Building a world of common security, lasting peace

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, themed “Common Security, Lasting Peace,” concluded in Beijing on Oct. 31.

This year’s session of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum reached new historic highs in both scale and level. It witnessed extensive and in-depth exchanges and even contention between participants, demonstrating the principles of equality, openness, inclusiveness, and mutual learning and achieving the purpose of pooling wisdom, expanding consensus, and enhancing mutual trust.

The continuously growing influence of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum reflects the significance the international community accords to peace and security issues, and embodies various parties’ trust in and support for China’s efforts to promote the implementation of the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and play a leading role in advancing global security cooperation.

In today’s world, security issues are increasingly interconnected, transnational and diverse. Regional security hotspots keep flaring up, local conflicts and turbulence occur frequently, with traditional and non-traditional security threats intertwined.

In the face of global security challenges, it’s imperative that countries strengthen communication and cooperation so as to solve security dilemmas.

Responding to global security hotspots, the topics of dialogues, seminars and other activities at the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, including major-country relations, security in the Asia-Pacific region, artificial intelligence, nuclear risk management and control, a new security architecture in the Middle East and mechanisms for peace in Europe, showed global vision and inclusiveness, providing a broad platform for exchanges between various parties.

The candid exchanges of views between participants as they jointly explored the path to global peace and security are of great positive significance under the current international circumstances.

“I strongly believe that this year’s Beijing Xiangshan Forum is an ideal platform to address the impending issues and to initiate proactive approaches to find solutions to problems, in order to have a stable and secure region,” said Vice-Admiral Piyal De Silva, former commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Respecting each other’s reasonable security concerns and ensuring all countries enjoy equal rights to express their security needs is an important prerequisite for building and maintaining a world of common security and lasting peace.

Many arrangements of the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum were welcomed by developing countries. For instance, one of the topics at the plenary sessions was “the role of developing countries in global security“; panel sessions and seminars covered topics including “the Global South and global security governance”, “the significance of BRICS membership expansion”, “the expectations of developing countries for globalization”; and representatives of small and medium-sized countries accounted for a considerable proportion of speaking slots at relevant meetings.

One important contribution China has made is making many voices that were not heard by the international community in the past increasingly louder now, said Joseph Kahama, secretary general of the Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association.

More and more countries included in the Global South trust China, because China can help relevant countries make their voices heard on the global stage, he noted.

The Beijing Xiangshan Forum represents a significant event hosted by China to implement the GSI.

Calling on countries to adapt to the profoundly changing international landscape in the spirit of solidarity and address traditional and non-traditional security threats and challenges with a win-win mindset, the GSI aims to create a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win over zero-sum.

It has injected confidence into countries’ efforts to maintain and achieve common and universal security, and is bound to continue helping build a more peaceful and safer world.

In February this year, China released “The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper”, proposing 20 priorities of cooperation under the framework of the GSI and suggestions on platforms and mechanisms of cooperation.

Defense ministers from many countries attending the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum fully affirmed China’s contributions to maintaining world peace and promoting regional development.

Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said he hopes the international community will work together to implement the GSI and achieve peaceful coexistence among all countries.

China unswervingly pursues an independent foreign policy of peace. It has always decided its position and policy on issues based on their own merits, and it has strived to uphold the basic norms governing international relations and safeguard international fairness and justice.

It strives to safeguard world peace and development as it pursues its own development, and it makes contributions to world peace and development through its own development.

China has actively participated in and promoted multilateral security cooperation, engaged in mediation diplomacy, made unremitting efforts for the political settlement of hotspot issues, cooperated with other parties in non-traditional security domains such as anti-terrorism, cyberspace, food security, and climate change, and promoted improvement in international platforms and mechanisms for dialogues and exchanges on addressing security challenges.

By carrying out extensive consultation and making concerted efforts with various parties, China has pushed for solid implementation of the GSI, demonstrating its strong sense of duty as a responsible major country.

In today’s interconnected world, all countries are closely connected and humanity shares a common future. The historical trend of peace, development, and win-win cooperation is unstoppable.

China will continue upholding the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and work with all members of the international community committed to peace and development to actively promote the implementation of the GSI, jointly enrich its connotations and practices, and make new contributions to promoting common security of humankind and lasting peace of the world.

