The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • America vetoes UN Gaza ceasefire plan over lack of hostage release

    America vetoes UN Gaza ceasefire plan over lack of hostage release

    •Israel is offering $5M to anyone who turns over hostages

    The United States has vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing the absence of provisions for the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 2023 attack on Israel.

    U.S. officials argued that any resolution must address the urgent need to secure the hostages’ freedom alongside efforts to end the violence, reflecting the complexity of the ongoing crisis.

    The UN Security Council supported the resolution, with 14 out of 15 members voting in favor. However, the measure failed to pass due to a veto by the United States, which argued that the resolution did not sufficiently address the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s enemies planning campaign against military leadership, says Arewa forum

    The resolution that was put to a vote “demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire to be respected by all parties, and further reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.” The resolution was introduced by the 10 elected members of the 15-member U.N. Security Council. Unlike the five permanent members— the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France— these elected members lack veto power, leaving critical decisions subject to the approval of the permanent members. In June, the U.N. Security Council adopted its first resolution aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

    Sponsored by the United States, the resolution welcomed a three-phase plan proposed by President Joe Biden, which the U.S. asserted had been accepted by Israel.

    The plan called on Hamas to agree to the terms as well, yet the conflict continues unabated, underscoring the enduring challenges of achieving peace in the region.

  • Ukraine fires UK Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russia

    Ukraine fires UK Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russia

    Ukraine fired a volley of British Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russia yesterday, the latest new Western weapon it has been permitted to use on Russian targets a day after it fired U.S. ATACMS missiles.

    The strikes were widely reported by Russian war correspondents on Telegram and confirmed by an official on condition of anonymity. A spokesperson for Ukraine’s general staff said he had no such information at present.

    Moscow has said the use of Western weapons to strike into Russian territory far from the border would be a major escalation in the conflict. Kyiv says it needs the capability to defend itself by hitting Russian rear bases used to support Moscow’s invasion, which entered its thousandth day this week.

    Read Also: Oyetola meets Liberian Minister in London over IMO council seat

    Russian war correspondent accounts on Telegram posted footage they said included the sound of the missiles striking in Kursk region. At least 14 huge explosions can be heard, most of them preceded by the sharp whistle of what sounds like an incoming missile. The footage, shot in a residential area, showed black smoke rising in the distance.

    The pro-Russian Two Majors Telegram channel said Ukraine had fired up to 12 Storm Shadows into the Kursk region, and carried pictures of pieces of missile with the name Storm Shadow clearly visible.

    A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his office would not be commenting on reports or operational matters.

  • Tegbe declares open forum on Nigeria-China Economic and Trade Partnership

    Tegbe declares open forum on Nigeria-China Economic and Trade Partnership

    In a significant move aimed at strengthening the economic and trade ties between Nigeria and China, the Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe officially declared open a high-level forum on the Nigeria-China Economic and Trade Partnership on Monday.

    The event brought together influential Chinese companies and investors, alongside reputable Nigerian businesses, to explore opportunities for collaboration within the Nigerian market.

    This groundbreaking forum featured a robust matchmaking session designed to facilitate direct engagements between interested Chinese investors and prominent Nigerian companies.

    Tegbe, in his opening remarks, emphasized the mutual benefits of fostering a closer economic relationship between the two nations.

    He highlighted how strategic partnerships such as these can unlock Nigeria’s economic potential by attracting foreign investment, improving technological transfer, and creating jobs for the local population.

    Read Also: Nigeria will leverage on strategic plan with China, says Tegbe

    “The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership remains committed to fostering synergies that yield tangible benefits for both countries. This forum underscores our dedication to transforming these partnerships into actionable plans that will drive sustainable development and economic growth,” Tegbe stated.

    The roundtable discussions addressed critical areas such as infrastructure development, renewable energy, manufacturing, and technology, identifying key sectors ripe for investment.

    Participants expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of such collaborations, noting that China’s vast industrial expertise combined with Nigeria’s market potential creates an unparalleled opportunity for economic transformation.

    A highlight of the event was the matchmaking session, where Chinese investors were introduced to reliable Nigerian business partners.

    This initiative is expected to lead to concrete agreements, paving the way for the establishment of joint ventures and other collaborative projects that will boost Nigeria’s economy in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    As the forum concluded, stakeholders lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a robust partnership with the People’s Republic of China, noting that the activities of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership initiatives are pivotal in furthering a mutually-beneficial relationship between both countries.

  • FPL joins WOO forum in Milan to revolutionise Nigerian OOH sector

    FPL joins WOO forum in Milan to revolutionise Nigerian OOH sector

    FPL Media, a proud member of the World Out of Home Organization (WOO), recently participated in the WOO Europe Regional Forum held on November 4 -6, 2024, in Milan, Italy.

