Foreign news
Algeria Celebrates 71 Years of Freedom in Abuja with Style, Showcasing Its Success Stories
Joel Ajayi
Algeria’s 71st National Day was celebrated in Abuja with colour, pride, and diplomatic elegance, as the Algerian Embassy hosted dignitaries, government officials, and members of the diplomatic community to mark the anniversary of the historic 1954 National Liberation Revolution.
Speaking at the event, the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, described the day as a moment of deep pride for Algerians worldwide.
He recalled that the November Revolution marked the beginning of a courageous struggle that led to independence in 1962 after 132 years of colonial occupation and the sacrifice of more than five million martyrs.
According to the Ambassador, the Revolution remains “an inexhaustible source of pride and patriotism for the entire Algerian people, guiding their path towards development and well-being.”
Ambassador Mezoued outlined Algeria’s accomplishments since independence, noting major investments in human, economic, social, and environmental development. He stated that Algeria is currently Africa’s third-largest economy, with a GDP of nearly US$300 billion, and projections to reach US$400 billion by 2027.
He further emphasized Algeria’s strong commitment to social welfare, which guarantees free access to education, healthcare, and decent housing for all its citizens.
The Ambassador praised the growing bilateral cooperation between Algeria and Nigeria, describing 2025 as a year marked by significant diplomatic and economic milestones. He highlighted deeper collaboration in diplomacy, parliamentary exchange, energy, and trade.
A major step in parliamentary cooperation was the visit of a high-level Nigerian delegation to Algeria last October, led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented during the Abuja celebrations by Hon. Abubakar Babazango, Chairman of the Nigeria–Algeria Parliamentary Friendship Group.
In the economic sector, he noted fruitful engagements between SONATRACH and NNPC Limited, and the advancement of three key strategic projects. He also announced that Air Algérie commenced direct flights from Algiers to Abuja in April 2025, boosting economic and cultural ties.
Algeria continues to support human-capacity development in Nigeria through scholarships in higher education, vocational training, and religious studies, 270 scholarships during the academic year 2025-2026
The Ambassador also highlighted the success of the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) hosted in Algiers in September, which saw strong participation from Nigerian businesses exploring opportunities in Algeria’s agro-food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and home appliance sectors. Several trade agreements were signed, opening new commercial prospects between both countries.
In his remarked, the Speaker, House of Representatives Federal Republic of Nigeria Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented at the occasion by Chairman, Nigeria Algeria Parliamentary Friendship Group Committee HON. ABUBAKAR BABAZANGO praised the resilience and sacrifice of the Algerian people, describing the Independence anniversary as a symbol of hope across Africa.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with Algeria, particularly through the Parliamentary Friendship Group, and emphasized cooperation in trade, energy, education, and cultural exchange.
He extended warm greetings to the President and people of Algeria, expressing hope that the friendship between both nations would continue to flourish in unity, progress, and shared prosperity.
Foreign news
VON Forum 2026: NTAC DG Yusuf Buba Yakub Highlights Role of Technical Aid Corps in Strengthening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS
…Says Democratic Stability Thrives on an Educated and Skilled Population
Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reaffirmed the strong link between democratic stability and the presence of an educated and skilled population.
In a statement signed by the Head, Information & Public RelationsNigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi reveals that the DG made this known during the 2026 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum held on Thursday in Abuja, as part of activities marking the 51st anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The NTAC DG commended the foresight of African leaders, particularly General Yakubu Gowon, whose leadership led to the establishment of ECOWAS through the Lagos Accord.
He also applauded the Voice of Nigeria for sustaining the annual forum, describing it as a strategic platform for policy dialogue and regional reflection.
In his goodwill message—delivered on his behalf by his Media Assistant, Nkem Anyatta-Lafia —the DG noted that the theme of this year’s forum, “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” aligns closely with NTAC’s mandate of promoting education, empowerment, and skills transfer across ECOWAS member states and beyond.
“It is a profound honour to stand before this distinguished assembly of thinkers, policymakers, and patriots as we reflect on a milestone that is as much about our shared history as it is about our collective future,” he stated.“For over five decades—nearly four of which NTAC has been in existence—Nigeria has played a leading role in the sub-region, not only through economic and military support but also through the strategic deployment of soft power and human capital development.”
The DG emphasized that democratic stability goes beyond the conduct of elections, stressing that it is rooted in strong institutions, a healthy populace, and an educated workforce.
“For nearly 40 years, NTAC Volunteers—comprising doctors, engineers, teachers, and legal professionals—have advanced these ideals across Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. They serve as Nigeria’s peace ambassadors, strengthening the social and technical foundations of partner nations.”
He further noted that poverty and lack of technical expertise often contribute to political instability, adding that NTAC’s interventions help build resilience and sustain democratic governance across beneficiary countries.
Highlighting the Corps’ achievements, the DG disclosed that over 11,000 Nigerian professionals have been deployed to more than 40 countries worldwide over the past four decades, contributing significantly to development efforts in line with the Federal Government’s 4-D Foreign Policy thrust—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
“This is the mandate NTAC continues to pursue in strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships and reinforcing its leadership role in Africa and beyond,” he added.
He concluded by commending VON for its commitment to fostering dialogue on regional progress and urged stakeholders to sustain collaborative efforts in addressing emerging challenges to democracy in the sub-region.
The event, held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, was attended by prominent dignitaries including the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris Malagi; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs; Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede; the Etsu Nupe, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; as well as representatives of key government institutions, the diplomatic corps, and the military high command.
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