China to build 5th Antarctic research station

By Liu Shiyao, Hu Runxin, People’s Daily

China’s 40th Antarctic scientific expedition team, organized by the country’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), set sail from Shanghai on Nov. 1, embarking on a mission that is expected to last more than five months.

The expedition team will build a new scientific research station along the coastal areas of the Ross Sea, which will be the biggest highlight of the expedition. Upon completion, the new station will become China’s third perennial research station after the Changcheng and Zhongshan stations and the first research station dedicated to the Pacific sector. It will also be the country’s fifth research station in Antarctica.

The Ross Sea is the most southward-extending sea among all marginal seas of Antarctica. The top of the bay is located at about 78 degrees south latitude, which is very close to the South Pole.

The unique geographical location of the Ross Sea brings differentiated scientific research value, making it a beneficial complement to China’s Antarctic scientific research layout deserving greater investment for comprehensive scientific observation.

The construction of the new research station is of great significance.

Carrying out surveys, observation and monitoring of marine ecology, sea ice, glaciers, sea level, atmosphere, geophysics, high-altitude atmospheric physics, terrestrial ecology, terrestrial and marine geology, birds and more in this region will provide fundamental support for assessing the Antarctic ecological environment and climate change.

“The Ross Sea region has a strong appeal to scientists because it is like an ‘ice factory.’ It is an important generator of sea ice in the entire Southern Ocean, and a key origin of Antarctic bottom water,” said Sun Bo with the Polar Research Institute of China under the MNR.

The region features multi-circle interactions of the Earth system, including the geosphere, cryosphere, biosphere and atmosphere, which will help researchers explore important scientific issues such as Antarctic changes and global linkages, according to Sun.

The construction of the new station also reflects China’s active efforts to fulfill its responsibilities and obligations under the Antarctic Treaty system.

According to Long Wei, deputy director of Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration, a subsidiary of the MNR, China will cooperate with relevant countries in managing the Antarctic Specially Protected Area at Inexpressible Island and conduct ecological monitoring of the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area, contributing to the protection of the Antarctic ecological environment and supporting China’s participation in Antarctic international governance.

Relying on the new station, China will carry out international cooperation on scientific expeditions and logistical support in Antarctica with neighboring research stations of other countries, striving to make new and greater contributions to the peaceful use of Antarctica by mankind, Long said.

With a building area of 5,244 square meters, the new Chinese Antarctic research station is expected to accommodate 80 expedition team members during summers and 30 members during winters after completion. It is planned to be used for atmospheric, oceanic, glacial, biological and other multidisciplinary observation, monitoring and scientific research.

The philosophy of “green expedition” will run through the entire construction process of the new research station.

While ensuring quality, safety and other basic requirements of the station, relevant personnel will make overall plans and adopt integrated designs for various systems of the station, in a bid to conserve resources and minimize environmental impact during the construction of the new research station.

Customized prefabrication and pre-assembly at home, as well as intensive management of construction materials, will also help the expedition team save energy, water, materials and other resources and protect the environment.

By reducing the disturbed area in Antarctica, cutting the number of temporary facilities and construction personnel, and maximizing control over the scope of construction activities, the expedition team will try to achieve the goal of green and eco-friendly construction.

In addition to the construction of the new station, the expedition team will also investigate the impacts of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystems and relevant consequences, while thoroughly studying the role of Antarctica in global climate change, according to Zhang Beichen, leader and chief scientist of China’s 40th Antarctic expedition.

Collaborative research in the frontiers of international Antarctic science will also represent an important part of this expedition.

During the expedition, Chinese scientists will carry out collaborative aerial surveys of the Enderby Land with their counterparts from countries including Norway and Australia, and explore the ice-ocean-bedrock interactions in the grounding zone of the Antarctic ice sheet, a key data gap region. They will also provide support for accurate assessments of ice sheet mass balance and instability research, and conduct international cooperation on logistical support with scientists from multiple countries.

Flying Tigers spirit represents trust, friendship: Flying Tigers veteran

By Liu Lingling, People’s Daily

The Flying Tigers spirit is a symbol of U.S.-China cooperation, said Mel McMullen, a Flying Tigers veteran, adding that he hopes more young people from the two countries could get to know this period of history and pass on the spirit from generation to generation.

McMullen, 98, made the remarks during an interview with People’s Daily after visiting the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He was in China to attend an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the U.S. 14th Air Force’s participation in China’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression in Beijing.

