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Tag: United Nations

  • Youths are Africa’s greatest asset – UN Chief

    The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has described young people as the greatest asset on the African continent. Guterres made this known on Wednesday while delivering a remark at a side event titled; “A call to invest: investing in jobs for young people in Africa”, held at the UN headquarters in New York.

    “Africa has the fastest growing youth population in the world.They are the continent’s greatest asset — a vast source of energy, innovation, ideas and solutions.Indeed, at a time when the rest of the world will be ageing, Africa’s youth are also an asset for the global labour force”, Guterres remarked.

    Furthering, the U.N chief described unemployment as a tragedy for young people on the continent, saying it can undermine development and generate frustration that can be a catalyst for social unrest, unsafe migration and threat to global peace and security.

    “Today, one third of African youth are unemployed and discouraged; another third are vulnerably employed or in low-value jobs in the informal sector.  This reinforces poverty and inequality.

    Read Also: APC chieftain defects to PDP in Edo

    “Young African women are even worse off.  It is estimated that gender gaps in the labour force cost Africa US$105 billion in 2014 alone,” Guterres lamented.

    Praising the African Continental Free Trade Area as an important step in creating job opportunities; he called for investment in health, education, science, technology and industrialization whilst harping on the need to empower young people with skills that match the needs of present and future labour market.

    In a related development, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) hosted a high-level panel on migration and economic transformation in Africa, calling for awareness in maximizing the economic and development impact of migration on the continent.

    The debate took place ahead of the signing of the global compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration slated for Marrakesh, Morocco.

    UNCTAD Secretary General, Mr Mukhisa Kituyi who anchored the event remarked that contrary to media projections, the largest movement of migrants is within Africa.

    He added that migrants also make a very clear contribution to the economy of the country they move into.

  • Government urged to include sign language in school curriculum

    September 23 is a historical day as it is the first ever International Day of Sign Languages celebration under the cross-cutting theme of “with sign language, everybody is included”.

    The celebration which is part of the International Week of the Deaf was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19,2017.

    The UN General Assembly decided to commemorate this day as the International Day of Sign Languages in order to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realisation of the human rights of people who are deaf.

    In commemorating this day, Jewel Ibeabuchi joined Wesley Schools for the hearing impaired children with special needs in celebrating.

    Wesley school is a state owned institution located in Surulere, Lagos which aims at providing education to hearing impaired children, creating awareness about their special needs, creating an enabling environment for their total development and also to empower them for the full realisation of their potentials.

    Inside the buildings of 30 Ajao road Surulere Lagos, were kids looking as bright and beautiful as ever.

    Primary four students of Wesley schools of hearing impaired children reading what was on the board

    It was discovered that the teachers and pupils of the school were not aware of the significance of the day.

    One of the instructors in the school, Mrs Nzeh Mabel said “Although this International day is not known to us, we however set aside December 3 which is the World disability day to celebrate these beautiful kids here.

    “We gather the disabled people and give them the opportunities to showcase their talents and gifts.”

    According to her, allowing them showcase their talents is done in order to let the society know that there is ability in every disability and also to make the disabled feel special, needed and involved in the society.

    Pointing out some challenges experienced by the deaf, Mabel stated that the community at large find it difficult understanding them.

    According to her, sign language is very important and every Nigerian should know it.

    “sign language is an international language that every Nigerians should know in order to break the barrier of isolation and misunderstanding which leads to aggressive acts.”

    “As the international day of sign language has been introduced, the government should train people even in banks and include it as a subject in school curriculum.

    “ Inclusion and equal participation in society require sign languages to be accessible, respected and supported, all of which are subsequently required to achieve any of the sustainable development goals and objectives established by United Nations.” Mabel stated

  • Buhari arrives New York ahead of UNGA73

    President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived New York ahead of the 73rd Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA73) which officially opened on Sept. 18.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president accompanied by his wife, Aisha, departed the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on Sunday morning and had arrived New York on Monday (Nigerian time) morning.

    The theme for this year’s Session is: “Making the United Nations relevant to all People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies.”

    A statement earlier issued in Abuja on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said the highpoint of Buhari’s participation would be his address on Tuesday to the General Assembly on the opening day of the General Debate.

    According to him, the President’s presentation of Nigeria’s National Statement is expected to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to international peace and security and sustainable socio-economic development.

    Read Also: Parties, observers, others take stock of Osun poll

    He said the presentation would also cover the areas of disarmament and denuclearisation, youth and women empowerment, climate change, rule of law and human rights, among others.

