russia.

Zelensky also said he had signed a decree titled “On the Territories of the Russian Federation Historically Inhabited by Ukrainians,” without providing details.

He said the aim of the document was to push forward “the restoration of truth about the historical past for the sake of Ukraine’s future.”

Apart from taking in a wide array of Western supplied weapons, Kyiv has also seen thousands of citizens from a slew of countries fighting alongside its forces on the front.

Among them, units comprised of Belarusians and Russians have also joined the fight. Both states are considered to be “aggressor countries” by Kyiv, since Russian forces also attacked Ukraine from Belarusian territory.

President Vladimir Putin had on January 1, 2023, said Moscow would intensify strikes on military targets in Ukraine after an unprecedented attack on the Russian city of Belgorod.

The attack killed 24 people and left over 100 wounded in Belgorod on Saturday. It came after Moscow launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities.

“We’re going to intensify the strikes, no crime against civilians will rest unpunished, that’s for certain,” Putin said Monday during a visit to a military hospital.

He said Russia would press on with hitting what he called “military installations.”

AFP

Olatunbosun Speaks, Lists All Roads Projects, and Developments.

Olatunbosun Speaks, Lists All Roads Projects, and Developments.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun has described the massive ongoing road projects in the State as a meticulous strategy to ease road congestion, raise productivity especially in the agricultural sector and lowers production costs thus boosting the economy.

Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun who made this assertion in Ado Ekiti, said that the State Government would therefore leave no stone unturned towards ensuring the successful completion of the projects.

Olatunbosun added that the road projects would tactically boost commerce and security as well as to attract investments, development and generally make life easier for the people.

He stressed that “the economic benefits are many, the good it serves for security is clear, and the human convenience is incalculable. The focus is to develop good road networks so that people, goods, and services could move quickly and efficiently in and around the State.

The Commissioner said that the recent meeting that Governor Biodun Oyebanji had with contractors handling the projects was to ensure compliance with standards and deadlines, stressing the administration zero tolerance for shoddy jobs and tardiness.

The Commissioner added that “it is important because we want to be sure of the quality of the services we are providing for the people. So, we are going to hold the contractors strictly accountable for that and in certifying their jobs, we will not accept anything short of the standards that we have set in our documents, so we must emphasize that and we insist on that.”

Urging the contractors to abide by Governor Oyebanji’s advice, Olatunbosun stressed the importance of taking advantage of the dry season to fast track work on their respective projects, adding that the lack of rain in the season provides ample opportunity for contractors to speed up construction work.

Assuring that the State Government would ensure proper and continuous monitoring of the projects to guarantee timely and good quality delivery, Olatunbosun said that Governor Oyebanji would also continue to visit the project sites from time to time, adding that the Governor would, in fact, soon embark on another round of project inspection in order to ascertain the level of compliance.

He similarly emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and stressed the need for all stakeholders, particularly, community leaders to take ownership of the various projects in their areas, in order to ensure timely and quality delivery.

The Government spokesman listed ongoing road projects in the State to include, Atlas- Ajebandele- Deeper Life- Alasia- Omisanjana Road; Ado- Iworoko- Ifaki Road; Ikere – Igbara Odo Road; Ijigbo- Ajilosun Flyover Bridge; Ado- Ekiti City Ring Road (Phase 1); Ikere-Ilawe Road; and Agric Olope- Moferere- Odo Ado Road.

Others are Ikole-Ara- Isinbode Road; Ado- Ilawe Road; Ikere- Ise- Emure Road; Ilawe- Erijiyan Road; Igede- Ilawe Road; GRA 3rd Extension Road; Dualisation of GRA 3rd Extension Road; Igbara Odo- Ikogosi Road; Hospital Management Board Road; and Itapa- Ijelu Road and additional works on River Ele Bridge.

Governor Oyebanji's Respect for Tradition: Pays Courtesy Visit to Olojudo of Ido Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji's Respect for Tradition: Pays Courtesy Visit to Olojudo of Ido Ekiti.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a commendable demonstration of profound respect for the traditional institution, Governor Biodun Oyebanji visited the palace of the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti and Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Oba Ilori Faboro on Sunday afternoon, January 21, 2024.

The BAO administration consistently highlights the importance of traditional rulers, acknowledging their pivotal role in Ekiti State's cultural and developmental fabric. This emphasis on upholding the dignity and relevance of the traditional institution has cultivated a deep bond of love, admiration, and cooperation between the government and the royal fathers.

Governor Oyebanji's visit serves as a testament to his commitment to maintaining harmonious relationships with traditional rulers, contributing significantly to the prevailing atmosphere of peace, progress, and development within the state. The BAO administration's approach underscores the belief that respecting and collaborating with the traditional institution is integral to achieving the collective goals of Ekiti State.

Gov Oyebanji's Unifying Sunday: Attends Service at CAC Rejoice Arena, Extends Condolences to Chief Kolawole's Family.

Gov Oyebanji's Unifying Sunday: Attends Service at CAC Rejoice Arena, Extends Condolences to Chief Kolawole's Family.              By Olamide Akinwumi J.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji took a noteworthy step towards fostering unity and inclusivity as he actively participated in a Sunday service at CAC Rejoice Arena, along Afao Road, Ado Ekiti, on the 21st of January 2024. Departing from his usual attendance at the Government House Chapel, the Governor demonstrated his commitment to connecting with various congregations across the state.

