Feature

World Football Day: UN Highlights Football’s Global Impact

By Web News 154

By Maxwell Oyekunle

The United Nations has highlighted the transformative power of football in promoting peace, inclusion and sustainable development as the world observes World Football Day.

The UN said football has continued to serve as a universal language that transcends national, cultural and socio-economic boundaries, fostering unity, mutual understanding and national pride among people of all ages.

According to the organisation, the global appeal and accessibility of football make it a powerful tool for promoting health and well-being, while also advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls both on and off the field.

The UN also noted that football promotes social inclusion by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to encourage tolerance, respect and solidarity.

As part of activities marking the celebration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, unveiled its “Gamechanging Team” ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The symbolic team comprises eleven players whose lives were shaped by displacement, war and persecution, but who have risen through football to become symbols of hope, courage and resilience.

The United Nations explained that the initiative demonstrates what is possible when displaced persons are provided with safety, opportunity and support.

The global body recalled that 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament featuring representatives from all regions, held during the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris on May 25.

In recognition of the milestone, the UN General Assembly on May 7, 2024, adopted Resolution A/RES/78/281 proclaiming May 25 as World Football Day.

The resolution acknowledged football’s global reach and its contributions to commerce, peace, diplomacy and international cooperation.

It also recognised the role of FIFA, regional football bodies and national federations in promoting the development of the game globally.

The United Nations encouraged countries to support football and other sporting activities as tools for peace-building, development and the empowerment of women and girls.

The organisation also urged governments and stakeholders to adopt policies and programmes that promote football, sports and physical activities through education and public awareness campaigns.

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Foreign

Gaza Ceasefire: US blocks UN Call for Sixth Time

By Web News 371

The US has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to defend itself.

All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favour of the draft resolution – which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions.

It comes as the UN’s humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City as Israel expands its military offensive.

On the global stage, Israel and its closest ally look increasingly isolated.

Speaking prior to the vote, Ortagus said Washington’s opposition to the resolution should “come as no surprise”.

“It fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council,” she said.

After the vote, UN members reacted swiftly to express their disappointment.

Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the US’s decision “deeply regrettable and painful”, saying it had prevented the Security Council from “playing its rightful role in the face of these atrocities”.

Pakistan’s ambassador Asim Ahmad described the veto as “a dark moment in this chamber”. “Palestinian brothers, Palestinian sisters, forgive us,” he said.

In Gaza, thousands of people are continuing to flee the region amid ongoing deadly attacks as Israeli tanks and troops continue to advance on the third day of a ground offensive.

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

BBC/Adebukola Aluko

Human Angle

Victims of Migrants’ Shipwreck off Libya Included Many Nigerians

By Web News 304

Sixty-one migrants, including women and children, from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries have drowned following a shipwreck off Libya, the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, a United Nations, agency has said.

The boat originally contained 86 people and left the Libyan shores from Zwara, according to IOM.

It said: “The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.”

According to AFP, most of the victims of the latest incident were from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries.

The IOM said 25 people survived and were transferred to a Libyan detention centre. 

An IOM team “provided medical support” and the survivors were all in good condition, the IOM office said.

Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson, wrote on X that more than 2,250 people had died so far this year on the central Mediterranean migration route, a “dramatic figure, which demonstrates that unfortunately not enough is being done to save lives at sea.”

Libya and Tunisia are principal departure points for people risking dangerous sea voyages in hopes of reaching Europe, via Italy.

Drowning was the main cause of death on migration routes globally in the first half of 2023, with 2,200 recorded fatalities in the period, according to the IOM report.

The central Mediterranean route was the deadliest, accounting for a total of 1,727 deaths and disappearances along its shores in the period, the IOM report said. 

The majority of the deaths were recorded in Tunisia, followed by Libya, it said.

The figures remain an undercount, IOM said in its report. 

Sea migrant arrivals to Italy have almost doubled in 2023 compared with the same period last year, with around 140,000 people coming ashore so far. Some 91 per cent came from Tunisia, with the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa bearing the brunt of landings.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Human Angle

Oyebanji Makes Case for PWD

By Web News 406

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has stressed the need for the creation of an inclusive world for People with Disabilities to break down barriers to foster a society where individuals’ unique talents are valued.

