The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ban Ki-moon

  • CAR crisis to dominate key France-Africa summit

    •As France sends more troops

    Some 40 African leaders gather in Paris this week for a French-led summit on improving security in the impoverished and unstable continent following France’s military mission in Mali and a new one in the Central African Republic.

    The biggest international summit by France’s Socialist President Francois Hollande since he took power is aimed at helping Africa tackle its security problems on its own with less and less Western backing from former colonial masters.

    It comes against the backdrop of French plans to send troops to the Central African Republic and during a time when Paris, which has thousands of troops garrisoned in Africa, is being dragged into action while it is trying to reshape its relations with the continent.

    The two-day summit starting Friday will be dominated by the latest unrest in the Central African Republic (CAR), where clashes between armed Muslim and Christian groups have raised fears of sectarian massacres.

    France has called a mini-summit on the CAR crisis on Saturday after the Africa conference and UN chief Ban Ki-moon and officials from the European Union are due to attend.

    The mini-summit will take place after the UN Security Council votes on France’s plan to deploy about 1,000 soldiers to take on an active fighting role alongside a flagging African-led “stabilisation mission” in CAR.

    The African force for CAR aims to have 2,500 troops but it has been hampered by a lack of funds, arms and training.

    Meanwhile some 200 French troops have arrived, with another 500 expected imminently.

    Some former rebel forces have reportedly been leaving the capital, Bangui, as the French troops arrived in the city.

     

    More than 10% of the 4.6 million population have fled their homes since Michel Djotodia seized power in March.

    He is the country’s first leader from the minority Muslim community. Muslim-Christian sectarian attacks have led to warnings of a genocide.

    Police vehicle in Bangui Bangui is relatively peaceful compared to the rest of the country

    CAR is rich in minerals but has suffered numerous coups, mutinies and conflicts since independence from France in 1960, leaving most of its people in poverty.

  • Ban Ki-moon calls for actions on hunger

    Ban Ki-moon calls for actions on hunger

    In commemoration of the World Food Day, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Kimoon has called on stakeholders to expedite action to end hunger around the world.

    He said this in a statement released by the UN’s Information Office that no fewer than 840 million people go hungry in a world of plenty.

    According to Kimoon: “every day, more than 840 million people go hungry in a world of plenty. This fact alone should be cause for moral outrage and concerted action.”

    On the other hand, Mr Kimoon also revealed that “two billion people suffer from the “hidden hunger” of malnutrition.  Poor nutrition also means some 1.4 billion people are overweight, with about one-third obese and at risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes or other health problems.”

    He advocates a better food system to tackle the challenge whilst acknowledging the efforts of many countries that have joined Zero Hunger Challenge.

    “The key to better nutrition, and ultimately to ensuring each person’s right to food, lies in better food systems – smarter approaches, policies and investments encompassing the environment, people, institutions and processes by which agricultural products are produced, processed and brought to consumers in a sustainable manner.

    “I am pleased that many countries around the world have joined our Zero Hunger Challenge and pledged to work together for sustainable food systems.”

    The UN Chief concluded by imploring everyone to join hands in achieving zero hunger: “Together, we can help make sure that everyone has enough nutritious food each and every day.  On this World Food Day, let us aim for achieving zero hunger in our lifetimes for one and all.”

    World Food Day is an event celebrated every year around the world on 16 October in honor of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945.

    The day is celebrated widely by many other organisations concerned with food security, including the World Food Programme.

  • Advocating habitable environment

    Advocating habitable environment

    In a bid to provide cleaner and habitable environment for  towns and cities across the globe , the United Nations named the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. Being the first Monday in October today marks another UN World Habitat Day.

    Apart from reflecting on the state of our town and cities, this day serves as a reminder to the world that “we all have responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.”

    The environment which we live in is our responsibility. The power lies in our hands as inhabitants to make our environment worth living.

    The theme for this year is “Urban Mobility”. According to United Nations, urban mobility refers to the “access to goods and services which is essential to the efficient functioning of our cities and towns as they expand.”

