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  • Over 64m people suffer from drug use disorders — UNODC

    Over 64m people suffer from drug use disorders – UNODC

     

    Drug

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) More than  64 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders while hundreds of thousands lose their lives to drug use yearly.

     

     Ghada Waly, Executive Director of  UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) made the disclosure on Wednesday. 

    She made this known during a special event organised by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked annually on June 26.

    The event, with the theme, “Evidence to Impact: Powering Effective Drug Policies with Data Collection and Research”,  was monitored virtually by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Waly said  that roughly 14 million people around the world injected drugs and are more likely to contract HIV and Hepatitis C.

    According to Waly, the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking focused on the  need to invest in prevention.

    “By investing more, we can prevent drug use by young people, prevent many overdose deaths and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

    “We can alleviate pain and loss today while building resilience to the challenges of tomorrow,” Waly said.

    She said  that governments and other stakeholders must be equipped with data and evidence to inform responses and galvanise action.

    According to the official, this is the role of the World Drug Report which sends a clear message that the world drug problem is evolving in dynamic, dangerous ways, with vulnerable people paying the price with their health and well-being.

    She said that  the problem had continued to be characterised by inequality between those with the means to access health and those without.

    “As of 2022, only around one in 11 people with drug use disorders around the world receive drug treatment, and coverage is even lower when looking at Asia or Africa alone.

    “The treatment gap also overlaps with gender inequality.

    “Only one in 18 women with drug use disorders receive treatment, with women continuing to face greater consequences for drug use and greater stigma and discrimination,” she added.

    NAN reports that the 2024 UNODC World Drug Report was also launched during the event.

    Amb. Philbert Johnson, the Chair of the 67th Session of CND and Ghana’s Permanent Representative to  UN Offices in Vienna, said that the report was a roadmap for evidence-based action.

    Johnson said it served as a comprehensive resource for policymakers and researchers, offering valuable insights into the current drug landscape, highlighting emerging trends, regional variations and the impact of drug policies.

    He said that evidence played a vital role in shaping policy decisions, adding that in the realm of drug policy, data collection and research provided a transformative power.

    “They enable us to understand drug abuse patterns, trends, and the social and economic consequences that follow.

    “We have witnessed the positive outcomes that stem from evidence-driven initiatives.

    “By leveraging data and research, communities have been able to implement targeted interventions that address specific drug-related issues.

    “The power of data lies in its ability to guide our decision making, ensuring that our policies are not only effective but also responsive to the evolving nature of the world drug problem,” he said.

    Johnson, however, said that drug-related challenges continued to evolve, presenting complex obstacles.

    He said that stakeholders must be prepared to be innovative, leveraging evidence as their guide.

    He added that a multi-sectoral approach involving governments, civil society organisations, researchers and international partners must be taken.

    “By collaboration, sharing knowledge and pooling resources, we can develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions,” Johnson said. (NAN)

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Women still largely excluded from diplomacy — UN Women

    Women still largely excluded from diplomacy — UN Women

    Diplomacy

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) In spite progress, women are still largely excluded from positions of power and diplomacy, with the highest levels of influence and decision-making still predominantly occupied by men, says UN Women data.

    A new UN Women data on gender parity across leadership positions showed that globally, women’s underrepresentation in decision-making remained a stark reality.

    The new data was published by UN Women in commemoration of the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, marked on June 24.

    In 2022, the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), by consensus, declared the June 24 as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy to recognise and celebrate the ways in which women are making a difference in the field of diplomacy.

    In a statement, UN Women said male dominance in diplomacy and foreign affairs extended to the Permanent Missions to the UN, where women remained underrepresented as Permanent Representatives.

    “As of May 2024, women held 25 percent of Permanent Representative posts in New York, 35 percent in Geneva, and 33.5 per cent in Vienna. 

    UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous, was quoted in the statement to have said the UN Agency’s work was guided by the belief that when women lead, the world is better for all people and the planet.

    According to Bahous, as many countries head to the polls this year, women must be put first, at the pinnacle of power, where and when it matters the most. 

    “Women’s equal participation in governance and leadership is key to improving lives for all.

