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African ambassadors extol Nigeria for deepening relations with China

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Amb. Martin Mpana, Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors and Ambassador of Cameroon to China, has extolled Nigeria’s leading role in deepening diplomatic relations among Africans.

Mpana said this while commending Amb. Baba Ahmad Jidda, Ambassador of Nigeria to China, for the initiative to host all new African Ambassadors and their spouses at the Nigerian embassy in Beijing.

He said, ”You did well not just to have invited our spouses, but outstanding figures among us to gather together.

“Thank you because you filled the gaps we had since November, 2021; after FOCAC many colleagues left and the African group did not do much formally in the meantime.

“Many colleagues assumed duties but that is not enough, we can do better, in fact the African group thought it could organise cocktails to welcome newcomers and bid farewell to those departing.

“The situation has changed since the outbreak of COVID-19, because nobody can predict what he can do tomorrow or day after; meetings in Beijing are sometimes prohibited and travel is not always possible.

“In those circumstances, to call for a meeting with 54 full members, even with their spouses to be in the same hall, sometimes poses difficulties, because of the need for authorisation from Beijing Municipal Government.

“So, understand that we can not perform the ways we wished, this is not the time we are doing it and we are happy Nigeria could offer its structure to host all meetings of Ambassadors and their spouses.” he said.

The dean described the group to be a pan-African family that works, interacts and often meets in Beijing.

He urged the diplomats to do their best professionally and take advantage of their duty to work closely for the benefit of Africa.

Jidda, the host, said the event was a collective dinner for the new ambassadors and their spouses and to welcome them into the African family in Beijing.

Jidda said, “This event is in honour of our new ambassadors and their spouses; it also happens to be the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, so we celebrate with the people of China.

“Moreover, Sept. 10 was the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the African Union (AU), so it is a three-in-one event.

“The presence of spouses is not by accident; African diplomat spouses have ways of choosing their leaders yearly and my wife is the president of Wives of Ambassadors’ Spouses in Beijing.

“Therefore, we cannot do anything like family reception without the presence of our spouses,” he said.

In his remark, Mr Rahamtalla Osman, the Ambassador of AU, urged the participants to abide by the group’s collective decision to hoist the national flag and AU’s flag at their diplomatic premises.

“We should abide by the decision for our interest; we did not celebrate the AU Day because we have only one day designed for that, which is May 25 of every year.

“All our countries in Africa celebrate the African Day, because that is when the original organisation started, which was Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU).

“The AU is just a by-product of that organisation, which had been for a long time; so in September we commemorate the day by issuing statements that summarise our achievements,” Osman said.

The envoy mentioned implementation of decade of Agenda 2063 Agreement in 2023 to be notable achievement so far recorded, amidst COVID-19 pandemic, saying more could be done.

In another remark, Mr Siddharth Chatterjee, Coordinator of the United Nations Development System, assured to support programme initiatives towards infrastructure development in Africa.

“Count on me and the whole UN Country team to be of full support to you; as you start discussion, think of ways to attract more private-sector investments to be driven towards your countries.

“Those are initiatives we have already started to embark on; I will continue to host separate Africa-based fora like the one we did with the African Ambassadors Group for implementation.

“We will fully be there to support you with every possibility, so you count on that,” Chatterjee said.

On his part, Mr Ibrahim Sory Sylla, Co-Chairman of FOCAC and Ambassador of Senegal, who spoke on behalf of the new ambassadors commended Jidda for his fatherly role in the country.

“On behalf of the new ambassadors, I express appreciation to you; this is an added value for us in China, a country amazing in terms of positive perspectives for Africa.

“In terms of visibility of Africa, I think we are in a country that is willing to cooperate with us; we must stay and act together, whatever we do, we do it together and that is what we believe.

“We did a lot at the level of Africa, we can move forward if you want to deal with issues regarding development of Africa,” Sylla said.

The event attracted Amb. Mbelwa Kairuki and spouse, Ambassador of Tanzania, Amb. Isabel Domingos, Ambassador of Sao Tome and Principe, Amb. Winfred Hammond and spouse, Ambassador of Ghana.

Amb. Hassane Rabehi and spouse, Ambassador of Algeria, Amb. Garba Seyni and spouse, Ambassador of Niger, Amb. Mary Gichohi, Ambassador of Kenya.

Others were: Amb. Oliver Wonekha, Ambassador of Uganda, Amb. Monday Kumba, Ambassador of South Sudan and Amb. Adjagba Tchabode and spouse, Charge d’ Affaires of Togo.

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RUN Set to Mobilize Millions of Youth for Tinubu/Akpabio Ahead of 2027

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Following the conclusion of party primaries, Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) as a civil society group championing the cause of all youths and middle age citizens has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory in the presidential primaries recently held.

RUN also congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio for emerging unopposed and the wild jubilation that greeted his victory as the Senator representing his constituency, the good people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.

In a press release signed by Amb. Solomon Adodo and made available to journalists, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group described the win of the duo as beam of hope for Nigeria beyond 2027.

According to him, “the win of Asiwaju and Akpabio signals a beam of hope for Nigeria that beyond 2027, we shall be consolidating on the gains of synergetic partnership between the legislature and the executive as a precursor for rapid development.

“The support extended to Mr. President by the Senate President has yielded significant strides in fasttracking development across all parameters that affect national productivity”

The group therefore called on all Nigerians to come out in their numbers to support the president while outlining series programs with potentials to foster national unity across regional and religious lines.

“As a group representing the interests of Nigeria youths, we are determined to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President towards improving the skill set of Nigeria youths towards increased productivity and an end to unemployment”, the release stated.

The group expressed confidence in the possibility of a new Nigeria of our dreams with the victories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio who will definitely be handed a second term as the Senate President “to continue synergizing with Mr. President for a better Nigeria”.

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HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI

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The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.

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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE

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The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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