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VON Pledges Partnership With WAANSA Against Proliferation Of Small Arms

Published

3 months ago

September 22, 2024

By Uche Onyeali

Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, VON, Mallam Jibrin Ndace has promised that the organisation would partner the West African Action Network on Small Arms, WAANSA, in the fight against the proliferation of small arms in the sub-region.

Mallam Ndace made the pledge at an event to mark the 2024 United Nations Day of Peace, organised by West African Action Network on Small Arms, WAANSA, held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja, at the weekend.

The director-general, who was represented by Mallam Aliyu Othman, noted that the issue of small arms and light weapons remains a great concern that requires immediate action.
He commended WAANSA and its partners for working towards peace in West Africa through its efforts to discourage illegal arms proliferation in the sub-region.

“It is commendable that WAANSA and other partners, CSOs and governments across the region have continued to work towards peace by facing the problems of small arms headon in the region.

“VON under the leadership of Mallam Ndace is ready to partner WAANSA to achieve its objectives in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in West Africa and beyond.

“VON broadcasts in eight languages to the world; English, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulfulde and Hausa, thereby providing the rare opportunity to WAANSA to mobilise and promote its key objectives of striving for human security.

“Partnering VON will provide access to the 16-member organisations of WAANSA to continue to unite against gun violence, counter the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, and control their negative consequences for the desired peace in the region, Africa and the world,” Ndace said.

In his welcome address, the Regional First Vice President of WAANSA, Martin Igwe appealed to President Bola Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to honour the chairman of the occasion, Sheik Abdullahi Lau, with a prestigious ECOWAS International Peace Award, because of his intervention in Niger Republic at the time of military takeover in that country.

Igwe, had in a letter written to President Tinubu earlier, noted that recognising Sheik Lau could motivate others to rise up for national and regional peace.

He also appealed to state and regional political actors to invest in education, women and youth empowerment and allow free and fair election.

Igwe urged politicians to work in unism towards eliminating threats of insecurity in the sub-region with proactive policies capable of changing the present ugly narratives.
While congratulating the awardees at the event, the regional vice president encouraged them to do more in their various endeavours, adding that “to whom more is given, more is expected.”

Highlights of the event were the recognition of some dignitaries, including Sheik Lau, Dr Jumai Amodu, Igbokwe Foundation, Dr Jumoke Eniola Aborode, for their efforts in peace building and humanitarian endeavours.

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Minister of Works, Umahi Preach Love, Peace, Unity At Christma

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, has urged Nigerians to reflect on their personal devotions to the cause of the nation and the gains of fostering stronger bonds and positive memories in interpersonal relationships as Christians celebrate Christmas.

In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday in Abuja, Wednesday morning, Umahi said Nigeria deserves nothing less than the commitment of love and devotion to the tenets of peace and progress from all citizens.

He said: “On this momentous occasion of Christmas Day celebration, I am heartily and profoundly delighted to felicitate and share with Nigerians the great joy that the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ heralds and the hope of everlasting salvation it brings to mankind.

“Indeed, this Christian festival offers us a memorable opportunity to reflect on the need to renew our attitude to gratitude to God our Maker, through our unflinching love for one another, boundless generosity to our neighbours and selfless service to humanity, which are divine values required to make the world a better place.

“In a moment like this, we are expected to reflect on our personal devotions to the cause of the nation and the gains of fostering stronger bonds and positive memories in our interpersonal relationships.

“Our nation, Nigeria, deserves nothing less than the commitment of love for our country and devotion to the tenets of peace and progress from all citizens. The Renewed Hope administration has made record-breaking marks in improving public service delivery and refixing governance framework that will stimulate economic growth and national development.

“The private sector window is being created, and the enabling infrastructure is taking shape. Our road infrastructure delivery is being enhanced nationwide to support the growth of our economy. All we need is a reciprocation of faith, hope, solidarity, loyalty, and love for our nation.

“As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and its significance to our nationhood, I particularly send my warm greetings to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and I commend him highly for his profound leadership stewardship that is making the desired difference in our development trajectory.

“Let me publicly recognize the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works, who have been exceptionally wonderful in driving the Renewed Hope agenda in the works sector. Together, a nation of peace and prosperity shall be achieved.”

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