Connect with us

General News

Yelewata Killings: EU, UNICEF Pledges More Humanitarian Support for Benue IDPs

Published

on

Share

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The European Union(EU) in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund(UNICEF), on Tuesday, pledged to further provide humanitarian support to aid the safe return of the displaced persons from Yelewata and other communities attacked by suspected armed herdsmen in the state.

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after interacting with the displaced persons from Yelewata community at the Ultramodern international temporary IDP’s Camp in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

He said they were in the state to meet and work with the state authorities to see how they can contribute to peace building and development support to the state policies that would guarantee lasting peace and return of IDPs to their ancestral homes.

Ambassador Mignot, who led the partners to the state, said they were in the state to meet with men and women who were displaced from Yelwata and other communities who suffered the attack on Friday, June 13, 2025.

“We felt that it was necessary to come and meet them and express our support, sympathy, and solidarity and listen to their testimonies,” he said.

“We will have meetings with the state authorities to see how we can contribute to peacebuilding in Benue State and give development support to the state policies. We have addressed and listened to victims

“We will launch a programme on social protection in Benue State. This is something that was already planned for some time, but it came, I think, at the right moment to express our support to state authorities and the population of all communities that have been victims of attack and of violence.

“As the European Union, we know that peace is only lasting when it is built on dialogue and mutual understanding between communities.

“Our Union was based on the ashes of two cruel world wars between our member states. And when we came together, united, that’s where we could thrive and prosper, and believe in peace.

“So this is the future that we hope for also for the population in Benue State. If we can bring our modest contribution, we will do this,” Migot stated.

Speaking, UNICEF Country Director, Cristian Munduate, expressed sincere condolences to Benue State and all the people who were affected by the attack.

She maintained that UNICEF team has been assessing along with UNHCR, IOM, and other UN agencies who are here, to give support and would continue to support the well being of the IDPs.

“For us, it’s all the lives that were lost, mainly the children, who we lost. There are many children, as well, who are still in different facilities recovering from this attack.

“What we heard today from the meeting we just had is that the people want to return to their communities.

“They want to move ahead; they want to still work on their farms, their land. They want their children to be at school, and this is very commendable because the easy way would be to all stay in a camp and here, maybe, our life will be solved.

“And now, they want to go back. They want to continue working; this is highly about them. So, we will come with a joint response from the UN and, hopefully, with the partnership of the European Union.

“As for UNICEF, because of all the destruction in the community, we will see how we can support the primary health facility there. We will need to see the condition of the school; we need to check the water sources to see how they are functioning. We will support their return to their community.”

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, commended the European Union for the support render to State so far, stating that the organisation has been on the ground since the citizens were evacuated for some succour.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, noted the readiness of the IDPs to go back to their communities.

“It shows their bravery that they are not giving up their ancestral lands. What the government will do, in all its power, is to ensure that they can go back to their communities.

“During the chat with them, they say they would rather be taught to fish so that they can fish by themselves. They don’t want hand-me-downs that are being given to them in the camp. So, the government will do all it takes to ensure that they can return safely to their ancestral homes to continue with their farms.”

He said it was disheartening that they were displaced at the peak of a farming season when they have crops in their farms, expressing gratitude to all the partners for the psychosocial support the victims are receiving at the camp.

“You can imagine a woman losing all family members. I appreciate the psychosocial support they are getting here, and to an extent, it is good for them

“We are here to meet with men and women who were displaced from Yelwata and other communities who suffered the attacks on the 13th of June. We felt that it was necessary to come and meet them and expressed our support, sympathy and solidarity and listen to their testimonies”, Alia stated.

General News

Otu Receives New Charts for Bakassi Deep Seaport

Published

on

Share

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Cross River State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its quest to transform the state into a maritime hub with the official presentation of the Hydrographic, Geotechnical, geophysical Report and New Navigational Chart for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project.

Out, who spoke at a formal ceremony held in the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, described the event as a “historic milestone” that not only affirms Nigeria’s maritime boundaries but also sets the stage for an economic revolution across the Gulf of Guinea.

