News
NTAC DG Encourages Parental Support for Tinubu’s Initiatives on Child Welfare
Joel Ajayi
Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps,Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub,has called on parents across the country to take advantage of all the laudable initiatives the Tinubu Administration has put in place to ensure that their children grow outside violence, bullying and neglect.
He also congratulated Nigerian children on the celebration of this year’s National Children’s Day.
In a message personally signed by the NTAC boss and made available to his media handlers in Abuja, Tuesday,the former federal lawmaker described children as the sustainers of the future and custodians of hope of a better tomorrow.
He said it was God’s ultimate plan to perpetuate man and his kind by bringing children to succeed their forebears,ensuring,as it were,that every generation is an improvement upon the generation it succeeds and re-iterated his call on parents to treat children well in order to evolve a better future for mankind.
While speaking to the theme of this year’s celebration:”Stand Up Speak Up: Building a Bully-Free Generation”,Buba said the theme sets a role for every parent, teacher,leader, lawmaker and citizen to be a watchdog on issues concerning the child.He pointed out that every society has a way of reaping what it sows and that a neglected or bullied child may likely give back to society what they received growing up.
He thanked the Tinubu Administration for the high and justified premium that has been placed on the building and development of the Nigerian child, expressing optimism that no kobo expended on policies and programmes of government to give a sound footing to the future of the Nigerian child will go without positive results.
“I have a conviction that the current Administration,with what is encapsulated in Mr.President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, possesses the capacity and capabilities to turn things around for the better for the Nigerian child.
“Today,with the comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act(2003),which has been domesticated by all the 36 States of the Federation and FCT, already in progress,it is just a matter of time before we begin to witness more deeply the impacts of Mr.President’s various initiatives for the Nigerian child,” the NTAC boss emphasized.
Rt.Hon.Buba,who also pointed at the efforts of the current Administration to expand the scope of various laws seeking to protect, strengthen implementation strategies and ensuring nationwide enforcement in favour of the Nigerian child,also lauded the Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024-2030) recently launched by President Tinubu as a step in the right direction.
He said when fully in place,the plan,which is known to provide a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators and support victims of abuse, will instil in Nigerians across the country a culture where every Nigerian child feels safe, respected and heard.
The NTAC DG ended by thanking the Federal Government for other initiatives for the Nigerian child in the areas of security ,health, education, including the Nutrition 774 Programme and the School Feeding Scheme,and their general well-being, identifying the vigilance and support of the community as being key to the success or otherwise of the various programmes and initiatives in our communities.
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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