He stated this while addressing a gathering on the occasion of this year’s International Day of People With Disabilities held at the Lady Jibowu Hall in Ado Ekiti.

Mr Oyebanji said Ekiti was at the forefront of creating a more inclusive society with the passage of laws to protect the rights of people with disabilities while investing in programmes that help them to flourish.

The Governor who highlighted the achievements and initiatives of his administration especially in the areas of education, employment, and training, expressed gratitude to the various stakeholders and partners who have supported his vision for the PWD.

Earlier, the  Special Adviser to the governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Adetoun Agboola, said the government decided to celebrate this year’s International Day for the PWD to give them a sense of belonging.

The event featured a panellist discussion on PWD issues, a choreographic display, special goodwill messages from stakeholders and a quiz game where the School for the Physically Challenged, Ido Ekiti, emerged as the winner among other activities.

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Environment

Ibadan Residents Decry Challenges confronting Humanitarian Workers

By Web News 611

By Taiwo Oke

On the 19th of August, 2023, the World celebrated Humanitarian Day, an International day dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have died working for humanitarian causes.

It is designated by the United Nations General Assembly to honour the then representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello and twenty one of his colleagues, who were killed in a bomb attack at the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad.

The day which was first celebrated on 19th of August, 2009, always bring people together to honour humanitarians around the world, who strive to meet ever-growing global needs. 

Humanitarian workers have no other purpose than to save and protect lives and deliver the basic necessities of life.

They also stand shoulder to shoulder with the communities they serve and bring hope.

The theme of 2023 World Humanitarian Day was “The human Race” with the slogan, “it takes a village”.

Radio Nigeria interacted with some people in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on their knowledge about humanitarian workers.

“I will describe their job as a very challenging job but rewarding because they often work in difficult conditions”

“In my knowledge, humanitarian workers help those in need and most of them works with NGOs”

“They help people and try their best to eradicate hunger, they are also impartial”

In an interview, an humanitarian, who is the National President of Red Cross Society in Nigeria, Chief Oluyemisi Adeaga highlighted some of the challenges in humanitarian services.

“There are a lot of challenges involved in humanitarian services and these are lack of limitations of power by the constitution either globally and lack of access to necessary equipment and advanced medical attention to those that are rescued especially when there is no nearby medical center”.

Chief Adeaga advised members of Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies to always have their identity cards with them to save them from all form of assaults, attacks or harassment in the course of their jobs.

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Lifestyle

Stakeholders Call for Gender Balance in Global Schemes

By Web News 579

Olufisoye Adenitan

The United Nations says the Female Gender is an indispensable factor in fostering development, peace and progress across nations of the world.

The UN Women Country’s Representatives to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong stated this in Lagos, at the maiden edition of the “ReportHer Award”, an initiative of the Women Radio 91.7 fm and the Wole Soyinka Centre For Investigative Journalism with support from UN Women and Government of Canada.

Ms Eyong, therefore, charged media Organizations to showcase women in their news as sources and content creators for adequate representation.

Declaring the event open, the Chairman of the MacAuthur Foundation, Abuja Office, Kole Shettima said, the objectives of the Award was in tandem with the focus of the Foundation for Equality and Social Inclusion

Also speaking, the Director General, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Mr Balarabe Shehu Ileila announced that, the Organization was working out modalities to establish a Broadcast Institute to help sharpen the reporting skills of Journalists focusing on gender related reportings.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure 50 percent representation of Women in the Ministerial and Political appointments under his administration, charging Media Organizations to be more professional in reporting gender balanced stories for inclusive society.

Earlier, the CEO of Women Radio 91.7, Toun Okewale Sonaiya explained that the Award Ceremony was to encourage Media Organizations and Journalists to help champion the 50:50 Gender balanced Reporting.

Speaking on the criteria for the Award, The Team Leader of the Independent Judges, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade said, the criteria were based on gender sensitive stories submitted as entries by Journalists from Media Organizations in each category.