“This is truly a historic day, not just for Cross River State but for the entire country,” Governor Otu said.

“What we have achieved today replaces charts dating back to 1903 and settles long-standing debates about Cross River’s status as a littoral state. This chart clearly affirms our coastal status.”

Otu emphasized that the updated maritime chart now aligns with S-100 international standards, positioning Cross River for deepwater commerce and international shipping operations.

“When we connect this with the ongoing coastal highway, we’re looking at a completely different city,” he said. “The economic potential is enormous.”

Otu acknowledged the foundational work of former NDDC Chairman Professor Eyo Etim Nyong, describing the seaport project as a dream revived and revitalized.

“We picked up this dream where the former governor, Professor Ben Ayade left off. Public funds had been committed, and we could not allow it to die. Today is another giant step toward its full realization,” he said.

With the technical phase complete and the report formally presented, Governor Otu disclosed that the project now awaits a final seal of approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“Once we get that FEC seal, work starts almost immediately,” he assured. “Cross River is ready, and this project is not just for us, it is for Nigeria and for West Africa.”

The presentation was led by Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, alongside senior naval officers including the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Rear Admiral Anyo Olokunle.

Rear Admiral Olugbode described the report as the culmination of an intensive multi-year effort, beginning with a formal flag-off on December 21, 2024, and followed by rigorous data acquisition starting January 6, 2025. The survey, he said, covered hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical dimensions, all aimed at ensuring safety, precision, and international compliance.

“This is more than just a technical report. It is the bedrock for constructing and operating the Bakassi Deep Seaport,” he said. “It provides essential data for engineering design, dredging, breakwater construction, and navigation safety.”

He added that the data would boost investor confidence, enable effective ocean governance, and contribute to global initiatives such as Seabed 2030, a project that aims to map the entire seafloor of the world by 2030.

Olugbode also praised the Cross River State Government for its unwavering support.

“Your Excellency, your administration’s commitment and facilitation of logistics created an enabling environment for the success of this complex operation,” he noted.

The Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to catalyze investments in shipping, logistics, trade and tourism, while creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.

Continue Reading

General News

Tinubu on  Visit, Approves  Diplomatic Relations between Nigeria, Saint Lucia

Published

on

Share

By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between us.

Tinubu stated this while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

The President proposed creating a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement as a mechanism for structured cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Tinubu also announced that he would offer full scholarships to students from the OECS to promote cultural understanding, further strengthening the bond between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean states.

The Nigerian leader, who delivered his address in the presence of leaders from the OECS, emphasised the deep historical and cultural bonds between Nigeria and the OECS and called for greater people-to-people engagement.

The leaders of Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the Premier of Montserrat, Saint Martin and Saint Vincent were in the audience.

Tinubu declared Nigeria’s openness to visa waivers for OECS diplomatic and official passport holders and urged reciprocal gestures to facilitate smoother official travel and closer institutional cooperation.

Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman was quoted as saying: “I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation.”

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with OECS and Caribbean nations, anchored in shared African heritage and Pan-African ideals.

On economic diplomacy and trade, President Tinubu offered OECS access to Africa’s largest market and called for joint ventures and deeper commercial ties.

He advocated enhanced trade and investment partnerships, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and services that would position Nigeria as a supplier and destination for OECS exports.

Tinubu proposed a maritime university collaboration and extended Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS countries.

He emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to provide skilled education, healthcare, and engineering professionals to support regional capacity-building.

Recognising the existential climate threats facing small island states, Tinubu called for joint research on adaptation strategies, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and climate-induced migration.

Reiterating Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, Tinubu emphasised the cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and the diaspora, as well as its enduring role in global Black solidarity.

While calling for unity, Tinubu quoted Marcus Garvey and an African proverb.

 “Likewise, an African proverb teaches us: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage,” he said.

Continue Reading

General News

Group Commends Matawalle for Zamfara Cargo Airport Vision

Published

on

Share

By David Torough, Abuja 

A Zamfara-based civil society group has hailed the former Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for his foresight in initiating the Zamfara Cargo Airport project.