    This prestigious event brought together global leaders in Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising to discuss innovations, trends, and the future of the industry.

    FPL Media’s participation underscores its unwavering commitment to pioneering advancements in the Nigerian OOH sector and solidifying its position as a market leader. Engaging with global industry experts, the agency gleaned insights into emerging trends and best practices, setting the stage for transformative initiatives in the local market.

    Speaking on the significance of this milestone, Lanre Ashaolu, Managing Director of FPL Media, remarked: “Participating in the WOO Europe Regional Forum is a proud moment for FPL Media and the Nigerian OOH sector. This event provided us with an opportunity to showcase the potential of Nigeria’s advertising industry while learning from global leaders who are shaping the future of Out-of-Home advertising.”

    The insights gained at the forum are expected to drive FPL Media’s strategic direction, particularly in delivering innovative and measurable OOH solutions tailored to meet clients’ evolving needs. Ashaolu added: “The global OOH industry is rapidly evolving, and we are poised to integrate these advancements into the Nigerian market. Our goal is to help clients’ brands connect more meaningfully with consumers through campaigns that are not only creative but also technologically advanced and impactful.”

    FPL Media’s engagement at the WOO Europe Regional Forum reinforces its commitment to redefining OOH advertising in Nigeria. With a focus on innovation, the agency aims to challenge traditional perceptions of outdoor advertising by showcasing its vibrancy, effectiveness, and essential role in connecting with audiences.

    With its focus on blending creativity, technology, and strategic execution, FPL Media is well-positioned to elevate the Nigerian OOH industry to new heights, empowering brands to connect meaningfully with their audiences in a dynamic and competitive landscape.

  • Chinese cosmetics companies to showcase at Beauty West Africa 2024

    Chinese cosmetics companies to showcase at Beauty West Africa 2024

    Chinese cosmetics and haircare companies are set to make a significant appearance at Beauty West Africa, which opens on Tuesday, November 26, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.

    According to a statement from the event’s organizers, over 50 Chinese businesses will participate, showcasing thousands of beauty and personal care products, many of which will be introduced to the African market for the first time.

    The statement highlighted that China’s central presence at Africa’s largest beauty industry trade show aims to strengthen the $57 million beauty trade relationship between China and Nigeria.

    A returning Chinese exhibitor stated: “We are delighted to be back at BWA 2024, for what is going to be the biggest event yet! We are excited to meet and network with the key decision-makers across the thriving African beauty industry! Exhibiting at the show is always amazing and we do not doubt that this year will exceed our expectations yet again!” Michelle, Operations Manager, Shanghai Maotong International Exhibition Co. Ltd.

    China is not the only country sending a sizeable trade delegation for the exhibition. Other countries with pavilions are Turkey, Pakistan, Korea, Egypt, and Malaysia and there will be a strong presence from India, Korea, Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and South America among others.

    The show will also put a spotlight on SMEs from Nigeria and West Africa, making Beauty West Africa the must-attend event of the year for anyone working in the beauty and haircare sector.

    Beauty West Africa is organised by BtoB Events. Group Exhibition Manager Ken Baber regards the international exhibitors as a hugely important element of the show, helping to bring in an anticipated 5,500 visitors to meet more than 300 local and international exhibitors over the event’s three days, from November 26th to 28th.

    He explained: “Nigeria imported around $287 million worth of cosmetics, perfumes, toiletries and essential oils from around the world in 2023, around $48.6 million or 16 per cent of this was from China with soaps accounting for a further $8.9 million.

    “China also supplies what are described as mixtures of odoriferous substances worth $13.5 million as ingredients for use in manufacturing beauty and personal care products in Nigeria, so you can see how important a trade event like ours is to help boost the Nigerian economy.”

    Read Also: Beauty West Africa exhibition comes to Lagos

    A breakdown of the beauty and personal care products imported from China into Nigeria in 2023 shows that the largest value sub-category is beauty/make-up preparations, including skin care preparations, account for $21.4 million of the imports from China. Hair care products totalling $5.4 million, while shaving products, depilatories, and deodorants are worth $4.3 million. 

    Perfumes contribute $735,000 and oral and dental hygiene products amounting to $2.8 million.

    “We are delighted that China continues to want to have a vital presence at the show,” continues Mr Baber. “Like all our international exhibitors, China’s businesses are looking to build business relationships with local distributors and retailers and establish new partnerships across West Africa to the benefit of enterprises, beauty and hair professionals, and ultimately consumers.”