    It has been stated that accessible cities encourage a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation and draw more and more travelers out of cars onto trains, buses, bike paths, and sidewalks.

    In Nigeria, can these be said to be in place? Do we live in an environment that encourages sustainable living? Does the government ensure urban mobility through her various policies? Has the government ensured its various policies are followed to the latter by
    citizens? These are questions that stare us at the face and on a day like this, it is imperative that stakeholders reflect on these questions to ensure urban mobility.

    The need to stop indiscriminate buildings on drainages, streets and major roads is pertinent for urban mobility to strive.

    According to the Project Manager of one of the housing estates under construction in Lagos who pleads anonymity, says Nigeria can only achieve urban mobility when citizens learn to do the “right thing.”

    According to him, “The problem we have in Lagos and other states in Nigeria is due to the attitude of citizens. Citizens do not do the right thing. They build on every little space available. This is not ideal. Cities cannot be developed without adequate plans for a healthy environment.”

    For Tolulope Alabi, a secondary school teacher in Lagos state, it is important for other state governments to emulate Lagos state government in the area of ensuring urban mobility, “The good work of Lagos state government in ensuring a better habitable environment is visible. Look at the doggedness and determination to open up Oshodi. If not for that, we would have been hearing of several cases of robbery.”

    When asked if Nigeria can truly experience urban mobility, Alabi says: “With what has happened in Dubai, Singapore in terms of their development, I believe Nigeria is on the track to modernise her urban areas.”

    Chima Onuba, a civil servant in Abia state calls on all state governments to put in the right legislation for urban mobility to be achieved. “The government need to put in place the right legislation to ensure urban areas is conducive for living. UN’s theme for this year: ‘Urban Mobility’ can be only realised if proper urban planning is done in various cities in Nigeria,” he says.

    In his speech to mark this year’s World Habitat Day, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat Dr. Joan Clos calls for improved accessibility and mobility in urban areas for more efficient
    of the world’s cities and towns.

    He said: “Mobility is an important part of city design as it contributes, not only to the liveability of a city in terms of reduced congestion and pollution, but also to the
    economic potential, allowing the efficient movement of people and goods.

    “Mobility is at the core of equitable access to basic goods, services and activities – such as work, education, medical care, shopping, socializing – and to enable people to participate in
    civic life.

    “Furthermore, accessible cities encourage a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation and draw more and more travelers out of cars and onto trains, buses, bike paths,
    and sidewalks. Over time, the collective costs of ‘auto mobility’ have become abundantly apparent – including urban sprawl, air and noise pollution, climate change, road traffic accidents,
    and the physical separation of people by class and race.

    “But mobility is about more than just the mode of transport we use. Urban planning and design should focus on how to bring people and places together, by creating cities that focus on accessibility, rather than simply increasing the length and capacity of urban transport infrastructure.

    “By optimizing urban densities and minimizing land zoning we start to make the city work for its citizens; proximity of goods and services exploits the urban advantage and encourages investment and opportunity,” he said.

    Compact, well-designed cities can also be cleaner and have less impact on their environment per resident than more spread out areas. “In an environment characterized by scarcity, this is not only preferable to our standard of living but vital if we are to grow our urban space in a sustainable and desirable way. We need to ensure the cities of the future are well-planned, sustainable and accessible to all,” Clos says.

    Also, the UN Secretary- General, Ban Ki-Moon in his message, calls on the provision of appropriate and efficient systems that serve people in the best
    and most equitable manner.

  • Promoting global peace

    Promoting global peace

    ‘Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal’’ – Martin Luther King

    Today marks the United Nations International Day of Peace. A day set aside to provide an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to promote peace.

    The International Day of Peace is marked on September 21st every year and has been celebrated for the past eleven years as officially declared by the UN General Assembly.

    According to United Nations, the day of peace offers an opportunity for the world to pause, reflect and consider how best to break the vicious cycle of violence that conflict creates.

    The theme for this year: “Education for Peace.”

    But as the world marks the International Day of Peace- Peace Day, what level of peace can we say we enjoy as Nigerians? Do we live in harmony? Are there threats of disintegration rather than togetherness?

