Courtesy visit by the Executive Council and Members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) to the Guinean Ambassador in Abuja.
Chairman, Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) Mr IDEHAI Frederick in a warm handshake with former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar at his Abuja Residence during a courtesy visit to introduce DICAN and its programmes to His Excellency.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has congratulated the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Ronald Lamola on the joyous occasion of the 31st anniversary of the country’s Freedom Day.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa and made available to news men in Abuja indicates that the day marks historic triumph of democracy over apartheid and celebrates the enduring spirit of resilience and unity that defines the South African journey.
According to the statement, Nigeria and South Africa share a profound bond forged through decades of solidarity in the liberation struggle.
“As we reflect on this milestone, we recall Nigeria’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid movement, including diplomatic, material, and moral contributions that underscored our commitment to justice and the ethos of pan-Africanism.
“As two of Africa’s largest economies and democracies, our nations bear a shared responsibility to champion peace, security, and inclusive development on the continent.
“As we look ahead, Nigeria remains committed to strengthening our partnership with South Africa across sectors—from trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to cultural exchanges and youth empowerment.
“Therefore, on this Freedom Day, we stand with South Africa in honouring the sacrifices of heroes like Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Thabo Mbeki and recommit to working together to realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united Africa,” the statement said.
The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) has launched a new website news channel, marking a landmark achievement in the organization’s history. According to DICAN Chairman, Fredrick Idehai, the initiative aims to provide real-time, reliable, and varied news to the public.
“We are excited to launch this platform, which will enable us to deliver news that is accurate, unbiased, and timely,” Idehai said. “Our goal is to provide a platform that will cater to the information needs of Nigerians and the international community.”
The website news channel is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including politics, economy, security, and diplomacy. Idehai noted that the platform will feature in-depth analysis, interviews, and feature stories, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the issues shaping the country.
The new website can be accessed at www.dican.com.ng where readers can find up-to-date news and information. “We believe that this platform will not only enhance the quality of journalism in Nigeria and the world but also provide a platform for Nigerians and the diplomatic community to engage in informed discussions about the issues that affect them,” Idehai added.
The launch of the website news channel www.dican.com.ng is a testament to DICAN’s commitment to promoting quality journalism and providing accurate information to the public. As a frontline respected organization of diplomatic correspondents, DICAN is well-positioned to deliver on its promise of reliable and timely news.
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Khaled El-Enany, the official candidate of the African Union and the League of Arab States, presented his vision for the future of UNESCO to the organization’s Executive Board on April 9, 2025.
A statement made available to journalists in Abuja indicates that with over 30 years of experience and more than 50 visits around the world, El-Enany’s vision emphasises inclusive governance, stronger representation for countries in the Global South, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
During the 90-minute session, El-Enany outlined his vision, highlighting the need to strengthen UNESCO’s presence on the ground, promote more inclusive governance and innovative financing policies, and place culture, education, science, and intercultural dialogue at the heart of international action.
El-Enany emphasised a pragmatic and human-centered approach, stating, “With my slogan ‘UNESCO for the People,’ I aim to break down barriers, give a voice to the silenced, and bring about concrete change— in villages, classrooms, and communities.” His candidacy has received widespread support, including endorsements from the African Union, the League of Arab States, France, Brazil, and Turkey.
The candidate’s vision for UNESCO is centered around making the organization more responsive and united, driven by a strong desire to bring UNESCO closer to the people.
El-Enany’s leadership would contribute to a more inclusive UNESCO, enabling regions like the Mediterranean and the Arab world to address global challenges effectively.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned in strong terms the recent terrorist attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA indicates that according to reports, the unfortunate attack resulted in the tragic loss of 26 innocent lives, mostly tourists, and left many others injured.
The statement said, terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is a global menace that requires collective action and firm commitment from the international community.
“Nigeria, having faced similar challenges, understands the devastating impact of such acts of violence and reiterates its call for enhanced global cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of India as they recover from this tragedy, and we stand united in the shared pursuit of peace, stability, and justice worldwide,” the statement added.
Rwanda is engaged in discussions with the United States regarding a potential agreement to accept some migrants, according to Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta.
The talks are centered around the possibility of Rwanda taking in asylum seekers currently being held in the US. While details of the potential deal remain scarce, the development has sparked debate and raised questions about Rwanda’s capacity to provide adequate support to asylum seekers.
“We are in talks, but I don’t have more details to share at the moment,” Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta said, confirming the existence of discussions between the two countries. The potential agreement would mark a significant development in Rwanda’s approach to migration and asylum seekers.
Rwanda has previously demonstrated its willingness to accept asylum seekers and refugees from other countries, including those fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
The East African nation has been praised for its innovative approaches to refugee management, which have focused on integrating refugees into local communities and providing them with opportunities for self-reliance.
However, critics have raised concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record and its ability to provide a safe haven for migrants. Some have questioned whether the country can ensure the safety and well-being of asylum seekers, given its own domestic challenges.
In response, the government has maintained that it is committed to upholding human rights and providing support to those in need.
The potential agreement with the US would likely have significant implications for both countries, as well as for the migrants involved. If finalized, the deal would see Rwanda take on a new role in the global effort to manage migration and provide protection to those seeking asylum.
As the talks continue, many will be watching closely to see how this development unfolds and what it might mean for the future of migration policy.
Air Peace Airline has again intervene in the repatriation of distress Nigerians abroad as 78 Nigerian nationals who were victims of human trafficking in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire successfully arrived home.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Spokesperson, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA.
The special flight according to the statement was at no cost to the Federal Government in the operation facilitated by the Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, NAPTIP, Nigerian Community in Abidjan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Air Peace Airlines.
