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Akpabio Wecome Minister Of Foreign Affairs Of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parilla: Full Speech

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Bruno Rodriguez Parilla

Akpabio Wecome Minister Of Foreign Affairs Of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parilla: Full Speech

Akpabio wecome minister of foreign affairs of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parilla in his full speech says. It is with the utmost honor and warmth that I welcome you to Nigeria.

Your visit is not merely a gesture of diplomacy but a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds between our two nations—bonds forged in the fire of history, strengthened by shared struggles, and sealed by an unyielding commitment to justice and sovereignty.

Nigeria and Cuba have stood together for decades—not as strangers bound by convenience, but as allies bound by principle.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974, our two nations have championed the cause of self-determination, equality, and the right of all peoples to govern themselves, free from coercion or subjugation. We have upheld the right of every nation to be the master of its own destiny.

And we remember. Africa remembers. When the forces of oppression sought to choke the life out of an entire continent, when apartheid reigned as an insult to human dignity, when nations wavered and hesitated—Cuba did not. Cuba stood with Africa. Cuba fought for Africa.

At great sacrifice, Cuba sent its sons to Africa—not as conquerors, not as exploiters, but as liberators. In Angola, in Namibia, in South Africa, Cuba’s courage and solidarity became one of the shields behind which Africa gathered its strength.

Your iconic statesman and former president, Fidel Castro, put it succinctly at the 12th Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Durban, South Africa, on September 2, 1998, when he said: “The blood of Cuban internationalists was shed for Africa, alongside the blood of Africans.

It was shed in defense of Africa’s sovereignty and independence. It was shed in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

Africa is in our hearts. The Cuban people hold the people of Africa in the highest regard. We are brothers and sisters.”

The decisive role Cuba played in dismantling the apartheid regime’s military strongholds and in the defeat of apartheid and colonial rule shall never be forgotten. And today, as we stand free, as the chains of oppression lie broken, we say this: Nigeria will always remember. Africa will always remember.

Your Excellency, this visit presents yet another opportunity to deepen our ties. Nigeria is eager to explore new frontiers of cooperation with Cuba—in trade, education, healthcare, technology, and culture. Together, we can build a future where the prosperity of our peoples is no longer dictated by external forces but by our own ingenuity and determination.

We are also united in our commitment to global peace, security, and a new international order—one that respects the sovereignty of all nations, big or small. As members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 plus China, we share a common vision of a world where no nation is subjected to economic strangulation simply for choosing its own path.

And on this matter, let me be unequivocal: Nigeria opposes, in the strongest terms, the unjust economic embargo imposed on Cuba. The world must recognize that no man-made embargo can compare to the boundless gifts of nature—air, water, land—all freely given by God. When properly harnessed, these gifts are sufficient to overcome any embargo. Economic blockades are relics of the past, tools of coercion unworthy of the modern world, and grave violations of international law.

Time and again, Nigeria has stood in the halls of the United Nations, casting its vote in defiance of injustice, demanding an end to this siege upon the Cuban people. We recognize the hardship these sanctions have inflicted, and we extend not only our sympathy but our unwavering solidarity.

Bruno Rodriguez Parilla

Akpabio and Bruno Rodriguez Parilla

As José Martí, that towering figure of Cuban resistance, once declared: “Liberty is the right of every man to be honest, to think and to speak without hypocrisy.” Cuba has exercised that right—at great cost, but with unbroken will. And so long as Cuba stands for its dignity, Nigeria shall stand with Cuba.

This visit must mark not only a renewal of our friendship but the beginning of an even stronger alliance—one that translates our shared history into shared progress, our solidarity into economic strength, and our struggles into lasting victories.

To the Cuban people, we say this: Nigeria has not forgotten, and Nigeria will not falter. Together, we move forward—undaunted, unafraid, and unyielding.

Your Excellency, welcome to Nigeria. May this visit be the dawn of greater things to come.

Economy

Sanwo-Olu Swears In 8 New Permanent Secretaries

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Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu Swears In 8 New Permanent Secretaries

Sanwo-Olu swears in 8 new permanent secretaries. With this batch, Mr Sanwo-Olu has sworn in 111 permanent secretaries—the highest in the state’s history.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sworn in eight newly appointed permanent secretaries, urging them to embrace the THEMES Plus developmental agenda with vigour.

The governor gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja.
Mr Sanwo-Olu described the new appointees as drivers of innovation, tasked with formulating policies to improve the lives of Lagos residents.

“As you take office, embrace the development agenda with renewed energy, working towards sustainable progress and prosperity for all Lagosians,” Mr Sanwo-Olu advised.

He reiterated that Lagos State prioritises excellence to ensure the best hands tackle social and economic challenges facing the state.
“With your elevation comes greater responsibility and expectation. You are entrusted with public service and must lead by example at all times.

“We expect nothing less than excellence, which has earned you this position through your hard work and dedication,” the governor said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu emphasised that governance is a collective effort, urging collaboration with colleagues and citizens for effective service delivery.
“Engage with feedback, respond constructively to criticism, and always prioritise the public good over personal interests,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu

The head of service, Bode Agoro, said the appointments aim to revitalise civil service structures for the benefit of Lagos residents.

The new permanent secretaries include Abiola Idowu, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, and Olarewaju Adebanjo, Citizens Mediation Bureau.

Others are Olarenwaju Bajulaye, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism; Also Mahmood, Ministry of Finance; Wasiu Agbabiaka, Civil Service Commission.
Gbolahan Oki, Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, and others were also sworn in and assigned to various portfolios

With this batch, Mr Sanwo-Olu has sworn in 111 permanent secretaries—the highest in the state’s history.

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Economy

NYSC To Pay Corps Members N77,000 Monthly From March Says DG

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NYSC

NYSC To Pay Corps Members N77,000 Monthly From March Says DG

NYSC to pay Corps members N77,000 monthly from March says DG. The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has announced that corps members will receive an increased monthly allowance of N77,000 starting March 2025.

Speaking in Abuja, Nafiu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to corps members’ welfare, assuring them of timely payments.

NYSC

NYSC

He praised the NYSC’s role in promoting national unity and urged members to remain dedicated and disciplined.

“With effect from March, you will receive Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance. The nation and the scheme appreciate your service,” he stated.

Corps members expressed gratitude for the increment, commending the NYSC management for its efforts.

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Crime

High Court Rejects EFCC’s Additional Proof Evidence On Emefiele

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Emefiele

High Court Rejects EFCC’s Additional Proof Evidence On Emefiele

High Court rejects EFCC’s additional proof evidence on Emefiele. Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja, has rejected the additional proof of evidence brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in the alleged procurement fraud trial brought against him.

Delivering ruling in a motion on notice filed by Emefiele to object to the action of the EFCC, Justice Muazu held that the Commission had on February 12, 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence against the former CBN governor to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.

The judge, who noted that the charge against Emefiele was filed since August 14, 2023 and his plea taking on November 16, 2023, said that the action of the EFCC would amount to denial of fair trial because the former governor of CBN was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law.

Justice Muazu further added that the action of EFCC amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced since November 28, 2023.

Justice Muazu pointed out that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally was prejudicial to the defendant, as his right to fair hearing is being breached.

Emefiele

Emefiele

The judge held that the position of the law is that the charge was filed upon the completion of investigation and prima facie case established against any defendant in a criminal matter, adding that in the instant case, the contrary is the case.

The judge however, declined to strike out the charge for being a product of incomplete or ongoing investigation and therefore speculative as claimed by Emefiele.

Justice Muaza said that the charge cannot be struck down because both the defendant and the prosecution had joined issues with each other and trial almost completed.

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