    The presidential aide said Buhari would particularly canvass international support for the fight against corruption, the return of illicit assets, counter-terrorism, insurgency and curbing irregular migration.

    He said the president would seek the support of the international community in efforts to re-settle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and recharging the receding Lake Chad.

    Adesina, who is the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said the president would also advocate for the reform of the United Nations, especially the expansion of the permanent membership of the Security Council to make the vital organ of the global organisation reflect regional and equitable geographical representation.

    He disclosed that the president and his wife, Aisha, would also attend a welcome reception hosted by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and his spouse for Heads of State and Government and their spouses.

    “The Nigerian leader and his delegation will participate in a High-Level meeting on the Fight against Tuberculosis, organised by the World Health Organisation as Nigeria currently ranks seventh amongst the high TB-burden countries globally, and second in Africa.

    “The Nigerian delegation is expected to attend the Mandela Peace Summit, which is a High-Level Meeting on Global Peace in honour of the centenary birth of the late South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela,’’ he revealed.

    According to Adesina, other side events lined up for the Nigerian delegation include a High-Level Meeting on financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Summit.

    Others are the Second Annual Bloomberg Global Business Forum, High-Level Meeting on Action for Peace-Keeping, Commemoration and Promotion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

    He said: “During the course of his stay in New York, in addition to the audience with the UN Secretary-General, the Nigerian President is also expected to have bilateral meetings with African and world leaders, including Bill Gates, to promote national and African interests.’’

    Adesina disclosed that the president would also grant audience to a select group of Nigerian professionals based in the United States.

  • Int’l Day of Peace: Obaseki sues for peaceful elections in Osun, others

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged political actors and their supporters in Osun State to shun acts capable of threatening the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial election holding in the state on Saturday, September 22.

    Obaseki made the call in commemoration of the International Day of Peace, marked every September 21, by the United Nations (UN) and its various organs.

    The governor said, “Political actors and their supporters in Osun State should eschew acts capable of threatening the peaceful conduct of the polls. This is the least anyone could ask for in such a contest.”

    He noted, “It is important for political actors to work together to engender peace before, during and after the elections. This must be the watchword in such a contest and I believe necessary measures have been put in place to ensure that the peaceful conduct of the election.”

    Read Also: FG hails Obaseki’s basic education reform

    Obaseki noted that as the country prepares for the 2019 polls, a non-violent approach to resolving disagreements must be adopted, stressing, “As political parties work towards the 2019 elections, and the campaigns build to a fever pitch, Nigerians would be better off with a non-violent approach to accommodating opposing political views. Conscious efforts must be made to avoid acts that threaten peaceful living which is the foundation of socio-economic development.”

    The governor commended the UN on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and for promoting peace across the globe, adding, “Our commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts has been demonstrated in resolving communal clashes and adherence to the rule of law. We have done this by passing and upholding laws that place everyone on the same level before the law no matter how highly placed they are in society. At the same time, we appreciate the role of the UN and civil rights groups who work in ensuring peace among humans.”

    According to the United Nations, the 2018 Theme for the International Day of Peace is: “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70,” which marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    The Universal Declaration states in Article 3 that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person. These elements according to the global body “build the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.”

  • IPOB accuses Swiss Embassy of frustrating Kanu’s family quest to justice

    The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Switzerland’s Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria of being used to frustrate moves by Kanu’s family to get justice.

    Recall that IPOB  accused the federal government of being behind the sudden disappearance of its leader and director of Radio Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu after the invasion of his father’s palace in Afaraukwu Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state on September 14, 2017 and has since gone to the International Court of Justice in Hague, Netherland to seek justice despite being outlawed by the Nigerian government.

    In a release by the group through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the pro-biafra group described the denial of younger Kanu visa by Switzerland as laughable stated that Prince Emmanuel Kanu was officially invited by the United Nations to Switzerland as part of their investigation of the September 14, 2017 incident in Umuahia and wondered why he was denied visa.

    According to Powerful, “The conduct of the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria is unbecoming of a civilized country, who by this action, appear to be collaborating with the Buhari regime in their persecution of Biafrans. IPOB will have no option than to regard it as an accessory to mass murder and promoter of human rights abuses in Africa.”