“The Ministry wishes to underscore the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens and combating human trafficking, and condemns in the strongest terms the inhumane and criminal act of human trafficking which exploits vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls.
“The Ministry, therefore, wishes to commend, Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, for his patriotism and kind hearted intervention, and urge all stakeholders—including civil society, international partners, and the public—to join efforts in eradicating this menace,” the statement said.
The returnees according to the statement are expected to undergo debriefing and profiling by NAPTIP and other relevant agencies on arrival.
“The Ministry will continue to work with regional partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prosecute perpetrators.
“The Nigerian government remains resolute in its duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens, both at home and abroad.
“The Ministry, therefore, expresses its gratitude to the Ivorian authorities and all Nigerian Agencies involved in this humanitarian mission,” the statement concluded.
The European Union (EU) is set to commit the 300 million euros into fresh projects in the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, disclosed this at the 2025 Europe Day celebration in Abuja.
Mignot in his maiden EU day celebration in Nigeria after his posting said that the EU and Nigeria shared a common dream of a better, rule-based, more prosperous, sustainable, equal world, reflecting the realities and needs of the 21st century.
“Since my arrival last September, I see a concrete progress daily in our partnership, in particular, through the roll-out of our EU Global Gateway strategy to offer more opportunities to the people.
“Especially, the women and the youth, and through the 300m euros of new projects that we are launching this year in the NW and NE of the country.
“I also see our common willingness to enhance our relations, particularly in trade and investment for which we are proud to be your number one partner.
”In this fast-changing world, the EU is for Nigeria a stable and reliable partner and so is Nigeria for us,’’ he said.
He said the EU is building same partnership with ECOWAS and Africa as a whole.
The Envoy said EU Foreign Ministers will meet in Brussels to prepare for the EU-AU summit.
“The summit will be held later this year and to also celebrate our 25th years of partnership, which is second to none in all areas,’’ he added.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu while commending the EU for the additional support of 300m euros for new projects in the North West and North East geopolitical regions said the partnership and values that Nigeria and the EU had shared has helped in addressing restiveness due to some of the empowerment initiatives they created for Nigerian youths.
“Today is not just the affirmation of values that transcends border, peace, solidarity, mutual respect and partnership for sustainable development.
“These are values which the EU has championed and which Nigeria, the largest economy and democracy, both shares.
“Over 60 years, the relationship between EU and Nigeria has flourished in depth and breadth from trade, investment to governance reforms, public health, education, digital economy and climate action.
“The EU intervention in the Niger Delta and the North-East in supporting peace building initiatives and the restoration of livelihood and youth empowerment programmes has helped to reduce restiveness and in educational challenges,” he said.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning however, noted that in recent years, EU has been a strategic partner in Nigeria’s developmental priorities, including the National Development Plan 2021-2025 and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has described tea as a symbol for cultural diplomacy, peace, connection, and mutual respect.
He made the comment at “2025 Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon” in Abuja, Nigeria.
Speaking further at the “tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon” with the theme “Tea in Nature’s Whisper: Aroma of Picturesque Jiangnan,” Ambassador Dunhai underscored the shared cultural values between the two countries.
“China and Nigeria have many common cultural values, and tea represents harmony, connection, and respect.
“This platform allows us to interact more deeply with the Nigerian people, exchanging not just beverages, but values and ideas,” he said.
The Envoy re-emphasised China’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in value-added agricultural production, especially through tea-related trade, agro-processing, and cultural tourism initiatives.
He said during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China in 2024, an agreement was signed to increase Nigeria’s agricultural exports to China as such they are keen on strengthening tie as well as boost the value of tea from the Mambila Plateau in Taraba State.
“Last year, our leaders convened in Beijing during the FOCAC Summit and agreed to upgrade our bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, thereby opening a new chapter in our bilateral relationship.
“We are presently implementing the “Ten Partnership Actions for Modernisation to Deepen China-Africa Cooperation (2025-2027)” with 53 African countries, including Nigeria, where cultural exchange is a vital component.
The year 2026 has been designated as the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Muhktar Yawale, expressed Nigeria’s eagerness to harness the creative and economic opportunities offered by tea culture.
“These initiatives align with our ministry’s mandate to promote creative economy growth through intercultural dialogue. As we savour the delicate aroma of Jiangnan’s finest teas today, let us also envision a future where Nigeria and China co-create opportunities in the creative sector.
He highlighted the country’s commitment to promoting tea-themed tourism, artisanal enterprises, and rural development.
“We are supporting creative industries centered around tea. By promoting festivals and developing tea-themed tourism, Nigeria can tap into the global tea economy while preserving local culture,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Social Development Secretariat, Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, described tea as “a symbol of peace and patience,” emphasizing its role in transcending boundaries and bringing communities together.
For the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, Gabriel Saleh Zock who expressed support for initiatives that position culture as both a source of identity and an engine for economic growth said “Tea for Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon” not only spotlighted tea as a shared cultural symbol but also reaffirmed the deepening ties between Nigeria and China through culture, commerce, and community.
“This event is an eye-opener. We must put in place laws that strengthen cultural identity and also position culture as an economic driver.”
The lawmaker while describing the Nigeria-China relationship as a win-win situation said China’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s developmental growth, including building railways and roads and improving the economy can not be over emphasised
The event has dignitaries from the diplomatic community, government officials, students, cultural stakeholders, and media professionals in attendance to experience traditional tea ceremonies, cultural performances, and in-depth discussions on the economic and cultural significance of tea.
The event featured a range of cultural performances, including elegant Yue Opera and pipa music by Chinese artists, as well as Chinese calligraphy and painting exhibitions and experience sessions.
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