    “Electing and appointing women in leadership positions signals strong political will for gender equality and demonstrates a collective commitment to tackling the challenges the world faces today,” she said.

    It was also noted in the statement that as of January 1 2024, only 23 percent of ministerial positions were held by women, and in 141 countries, women made up less than a third of cabinet ministers.

    “UN Women continues to work to ensure women lead and thrive in shaping and driving positive change, including through occupying the most senior positions of power,” the statement read. (NAN)

    OMB/EAL

    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • S/Africa: Don optimistic about GNU creating better opportunities

    S/Africa: Don optimistic about GNU creating better opportunities 

    South Africa

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A South Africa-based Professor. Abiodun Salawu, has expressed optimism that the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the country would  work to create better opportunities for people and reduce unemployment among youths.

    Salawu, Director of Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) and Professor in the Department of Communication, North-West University, South Africa,  spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

    The professor of media studies spoke on the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term as South Africa’s President and  formation of the GNU.

    South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa being sworn in for a second term on June 19, 2024.

    Ramaphosa’s party, African National Congress (ANC) said the formation of the GNU was rooted in its shared commitment to uphold the constitution, promote non-racialism, and ensure social justice and equity for all South Africans.

    Parties that officially signed the Statement of Intent to participate in the GNU include the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA) which is South Africa’s second largest party, Inkatha Freedom Party, GOOD, and the Patriotic Alliance.

    According to ANC, this collaboration represents 273 seats in the National Assembly.

    In his inauguration speech on Wednesday, in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the formation of the GNU was a moment of profound significance.

    He said it was “the beginning of a new era”.

    Salawu, in his assessment, said that going by the various parties and their leaders, Ramaphosa was the best for the role, given the circumstance and despite his imperfections.

    “In 30 years of democracy, this was the first time ANC fell low and it was apparent that they couldn’t go alone this time after losing parliamentary majority”.

    Salawu said Ramaphosa had a vast capacity for consultations.

    This, he said,  had gotten him criticisms many times but would help him thrive in the GNU.

    “He doesn’t take decisions abrasively without bringing other parties into consideration so we should be able to run through this without having to experience very difficult challenges.”

    Salawu, however, said his concern was that the parties had different ideologies, policies and personalities which could create tensions over time.

    He urged the GNU parties not to be too rigid, extreme and combative with their positions for the sake of the country.

    “There is a large number of people who do not believe ANC and DA can work together.

    “When you look at that, you’ll want to expect that the parties will be careful and employ a lot of political tact and maturity to make the GNU work,” Salawu said.

    Meanwhile, in attendance at Ramaphosa’s inauguration were dignitaries including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, King Mswati III of Eswatini, among others.

    Speaking on bilateral relations between South Africa and Nigeria, Salawu said continued collaboration between both countries would be of great benefit to the continent.

    According to him, what it requires is a matter of mutual respect between both countries and mutual respect for citizens.

    “Nigerians in South Africa should be treated with dignity and vice-versa.

    “Both countries should not see each other as competitors in order to enjoy good diplomatic relations,” Salawu said. (NAN)

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Oluwole Sogunle

     

     

     

  • International relations experts expect more from AU PSC 

     

    International relations experts expect more from AU PSC

     

    Empowerment

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) International relations experts have called for  empowerment of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) to enable it to surpass its achievements in the last 20 years of establishment.

    They made the call in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    NAN reports that 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the AU PSC.

    The PSC, launched in 2004, is the decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.

    It aims to promote durable peace and security in Africa through inclusive and smart partnerships, and preventive diplomacy.

    Prof. Femi Otubanjo, a researcher at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), said the PSC had been active in making peace in South Sudan, the Great Lake regions, and between Rwanda, Uganda and Congo DR.

    Otubanjo, however, said that  the council did not have  great results to show for its efforts.

    He said that the council would  need to improve its commitment to peacekeeping and peace management in Africa.

    Also, Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, Head, Security and Strategic Studies Division of NIIA, lauded some of the achievements of the council, but said that they were not highly significant considering  visible conflicts and problems  in Africa.