    “This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy between a member of staff of the Swiss embassy in Abuja and the Nigerian Government to deny United Nations investigators access to vital information and facts surrounding the murderous invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s compound by the Nigerian military

    “Instead of commending the UN for their intervention, the Swiss embassy instead chose to act out of character by appearing to support impunity and gross violations of the rights of the Kanu family to seek justice.

    “It should be pointed out to the Swiss embassy in Abuja that Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of our leader visited the United States of America recently on a two year multiple entry visa and returned to Nigeria.

    Read Also: Police warn IPOB against sit-at-home order

    “With all due respect, it is given that most people seeking to overstay their visa would rather prefer to do so in the US than Switzerland. Therefore the reasons given by the Kogi born employee at the Swiss embassy for refusing visa to the Kanu family is laughable.

    “We must also remind the Swiss embassy that IPOB women also in the past months attended a conference in Baltimore, Maryland USA and duly returned to their respective countries of abode after the event.

    “We are at a loss to understand why Swiss embassy chose this line of action when the lives of human beings are at stake. Is the Swiss government through their embassy in Abuja giving tacit support to abuse of human rights in Nigeria? Is Switzerland seeking to influence or impede the work of the United Nations? We the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) and it’s leadership worldwide note with grave sadness the role Swiss embassy in Abuja have elected to play in aiding and abating the unlawful disappearance of people in Nigeria by denying entry visa to Switzerland to members of Kanu family and other firsthand witness to the Nigerian army massacre of unarmed civilians at Nnamdi Kanu’s compound in Isiama Afaraukwu on 14 September 2017.

    “Should the Swiss government allow this travesty to subsist, IPOB will have no option than to regard it as an accessory to mass murder and promoter of human rights abuses in Africa,” the release read in part.

  • Obaseki extols S/South growing confidence in devt. framework

    …highlights Edo State’s gains from China summit

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has extolled the growing confidence of members of the South-South Cooperation framework in their ideals which include partnership on specified development goals.

    Obaseki gave the commendation on the occasion of the celebration of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, marked on September 12, each year.

    According to the governor, “member states share similar developmental aspirations and goals and it is heart-warming to see the renewed faith in the ideals of the south-south cooperation in our collective drive to unlock our growth potential.”

    He noted that “the recent deals with some Chinese investors at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), to develop the Benin Industrial Park, the Benin River Port, the modular refinery and a Chemical Engineering programme to be situated in a university in Edo State, demonstrate the scope of the South-South cooperation and the opportunities that lie within.”

    He charged member states to close ranks and leverage on the opportunities that lie within the union to change the narrative of countries, south of the equator to that of prosperity.

    Read Also: Obaseki lauds charitable bodies’ work in North East

    “We must see the large population of countries in the south as an opportunity and not a threat or burden. While some countries are looking for ways to address the challenges of an ageing population, we are blessed with a large army of young people that can lead the future if we equip them with in-demand industry skills.”

    Obaseki further harped on huge investment in research and development to address the peculiar health challenges, women’s issues and dearth in technical manpower in some of the member states.

    According to the United Nations, “South-South cooperation is a manifestation of solidarity among peoples and countries of the South that contributes to their national well-being, their national and collective self-reliance and the attainment of internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

    The UN explained that the cooperation is done through a broad framework of collaboration among countries of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and technical domains. Involving two or more developing countries, it can take place on a bilateral, regional, intra-regional or inter-regional basis. Developing countries share knowledge, skills, expertise and resources to meet their development goals through concerted efforts.”

    The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation celebrates the economic, social and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the south and highlights UN’s efforts to work on technical cooperation among developing countries.

  • UN human rights expert to assess trafficking in persons

    United Nations Special Rapporteur Maria Grazia Giammarinaro will assess the issue of trafficking in persons in Nigeria, during an official visit to the country, it was learnt.

    Giammarinara is elected to commence a one week visit to Nigeria from Monday.

    Read Also:200 APC members defect to PDP in Edo

    Ms. Giammarinaro will meet representatives of Government agencies, as well as UN officials and members of civil society organisations, especially those working in the field of prevention and victim support, during her visit to Abuja, Lagos and Benin City.

    Findings from the country visit and recommendations will be included in an official report to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2019.

    The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

    Speaking on the visit, Ms. Giammarinaro said, “My visit is an opportunity to meet with relevant stakeholders to discuss various forms and manifestations of trafficking in persons and key human rights concerns and challenges, as well as progress made, in addressing trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual, labour or any other form of exploitation.

