The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Canada

  • Canada condemns attack on Muslim worshippers

    Canada condemns attack on Muslim worshippers

    The Canadian government has condemned the Sunday’s attacks on Muslim worshipers in Kaduna State.

    The attacks by some unknown gunmen killed 24 persons and injured many in Dongo Dawa village in Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

    A statement issued by the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird and released in Abuja on Monday expressed shock over the development.

    He reiterated the commitment of Canada to work with the Nigerian government in order to tackle the security challenges in the country.

    He said: “I’m troubled and shocked by reports of Sunday’s deadly attacks on Muslim worshipers in the Nigerian village of Dogo Dawa. Canada strongly condemns these heinous acts.”

    “On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nigeria at this time. As I told Minister Olugbenga Ashiru during my visit earlier this week, Canada is committed to working with the government in Abuja to address security challenges in Nigeria,” he stated.

     

     

  • Nigeria, Canada sign pact on terrorism

    Nigeria, Canada sign pact on terrorism

    Nigeria and Canada on Monday agreed to work together to eliminate terrorism within the West African sub-region.

    The two countries reached the agreement in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria-Canada Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru and his Canadian counterpart, Hon. John Baird.

    Reading the joint communiqué at the end of the meeting, Ashiru said that the two countries agreed that effective political, economic, security and development cooperation between them will contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

    Ashiru said the two countries have also expressed further commitment to promoting human rights, good governance and democratic development.

    According to him, Canada has also offered to make modest donation for the victims of the recent flood disaster in some parts of Nigeria.

    He said: “They also restated their commitment to work together on issues of common regional and global challenges, including counter-terrorism, the Mali crisis, the Middle East and Commonwealth reform.

    “While recognizing that lasting security demands a multi-level approach, including development, education, democracy and human rights, both countries resolved to effectively cooperate particularly to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Security Services to enable them to respond adequately to internal and regional security challenges.”

     

  • U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria draw 1-1 with Canada

    U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria draw 1-1 with Canada

    Nigeria’s Flamingoes on Saturday played a 1-1 draw with Canada, in spite of dominating the proceedings in their opening match of the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals.

    In the Group A match played at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Nigerian side deserved all three points after having 27 shots on goal as against eight by their opponents.

    The Flamingoes who are making their third consecutive appearance at the competition and were meeting the north Americans for the first time dominated the game from the first half.

    But they could only hit the woodwork three times before the break, with Chinwendu Ihezuo hitting the bar from a header after a corner kick.

    Jiroro Idike’s corner-kick also caused a scare, while Chidinma Edeji equally hammered a shot onto the upright with the Canadian goalkeeper at her mercy.

    But the Canadians broke the deadlock against expectations when substitute Nichelle Prince slipped the ball to Amandine Pierre-Louise who fired past goalkeeper Gift Andy in the 63rd minute.

    The Flamingoes, in spite of being stunned momentarily, however regrouped and again looked the better side, even as they spurned further chances.

    They eventually got the goal that did not look like coming when Yetunde Adeboyejo’s cross from the left was blocked, but fell to Ihezuo who volleyed home a deserved goal with nine minutes to go.

    The result left the Flamingoes with only one point, a disappointing outcome for a team from a country that had won its opening matches in the earlier editions of the competition in 2008 and 2010.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flamingoes will play their next group match on Tuesday in Lankaran against hosts Azerbaijan, while Canada face Colombia in Baku.(NAN)