Mr Arogundade said 106 entries were received where five Media Organizations in each categories emerged nominees and one media Organization emerged in the TV, Radio, Digital and Print Media and a journalist winner.

For the Radio category, Entries Submitted by Olufisoye Adenitan of FRCN Positive Fm 102.5, Akure earned FRCN as Nominee in the Radio category. 

While VON, JAY FM, RAYPOWER FM, SPARKLING FM were also Nominees.

Voice of Nigeria emerged first in the Radio category of the award. 

In the Television Category, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, AIT, Arise News, Daria Media and Kamed TV were Nominees while AIT emerged First.

In the Journalists Category, Titilope Fadare of Premium Times emerged as the winner.

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Foreign

Libya Clashes leave 32 Dead

By Web News 416

The UN has called for an immediate stop to hostilities in Libya following a day of deadly clashes between political factions in the capital, Tripoli.

At least 32 people were killed and dozens more wounded during the fighting, the health ministry said.

Among the dead was young comedian Mustafa Baraka, an official said.

Libya has been in chaos since the Nato-backed uprising in 2011 that ousted long-serving ruler Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Despite this, the country had enjoyed a relatively calm period over the past two years.

On Saturday, armed forces of the internationally recognised government tried to push back a convoy of militia loyal to Fathi Bashagha , the man who is recognised as prime minister by a rival, eastern parliament and is vying for control of the country.
There were reports of small-arms fire and explosions in several areas of the capital. Black smoke could be seen rising across the city.

Emergency services said a number of hospitals had been hit. People were also evacuated from areas around the fighting.

On Sunday, there was quiet in the capital.

The UN’s Libya mission said the fighting had included “indiscriminate medium and heavy shelling in civilian-populated neighbourhoods” and called for an immediate ceasefire which was backed by the US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland on Saturday.

The oil-rich country once had one of the highest standards of living in Africa, with free healthcare and free education.

But the stability that led to its prosperity has been shattered and Tripoli has seen frequent fighting between rival forces since 2011.

Bbc/Adebukola Aluko

Lifestyle

UN Pledges Support for Reintegration of Repentant Boko Haram

By Web News 524

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has promised to support the reintegration process for repentant Boko Haram fighters into society.

The Secretary-General made the promise when he paid a courtesy to Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri. 

The war against the Boko Haram insurgency had in the last one year assumed a different dimension with the mass surrendering of fighters and members of their families. 

So far more than fifty thousand combatants and non-combatants have surrendered to authorities in Borno state and are currently undergoing rehabilitation. 

This unprecedented act has attracted global attention and the United Nations Secretary-General is personally leading a delegation to assess the situation. 

Mr Antonio Guterres during a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum commended the state government for putting in place the right mechanism to fighting terrorism.

According to him, investing in the livelihood of victims of insurgency and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram fighters remains the greatest way of ending the crisis. 

“I was amazed to see today in a centre those that have been terrorists they want to integrate into the society, want to contribute to the society and the policy that has been here, is a policy of reconciliation, the policy of reintegration is a policy aiming at a development perspective to allow for terrorism to be eliminated,” Mr Guterres said.

The UN Secretary-General called on the international community to support Borno state in addressing the humanitarian needs of internally displaced persons and returnees. 

He noted that humanitarian aid is not the major concern of IDPs in Borno, rather providing favourable conditions to enable them to return back to their ancestral homes in safety and dignity. 

Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum appreciated the United Nations system for rendering life-saving humanitarian and development assistance during the twelve years of insurgency. 

He appealed to the United Nations to assist in resuscitation of the Lake Chad and strategic humanitarian support to IDPs outside Maiduguri. 

Governor Zulum assured that his administration would continue to partner with the United Nations to ensure victims of insurgency live in dignity and be productive members of the society. 

The UN Chief and members of his delegation had earlier visited Gubio road IDP camp and one of the facilities for the repentant insurgents.

 Dauda Iliya/Daniel Adejo

News

UN Secretary-General begins two-day mission to Nigeria, 3rd May

By Web News 1244

The United Nations Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres will on Tuesday 3 May, begin a two-day mission to Nigeria.

This will be the first mission of the ninth United Nations Secretary General to Nigeria.