The suits, helmets and photos of the Flying Tigers exhibited at the museum brought the Flying Tigers veteran back to the old days when he fought side by side with the Chinese people.

During China’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression, a large number of young American pilots, led by U.S. general Claire Lee Chennault, formed the American Volunteer Group (AVG), also known as the Flying Tigers. They fearlessly fought alongside the Chinese people against the Japanese fascists. McMullen was one of them.

In 1944, McMullen was assigned to the 308th bombardment group of the 425th Bombardment Squadron of the 14th Air Force, serving as a B-24 “Liberator” bomber’s gunner and assistant flight mechanic. His bombardment group was initially stationed at the Chenggong Airport near Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan province, and later moved to Chengdu in Sichuan province after a few months.

McMullen told People’s Daily that he was only 18 back then, and he felt that people of all countries shared the same aspiration that they and their families could enjoy peace.

He told the story of how Chinese people saved the lives of endangered American pilots. During that time, many American pilots were protected during the day and escorted to safe zones at night by the Chinese people.

He said the Flying Tigers respect and admire the Chinese people, and he would never forget that during the war, local residents went all out to rescue American pilots, despite the brutal retaliation from the Japanese army, and this saved the lives of many American pilots.

Lately, Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, Flying Tigers veterans Harry Moyer and McMullen jointly wrote a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which they introduced the efforts of the foundation and Flying Tigers veterans in helping promote China-U.S. friendly exchanges, and expressed their willingness to inherit and carry forward the precious spirit of China-U.S. cooperation.

On Sept. 12, Xi replied to the letter. Recalling the moment he received Xi’s reply, McMullen couldn’t hide his excitement, saying such care is truly precious.

The Flying Tigers spirit represents trust and friendship, McMullen said. During the war, the Flying Tigers trusted the Chinese people and believed that what they were doing would have a positive impact and be something to be proud of.

He said the Flying Tigers believed that if their planes encountered mechanical failures or were hit by the enemy and they had to parachute, the Chinese people would surely find and rescue them. The Flying Tigers and the Chinese people fought side by side in wartime, and in peacetime, they should also be eternal partners, he noted.

Xi said in his reply that in growing China-U.S. relations, the hope lies in the people, the foundation lies among the people, and the future lies with the youth. McMullen said he totally agrees with Xi, hoping that the younger generations from the two countries could pass on the Flying Tigers spirit so that the friendly ties can be passed down from generation to generation.

In 2015, McMullen visited China and participated in commemoration activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

According to him, he and his wife have visited China multiple times, and they sincerely admire the tremendous development China has achieved. This time, he came to China accompanied by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and other relatives. He hopes to promote a better understanding of the Flying Tigers’ story among more young people, and to continue promoting the spirit of the Flying Tigers and fostering the friendship between the American and Chinese people.