    Besides meeting with the vast array of exhibitors at Beauty West Africa, visitors will be able to attend the Beauty West Africa Conference running alongside the Exhibition, watch seminars and demonstrations on the latest styling techniques, and have hands-on experience of using products.

  • G20 Summit in Brazil: The World Needs Leaders for Sustainable Development

    G20 Summit in Brazil: The World Needs Leaders for Sustainable Development

    From November 18 to 19, 2024, the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Centered on the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” the summit brought together world leaders to discuss a wide range of issues, including poverty, hunger, and global institutional reforms.

    The G20 is a highly representative group, balancing the interests of developed and developing countries across different regions. The group accounts for two-thirds of the global population, approximately 60% of the world’s land area, 85% of global GDP, and 80% of global trade.

    As such, this powerful group has the capacity to shape the future of humanity. This year’s summit drew significant attention, particularly because, in the context of global warming, climate issues have become a central topic of debate at multiple United Nations negotiations. The G20 nations are key players in this arena, not only as the largest donors to multilateral development banks that finance climate initiatives but also as the emitters of over three-quarters of global greenhouse gases.

    Previously, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated at COP29 (the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) that “every country must do its part, but the G20 must take the lead.” However, many Western developed nations have shown a lack of enthusiasm for addressing climate issues, engaging in prolonged delays and debates. This reluctance is largely due to the economic decline of the Western powers and the rise of developing countries like China.

    Carbon emissions are closely tied to the right to development. Developed countries, having completed or nearly completed their industrialization and modernization, can achieve significant social growth with relatively low carbon emissions. In contrast, many developing countries are still in a phase of economic growth and have not yet completed their industrialization processes. This makes the growth of fossil fuel use, which is technologically simple, relatively cheap, and stably supplied, almost inevitable for these nations.

    Imposing the same energy-saving and emission-reduction standards on developing countries as those used by developed Western nations would effectively block the path to industrialization for many developing countries—an outcome they cannot accept. A truly fair approach would involve creating carbon offset mechanisms based on national emission levels. However, many Western nations are unwilling to adopt such measures, as they are reluctant to give up their development advantages.

    In contrast to this stalemate, China has achieved remarkable results in addressing climate issues. In 2023, the share of non-fossil energy in China’s total energy consumption rose to 17.9%, while the proportion of coal consumption decreased from 67.4% in 2013 to 55.3%. The total installed capacity of renewable energy across the country exceeded 1.5 billion kilowatts, accounting for over 50% of the country’s total installed power generation capacity. Additionally, China’s forest coverage rate has reached 24.02%.

    These achievements have been accomplished alongside China’s rapid economic development, further solidifying its position as a global leader in climate governance. At this G20 summit, as leaders discuss how to “build a just world and a sustainable planet,” China is likely to play a leading role in advancing sustainable development worldwide.

  • British High Commission celebrates King Charles’ birthday in Lagos

    British High Commission celebrates King Charles’ birthday in Lagos

    The British High Commission at the weekend held a reception to mark the 76th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.

    The reception which was hosted by the Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, brought together selected dignitaries from both public, private, and the entertainment sectors including the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu- Hundeyin.

    According to a statement by the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer, Ndidiamaka Eze, the reception presented an opportunity to celebrate the life and contributions of the United Kingdom monarch who ascended the throne on May 6, 2023, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

    Addressing the gathering, Baxter, said the reception was an opportunity to celebrate the strong links between the UK and Nigeria across cultural life areas like music, sports, art, literature, food, fashion, and education.

    He said the strong links were evidenced in the recent visit of the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, who was in Lagos and Abuja on November 3-4 and launched the #JollofandTea initiative.

    “It is a delight to be able to celebrate the 76th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III today. And unusually, it is his actual birthday today.

    And of course, a highlight for us in Nigeria, and I am sure a highlight for the King, was his meeting with His Excellency, President Tinubu. The warmth of that meeting was clearly visible in the photos.

    “While we are remembering the late Queen, I would like to commend the National Museum for returning Ben Enwonwu’s statue of the Queen to public display. By this time next year, some of Ben Enwonwu’s work will be centre stage in a major exhibition on Nigerian modernism at the Tate Modern in London.

    “For me, the exhibition at the National Museum; the descriptions of the media buzz at the time; and above everything else the statue- produced by a man described as the ‘Star of Nigeria’ and the subject, probably already the most famous woman in the world, a young Queen Elizabeth, should remind us of the long-standing and vibrant links between our two countries.

    “This year we are representing those links in a campaign that combines two of our national favourites- Jollof and Tea.

    “It is the depth and breadth of these sorts of links that allowed my Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Tuggar to sign a Nigeria-UK strategic partnership just 10 days ago. This looks ahead to even deeper trade links in the context of our Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.

    “To further security cooperation as exemplified by the recent visit of RFA Lyme Bay and the regular training that we provide. And to a modernised development partnership.

    Read Also: British High Commission, Otti celebrate Soyinka

    “The Foreign Secretary’s visit was his first to Africa in his new role and we were delighted that Lagos was his first port of call. In fact, not just Lagos, but ArtX, one of the many events at this time of year that offer an international showcase for Nigeria’s creative talent.

    “More importantly, I know that the carefully chosen meetings on this visit show that the new British Government is serious in its desire for a full and respectful partnership with Nigeria…” he said.

    Highpoint of the event was the raffle draw for a return Business Class British Airways ticket to London which was won by Ms. Toyosi Akerele.

  • Türkiye detains 1,644 irregular migrants, 51 human traffickers

    Türkiye detains 1,644 irregular migrants, 51 human traffickers

     Türkiye Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya announced on Monday that authorities have detained 1,644 irregular migrants and 51 human trafficking organisers in nationwide operations.

    Yerlikaya said on his social media platform X, that among the detained organisers, 11 were foreign nationals, adding that deportation procedures for the detained migrants have already been initiated.

    The minister did not specify the time frame of the operations but gave details of the operations, dubbed “Kalkan-30,” which targeted abandoned buildings, public venues, truck depots, terminals, ports, and public transit hubs.

    Read Also: NIS to crack down on illegal immigrants

    Yerlikaya added that a total of 17 vehicles, three boats, eight unlicensed firearms, and various quantities of illegal narcotics were seized during the operations.

    Earlier, Yerlikaya reported that Turkish security forces had conducted nearly 6,339 operations against human trafficking organisations throughout the year, resulting in the arrests of 3,924 smugglers.

    Türkiye faces significant challenges in managing illegal migration due to its strategic geographic position between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

    The country serves as a critical transit route for migrants attempting to enter European nations.

    As a destination and transit point for refugees from conflict-stricken regions, particularly Syria and Afghanistan, Türkiye has intensified border security measures in recent years.

    The government has also strengthened the legal framework and enhanced international collaboration to combat the growing activities of human smuggling networks. (www.nannews.ng)

  • Hezbollah confirms death of spokesman in Beirut attack

    Hezbollah confirms death of spokesman in Beirut attack

    Hezbollah has confirmed the death of its Spokesman, Mohammed Afif, in an Israeli attack in Beirut.

    He was a “pillar” of Hezbollah’s media and political work, the pro-Iranian group said on Telegram.

    Afif was one of the few remaining publicly known faces of Hezbollah after the killing of the group’s leadership and had recently led press conferences.

    He was a confidante of the militia’s former Secretary General,  Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike at the end of September.

    Read Also: More than 60 wounded in Hezbollah drone attack on Israeli military site

    Afif died in an Israeli attack in the densely populated Ras Al Naba district near the centre of Beirut.

    At the time of the attack, he is said to have been in an office of the Baath Party, which is active in several Arab countries, including as the party of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad.

    According to Lebanese authorities, at least three other people were killed in the attack and 14 people injured. (dpa/NAN)

  • Starmer in Rio to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at G20 summit

    Starmer in Rio to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at G20 summit

    Sir Keir Starmer will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Brazil, Downing Street has confirmed.

    He will be the first British prime minister to meet the Chinese leader in more than half a decade when they hold talks in Rio de Janeiro on Monday and has pledged to have “serious, pragmatic discussions” when they speak.

    The Xi meeting will be one in a series of discussions the Prime Minister is expected to have with world leaders at the two-day summit, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East likely to be high on the agenda.

    Read Also: Tinubu arrives Brazil for G20 summit

    Reports that US President Joe Biden has given the green light for Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles to strike inside Russia emerged on Sunday evening ahead of the summit getting underway.

    Speaking to reporters en route to the summit on Sunday, Sir Keir said: “I am planning to have a bilateral with President Xi at the G20. I think that’s important.

    “We are both global players, global powers, both permanent members of the Security Council and of the G20.

    “China’s economy is obviously the second biggest in the world. It’s one of our biggest trading partners and therefore I will be having serious pragmatic discussions with the president when I meet him.”

    Trade could be one of the issues that come up for discussion amid concern over US President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on imports.

    Sir Keir will be the first UK prime minister to meet the Chinese premier since Theresa May in 2018.

    Asked if he wanted a better relationship with Beijing than previous governments, Sir Keir added: “Given the size of the economy it is very important that we have a pragmatic and serious relationship and that’s what I intend to pursue.”