    Bolarinwa, who is  a member of the AU Network of Think Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace) Strategy Group, said  that the council members had moved forward in terms of policies, theories and frameworks.

    “They have been doing their best to make sure elections are done the right way and democracy is better protected and sustained,” he said.

     

    He, however, noted that in recent years, there had been regressions to democracy in Africa with the resurgence of coups and return to military rule by some nations.

    Bolarinwa said that the council was still looking into the situation.

    According to him, the PSC  is making progress but  there are  challenges and more work in store for it.

    The  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AU PSC has made efforts in deploying peace support operations  to stabilise fragile regions, protect civilians and prevent escalation of situations.

    Some of such operations include the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and the Africa-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

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    Edited by Victor Adeoti

  • ANALYSIS: Assessing Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democracy

     

    ANALYSIS: Assessing Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democracy

     

    By Busayo Onijala, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

    In 1999, Nigeria embarked on a journey, saying goodbye to years of military rule and establishing the Fourth Republic.

     

    For Africa’s most populous nation, the past 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance were characterised by achievements, challenges and lessons that continue to shape its political landscape.

     

    Analysts believe that challenges such as corruption, electoral malpractice, economic instability, security threats, ethnic and religious bigotry continue to test national unity but in spite of these, democracy remains consolidated.

     

    Prof. Femi Otubanjo, a Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), says Nigeria having democratic governance for the past 25 years is commendable.

     

    “We can congratulate ourselves that we are moving along democratic development,” he says.

     

    He, however, remarks that the country’s democracy is imperfect.

     

    According to him, the quality of Nigeria’s elections over the years has been low, with the exception of the 2023 elections during which a bit of technology was introduced.

     

    Otubanjo notes that election is an aspect of democracy that enables people to make choices.

     

    “If we don’t get this element of democracy right, the democratic process is undermined. The more technological our elections become, the more credible they will be,” he argues.

     

    He identifies ethnic and religious intolerance as a hinderance to effective democratic choices.

     

    “We have an imperfect democratic system but democracy is not a finished product; that is why it is called democratisation.

     

    “If it is nurtured well, it will grow,” he adds.

     

    Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, a Senior Research Fellow and Head, Security and Strategic Studies Division at NIIA, also lauds Nigeria for sustaining democratic rule for 25 years.

     

    He is convinced that Nigeria has curtailed some challenges associated with democracy.

     

    “Democracy is not easy all over the world. It has challenges, and there is a new discourse about the democracy being practised in Africa.

     

    “This means liberal democracy is not working in Africa now because it does not fit into our way of life. Democracy in this part of the world has been too expensive.

     

    “We have enjoyed a long run of democracy. We have identified that it is expensive, and Africa needs to rethink its own democracy,” Bolarinwa argues.

     

    For Mr Chude Achike, a public affairs analyst and Deputy Chairman of Joint Action Front, the essence of democracy is better life for the people.

     

    He strongly believes that Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democtractic governance is a great achievement because of the tendency of the military to interrupt, which he describes as aberration to democracy.

     

    According to him, coups are unconstitutional and have a way of setting countries backwards.

     

    He, however, argues that when other indices of democracy are checked, Nigeria has not fared too well.

     

    “When you look at the engagement of the political elite, you see a level of high handedness, a level of military tendency.

     

    “They have not imbibed the ethos of democracy because its essence is better life for the people.

     

    “Much needs to be done to address electoral issues in the country, basic infrastructure and intolerance.

     

    “The population of the country has grown much but we have not put enough economic resources, we have not expanded the economy enough to be able to absorb the realities of a growing population,” he says.

     

    He notes that other democratic nations also have their peculiarities and challenges.

     

    Achike says Nigeria has diverse ethnic groups which may not be fully comparable to other nations.

     

    “India, a multi-cultural country with different ethnic groups, has its own challenges even in terms of religious intolerance.”

     

    He lauded India’s electoral process, describing it as an example.

     

    “India has over 1.4 billion people and yet it conducts elections much more peacefully.

     

    “India’s democracy has been able to bring about a lot of economic successes leading to it being a well-developed industrial country with a much stronger industrial base,” he says.

     

    According to him, Nigeria should be playing at that stage, using its population strength and other resources.