NUHU RIBADU PLANNING TO SEND EFCC AND ICPC AFTER BINANI AND HER HUSBAND

By Tanimu Abdullahi

In what is seen by observers as a desperate attempt to dim and shoot down the bright and ever-rising political star of Distinguished Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani, and to clear the coast of what he sees as the biggest obstacle to his ambition to be the Executive Governor of Adamawa State come 2027, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in what is clearly a misuse of office and insider privilege, is planning to send the statutory institutional attack dogs of EFCC and ICPC after Binani and her husband, Dr. Ahmed Moddibo.Reliable information filtering in from Abuja has it that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is the National Security Adviser, NSA, to the President, has directed the Minister of Education, Professor Mamman Tahir, who worked for Labour Party (LP) at the 2023 Presidential election and worked for People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the 2023 Adamawa Governorship election, a longstanding associate of the NSA and who got the ministership by the graces of the NSA, to probe the tenure of Dr. Ahmed Modibbo as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, (2007-2012) and thereafter lodge an official complaint before the EFCC and the ICPC, who will then use the complaint to go after Dr. Ahmed Modibbo.The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, was established in 2004, and Dr. Modibbo served as its Executive Secretary in 2007 – 2012. His tenure ended 11 clear years ago and there have been three (3) other Executive Secretaries after him, namely Professor Charles Onocha, who served as the Acting Executive Secretary from 2012 to 2013, and Alhaji Dikko Sulaiman, who served as the Executive Secretary from 2013 to 2016, and the incumbent, Dr. Hamid Bobboi, who came to office in 2016. The question we are asking is: why the selective probe? Why leave out the tenures before and the tenures after that of Dr. Ahmed Modibbo and probe only his tenure? The answer is that probity and accountability are not what this probe is intended to secure, but an arbitrary misuse of office by a high level insider to drag down someone he sees as his political albatross so as to achieve personal political ends. The aim is to bring trumped-up charges against Dr. Ahmed Modibbo, rope his wife, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani into it, and hopefully kill her political future by the resultant criminal case. It is a desperate and ignoble witch-hunt, an attempt to give a dog a bad name so as to hang it.This is not surprising to discerning observers of political events in Adamawa State. Since the APC governorship primaries were concluded and Senator Aishatu Binani, against the much tauted and vaunted candidature of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, easily won the ticket of the party, all hell broke loose. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and his powerful associates, swearing that Senator Aishatu Binani will never become governor of Adamawa State, went after her with all the firepower in their arsenal. When they couldn’t use the courts to stop her, they resorted to all kinds of backhanded and underhanded tricks, including a well-oiled media smear campaign and high-wired subterranean anti-party activities that almost destroyed their own party, just to halt the march of the woman of the people. From the results of the 2023 Governorship Elections, which actually indicated a victory for Senator Binani, their efforts did not work. So, using their strong connections, they stole the elections and gave it to a usurper. She turned to the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to recapture her mandate; they overshot themselves by concocting a judgment that has jurists and intellectuals wondering what stretch of imagination was used to pull that obviously twisted judicial abracadabra. Now that Senator Binani has beaten them in so many negative attempts of destroying her political fortunes including the very fallacies of the concocted results announced by INEC after the gubernatorial elections – a situation that has gotten all the anti-Binani forces scampering for whatever cover they can find to save their croaked political necks – as a last-ditch effort, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu now came up with this probe to gain some respectability for what is clearly a vendetta crusade by a man who has always resorted to using the powers that be for personal political gains, instead of building his political profile by working for the people, against a woman who is truly a champion of the people, owing to her stellar career of selfless service to the people, who is only seeking political power to serve the people of Adamawa State. As with all the previous ignoble attempts to stop the inevitable march of Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani to Dougerei House, this one also shall also fail, Insha Allah. We shall come out of this, stronger and better.

Tanimu Abdullahi, is a public affairs analyst, writes from Agwan Rimi in Kaduna.

Femi Gbajabiamila Cash and Carry: Dr. Salihu Bakari, Set to takeover ES TETFUND

A mind boggling scandal has been Uncovered in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as his Chief of Staff Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, is allegedly accused of collecting millions dollars from a director of Research and Development, at the TETFUND, Alhaji Salihu Bakari, to appoint him as the Executive Secretary of the institution. 

A highly placed source confirmed to our correspondent that Alhaji Bakari, has allegedly boasted to his very close friend’s and allys that he has been assured of his appointment as the next Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, which will be announced officially next week. 

According to the source, he will be taking over from the Federal permanent Secretary in the Federal ministry of Education, Sunday Ochono, who was appointed as the Executive by the Buhari administration last year. 

Ironically, the current minister of Education Prof Tahir Mamman and the current Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education, UBEC, Hamid Bobboyi, all hail from Adamawa State. 

The source further added that, based on principles of the Federal character it will be grossly inappropriate to appoint another indigene of Adamawa State to head the TETFUND. 

The source further revealed that Alhaji Bakari, is optimistic that he will secured the job owing to the fact that it cost him millions of dollars which exchanged hands with the President Chief of Staff directly to secure the appointment which will be announced next week by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

CSOs warn against needless protest against NNPCL Boss

…says NNPCL GCEO has demonstrated exceptional leadership
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) and the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association (BAVCCA) have cautioned against the planned protest by over 1000 lawyers, who have been calling for the sack of Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroluem Company Limited(NNPCL, Engr. Mele Kyari.

Recall that few days ago, Lawyers under the Coalition of Nigerian Legal Practitioners,had demanded the sack of Kyari, over scarcity and arbitrary hike in price of Premium Motor Spirit(PMS), across the country.

Their demand was contained in a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu, dated October 30,2023, with subject “Petition Against The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroluem Company Limited(NNPCL) And Call For His Immediate Sack,”and signed by Bernard Adesina, Peter Agbonghan, Igwe Chukwudi, and others.