    Some Nigerians who spoke to the Nation believe that the country is yet to experience peace. This is blamed on those at the helm of affairs. They believe that the absence of true leadership in the country has given rise to incessant kidnapping, oil bunkering, wanton killings and many more that is currently bedeviling the Nigeria.

    One of such is Mr. Chris Obodo, a lecturer of Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Ogba who said he will continually preach peace just like other Nigerians in his class room but believes the gospel of peace can be solely preached when the leaders have seek and promote peace.

    Obodo said: “I will teach peace but the fact remains that the National Assembly, Executive and other arms of government are to learn peace and its effects. Peace when practiced by leaders will make meaning for followers to abide.”

    He believes that education for peace is highly preached in the class rooms, churches, mosques and social gatherings, insisting that the government must lead by example, “If the young ones are taught peace but everywhere they go is war the message is meaningless. Government therefore needs to be peacemakers for the message to thrive and have meaning.’’

    He therefore called on leaders to live by example. This he said is a sure way in making United Nations theme for this year: ‘Education for Peace” a reality.

    On his part, Mr. Dele Omojuyigbe, Head of Department, General Studies, Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ)  believes the moment government stops laying bad examples for her followers, there will be peace, “One way through which peace can reign is by government at-local, state and federal levels to avoid  laying bad examples.”

    Omojuyigbe calls on the leadership to be sincere and avoid any corrupt tendencies. This he says will go a long way in reducing strife among the youths who aspire to get rich no matter the consequences.

    He also sees individuals as change agents for peace and therefore called on individuals from across the country to create enabling environment for peace. “As individuals, peace can be achieved when we create enabling environment for peace to reign through fair play in whatever assignment we carry out.”

    In commemorating the day and in the spirit of peace Omojuyigbe urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the federal government to reach a truce and end this lingering ASUU Strike.

    Speaking on this event, the United Nations Secretary- General, Ban Ki Moon said; “The International Day of Peace is a time for reflection – a day when we reiterate our belief in non-violence and call for a global ceasefire.  We ask people everywhere to observe a minute of silence, at noon local time, to honour those killed in conflict and the survivors who live with daily trauma and pain. This year we are highlighting Education for Peace.  Education is vital for fostering global citizenship and building peaceful societies.

    “In June, Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl targeted for assassination by the Taliban for campaigning for the right to education, came to the United Nations.  Malala said: “One teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world.”  These are our most powerful weapons.

    “That is why, last year, I launched the Global Education First Initiative.  Every girl and every boy deserves to receive a quality education and learn the values that will help them to see themselves as part of a global community.

    “Governments and development partners are working to get every child in school and learning well to equip them for life in the 21st century.  There is new momentum in countries with the greatest needs, such as those affected by conflict, which are home to half of all children lacking education.

    “But we must do more – much more.  Fifty-seven million children are still denied an education.  Millions more need better schooling. Educating the poorest and most marginalized children will require bold political leadership and increased financial commitment.  Yet aid for education has dropped for the first time in a decade.  We must reverse this decline, forge new partnerships, and bring much greater attention to the quality of education.

    “On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our children the value of tolerance and mutual respect.  Let us invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity.  Let us fight for peace and defend it with all our might.”

    In the last six years, United Nations has had the under listed themes to mark the day of peace:

    2012: Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future
    2011: Peace and Democracy: Make Your Voice Heard
    2010: Youth and Development
    2009: Disarmament and Non-proliferation
    2008: Human Rights and Peacekeeping
    2007: Peace Is the United Nations’ Highest Calling
    In Nigeria, a National Peace building Convocation will take place today at the Merit Award House in Abuja.

    The keynote speech on “The Role of Education in Building a Culture of Peace and Fostering Global Citizenship” will be presented by Mr. Charles Chibo, an educator, scholar, and international human resources management trainer.