A statement by the UN information centre indicates that, during the mission, Mr Guterres will have an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari; the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Religious Leaders; Women and Youth Leaders; the Private Sector and the Diplomatic community.

It says, the Secretary-General will visit the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, in Maiduguri, on Tuesday, 3 May and thereafter proceed on a field mission to meet families deeply affected by violence and instability in the North-East, including people internally displaced and refugees.

Those accompanying the UN Secretary General includes the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and other top officials of the UN.

He will also perform Wreath laying ceremony at UN House in honour of victims of the bomb blast at the UN House in 2011, on Wednesday 4th.

This is part of the Secretary-General’s annual Ramadan solidarity visits, and he will go to Nigeria, Niger and Senegal, during which he will also highlight the impact of the Ukraine war on the African continent.

The Secretary-General began annual Ramadan solidarity visits when he was High Commissioner for Refugees, but the tradition was interrupted by the pandemic.

This year, he will also use the visit to express his solidarity with victims of terrorism in the region.

Hamza Alkali

Foreign

Mali is Preventing Access to Killings Site – UN

By Web News 557

The UN has expressed concern that Malian authorities have denied its human rights investigators access to a village where hundreds of people were killed.

“We are extremely concerned that Malian authorities have still not granted UN human rights investigators access”, a statement by the UN Human Rights Office

said.

It says “time is of essence to ensure accountability and prompt, effective justice for victims”, noting that it first sought access to the site of the killings on 1 April.

Malian troops and their Russian collaborators are accused of carrying out a massacre of civilians during an operation against militants last month.

At least 300 people are believed to have been executed during the 27-31 March raid in the village of Moura, which is in Mali’s central Mopti region.

The killings sparked calls by the Human Rights Watch, the US, the European Union and the UN for an independent investigation into the matter.

The Malian army insists that those killed were jihadist fighters and the allegation of a massacre is an attempt to tarnish its image.

A Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said this had been a successful operation by Mali’s army alone.

The Mali junta denies that mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group are helping it fight the insurgents.

The country has been battling a decade-long insurgency that has affected millions of people, and has also engulfed other countries in the region.

BBC

Mali is Preventing Access to Killings Site – UN

The UN has expressed concern that Malian authorities have denied its human rights investigators access to a village where hundreds of people were killed.

“We are extremely concerned that Malian authorities have still not granted UN human rights investigators access”, a statement by the UN Human Rights Office

said.

It says “time is of essence to ensure accountability and prompt, effective justice for victims”, noting that it first sought access to the site of the killings on 1 April.

Malian troops and their Russian collaborators are accused of carrying out a massacre of civilians during an operation against militants last month.

At least 300 people are believed to have been executed during the 27-31 March raid in the village of Moura, which is in Mali’s central Mopti region.

The killings sparked calls by the Human Rights Watch, the US, the European Union and the UN for an independent investigation into the matter.

The Malian army insists that those killed were jihadist fighters and the allegation of a massacre is an attempt to tarnish its image.

A Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said this had been a successful operation by Mali’s army alone.

The Mali junta denies that mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group are helping it fight the insurgents.

The country has been battling a decade-long insurgency that has affected millions of people, and has also engulfed other countries in the region.

BBC

Health

Tuberculosis Remains World’s Deadliest Infectious Disease – UN

By Web News 746

The United Nations, UN, says Tuberculosis, TB, remains the infectious disease with the highest mortality rate as the world marks World Tuberculosis Day.

The global body also notes that the infection claims about 4,500 lives daily among the people living with HIV worldwide.

Our Correspondent, Temitope Mosadomi examines the increasing number of T.B. patients and how to reduce its mortality rate in the country.

Temitope Mosadomi

News Analysis

International Women Day: A Challenged World is an Alert World

By Web News 850

Every 8th of March each year marks International Women’s Day.

This year marks the 110th International Women’s Day, after the first official event which was held in 1911 Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. 

It was technically first celebrated in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City as part of a protest over poor working conditions.

However, the United Nations made the day official in 1975, thus making it a global event.

 The day addresses issues such as human rights, gender inequalities, highlighting also the social, economic, cultural and political achievements and contributions made by women. 