    “Particular attention will be paid to key issues and challenges in the implementation of international and legal frameworks on trafficking in persons, especially women and children. During the visit, we will also examine measures taken or to be taken in terms of prevention of trafficking in persons, identification and protection of victims, prosecution and punishment of perpetrators as well as access to justice and social inclusion for survivors.”

     

  • Abstain from cultism, drug abuse, Ambode’s wife tells students

    Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode on Tuesday appealed to students to abstain from cultism, drug abuse and other career-ruining ventures, stressing that no excuse could justify indulgence in social vices.

    Mrs. Ambode, who made the appeal in her keynote address at the second Distinguished Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo, identified social vices as the bane of proper youth development in the country, urging them to resist the temptation to engage in social vices as they will only ruin their future.

    According to her, “No matter the peer pressure, emotional challenge or psychological issues you may be facing, I urge you to say no to drugs, cultism and other vices. One moment of indiscretion is enough to ruin a life. Your lives will not be ruined”.

    She urged them to make best use of the knowledge gained today, for their self-development tomorrow.

    Mrs. Ambode, an alumna of LASU, rated students of the University very high, describing them as some of the best, capable of holding their own anywhere in the world.

    Mrs. Ambode filled with nostalgia, recalled her student days when “I walked the same road as you do, eat at the same joints as you eat, attended lectures in some of those classes that you use today; I am a proud alumna of this great institution”.

    She reflected that the founding fathers of the school had a vision of academic distinction for all students that would pass through it, hence the robust academic agenda and phenomenal rise of the institution, when compared to its peers around the country.

    She said because of the quality of education in that institution, many products of the school had gained global recognition and doing very well in coveted professions around the world.

    Read Also: Prisons congestion: I’m very concerned -Ambode

    Encouraging the students she said, “I can see seated before me this morning future presidents, governors, captains of industry, great researchers and accomplished technocrats.

    “The Lagos State Government in conjunction with our University has given you the platform to challenge yourselves to face the future, by offering you practical classes through the ‘Ready Set Work’ initiative, and series of lectures and programmes like we are having today,” she said.

    She commended the university authorities for the establishment of a Career Development Centre, for continuous improvement of LASU graduates, for professional efficiency and effectiveness.

    In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun reeled out several scholastic and professional achievements recorded by the institution, through outstandingly brilliant male and female students, who have continued to make waves locally, continentally and globally.

    He noted with pride, that the United Nations had just chosen a cohort of millennium fellows from the University, to support its Sustainable Development Goals.

    Other such exploits according to him, included an on-going exchange programme with Indiana University, USA, among other inspiring achievements.

    Prof. Fagbohun stressed that the Centre for Career Development was established to entrench the potential of students, with a vision to chart career pathways and produce employable and marketable graduates, for national and global relevance.

    Guest speakers, Joke Silva, Segun Arinze and Mrs. Dan-Faparusi Ogugua Enitan, unanimously counseled the students to adopt the five Ds of Desire, Determination, Diligence, Dedication and Discipline, in their pursuit of career success, adding that they should get rid of fear and be prepared to start small.

  • UN says global conflicts has displace 65 Million People

    …26, 000 killed in the Northeast Nigeria

    The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon on Friday said global conflicts and violence have caused the displacement of 65 million people, just as he informed that over 26,000 people have been killed in Northeast Nigeria.

    Kallon disclosed this in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital at a courtesy visit to Gov. Kashim Shettima to mark World Humanitarian Day (WHD) at the Government House.

    The WHD he said was set aside by the United Nations to express solidarity with people affected by humanitarian crises and pay tribute to workers that helped victims of conflict and violence.

    His words: “This year’s commemoration marks the 15th Anniversary since the attack on the United Nations in Baghdad, Iraq in which 22 of our colleagues were killed.

    “Since that tragedy, which led to this day’s designation as WHD; over 4,000 humanitarians aid workers have been killed, injured, detained or kidnapped.”

    He noted that global conflicts, including Boko Haram insurgency in

    Northeast Nigeria kills an average of 300 people each year, adding that, “Globally, conflicts are forcing record numbers of people from their homes, with the displacement of over 65 million.

    “Children are recruited by armed groups and used to fight, while women are also abused and humiliated.”

    Mr. Kallon regretted that in as much as  humanitarian workers deliver aid , medical supplies and sucor  for those in need, they are however;  either targeted or treated as threats.

    He said in Northeast region, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict that leding to widespread forced displacement, abuse and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law including sexual and gender-based violence on a daily basis.