During the service, Governor Oyebanji addressed the congregation, expressing solidarity with the churchgoers and seeking their prayers. The church reciprocated with heartfelt prayers for the Governor, marking a significant initiative in Mr. Governor’s plan to attend Sunday services across diverse churches in Ekiti State. This approach underscores his belief in the unifying power of collective worship.

In another engagement on the same day, Governor Oyebanji paid a condolence visit to the residence of Chief Lawrence Kolawole in Otun. Chief Kolawole, a frontline APC leader and member of the APC Elders forum, recently lost his wife. The Governor conveyed sympathies on behalf of the Government and the people of Ekiti State, extending prayers for strength and fortitude to Chief Kolawole and his family during this challenging period.

Governor Oyebanji's actions stand as a testament to his dedication to fostering unity, transcending political affiliations and religious denominations. As he extends condolences and actively participates in diverse community events, the Governor remains steadfast in his commitment to a leadership style that embraces and supports the diverse facets of the Ekiti State populace.

Aiyedatiwa Hails Engineer's Contributions To Nation-building.

Aiyedatiwa Hails Engineer's Contributions To Nation-building.

....As NSE Installs First Female President.

Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the weekend hailed the historic emergence of Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala as the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.

The Governor made the remark as the Guest Speaker at the inauguration ceremony of Engr. Oguntala as the 34th President of the NSE at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Saturday. 

He described Oguntala as a distinguished woman of substance, saying that her emergence "is a testimony to that fact that our great country is again recognising the invaluable contributions of the female gender and the need to encourage and support the emergence of women in leadership roles and in healthy competitive elections. This indeed is a very rare feat that needs to be recognized as well as celebrated."

The Governor added: "Engr. Mrs. Oguntala is known to be a woman of sterling qualities and substantial substance, and coupled with her vast experience, knowledge and exposure, I have no doubt that this woman of substance would move the umbrella body to great heights. Kudos to you madam for this rare feat, and you make us proud in Ondo State."

While commending engineers for the crucial roles they play in the development of any society, the Governor stressed that "a major part of the responsibilities of building the nation of our dream lies mainly upon the shoulders of engineers and technologists."

"However, I must challenge you that it behoves on the engineers and technologists to complement the efforts of government by formulating and producing state-of-the-art solutions to the hydra-headed developmental challenges of our great nation. 

"We must begin to build roads, bridges and other infrastructure that will stand the test of time, and even outlive their design-life. We must begin to look at and introduce technology that will conserve energy and preserve our environment that is already being degraded from the dangerous gaseous emissions from gasoline and diesel engines of our automobiles and industries. The way to go, therefore, is to introduce electronic solutions, work smartly and to green energy."

Mrs. Oguntala, speaking shortly after her investiture, urged the Federal Government to implement fully the presidential order 5 which promotes the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods and services. 

She called on the government to amongst other things “implement the GL 09 entry point for engineers in some of the states that are yet to effect the enhanced entry point for engineers in civil service. Formulate a policy to compel employers of labour to pay commensurate welfare packages/hazard allowances for engineers.

“Implement Executive Order 5 with sincerity of purpose. Promote Nigerian-made goods and services. Have the Presidency invite the NSE to nominate engineers for inclusion in the newly formed “Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit” as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast. We praise the President for this initiative.

“Encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives and support for engineers in small businesses and startups in the extractive industry. Promote STEM education to encourage more students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to nation-building."

Earlier in his Keynote Address, Senator President Godswill Akpabio praised the society for electing its first first female president. 

Represented by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin, Akpabio said: “Oguntala’s appointment serves as a powerful testament to the fact that talent, dedication, and expertise know no gender boundaries. It is a clear indication that the Nigerian Society of Engineers recognizes and values the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the future of engineering."

NANS Announces Safe Release of Abducted Lecturer, Dr. MS Argungu.

NANS Announces Safe Release of Abducted Lecturer, Dr. MS Argungu.

In a significant update from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the office of the National Director of Research and Innovation, Comr Sadiq SK Zango, joyfully confirms the safe release of Dr. MS Argungu, the abducted lecturer from Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero.

Dr. MS Argungu, who was kidnapped in Aliero town on 14th January 2024, has been successfully reunited with his family after days of intensive efforts and collaborative work with relevant authorities.

NANS extends sincere gratitude to the security agencies, the university management, and all stakeholders involved in ensuring the safe return of Dr. MS Argungu. This positive outcome underscores the effectiveness of collective efforts in addressing security challenges within our academic institutions.

The association expresses unwavering support for Dr. MS Argungu, his family, colleagues, and the entire academic community during this recovery period. NANS strongly condemns acts of violence against educators and emphasizes the urgent need for heightened security measures to safeguard our academic institutions.

Comr Sadiq SK Zango, the NANS National Director of Research and Innovation, reaffirms the commitment to advocating for the safety and well-being of our academic community. The association vows to continue collaborating with relevant authorities to address security concerns and create a conducive environment for learning and research.