The lawyers further threatened to mobilise over 1,000 lawyers to occupy NNPCL headquarters on November 2, 2023 to register their displeasure.

Speaking at a joint media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, Abimbola Ademola, Director of Admin, BAVCCA and Tijani Ali Danjuma, National Secretary, COCSON, described the planned protest as “unfortunate and ill-advised.”

Ademola pointed out that any disruption caused by protests or strike will not only worsen the situation but also will negatively impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

According to Ademola: We have gathered to express their unwavering support for Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), amidst the threatened protest by 1000 lawyers and various ethnic and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) concerning fuel hike and scarcity issues.

“COCSON and BAVCCA firmly believe that Mr. Mele Kyari has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the betterment of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

“Under his guidance, NNPCL has made significant strides in ensuring stability, accountability, and efficiency in the distribution and management of petroleum resources.

“We understand that the recent increase in fuel prices has caused hardship and raised concerns among the Nigerian people.

“However, we firmly believe that these measures, adopted by NNPCL and the Federal Government, are necessary to navigate the challenges posed by global economic fluctuations and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Nigerian petroleum sector.

“The threatened protest by 1000 lawyers and other ethnic/CSO groups is unfortunate and ill-advised.

“We urge these groups to engage in constructive dialogue with NNPCL and other stakeholders, rather than resorting to disruptive actions that may undermine the progress made by Mr. Mele Kyari and his team.

“We would like to highlight that the Nigerian petroleum industry is a vital pillar of the country’s economy, and any disruption caused by protests or strikes will only worsen the situation and negatively impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians.”

The leadership of BAVCCA and COCSON,
therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the efforts of Kyari and NNPCL in ensuring the availability and accessibility of petroleum products across the country.

While sounding a note of warning to those fanning the embers of discord and crises, COCSON and BAVCCA said they would not hesitate to proceed to court or employ every legal means, including but not limited to organisng a peaceful advocacy march, to ensure that these agents of doom are contained.

“COCSON and BAVCCA remain committed to promoting transparent governance and accountability in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“We believe that dialogue, collaboration, and understanding are the key to addressing the concerns of the people and working towards a prosperous nation,” Ademola said.

Rift in Edo government continues as Governor Obaseki allegedly gifts Speaker vehicles meant for his deputy

All may not still be well in the relationship between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu inspite of the much publicised reconciliation, apologies and acceptance of apology between the duo, this paper has learnt.

A reliable source at the Edo State government house, who fears to be mentioned to avoid victimisation informed this medium that a Toyota Landcruiser which was bought by the governor for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago has been handed over to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku instead.

Miffed by this development, the source explained that in the first tenure of Governor Obaseki and Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu, only one vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser was bought and allocated to the office of the Deputy Governor and that all the used escort vehicles in the convoy of the Deputy Governor were bought by friends of the deputy governor as support gifts in order not to expose him to unnecessary dangers.

“In the second tenure, the same vehicle allocated to the deputy governor about seven (7) years ago is yet to be replaced. It was because of this that it became obvious when a fast one was played on edolites last week, when in a twist of events, the Governor handed the Speaker a Toyota Landcruiser and a Toyota Hilux, instead of a Lexus sports utility vehicle that was approved for him.

“The Toyota Landcruiser was allegedly bought for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago,” the source explained.

The source lamented that this unfortunate incident where the Governor would deliberately deny the Deputy Governor of the vehicle, which was budgeted and bought in his name for a second tenure saying that the governor has also refused to release the vehicles for the assembly members, despite the N1.8billon approved and disbursed to the Governor to purchase their new vehicles.

He called on the good people of the state to rise against what he called “executive recklessness” which he insists must stop. He advised the governor to release the Toyota Landcruiser belonging to the deputy governor to him as this is statutory to the office.

“Naira Scarcity Intensifies Across States as CBN’s Deadline for Old Notes Approaches”

A widespread scarcity of Naira currency notes has been observed in various states, including Kano and Borno, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) deadline for the use of old N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes swiftly approaches, set for December 31, 2023, as mandated by the Supreme Court.

The scarcity has sparked concerns within local business communities, leading to reports of severely limited cash availability in both banks and ATMs. Point of Sales (PoS) operators in Kano disclosed their challenges in obtaining sufficient cash from banks, compelling them to seek alternatives from local markets and fuel stations. Additionally, ATMs in various areas were reported to be non-functional, leaving residents and traders struggling to carry out essential transactions.

