News
Nasarawa Gov. commends women title holders for humanitarian commitment
The Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule, has commended the Association of Women Traditional Title Holders in Nigeria (AWTTHN) for its readiness to collaborate and carry out humanitarian activities.
He lauded the association’s commitment to improving the country through various initiatives.
Sule expressed his appreciation during his remarks at the inauguration of the newly elected executives of AWTTHN and the inauguration of their endowment fund-raising on Saturday in Abuja.
He was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Margaret Elayo.
The new executives of AWTTHN include Hajia Zainab Jibril (Sarauniyar Loko) as President, Mrs Costy Princess (Bass Henshaw Eyo) as Vice President, and Princess Nikky Onyeri (Neledi of Royal Kingdom of Lesotho Egoigwe II of Ajalli) as General Secretary.
Other key members include Mrs Obonganwan Eshiet (Apostle of Peace) as Organising Secretary, Hajia Maimuna Ahmed as Legal Adviser, Dr Amina Danmummuni (Sarauniyar FESTAC) as Treasurer, and Hajia Hafsat Bima (Waziriyar Yalmatu) as Financial Secretary.
Hajia Jawahir Taura (Garkuwar Taura) serves as Public Relations Officer, while Hajia Alawiyya Abba (Zinatriyar Son) is Assistant Secretary, and Mrs Amina Abba (Giwa Yeriman Daura) is the Marshal.
Sule, in his address, lauded the crucial role women traditional title holders had played throughout Nigeria’s history, especially in trade and other activities.
He noted that their role had expanded, positioning them as critical partners in contemporary issues such as combating gender-based violence, advocating for child education, environmental sustainability, mental health, and overall community well-being.
Sule added that Nasarawa State valued the strength of tradition, emphasizing that governance could not succeed without the involvement of the community.
He expressed excitement about collaborating with the AWTTHN to promote environmental stewardship at the grassroots level, aiming to strengthen the resilience of the state’s people against climate change and environmental degradation.
He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to engaging traditional women leaders in campaigns focused on environment, health, education, and community development.
In her speech, Hajia Zainab Jibril, the newly inaugurated president of AWTTHN, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the association and shared her plans for various projects, particularly those focusing on children, education, and healthcare.
Princess Nikky Onyeri, the General Secretary, emphasised that the association’s work was deeply rooted in community engagement.
She outlined plans to tackle key issues such as health, children’s welfare, security, and gender-based violence.
Onyeri also spoke about the association’s goal of establishing skill acquisition centres for women and girls and supporting women interested in political leadership roles.
She committed to addressing critical women’s health issues, such as maternal care and breast and cervical cancer, as well as advocating for peace and security.
The reports have it that the event also featured the oath of office and the presentation of awards to several dignitaries.
It was attended by personalities from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Office of the Accountant General of Nasarawa State, the National Assembly, traditional institutions, and other notable guests.
NAN
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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