The official theme for 2021 is “choose to challenge with the idea that a challenged world is an alert world”.

This shows that individually, women are all responsible for their own thoughts and actions which they can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality.

Around the world, girls and women face unique challenges to participating in politics these challenges are personal, practical, economic, political and cultural.

Denying people the freedom to choose their path in life because of their gender will prevent them from fulfilling their full potential.

This limits women’s power by rendering them less able to help contribute to making the world around them a better place.

It is hardly surprising that many women struggle to embrace their unique feminine leadership strengths, thus leaving many incredibly accomplished and talented women struggling with imposter syndrome.

For Nigeria women to compete with international, there is need for them to speak out about their  experiences to call out gender discrimination.

For more women to top tables, will require valuing care-giving as highly as bread winning, embracing feminine leadership strengths, challenging themselves to own their value, daring to make the difference their difference makes.

They should challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes, and encourage women to forge an inclusive world.

United States Vice President, kamala Harris said last November:

“dream with ambition. Lead with conviction. And see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before.”

Nigeria is blessed with great women that had contributed their quota to national development, more talented and intelligent women are still available if given chance.

Kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari for selecting and supporting  Dr Ngozi Okonjo-iweala during her bid for the World Trade Organization’s, WTO, Director General post.

Okonjoiweala’s ascent to the WTO topnotch job is a culmination of series of opportunities to serve in other leadership positions such as when she was finance minister under former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Government at all levels in the country, public and private establishments need to create more enabling environment for women to thrive 

On their parts, women serving in various capacities in government, public and private establishments should see their positions as a call to duty and shun corrupt practices.

This will make them role models, and create room for other women to be entrusted with responsibilities in various capacities.

 Olukemi Akintunde

Crime

Insurgents Kidnap Aid Worker, Others

By Web News 739

A United Nations humanitarian worker, Abubakar Garba Idris and other passengers have been abducted by suspected terrorists along Maiduguri- Jakana- Damaturu 135km federal highway.

This latest incident is coming barely two weeks when 35 passengers mostly women were kidnapped near Mainok village situated between Jakana and Beneshiekh town of Kaga Local Government Area of Borno state.

Sources said the criminals believed to be insurgents, disguised as soldiers and mounted a checkpoint where they accosted travellers.

They added that the terrorists barricaded the road near Matari village close to Jakana at about 8:25am on Saturday.

FRCN Abuja

Economy

International Migrants Day: 3,101 Died in 2020

By Web News 747

For another year, more Africans have lost their lives to irregular migration in 2020 than any other people, data from a United Nations (UN) agency reveals just as the world commemorates the 2020 International Migrants Day on 18 December.

About 3,101 migrants died globally in 2020 while trying to reach different international destinations through irregular routes, 1,483 of them were Africans.

According to data from the Missing Migrant Project of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the deaths were recorded across six regions of the world between 1 January and 16 December 2020.

The data showed that Africans make up the highest number of dead irregular migrants at 1,483 followed by Americans at 580 with Asia, the Middle East and Europe accounting for the origin of 352, 147 and two dead migrants respectively. 

While 1,504 deaths were recorded on the Mediterranean Sea, the minimal estimate data set further revealed that more migrants died in Africa more than other continents at 919. About 646 migrants died in the Americas while Asia, the Middle East and Europe accounted for the deaths of 291, 105 and 85 irregular migrants respectively.

“It is disturbing that despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, irregular migration and human trafficking continue to thrive resulting in the death of many Africans,” said Tayo Elegbede, Media Officer for The Migrant Project in a press statement.

According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the push factors, risks and dangers of irregular migration across the world.

“Before the pandemic, Africa was prominent for irregular migration due to poverty and social inequality. With economic depression across the world, we are seeing rising numbers in both regular and irregular migration from Nigeria and other African countries.”

“Our advice to potential migrants is to avoid desperation without direction and seek information from verified sources in order not to be victims of irregular migration, human trafficking and migratory fraud.”

Elegbede noted that migration is not a crime if done the right way. He urged state and non-state institutions to advance socio-economic support for the teeming young African population whilst promoting safe and orderly migration.

Adedayo Adelowo