     

  • Ki – moon, Obama, others on Mandela’s day

    Ki – moon, Obama, others on Mandela’s day

    Former South Africa President and anti-apartheid fighter clocks 95 today. As the world celebrate this great icon of our time, World leaders including Ban Ki Moon, Barrack Obama, Jacob Zuma and others send their messages of goodwill to mark the Mandela International Day. The Nation presents the messages below:

    “Mandela gave 67 years of his life to the struggle for human rights and social justice. Today is a day for good works for people and the planet. It is meant to mobilise the human family to do more to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world.”- The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon

    On behalf of our family and the people of the United States, Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes and prayers to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 95th birthday, as well as to Graça Machel, the Mandela family, and the government and people of South Africa as they mark the fifth annual Nelson Mandela International Day.   Our family was deeply moved by our visit to Madiba’s former cell on Robben Island during our recent trip to South Africa, and we will forever draw strength and inspiration from his extraordinary example of moral courage, kindness, and humility.

    On Nelson Mandela International Day, people everywhere have the opportunity to honor Madiba through individual and collective acts of service.  Through our own lives, by heeding his example, we can honor the man who showed his own people – and the world – the path to justice, equality, and freedom.  May Nelson Mandela’s life of service to others and his unwavering commitment to equality, reconciliation, and human dignity continue to be a beacon for each future generation seeking a more just and prosperous world.

    Statement by President Obama and his wife, Mitchelle on Nelson Mandela International Day

    “We must all be able to do something good for humanity on this day, in tribute to our former president,”- South Africa President, Jacob Zuma.

    Wishes from our followers on twitter

    • Mukaddas MM ‏@mmukaddas

    @TheNationNews #Mandela95 I wish he lives to see tomorrow!

    • Ahmed Ibrahim, DVM ‏@demho11

    @TheNationNews I wish his family will stop fooling around because of inheritance and allow the hero to rest in the lord #Mandela95

    • Awizy O. Alades ‏@Awizy_oro

    I wish he dies without life support @TheNationNews

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    @TheNationNews #Mandela95 I wish him long life and prosperous years ahead with sound #health!

    You can also make your wish by our twitter handle @thenationnews, using the hastag #Mandela95

  • Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs

    Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs

    June 26 of every year is the day set aside by the United Nations, UN, to create awareness on the dangers posed by hard drugs and Illicit Trafficking globally. Since 1987 when UN instituted the day, most countries of the world including Nigeria have been commemorating it.

    By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The General Assembly recognized that despite continued and increased efforts by the international community, the world drug problem continues to constitute a serious threat to public health, the safety and well-being of humanity, in particular young people, and the national security and sovereignty of States, and that it undermines socio-economic and political stability and sustainable development. Illicit drugs continue to pose a health danger to humanity. That’s why drugs are, and should remain, controlled.

    Africa is not exempted from the drug menace, Cannabis herb which is known in local parlance as “marijuana, wewe, igboo or grass” is commonly produced, trafficked and highly consumed in Africa.

    In West Africa, Nigeria is in the forefront in the battle against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The Nigerian government in 1990 established the National Drug law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for this purpose.

    Drug abuse involves compulsive craving to use a substance, regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological and physical consequences. Certain drugs are more physically addicting than others. Drug use may lead to an emotional, psychological or a physical dependence.

    Today, there is an alarming new drug problem; demand has soared for substances not under international control. Therefore, the 2013 UNODC global awareness campaign “Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs” aims to inform the public, and particularly young people, about the harmful effects of new psychoactive substances (NPS).

    Therefore, the 2013 UNODC global awareness campaign “Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs” aims to inform the public, and particularly young people, about the harmful effects of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Sold openly, including through the internet, these substances, which have not been tested for safety in humans, can be far more dangerous than traditional drugs.

    Marketed as ‘legal highs’, “research chemicals”, “plant food” and “bath salts,” NPS are proliferating at an unprecedented rate. The use of these terms gives a semblance of legality misleading young people into believing that they are indulging in low-risk fun. Intentional mislabeling of some NPS as “not for human consumption” provides a way of evading drug control laws.