The Zamfara Good Governance Group (ZGG), in a statement issued on Monday, praised Matawalle’s leadership, describing the cargo airport as a “strategic and transformative initiative” aimed at unlocking the state’s economic potential.

Chairman of the group, Aminu Kabiru Tsafe, said the airport project was designed to attract foreign direct investment into critical sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.

“Dr Matawalle awarded the project at N11.8 billion, with N7 billion already paid,and the construction has reached 60 percent completion before he left office, showcasing his fiscal discipline and developmental drive,” Tsafe said.

He noted that the former governor’s broader vision was to position Zamfara as an economic hub, capable of creating job opportunities and lifting residents out of poverty.

ZGG also commended Matawalle’s security achievements, stating that his administration rescued over 1,200 kidnapped victims and recovered significant weaponry, all with limited resources.

However, the group expressed concern over the revocation and re-award of the cargo airport contract by the current administration under Governor Dauda Lawal.

Tsafe accused Governor Lawal of inflating the project cost to N62.9 billion, and further to N90 billion in a revised budget, calling the move “unjustifiable and wasteful.

“It is important to remind the people of Zamfara and Nigerians that this is the same Dauda who, when coming into office, promised the people heaven and earth. He vowed not to touch the government’s coffers.

“But how come he inflated a project that was initially awarded at the cost of ₦11.8 billion to ₦60 billion? And that wasn’t enough—another variation of ₦30 billion has now brought the total to ₦90 billion.

“It is now left for the people to judge between Dr Matawalle and Dauda Lawal—who truly has the people’s interest at heart? Even an international airport would not require such a huge budget.

“Dauda clearly does not have the interest of Zamfara people at heart. We must tell ourselves the truth.”

He also remind the public that Lawal had promised the airport would be used for Hajj in 2023, a pledge that was never fulfilled.

ZGG criticised what it called Governor Lawal’s failure to build on the foundation laid by Matawalle, despite receiving significantly higher monthly allocations than his predecessor.

“Zamfara deserves better. We call for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources,” the group said.

The statement concluded by urging citizens to recognise and uphold the legacy of Dr Matawalle while demanding better performance from the current government.

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS48 minutes ago

Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make...

Foreign News6 hours ago

Zelensky Announces New Draft Law on Anti-corruption Bodies after Protests

ShareUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture6 hours ago

Spotify Spotlights Fola, Thakzin as Africa’s Next Music Icons

ShareSpotify has announced Nigerian Afrobeats talent, Fola and South African Afro House DJ and producer, Thakzin, as part of its...

NEWS6 hours ago

Why I Quit Banking for Music – CDQ

ShareNigerian rapper CDQ has revealed that he left a stable banking job to pursue his true passion, music. In an...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture6 hours ago

Popular Chinese Singer Executed by Firing Squad over Murder of Girlfriend

SharePopular Chinese actor and singer, Zhang Yiyang has been executed for the murder of his underage girlfriend. Zhang Yiyang became...

NEWS7 hours ago

Aba state: Stop Attacking Ikonne’s Patriotic Call, Analyst Warns Gov Otti

Share… Says EX-NALDA Boss Means Well, Patriotic By Mike Odiakose, Abuja A researcher and political analyst based in Abia state,...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture7 hours ago

Why Igbo Men Struggle in Politics – Pete Edochie

ShareVeteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has stirred controversy with a bold statement about Igbo politicians, claiming they are not adept...

NEWS7 hours ago

TRANSCORP Hotels PLC Reports Strong Performance ,Delivers N1.024BN Interim Dividend

ShareTranscorp Hotels Plc (“Transcorp Hotels” or the “Company”) (NGX: TRANSCOHOT), the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp Group”), has...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture8 hours ago

Wizkid Becomes First African Artiste to Hit Nine Billion Streams on Spotify

ShareNigerian singer, Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid, has surpassed nine billion streams across all credits on Spotify. He became the first...

NEWS8 hours ago

APC more organized than Opposition parties –  Ex- Presidential aide Akande 

ShareBy James Samuel Abuja  The former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress remains structurally...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc