News
Victim Support Fund Donates 60,000 Covid-19 Test Kits To NYSC
The Victim Support Fund has donated a total of sixty-thousand test kits to the National Youth Service Corps in response to combatting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
While making the donation during the Presidential Steering Committee Press Briefing on COVID-19, the Chairperson, Victim Support Fund COVID-19 Task Force, Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji said the donation was the single largest donation of rapid test kits to the NYSC, which would be used during its forthcoming Orientation Course.
She commended the Federal Government, the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, the NCDC and NYSC Director-General for their tireless efforts in tackling the dreaded virus.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of VSF, Gen TY Danjuma, Akerele-Ogunsiji said NYSC is the most crucial component of the country with high population density.
She added that there was the need to deploy full medical support to reduce COVID-19 mortality rate among Nigerians.
“We will continue to support the Government to reduce community transmission of the pandemic across the country”, she said.
While receiving the items, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim appreciated the Federal Government, Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and the NCDC for supporting the NYSC Scheme.
“On behalf of the Management, Staff and Corps Members nationwide, l want to thank you immensely for this gesture and l also want to place on record again by thanking the Presidential Task Force and the NCDC for the wonderful job they are doing for the country”, the DG said.
The Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha appealed to Nigerians to assist the Committee to build on the successes recorded in the fight against the pandemic for the benefit of all.
He tasked NYSC Management to make judicious use of the items, while he urged other organizations in the country to support the Presidential Steering Committee in combatting the spread of Coronavirus in the country.
Mustapha, who stated that the virus is still in the country urged Nigerians to adhere to all the COVID-19 safety protocols.
“We will continue to ensure the prevention of the spread of different variants of COVID-19 in the country”, he added.
Foreign news
Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration
By Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.
Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.
“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”
The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.
“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.
“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.
“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”
He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.
“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”
Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.
“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”
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