News
RSNC GM Wants Youth To Embrace Dialogue
The General Manager, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Publishers of The Tide Newspaper, Mr Vincent Ake has called on youths in the state to embrace dialogue in resolving conflicts, instead of resorting to violence which is negatively affecting the development of the state and nation’s economy.
Ake, made the call when he received a delegation of a non-governmental organisation, Advocacy for Community Peace and Conflict Resolution, who paid him a courtesy visit at the corporation’s Headquarters, Port Harcourt, Wednesday.
He charged the group not to only to preach peace in the city of Port Harcourt, but should go around the remote part to preach the good message of peace, adding that there was need for the restoration of peace through negotiation and dialogue, which must start with those living in the remotest areas.
“Spread your tentacles to public places such as the schools, markets, remote and communities where children can be able to learn, understand what it takes to be peaceful and the people will inculcate this good moral that would make them responsible people to their society and nation at large., he said.
According to him, “the habit of been peaceful can only be achieved if we all learn how to live harmoniously with one another.” He therefore, urged all to inculcate the habit of being peaceful.
While advocating for peace to enhance development, he said where there is no peace, there is no development. He charged young men in the society to find something positive to do without getting involved in crime and criminality.
He commended the group for promoting peace in the Niger Delta and assured that RSNC would partner with them to ensure there is peace and development in the state and country at large.
Earlier, the Principal Advocate of the group, Bishop Konel Offong had praised the General Manager and its management team for the good works they were doing to sensitise and educate the public on current happenings.
He explained that the essence of the courtesy visit is to seek partnership with The Tide Newspaper, in spreading its advocacy for peace building in the state and nation.
Bishop Konel maintained that dialogue is the only potent mechanism for conflict resolution instead of resorting into violence and kills to resolve communal crises.
He urged politicians and all stakeholders concerned in the forth-coming 2019 general elections to embark on peaceful campaigns bearing in mind that the state and nation is more important than every other thing.
He noted that time has come for leaders and all desperados to shield their swords and be more compassionate towards the people they wish to lead, adding that one of the major factors of the crisis in the state is greed and the show of superiority over one another, which cannot give peace to the state and country at large.
“The peace of our nation supersedes the personal ambition of any politician or group of persons. We need peace during and after the elections,” he said.
He added that the vision of the group is to have a peaceful and prosperous society that is empowered through dialogue and with the mission of engaging people at the levels in dialogue that discourages violence and encourages peace and nation building.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.