News
Reps Partner Armed Forces On War Against Small Arms Proliferation
The House of Representatives and Nigerian Armed Forces have resolved to work together towards addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
This was made known at an interactive session between
the House Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the military high command at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his remarks the committee’s chairman, Hon. Aliyu Bappa Misau
(Bauchi) said the panel was committed to addressing the pressing issue of small arms proliferation in the country.
He said the issue of small arms and light weapons is not merely a matter of national security but a pressing humanitarian concern that affects the everyday lives of the citizens.
Bappa-Misau said the escalation of proliferation of these weapons has far-reaching consequences, contributing to erosion of trust within the communities, violence and instability, hence it is the collective responsibility of lawmakers and military to address the challenge with urgency and resolve.
“We believe that a harmonious working relationship between the legislative and the arm forces is crucial in addressing this challenge.
By pooling our resources, expertise, and knowledge, we can develop innovative solutions to the problems posed by small arms and light weapons.
“Today, we are here to seek collaboration and to foster a strong working relationship between our offices. Together, we can develop and implement comprehensive strategies to curb the spread of small arms and light weapons. I believe that a united front among our institutions will empower us to tackle this issue more effectively.
“Some key areas we would like to collaborate on includes but not limited to: Capacity Building – Providing training and capacity-building programs for military personnel and other stakeholders to enhance their ability to address small arms proliferation.
“Legislative Support – Working together to develop and implement effective laws and policies to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Public awareness campaigns: We need to engage our communities in understanding the dangers posed by the proliferation of these weapons. By raising awareness, we can inspire citizens to participate in initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security,” he added.
For his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa also lamented the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which caused by amongst other factors the porous borders, affecting security efforts generally.
Represented by the Chief of Policy, Defense Headquarters, Air Vice Marshall Sayo Olatunde, he decried the porousness of the boarders and called for the fencing of Nigeria boarders as a way of curbing small arms proliferation.
“We need to address our problems from the root. Yes we have to fence our boarders. Porous boarders is one of the critical drivers of insecurity in Nigeria. We have neighbours and countries that are not stable around Nigeria,” he said.
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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