     

    Achike urges the political class to have a greater sense of patriotism and responsibility.

     

    Analyst are convinced that sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy will require addressing structural issues, promoting inclusive economic growth, and ensuring electoral integrity.

     

    They believe that resilience of the country’s democratic institutions and active participation of its citizenry will be crucial in navigating the paths ahead. (NANFeatures)

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

    ** If used, please, credit the writer and the agency**

  • Climate change, women’s rights top discussions at HRC56

     Climate change, women’s rights top discussions at HRC56:

     

    Climate

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Rights of women and impacts of climate change on food and health security will be  major subjects of discussion  at the upcoming 56th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

    The President of UNHRC,  Amb. Omar Zniber, made this known during a virtual news conference on the agenda of the council’s 56th Regular Session to hold from June 18 to July 12 in Geneva.

    Zniber said that, at the session, there would be important panels on the adverse impacts of climate change as well as presentations on country situations.

    ”Our session will also have to develop very numerous interactive dialogues with special rapporteurs on the adoption of wrap-up reports, and we forecast a number of between 20 and 25 resolutions to be adopted.

    “There will be a presidential discussion on the trilogy, meaning the impact of climate change on food and health security.

    “This session is called for, to have an in-depth debate to exchange suggestions, recommendations and observations about these subjects which are a matter of concern,” Zniber said.

    He said that the purpose of the presidential discussion was to have a co-ordinated approach on the subjects so that the council would be more vocal and active when dealing with them.

    According to him, millions of populations worldwide are living in food insecurity.

    “Likewise, when it comes to the question of health, with all the developments we have witnessed these past few years, it is unfortunate that a huge part of the world’s population has no access to modern medicine.

    “As a human rights  council, we have to care about that, particularly as  climate change is impacting severely on populations already suffering from these difficult situations.”

    He said  that climate change was  deteriorating the environment and biodiversity.

    Zniber said that from human rights perspective, the council should run at the best speed when tackling the issues.

    According to him, the second important event at the session will be on June 24 and devoted to celebration of women in diplomacy.

    He said that issues of gender parity and equity in the world of diplomacy was fundamental.

    “We will celebrate this day and particularly insist on what can be done to make gender equity a full reality within the international organisation.

    “The president of the general assembly has established gender equity and parity as one of his major priorities as it is the case for me,” Zniber said. (NAN)

    OMB/IGO 

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Borders crucial for peace, security across Africa – AU

    Border
    By Busayo Onijala
    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The African Union (AU) has described borders as instruments of opportunity, playing crucial role in the pursuit of peace and security across the continent.
    Dr Sarjoh Bah, Director, Conflict Management Directorate at the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the AU, said this in a statement on Friday in commemoration of the 14th Africa Border Day.
    Africa Border Day is celebrated annually on June 7, to promote peace, cross-border cooperation and regional integration in Africa.
    The day was initiated by the African Ministers in Charge of Borders on May 25, 2010 and also shines a spotlight on the African Union Border Programme (AUBP).
    Bah said since 2007, the AUBP had been the cornerstone of Africa’s collective endeavour to transform borders from barriers into bridges of solidarity.
    This transformation, he said, is not just pivotal, but also crucial in pre-empting conflicts, fostering regional cohesion, and propelling continental integration forward.
    “We should leverage our Member States and Regional Economic Communities, to transform our borders into arenas of peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement.
    “Our borders should not be subjects of contention but rather bedrocks for policy implementation, as encapsulated in the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation (Niamey Convention) and the African Union Strategy for Border Governance,” he said.
    Bah said the AUBP’s mission extended beyond conflict prevention, adding that it was a tool for resolving border disputes that have resurfaced, spurred by the allure of newfound natural resources.
    According to him, security challenges are predominantly concentrated along border areas which were once overlooked but are now at the forefront of the battle against cross-border crime and terrorism.
    “It is imperative that we concentrate our efforts in these regions to cultivate peace, security, and sustainable development.
    “The resilience we foster in border communities, fuelled by cross-border cooperation, equips us to combat transnational crime and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Bah said.
    On his part, by embracing cooperative strategies, Africa can ensure effective management of forced displacements, food shortages, humanitarian crises, and resource-related conflicts.
    He said while international arbitration remained an option, its protracted and costly nature often strained the camaraderie between nations.
    Bah urged member states to prioritise dialogue and cooperation as alternative dispute-resolution methods.
    “When necessary, the AU encourages the invocation of the political, diplomatic, and technical resources to secure enduring resolutions to border disputes.
    “As we celebrate this year’s Africa Day, let us amplify our efforts to embed our borders at the core of Agenda 2063’s objectives.
    “We must unite to forge an integrated Africa characterised by peaceful, open, and prosperous borders that are a testament to our shared vision and collective strength,” he said. (NAN)
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • NIIA research fellow harps on digital diplomacy to save cost

