Foreign news
Memories of CHOGM 2024: NTAC DG Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment To Safer Environment
….Says Nigeria Leading in the Role to Combat Climate Crisis in Africa and Beyond,Urges Other Nations to Follow the Nigeria’s Examples
Joel Ajayi
Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corp, Rt. Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub has said that Nigeria’s various leading roles across Africa to combat climate crisis are deliberately intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ,expand renewable energy initiatives as well as promote reforestation.
The DG,who reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a safer globe when he spoke at the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, said the above actions by Nigeria were part of its Nationally Determined Contributions(NDCs) in advancing climate resilience in Africa and beyond,while urging them to do the same.
The NTAC boss,who stood in for Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,Amb.Yusuf Tuggar,at a session on Climate change organized on the sidelines of the CHOGM, emphasized Nigeria’s strong commitment to combating climate change in line with its obligations under international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Commonwealth Blue Charter.
While emphasising the importance of efforts to tackle climate crisis, particularly in support of vulnerable nations, including small Islands and developing States like Samoa, Buba said the gathering was a call to action for nations to re-commit to practices that make for a safer world.
The NTAC DG, also spotlighted the significant work being driven by Nigerian professionals deployed under the Technical Aid Corps(TAC) Scheme to support environmental conservation, renewable energy projects and disaster management in various African,Caribbean and Pacific countries where they are currently serving.He added that such novel and unique efforts, as using banana peels to make paints and encouraging other eco-green practices in farming, waste treatment and disposal by the Nigerian Volunteers,were not only at the heart of the efforts for a safer environment and sustainable agriculture, but also one of the greatest promotions of the United Nations’ South-South Co-operation ideals.
To further reinforce his point,the former federal lawmaker also stressed the need for nations of the world to unite to address climate change, while suing for increased resource-sharing, including the provision of financial and technical support for countries most affected by climate-related disasters.
Buba also used the occasion to call on leaders across the world to strive to strengthen partnerships between governments and the private sector in order to enhance climate adaptation projects.He
told the high-level meeting of Nigeria’s efforts in involving private entities in clean energy development and sustainable agriculture, again urging them to learn from that.
He equally reiterated Nigeria’s successes at combating desertification and informed of the readiness of the country to share its expertise with other Commonwealth nations through effective collaboration and other well-structured knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The high-level meeting held at the Sheraton Hotel Samoa brought together leaders and representatives of Commonwealth nations to address the global challenges posed by climate change,while exploring collaborative solutions to the menace.
It also provided the NTAC DG the opportunity to network and renew necessary ties with various officials of governments from across the Pacific region, including Vanuatu,Fiji and other Island nations with a history of subscribing to the Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps Scheme over the past years.
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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