    Mr. Kallon also condemned the abduction of thousands of women and girls just as children continue to be used on regular basis as so called “suicide” bombers.

    Continuing, he added: “Thousands of families have been forced to flee their villages and communities in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

    Read Also: 68.5m people displaced globally – UNHCR

    “Aid and medical workers, who care for people affected by the violence, suffer the consequences of insecurity.”

    Speaking on conflict’s abduction and death tolls, Kallon said: “Three aid workers were killed and three abducted in March this year in Rann; an aid worker was killed in Ngala in May. A member of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was killed in Damasak just last week.”

    While condemning the killings and abduction of aid workers, he urged the parties to the conflict to enable the work of humanitarian workers free from undue threats and loss of lives.

    According to him, “This will facilitate their access to people in need, and in line with International Humanitarian Law”.

    The UN chief called on the immediate and unconditional release of the aid workers, who have been abducted.

    “I call on Nigerian leaders to do everything in their power to protect the people caught up in conflict,” adding that those who are concerned are to join the UN at worldhumanitarianday.org to show that civilians are #NotATarget.

    “Together, we stand with the Government of Nigeria, in solidarity with civilians in conflict, and with the humanitarian workers who risk their lives to help them”, he said.

    Governor Kashim Shettima in a short remark said that 1.5 million people have been displaced due to the Boko Haram crisis in the last nine years.

    Governor Shettima also informed that out of the figure of the displaced people , 164,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have returned to their liberated communities in Mobbar, Dikwa, Gwoza, Ngala, Konduga, Bama, Damboa, Mafa and Askira/Uba councils.

    He however regretted that Abadam and Marte council areas are not secured enough for IDPs return to their communities because they are still vulnerable to Boko elements that were recently pushed by the military drom the Lake Chad Basin.

    Governor Shettima was however optimistic that the situation will be better soon.

  • Mandela day: Africa needs incorruptible leaders, says Ishola-Williams

    African needs more incorruptible leaders in the mould of former South African President the late Nelson Mandela, according to Major-General Olasehinde Ishola-Williams (rtd).

    He said the late Mandela was unique as a leader, and that Africa lacks his type.

    “Our African leaders are not only corruptible, but they are greedy,” he said.

    Ishola-Williams, former Transparency International (TI) Nigerian chapter president, spoke at the Freedom Park in Lagos at an event to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day.

    The Mandela Day is celebrated every July 18, Mandela’s birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations (UN) in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held in 2010.

    The year’s event marks the centenary (100 years) of Mandela’s birth.

    Ishola-Williams, who chaired the event, said Mandela set an example for African leaders by not seeking tenure elongation.

    “It’s difficult to copy Mandela. I’ve not seen any African leader able to do that, to leave when the ovation is loudest,” he said.

    He said Mandela never forgot the role Nigeria played in the apartheid struggle, adding that he truly sacrificed himself for his people.

    Ishola-Williams regretted that not enough was being done to stop the endless killing of Nigerians in South Africa.

    “Nigerians are being killed in South Africa intermittently. We need to so something about that.

    “Nigeria and South Africa need to work together, and create regular dialogue so that we can understand each other.

    “We’ve got to think innovatively and find solutions. South Africa and Nigeria need to provide leadership to Africa,” he said.

    Read Also: Registrar bags 2018 Nelson Mandela Award

    The former military chief called for equity and stability in Africa, saying that peace and equality would be unrealistic.

    “Let us replace peace with stability, and equality with equity,” he said.

    He urged the new generation of South Africans to build on Mandela’s legacy.

    A member of the Nigerian Fact Finding Team to South Africa in 1991, Dr Femi Badejo, said the late Mandela was very humble.

    He recalled that he first met the former South African president in a general restroom in his office.

    “Mandela didn’t have a special toilet attached to his office. He used the general toilet,” recalled Badejo.

    The former diplomat, academic and lawyer added that Africa needed more “Mandela-type leaders”.

    Former Nigerian ambassador to Ethiopia, Olusegun Akinsanya, said the late Mandela stood for peace and social justice.

    He urged leaders and youths to emulate the late Mandela’s anti-corruption stance.

    United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos Director Donald Ronald Kayanja, who represented UN Secretary-General António Guterres, hailed the late Mandela who he said spent his life fighting for his country’s freedom.

    “We may be few here, but we’re joining millions of people who are marking this day,” he said.