    NIIA research fellow harps on digital diplomacy to save cost

     

    Diplomacy

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Adopting digital diplomacy can help Nigeria  to reduce the number of its missions abroad and solve funding problems, says Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa.

    Bolarinwa, a Senior Research Fellow and Head of Security and Strategic Studies Division, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    Digital diplomacy is an evolving aspect of diplomacy that promotes the use of information technology tools to achieve  foreign policy objectives of a nation.

    With digital diplomacy, there is an interplay of diplomacy, the internet and, more importantly, new information technologies to achieve national interest through  diplomatic engagements.

    According to Bolarinwa, digital diplomacy presents many advantages, particularly for countries with many foreign missions.

    NAN reports that Nigeria has over 100 diplomatic missions, including embassies, high commissions and consulates.

    Bolarinwa said that conversations around digital diplomacy were emphasised between 1999 and 2007 during the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration and between 2015 and 2023 under the retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

    He noted that the conversations were on reducing Nigeria’s missions abroad; considering redundancy and inadequate funding.

    “I recall that some field works were done years ago, with the involvement of NIIA, where we came up with recommendations that some missions should be scrapped and others converted to smart missions.

    “With smart missions, you don’t need more than one or two trained foreign service officers.

    “All other things will be done through the use of information technology, and with the snap of a finger, information is passed.

    “Promoting this will also equip and update foreign service officers and diplomats to be at par with their colleagues elsewhere,” Bolarinwa said.

    He, however, cautioned that digital diplomacy was associated with some challenges because of the level of secrecy attached to some areas of foreign affairs.

    According to him, restricted or classified information has to be communicated carefully, considering the prevalence of cyber hacking.

    Bolarinwa said that this should, however,  not deter its use, adding that countries such as the U.S., United Kingdom, Russia and China had been using digital diplomacy to an extent without their secrets being divulged.

    “It is information that is fed into the software on digital diplomacy that will be relayed.

    “Leaks can be controlled and minimised,” Bolarinwa said. (NAN)

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    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Expert queries significance of military juntas over democracies

    Expert queries significance of military juntas over democracies

    Democracy

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Dr Tunde Oseni, a Political Scientist, says it is important for coup-hit countries to learn that military rule should be temporary and not an exit strategy from developmental dilemma.

    Oseni, Associate Professor of Political Science, Lead City University, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    “Are these military men better than those they removed from office?

    “What has been the economic, political and social gains of replacing a democratic government with a military junta,” Oseni queried.

    NAN reports that military coups have been on the rise in Africa, with over five coups and failed coup attempts in the last three years in nations including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Gabon, Sudan, and The Gambia.

    Recently, an attempted coup against the government of President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was averted by the DRC army.

    According to Oseni, military rule has always been an aberration but sometimes, it is preferred to corrupt and malfunctional civilian democracy.

    “Democracy is still the best form of government, even though some people may abuse it in terms of election and how they perpetrate themselves in power. That has happened in parts of Western and Central Africa.

    “We know some of these democracies are flawed but no democracy is perfect,” he said.

    Meanwhile, he urged other coup-hit countries to learn from Chad’s return to democratic rule after three years of military rule.

    NAN reports that in May, Chad became the first of military-led countries in Africa to conduct a democratic election.

    Oseni added that in the 21st century, people preferred a government they could elect into office and hold accountable as representatives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OMB/COF
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    Edited by Christiana Fadare