    The sheer number of NPS arriving on the scene almost weekly compounded by the lack of understanding of the adverse effects and addictive potential of these uncontrolled substances presents a major public health challenge. Often, the difference between a ‘safe’ and toxic dose is marginal and NPS have been associated with fatalities, delirium and violent behaviour. Mixtures of NPS bought unknowingly by users have resulted in unpredictable and sometimes disastrous effects.

    Everyone has a part to play in protecting the youth of the world from dangerous substances. The United Nations Office and Crime (UNODC) leads the annual World Drug Campaign to drive home the message that illicit drugs pose a danger to society, aims to mobilize wide public support and seeks to inspire people to act against drug abuse.

    In his message, the Secretary- General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon drawing from his recent visit to San Patrignano drug rehabilitation centre in northern Italy where 1,200 addicts are learning how to free themselves from drug abuses, acknowledged that drug abuses and illicit trafficking pose a threat to the future.

    “This year I visited the San Patrignano drug rehabilitation centre in northern Italy where more than 1,200 young women and men from 28 countries are learning how to free themselves from the curse of addiction and enjoy dignified, productive lives. Their road is not easy.  It demands courage, commitment and the compassion of dedicated mentors.  But the members of this inspiring community understand that they are fortunate.  All over the world, drugs threaten the health and welfare of youth and children, families and communities, and the billions of dollars generated by the drugs trade feed corruption, enhance the power of criminal networks and create fear and instability.”

    He said, “Illegal drug trafficking is a clear obstacle to development.  This cross-border problem requires a robust and coordinated law enforcement response within and among countries.  Tackling organized crime and the illicit drugs trade is a shared responsibility.  But the rule of law is only part of the equation. For instance, farmers dependent on the cultivation of illicit drugs such as coca, marijuana and opium must be offered alternative livelihoods, while drug users and addicts need help not stigmatization.”

    Ban Ki-moon canvassed for a science-based public health approach with the support of the government, media and major stakeholders, including the individual in tackling the menace.

    He said “a human rights and science-based public health approach is the only sound basis for preventing and treating addiction and related consequences such as HIV transmission through unsafe injecting practices.  We must also address threats such as the emerging problem of new psychoactive substances, many of which are not under international control.  Young people, in particular, must be made aware of the dangers of these drugs.  On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I call on governments, the media and civil society to do everything possible to raise awareness of the harm caused by illicit drugs and to help prevent people profiting from their use.”

  • Nigeria’s ‘continued violence’ worries UN chief

    Nigeria’s ‘continued violence’ worries UN chief

    The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, on Wednesday expressed concern about the continued violence and deteriorating security in north-eastern Nigeria.

    Ban, who spoke through his spokesperson, Martin Nisirky, said the continued violence in the north-eastern part of the country posed a threat to national peace and security.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that he was reacting to the declaration of a state of emergency in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno States.

    “The secretary-general is aware of the decision by the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in three north-eastern states of the country.’’

    The UN scribe, however, called on all extremist groups to cease their attacks.

    He also reiterated his firm conviction that no objective could justify such use of violence.

    Ban stressed the need for all concerned to fully respect human rights and safeguard the lives of all Nigerians.

     

  • Killing of health workers outrageous – Ban

    Killing of health workers outrageous – Ban

    The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, on Monday condemned last week killing of 12 health workers in northern Nigeria.

    Nine female health workers were killed by unknown gunmen in Kano last Friday, while three North Korean doctors lost their lives a day later.

    In a statement released late on Monday, the UN chief expressed hope that “such outrageous” attacks do limit access to essential health services by vulnerable people.

    Offering his condolences to the victims’ families, Mr. Ban stated that “those killed were working selflessly to provide basic life-saving interventions to the most vulnerable people.

    He added that “such attacks severely limit health workers access to the populations who need them most and could have devastating effects in the fight to improve the health of people everywhere.”

    He stressed that “acts of outrageous violence” toward health workers around the world are unacceptable.

    Mr. Ban therefore called on all countries to protect health workers so that they can continue to better the health of populations and save lives.

    United States billionaire and Polio Campaign donor in Nigeria, Mr. Bill Gates, had earlier stated that the killings were unacceptable, expressing similar sentiments which the UN scribe has now repeated as well.