In a world marked by diversity, political conflicts, income disparities, and environmental challenges, many individuals prioritize finding safe and stable places to live.

A country’s safety is influenced by a myriad of factors that collectively contribute to the well-being and security of its citizens and residents. Key elements include low crime rates, political stability, effective governance, quality healthcare, social stability, economic prosperity, education, health and well-being, infrastructure and disaster preparedness, and international relations.

In an era of heightened global safety concerns, identifying the world’s safest country has never been more crucial, as governments vary widely in their ability to ensure societal safety and social welfare amid a dynamic and growing population.

The Global Peace Index (GPI), developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), is a comprehensive measure that evaluates peace and stability worldwide, considering factors such as violence levels, political instability, and small arms availability, offering insights into global peace trends by ranking countries accordingly.

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The Global Peace Index (GPI) is a composite index that measures the peacefulness of countries using 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators, each weighted on a scale from one to five, where a lower score indicates a higher level of peace in the country.

According to the GPI, the following are the top ten safest countries in the world.

Iceland

Iceland is widely regarded as the world’s safest country, with its long history in the Atlantic as a shining example of positive peace.

Residents and tourists alike experience a pervasive sense of security influenced by a stable political climate, making Iceland an ideal destination for those seeking both tranquility and adventure due to its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, robust social unity, and minimal crime rates.

Ireland

Ireland is recognized as one of the safest countries in Europe and the world, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and friendly environment.

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With consistently low crime rates, it provides a secure setting for both residents and visitors. Ireland’s education system is highly esteemed worldwide, drawing students from around the globe to its universities.

Austria

Austria, in Central Europe, is known for being very safe and having a good quality of life. It’s ranked the fifth safest country in the world.

The country has beautiful Alpine landscapes, historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg, and a rich cultural heritage. Austria is consistently one of the safest countries because it has low crime rates and effective law enforcement.

New Zealand

New Zealand is recognized as one of the safest tourist destinations due to its excellent healthcare system and effective police force, which keep violent crime rates exceptionally low.

New Zealand benefits from a stable political climate that prioritizes democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, fostering a long-standing tradition of peaceful governance that enhances social cohesion and safety.

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Singapore

Singapore stands out as a city renowned for its high standards of urban efficiency and safety, ranking among the cleanest and safest in Asia.

This island nation provides visitors with a hassle-free vacation experience through strict regulations, well-maintained infrastructure, and a vibrant culinary culture.

Switzerland

Switzerland, an iconic Central European nation renowned for its breathtaking Alpine vistas, precision craftsmanship, and financial strength, is also esteemed for its political neutrality.

The country upholds a reputation for peace and stability, supported by an efficient healthcare system, excellent education standards, and minimal crime rates, all contributing to its high quality of life.

Portugal

Portugal, with its Mediterranean climate and breathtaking coastline, is considered one of the best countries to live in Europe.

Its relaxed lifestyle, vibrant cultural heritage, and welcoming environment attract expatriates from around the world.

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Denmark

Scandinavia is widely regarded as the most peaceful region in the world, with Denmark standing out as the safest country among its counterparts.

Denmark boasts a well-established democratic political system characterized by stability, respect for human rights, and transparency. It has also earned a reputation as one of the world’s safest and friendliest travel destinations, thanks to its clean beaches, beautiful streets in Copenhagen, well-run institutions, good quality of life, and stable government.

Slovenia

Slovenia, a peaceful country in Northern Europe, boasts remarkably low crime rates with an almost nonexistent homicide rate. Its robust legal system guarantees fair trials for all citizens.

Slovenia is ideal for travelers seeking both excitement and safety, with its diverse environment, low crime rates, efficient public transit, friendly locals, and abundant outdoor experiences across mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and coastline despite its small size.

Malaysia

Ranked as the third-most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia holds the top global position in the Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict domain and ranks third in the Militarization domain.

Malaysia, with its multicultural society of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous communities, benefits from inclusive government policies. Low crime rates, supported by a robust economy, help reduce poverty and inequality. Since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has enjoyed stable governance, fostering a harmonious social and political environment.

Source: VANGUARD

The direct descendants of Capt. Ededuna Walter Obaseki has congratulated Sir Keir Rodney Starmer on his election as the Prime Minister of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The descendants also expressed their warm felicitations to all other members of the cabinet.

In a statement issued by Mercy Ededuna Obaseki on behalf of the entire descendants, they appreciated the fact that “Great Britain kept the records of so many very important events of history and government of our country since the time when Nigeria was being formed as a sovereign state.”

“We Thank The Government and The Good People of Great Britain and Northern Ireland who share a great history with Nigeria,” the statement added.

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It continued: “His Majesty’s Government over the years did not allow our father Ededuna Walter Obaseki’s memory to go to oblivion; all the records of government, industrialization, infrastructural development, education.

“The enactment of the new order of law, health care and international trade which he together with the British handled excellently was properly preserved since the time it was being constituted, inaugurated and established.

“Our father Ededuna Walter Obaseki was a World War II Veteran and a recipient of the World II Campaigns and Gallantry Medals of Honour.

“We know that Nigerians generally have a deep feeling of gratitude to your people and government for most part of the history with your selfless sacrifice as a mother-nation to ours.”

In a related development, Walter Obaseki’s descendants also
congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his re-election as the Chairman, ECOWAS, praying to God to grant him “more wisdom to pilot the affairs of our great nation Nigeria & the regional bloc.”

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office has assured that it was always ready to provide technical support in advancing the education sector in the state.

Dr Rane Tushar, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, made the assurance in Bauchi on Saturday at a 2-day validation and dissemination meeting of of State Education Strategic Plan (SESP) and State Education Strategic Operation Plan (SESOP) organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with UNICEF.

Tushar, who was represented by the Education Officer, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Mr Raphael Aiyedipe, also reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting education planning that would further improve standard and quality service delivery in the education sector.

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According to him, the importance of strategic planning in achieving the set objectives in improving effective education systems in the country could not be overemphasized.

He added that a well thought out plan would result in easy operation which would further improve learning in schools and charged the participants to ensure they do their best to get accurate data to feature in the SESP and SESOP validation and dissemination.

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Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Jamila Dahiru commended UNICEF for supporting the state to improve the education sector.

She stressed that the various interventions by UNICEF had helped in the reform of the education sector particularly since the inception of the present administration.

She also stressed the importance of the meeting which she said would focus on the validation and dissemination of the SESP and SESOP that would be implemented for the next few years.

Dahiru called on relevant agencies participating in the meeting to ensure that accurate data was used where necessary so that implementation of the plan would be made easy.

She commended the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Ondo for the facilitation of the meeting, adding that the result would be a guide in the implementation of the reforms in the education sector.