In Borno State, the scarcity has significantly impacted residents, traders, and local banks, forcing many to resort to online transactions due to the scarcity of physical cash. Banks in the state have enforced strict withdrawal limits, with some customers encountering difficulties accessing cash even from PoS points.

Furthermore, Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in Abuja shared their experiences, noting a worsening scarcity of Naira in recent days. This scarcity appears to be exacerbated by banks’ efforts to mop up cash ahead of the expiration deadline for the old notes.

The resurfaced Naira scarcity has raised widespread concerns, posing challenges for everyday transactions and causing significant inconvenience for businesses and individuals alike.

“Global Cooperation Urged to Strengthen Childhood Vaccination and Research”

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has called for international collaboration to enhance childhood vaccination efforts and vaccine research worldwide. Addressing the First Asia Pacific Summit on Infectious Diseases and Immunisation in Singapore, organized by the Asia Pacific Immunisation Coalition (APIC) under the theme “Vaccination for All: Access, Confidence, and Equity (ACE),” Pate emphasized the importance of equitable access, enhanced confidence, and global health equity in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and climate change.

Pate acknowledged the progress made in global health, highlighting increased life expectancies and reduced child mortality rates due to expanded access to vaccines. He emphasized vaccines’ role in mitigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating reopening, and aiding economic recovery.

Despite advancements, Pate highlighted persistent challenges, including millions of children lacking access to basic immunization and the rise of anti-vaccine movements. He outlined the summit’s key themes: access, confidence, and equity.

Pate stressed the need to prioritize equitable vaccine access, break down barriers, and integrate vaccine delivery within national health systems. Building confidence in vaccines, through clear communication and addressing misinformation, was underscored. Achieving equity in vaccine access, both within and between countries, was emphasized as fundamental for a healthier and more just world.

The summit, attended by experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders worldwide, aimed to mobilize global efforts, strengthen partnerships, and maintain vaccines as a beacon of hope. The event featured panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, focusing on innovative strategies for building trust in vaccines and fostering global collaborations for vaccine equity. The summit concluded with a call for sustained global cooperation in the field of vaccination and immunisation.

Candidate’s Cash-Based Campaign Raises Concerns About Nasarawa State Football Association’s Future

…Football Stakeholders Urge for Credibility, Accountability in Upcoming FA Chairman Election”

The forthcoming election for the position of Chairman in the Nasarawa State Football Association has been marred by allegations of cash-based campaigning. Football stakeholders have voiced their concerns about the implications of such practices on the future of the association.

Recall that the election, scheduled for November 4th in Keffi, is seen as a pivotal moment for the Nasarawa State Football Association. The state’s football community is eager to elect a leader who will prioritize credibility, transparency, and accountability in the administration of the sport.

However, recent reports have raised questions about the integrity of the election process. It has come to the attention of stakeholders that a certain candidate in the race has allegedly been engaging in the distribution of money to delegates, leading to accusations of attempts to influence the outcome of the election.

One particular concern is the candidate’s alleged push for an open ballot, a move that has been criticized for its potential to expose delegates who have received money but may choose not to vote for the said candidate. This has raised eyebrows among football stakeholders who question the candidate’s commitment to leading the association based on merit rather than financial influence.

Football enthusiasts, coaches, players, and fans are unified in their call for a chairman who will prioritize the interests of the sport and its development in Nasarawa State. They emphasize the importance of transparency, credibility, and accountability in the administration of the association.

Stakeholders have expressed their concerns, noting that if the candidate is genuinely qualified and dedicated to the role, there should be no need to resort to cash-based tactics to secure votes. They stress the need for a chairman who is elected on the basis of their vision and capabilities, rather than financial incentives.

As the election date approaches, the Nasarawa State Football Association community hopes that the focus will shift towards discussions of the candidates’ manifestos and their plans to foster growth, development, and inclusivity within the state’s football scene.

The question that remains is whether the election process will indeed be a reflection of the sport’s core values, including fairness, integrity, and a dedication to the betterment of football in Nasarawa State. Football stakeholders are watching closely, and their expectations are high for a future chairman who will prioritize the sport’s best interests over monetary incentives.