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Security challenges: Nigerians in U.S. engage State Department

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5 years ago

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The Nigerian-American Diaspora Community has held a discussion with the U.S. Department of State on ways to address Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.

The discussion, which was coordinated by officials of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC), said the Biden administration was interested in ensuring a stable Nigeria.

President of NAPAC, Dr Nelson Aluya, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in New York, that the department was interested in concerns expressed by Nigerians about creating a stable country back home.

“They (U.S. officials) recognised that there are multiple problems in Nigeria and they recognised the potential of the Nigerian-American Diaspora Community in the U.S. in solving those issues.

“They are ready to work with us on those key issues; we are concerned and frustrated with ineptitude and lack of leadership in security because of the way people are dying.

“They did tell us that they are working with the Nigerian government and they are in direct contact to help out in the context of national integrity and autonomy,’’ he said.

Dr Nelson Aluya, President, Nigerian-Americans Public Affairs Committee, at a Listening Town Hall with U.S. Department of State officials
Dr Nelson Aluya, President, Nigerian-Americans Public Affairs Committee, at a Listening Town Hall with U.S. Department of State officials
Aluya explained that NAPAC was working with other stakeholders to build a strong, united, indissoluble and indivisible Nigerian community in the U.S.

“Our goal is to pull Nigerians in the U.S. and across the globe together, into a strong and formidable force, so that together, we can collaborate with other Nigerian associations.

“We need to work together and do greater things in Nigeria so that we can elevate the youth to foster dialogue for peace and negotiation, as well as taking active steps to engage the government,’’ he said.

Aluya said the essence of the interaction was to bring Nigerians in the U.S. together on a platform to listen to what the U.S. could offer Nigerian–Americans in their quest to provide help and resources.

In addition, he said, the meeting also provided an avenue to tell the U.S. officials what Nigerians in the U.S. could offer them and the possible avenues for collaboration.

“We can collaborate to do the job of diaspora with the help of the listening ear of the State Department to directly impact on good governance in Nigeria,” he added.

Aluya said the group would organise more town hall meetings to interact with the U.S. and Nigerian governments to brainstorm on ensuring a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria. (NAN)

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International

Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism

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3 months ago

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September 1, 2025

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Simon Ekpa
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A Finnish court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.

The Päijät-Häme District Court found the 40-year-old former Lahti municipal councillor guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.

Prosecutors said that between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa promoted the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal means, using social media to influence followers and support armed groups the court classified as terrorist organisations.

The court ruled that Ekpa provided weapons and explosives through his contacts and urged his supporters on X, formerly Twitter, to commit crimes in Nigeria. He denied all charges.

Ekpa was arrested in December 2024 and tried over 12 sessions earlier this year. A three-judge panel delivered the unanimous verdict, ordering him to remain in custody.

 

 

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International

In Brazil, Tinubu Calls for Innovation-Driven Transformation in Nigeria

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3 months ago

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August 27, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s development, with a focus on technology, food security, and innovation.

Speaking to Nigerians in Brazil on Wednesday, Tinubu described his visit as a strategic step to deepen bilateral ties and learn from the South American country’s rapid development.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today — its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President stressed that his government is laying the foundation for partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange, with the goal of unlocking Nigeria’s potential.

Acknowledging the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu insisted that the measures are necessary for long-term prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil, urging them to see themselves as critical stakeholders in building a new Nigeria.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” Tinubu stated.

The President further called for unity and resilience among Nigerians, adding that the dream of a prosperous nation must be pursued with urgency.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” he said.

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International

Tinubu Arrives in Brazil for Two-Day State Visit After U.S. Stopover

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3 months ago

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August 25, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepping out from Airplane
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President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Brasília, Brazil, for a two-day state visit focused on deepening bilateral ties and securing new investments.

Tinubu, who flew in from Los Angeles after attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian government officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, also joined the reception. Other cabinet ministers, heads of key agencies, and private sector representatives later welcomed the president at his hotel.

The official welcoming ceremony, with full military honours, is scheduled for Monday at the Planalto Palace.

According to presidential aides, the visit will focus on activating multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advancing the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanisation project, and attracting fresh foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors.

Tinubu is also expected to participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum, bilateral meetings, and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding in technology, aviation, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The presidency has not disclosed when the president is expected to return to Abuja.

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