News
Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit Adopts Action Plan 2023-2026
The 2nd Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit has ended with a declaration to address common challenges and deepen relationship between Russia and African countries.
The event held on Thursday and Friday, 27th and 28th July, 2023 respectively in St Petersburg and recorded the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Russia and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on basic principles of relations and cooperation. [adrotate banner="51"]
Also, there was an MoU between Russia and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) on basic principles of relations and cooperation.
At the joint declaration at the end of the event, the two sides committed to strengthen dialogue partnership and cooperation on a wide range of areas.
They include politics, security, economics and humanitarian issues, in the interests of greater mutual benefits and prosperity.
Along the usual reiteration of the need for free and fair trade practices, they agreed to identify economic sectors in Russia and Africa to implement mutual trade support measures, elaborate sector development programmes and enhance trade relations.
Highlighting the St. Petersburg Declaration endorsed by the leaders, President Vladimir Putin of Russia said it enshrined strategic dimensions for development of cooperation between Russia and African states for the long term.
According to Putin, the commitment of all of the states to shape a just and democratic multipolar world order has been confirmed.
“A world order based on universal principles of international law and the UN Charter.
“The declaration reflects common commitment to contrary near colonialism, use of illegitimate sanctions, attempts to undermine traditional moral values.
“The Sochi agreement has been confirmed that Russian African summits will be held once every three years.
“In between the summits between Russia and Africa, there will be a mechanism of dialect partnership put in place.
“There will be regular political consultations between Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Russia, African States and the leadership of the African Union.
“It is also planned to establish a new permanent Russian African mechanism to coordinate on the matters of security.
“This includes such relevant topics as fight against terrorism and extremism, food security, information technology, non-placement of weapons in outer space and climate change.
“It is very telling that many constructive ideas and useful practical notions were expressed by our African friends during today’s meetings.
“Naturally, we’ll take them into consideration,’’ the President said.
Putin further explained that representatives of African states showed political will and demonstrated their independence and interest in developing cooperation with Russia.
“We appreciate that and we are convinced that there is a successful future for Russian African relations.
“This is based on traditions of time tested friendship, as well as history of multifaceted and fruitful cooperation that dates back to the early period of African countries building their statehood,’’ he said.
Putin also said that the summit confirmed the firm commitment both by Russia and Africa to further develop and fighting new forms and new spheres of mutually beneficial partnership.
“In this context, it is very telling that the outcome of our work is the adoption of impressive package of joint documents,’’ he said.
The President said that many spheres of Russian African cooperation have resulted in separate declarations which spell out their harmonised approaches and benchmarks for further joint actions.
According to him, the decisions of St. Petersburg Summit are set out in a large scale 2026 action plan.
“Its goal is to quantitatively and qualitatively improve bilateral trade and its structure.
“We’re also talking about consistently transitioning to financial settlements and commercial deals to national currencies, including Ruble to eliminate trade barriers,’’ Putin said.
On his part, the Chairperson of the AU and President of the Union of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani, said that Africa had put in place an enabling environment for investments.
He said that Africa intended to have multiple partners critical for rapid development of the continent.
“We’re not going to have one sole partner. We will have multiple partners. If we have two or three partners, it is even better because they will attract more new partners.”
He said the setting up of the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was a good model that would facilitate trade in Africa.
“We are setting up a free trade area in Africa. We believe this is a very good model which will help us make headway and develop further.
“As chairperson of the AU, I can do what I can in order to accelerate the establishment of the AfCFTA.
“And I am sure that with Russia’s support we will be able to implement this project and achieve tangible results,’’ he said.
Assoumani sued for peace between Russia and Ukraine.
“The Russian president has demonstrated his willingness to help us with the supplies of grains, it is important maybe that is not enough.
“What we need is a cease fire because war is always unpredictable, the longer it lasts the more unpredictable it becomes.
“President Putin has shown us he is ready in dialogue and search for solutions and we need to convince the other party and I hope that we will be able to do that,’’ he said.
NAN
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News
Easter: Nigeria Must Do Better, NGIJ Warns Amid Rising Insecurity
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has issued a strongly worded Easter message, condemning worsening insecurity and demanding urgent action from security chiefs.
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In a statement signed by its National President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild said Nigeria must confront its security failures without delay.
The Guild congratulated Christians across Nigeria and the world on the Easter celebration, noting that the season crowns weeks of sacrifice, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
It also acknowledged that Muslims recently concluded Ramadan and celebrated Eid al-Fitr, describing both religious observances as powerful symbols of discipline and devotion.
NGIJ said the overlapping spiritual journeys of Christians and Muslims highlight a shared national lesson on unity and peaceful coexistence.
However, the Guild warned that the current security reality contradicts those values, as many communities continue to live in utter dread.
It described the recent killings in Jos as a grim reminder of deep cracks within the nation’s security architecture pointing out that the violence goes beyond headlines, insisting that it reflects systemic failure.
NGIJ condemned the bloodshed in the strongest terms possible and criticised what it called the growing helplessness of authorities. It argued that routine condemnations and post-attack visits by the relevant authorities saddled with the responsibility of securing lives and properties no longer satisfy public expectations.
The statement stressed that repeated promises without visible results only deepen public frustration and grief.
NGIJ maintained that every Nigerian deserves safety at home, in places of worship, and in public spaces while stressing that government must treat that responsibility as a non-negotiable duty.
The Guild urged security chiefs to respond with urgency, intelligence, and clear results. It insisted that those unable to guarantee safety should step aside for more capable leadership.
NGIJ also clarified that its position reflects a moral duty rather than political bias while noting that Easter symbolises sacrifice, accountability, and renewal, adding that real change requires courage and action.
It warned Nigerians against yielding to fear or division despite the tense climate and encouraged citizens to protect unity and resist forces that thrive on chaos.
The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to investigative journalism, promising to pursue truth and hold power accountable. It also pledged to amplify the voices of victims often ignored in national discourse.
NGIJ concluded that hope must translate into action, urging the nation to confront its challenges with urgency.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Legislative
NGIJ Targets Stronger Democracy Through Partnership with NILDS
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has sought a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to enhance legislative reporting, strengthen democratic accountability, and promote evidence-based journalism in Nigeria.
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The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by the NGIJ delegation, led by its President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, to the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Suleiman, was represented at the meeting by the Director of Legal Services, Professor Ibrahim Danwanka. Also in attendance were the Special Adviser to the DG on Media, Mr. Muhammad Abdulkadir and the Director of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Atakpo.
Speaking during the visit, Aliagan described the engagement as a strategic step toward building synergy between investigative journalism and legislative research institutions. He commended the leadership of Professor Suleiman for transforming NILDS into a leading centre for legislative studies and democratic governance in Africa.
“This visit is not merely ceremonial—it is deeply strategic. NGIJ and NILDS share a common vision of strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and deepening good governance in Nigeria,” Aliagan said.
He explained that while NILDS advances democratic governance through research and legislative capacity development, NGIJ complements these efforts through investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
Aliagan highlighted the Guild’s activities across the country, particularly its Governance Assessment Visits conducted in Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, and Kaduna states, noting that such engagements have improved public discourse and strengthened accountability at the subnational level.
“Our mission is to promote ethical investigative journalism, strengthen transparency in governance, and build capacity for data-driven reporting that connects citizens with democratic institutions,” he said.
The NGIJ President also proposed collaboration in areas such as training on legislative processes, joint research and publications, policy dialogues, data sharing, and fellowship programmes for journalists and researchers.
He further informed the Institute of the Guild’s plan to host the Dele Giwa Memorial Annual Lecture on Investigative Journalism in June as part of activities marking Democracy Day. The Guild requested that Professor Suleiman serve as keynote speaker and sought approval to use NILDS’ auditorium for the event.
“We are confident that your presence and intellectual contribution will greatly enrich the discourse and lend national significance to the event,” Aliagan added.
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Professor Danwanka welcomed the proposal and described the initiative as timely and beneficial to national development. He commended NGIJ for its commitment to accountability journalism and its recognition of the Institute’s growing impact.
“If there is any institution journalists need to collaborate with, it is NILDS.
Legislative reporting requires specialised knowledge that many journalists currently lack,” Danwanka said.
He explained that NILDS was established by an Act of Parliament in 2011 and later expanded in 2017 to include broader responsibilities covering democratic institutions and civil society organisations.
According to him, the Institute has grown significantly under Professor Suleiman’s leadership, expanding from four departments to eleven, with increased staff strength and wider national, regional, and continental visibility.
Danwanka noted that NILDS currently provides research and capacity-building support not only to Nigeria’s legislature but also to parliaments across West Africa and other parts of the continent, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, and Togo.
“Legislature is a specialised field. Even experts from other disciplines must acquire knowledge of its processes to report it accurately. That is where NILDS comes in,” he said.
He assured the NGIJ delegation that all requests presented during the visit, including collaboration proposals, the use of the Institute’s facilities, and the invitation to the DG would be communicated for necessary action.
Danwanka also acknowledged NGIJ’s commendation of the appointment of Mr. Abdulkadir as Special Adviser on Media, describing the recognition as thoughtful and well-deserved.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism about establishing a formal framework for collaboration, with a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance through knowledge-driven journalism.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a sustainable partnership that will advance legislative excellence and investigative journalism in Nigeria,” Danwanka said.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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News
NGIJ urges unity, cautions politicians against divisive rhetoric ahead of 2027
The Nigeria Guild of Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) has called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence and warned political actors against exploiting religious and ethnic divisions as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
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In a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration, and jointly signed by its National President, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan.
The Guild noted that this year’s Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lenten season, describing the alignment as a “rare and powerful symbolism” that underscores shared values across faiths.
According to the statement, both periods called for reflection, sacrifice, discipline, and compassion, stressing that such common ideals should serve as a foundation for national unity.
“For weeks, across mosques and churches, Nigerians prayed, fasted, gave to the needy, and sought a better version of themselves. If we can endure hardship together in pursuit of spiritual growth, then we can certainly live together in peace,” the Guild said.
However, NGIJ expressed concern over rising tensions in the country, warning that differences are increasingly being weaponised, particularly along religious and ethnic lines.
The Guild emphasised that the lessons of Ramadan and Lent should not end with celebrations but must be reflected in citizens’ daily conduct, urging Nigerians to embrace patience, empathy, and truth in their interactions.
While addressing the political class, the organisation cautioned against early signs of divisive campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections, including the spread of misinformation and fear-based rhetoric.
“We are already seeing early signs of the familiar playbook, divisive rhetoric, calculated misinformation, and appeals to fear rather than reason. That path is dangerous and ultimately destructive,” the statement read.
NGIJ urged politicians, political parties, and aspirants to focus on issue-based campaigns, particularly on the economy, security, and governance, rather than resorting to identity politics.
It warned that power gained through division could undermine national stability, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford another election cycle that deepens societal fractures.
The Guild also reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and responsible journalism, pledging to continue challenging false narratives and exposing misinformation.
“A peaceful and informed society requires citizens who think critically and reject manipulation,” it added.
The statement concluded by describing Eid al-Fitr as not only a moment of celebration but also a test of collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to choose unity over division in the interest of national progress.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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