The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Speaking at the recent 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Kalu emphasized that Nigeria is dedicated to achieving a peaceful resolution based on justice, self-determination, and mutual respect between both nations. He highlighted the unique role that parliamentary diplomacy can play in this process.

Kalu pointed out that Nigeria has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and aligns its position with internationally recognized frameworks for peace. He reiterated Nigeria’s support for the two-state solution, which envisions the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine coexisting peacefully with the State of Israel.

The Deputy Speaker stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through violence but rather through committed dialogue, mutual respect, and the preservation of human dignity for all individuals.

He urged the international community, particularly United Nations Member States, to renew their commitment to ending the occupation of Palestinian territories and to support the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Kalu assured that Nigeria, through its parliament, will continue to advocate for good governance, human rights, and the development of democratic institutions that benefit both Palestinians and Israelis.

According to him, lasting peace can only be realized if the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians are safeguarded.

The Deputy Speaker acknowledged that while the road to peace will undoubtedly be challenging, a resolution to this longstanding conflict is achievable with political will and the collective efforts of the international community.

He expressed Nigeria’s solidarity with all those seeking peace and justice in the Middle East and reaffirmed the nation’s readiness to contribute to a lasting resolution.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government has reported that Imo State ranks among the lowest in the Southeast region for National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment. This revelation was made by Commissioner Chimezie Amadi during a meeting with Ruby Emele, the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state.

The meeting aimed to establish a partnership between the ministries to tackle the low NIN uptake in Imo. Amadi noted that a new registration initiative is planned to increase enrollment, particularly in rural areas where participation has been notably low.

According to Amadi, out of an estimated 5 million residents in Imo, only 1.5 million have registered for the NIN. He stated, “Imo State currently has the lowest number of registered citizens with NIN among the five Eastern States. About 80 percent of those enrolled live in urban areas.”

He emphasized that obtaining the NIN is crucial for citizens to access federal government social investment programs, which promote transparency and accountability. Amadi warned that limited participation in NIN registration could prevent Imo residents from fully benefiting from available opportunities.

In response to these challenges, Governor Hope Uzodinma has initiated the Imo Digital Identity project to enhance enrollment and leverage federal loans and social investments. The initiative will be conducted in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which has already trained field officers for deployment across all 27 local councils in the state.

Commissioner Emele expressed her ministry’s commitment to collaborating with Amadi’s team to ensure greater participation from rural communities. “The rural areas need support, and we are ready to work with you to achieve this shared goal for the benefit of Imo State,” she stated, adding that Local Government Chairmen and community leaders would be engaged to mobilize their areas for the enrollment process.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has appointed Alhaji Dauda Iliya as his new official spokesperson and Special Adviser on Media. This decision comes in the wake of the passing of Mallam Isa Gusau, who served in the role until his death in February 2024.

The governor’s approval was communicated in a statement on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi.

Dauda Iliya, currently the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Borno State, hails from Kwaya-Kusar Local Government Area in the southern part of the state. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Linguistics from the University of Maiduguri and recently completed his master’s degree in Mass Communications from the same institution in 2024. Iliya has participated in various professional courses and training programs.

In addition to his role as a spokesperson, he is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters.