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Nigerian Author Releases Book On How To Achieve Global Security

Published

3 weeks ago

July 14, 2025

…Calls for urgent UN reform as panacea for world peace

Global peace advocates and experts have called for urgent reforms of the United Nations and the enthronement of a more democratic global order as a panacea for attaining global peace and security.

The experts, who spoke at the unveiling of a book: “Towards Effective World Security” written by a Nigerian scholar and international affairs analyst, Mr. Uche Nwankwo in Abuja at the weekend, warned that that the current global system remains dangerously skewed in a favour of a few powerful nations and is susceptible to conflict.

In his keynote address titled ‘Nigeria: Flying Blindly in the Global Space’, Chairman of the occasion and veteran columnist, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, warned that the world is moving toward a dangerous tilt that must be checked to avoid further escalation of conflicts.

He noted the growing intolerance in international politics and the labeling of those who question dominant narratives as defiants

He said, “Just a few weeks ago, the world tilted towards a global conflagration. We all could have been endangered; indeed, we all are endangered.

“We are tilted towards a unipolar world where all countries are told there is just one superpower at whose shrine we must bow and worship.

“Foreign relations is being reduced to a religion in which non-believers are treated as devils, and believers who raise eyebrows are pronounced heretics.” Lekemfa said

Lakemfa warned that global conflict affects everyone and called for the democratization of the United Nations.

He said, “If humanity were to believe in democracy, it would have started with the democratization of the UN. Did the UN Charter not state that all Member countries are equal?

“Specifically, the veto is a violation of Article 2 of the UN Charter which states that: ‘The Organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.’”

He lamented Nigeria’s diplomatic gaps, saying, “As for my dear country, Nigeria, without ambassadors in other countries, it is like a bird flying with one wing. Indeed, under this government, we might be flying blindly in the global space.”

The Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka, who was represented by Vanguard’s Northern Regional Editor, Soni Daniel, identified peace and security as prerequisites for development and described the book as a vital tool for global transformation.

He commended the author for his foresight in proposing ideas that could influence world leaders and international behaviours.

He said, “Peace and security form the bedrock of development. And if peace and security are jeopardised, there will be no development. We may continue to grope in the dark, believing that we can use weapons or politics, but we’ll just be moving in circles.

“Until we have peace in Gaza, in Sudan, Somalia, Ukraine and so on, even the big powers won’t sleep. They need the resources in those small countries. The world needs to be in a more conducive state for everyone to be happy and safe.

“So thank you for bringing all of us together to think and reflect. Some ideas will flow from this book to the powers that be, the United Nations, ECOWAS, and so on.”

In his welcome remarks, the Author, Uchenna Nwankwo said he was inspired by a lifelong passion for global peace, dating back to the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, which he heard about as a child in his remote village in Southeast Nigeria.

He said global issues captivated him even before he became aware of colonial Britain.

Commenting on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Nwankwo said, “They were like twin brothers. But today, they are at each other’s throat. The great achievements these two had made in the past, working together as a country, are now like a great mistake that has turned around to mock their disunity.

“It is high time Russia gave up on its war with Ukraine, which is a big distraction to the whole world, and re-join the progressive movement for world peace.”

Nwankwo added that his book is not about Russia alone, but a clarion call for global reforms.

“This book is about the safeguard of nations and the achievement of peace and unity in the world at large as the United Nations totters to the point of going the way of the League of Nations,” Nwankwo noted.

Book reviewer and literary critic, Uzor Maxim Uzoatu, in a speech titled ‘Workable Ways to World Peace’, hailed Nwankwo’s work as a bold charge toward democratizing the UN and averting future global conflicts.

He traced the historical roots of international peace efforts, from Pierre Dubois’ call for arbitration in 1305 to Immanuel Kant’s 1795 Perpetual Peace, and drew parallels to Nwankwo’s proposals.

Uzoatu praised Nwankwo’s clarity and visionary thinking, likening his ideas to those once dismissed as absurd but later embraced as transformative.

He said, “A measure of joy comes from the knowledge that there are thinkers like Uchenna Nwankwo, who are committed to offering the world pathways to global peace and sustainable security.

“Nwankwo proposes that a World Assembly be established to replace the General Assembly, with power-sharing among nations based on three factors: population, economic power, and the equality of states.

“This is the classical march of democracy that will empower the UN and give it leverage to hold every nation accountable, big or small.”

“Galileo had his idea about the earth moving around the sun denounced by the Church, only for the Church to apologize much later. Nigeria, and indeed the world, needs optimistic thinkers like Nwankwo.”

Delivering his remarks, Ambassador, Embassy of the Philippines in Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor said the book launch was timely and deeply significant.

He likened the event to the Philippines’ 127th anniversary of independence, reflecting on how today’s struggles are less violent but more economic in nature.

Ambassador Mellejor also disclosed that the Philippines had submitted its candidature for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council and intends to propose structural reforms.

He said, “The subject of this work is very relevant at this time in this world. It’s not just about physical presence anymore; what matters is that these ideas are heard and circulated widely.

“We are a big diaspora country, and global security is very important to us. Wherever there is conflict , whether in Ukraine, the Middle East, or Africa, we are affected because our nationals live there.

“The UN has brought 75 years of general peace. But it must be made more representative of its member states. Every country deserves the security to pursue its development and protect its people,” the envoy added.
(VANGUARD)

News

NAS Offers Free Medical Services To Over 800 Residents In Imo Community

Published

9 hours ago

August 3, 2025

Editor

National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has provided free medical services to more than 800 residents of the Orogwe community in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State as part of the association’s humanitarian service.

The medical mission, held at the National Primary Healthcare Centre, was part of the association’s 49th National Konverge and Annual General Meeting in Owerri.

The event offered diagnosis, treatment, and essential medications to hundreds of community members, many of whom had been unable to access healthcare due to financial hardship.

NAS Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, said the initiative was part of the confraternity’s broader vision to support vulnerable communities and bring healthcare directly to those most in need.

“This programme targets those who ordinarily cannot afford basic healthcare, especially treatment for non-communicable diseases,” Oteri said.

“Today, we attended to a child with a serious condition. Thankfully, we had a paediatrician on the ground who stabilised her and referred her to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. We’ve also identified a few cases that will require surgery, and we plan to support their hospital bills.”

He emphasised that NAS, formed in 1952 by seven young idealists including Imo-born Ralph Opara, has evolved into a formidable force for social advocacy, committed to humanitarian and civic interventions.

Dispelling common misconceptions about the association, Oteri said: “We are not a cult group. We exist to protect the downtrodden and drive positive societal change.”

The association’s Chief Programme Officer, Chief Bart Akelemor, echoed this commitment, stressing that the NAS legacy is one of access, equity, and community service.

“Our mission is to promote a just society where citizens can access resources such as healthcare, education, and employment,” Akelemor said.

“With Nigeria’s growing population and the acute shortage of doctors and functioning medical facilities in rural areas, bringing this medical outreach to Orogwe is both timely and necessary.”

According to him, 41 volunteer doctors, drawn from across Nigeria and the diaspora, participated in the programme, attending to hundreds of patients with ailments ranging from malaria and hypertension to vision and dental issues.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Chizoba Igwe, who received treatment for malaria, described the initiative as a “life-saving intervention.”

“With the way things are in the country now, I couldn’t afford hospital bills or medication,” she said.

“This free treatment is a big relief. Many people here share the same feeling.”

Another resident, Mrs Mmesoma Njoku, received medicated glasses after undergoing an eye test.

“I’ve been struggling with my sight for a while, but couldn’t go to the hospital because of money. Today, I not only got tested, but they gave me glasses that now help me read tiny print. I am truly grateful,” she said.

NAS Medical Pyrate, Dr Chiazor Odoemene, confirmed that over 800 residents were treated during the outreach, with critical cases referred to public hospitals for further management.

Beyond healthcare, the association also launched an arts exhibition aimed at promoting awareness around good governance, security, poverty alleviation, and Nigeria’s path to a more prosperous future.

The medical outreach has been lauded as a meaningful complement to the efforts of the Imo State Government in improving healthcare access and delivery, particularly in underserved areas.

News

2027: Otuaro Urges N’Delta Youth To Resist Politicians’ Ploy To Destabilise Region

Published

10 hours ago

August 3, 2025

Editor

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has warned ex-agitators in the Niger Delta to resist being manipulated by desperate politicians plotting to destabilise peace in the Niger Delta, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of a three-day strategic Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation training organised by the PAP in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, Otuaro expressed concern over the recent rise in politically-charged rhetoric and some politicians’ coordinated attempt to pit ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme against the Federal Government.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, on Sunday, he added that such moves were “reckless and unnecessary,” especially in light of President Bola Tinubu’s demonstrable commitment to the region.

“There is no basis for anyone to cause destabilisation. We can all see the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Ex-agitators and beneficiaries in general should not be deceived and distracted by some politicians,” Otuaro told the ex-agitators and stakeholders.

He cautioned that any calls for confrontation or disaffection at this time were “not only misplaced but also harmful to the gains we have recorded,” urging stakeholders to focus on peace, stability, and progress in the region.

According to Otuaro, the Tinubu administration has backed its support with tangible action.

“Be assured that nobody will do it better than President Tinubu. As Niger Delta people, we have to thank the President for his genuine love for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and our region as a whole.

“The President has expanded the budget of the programme, allowing us to reach more beneficiaries and strengthen our reintegration and rehabilitation initiatives,” he stated.

He also pointed out that the inclusion of Niger Delta citizens in key federal positions was further evidence of Tinubu’s goodwill.

“Furthermore, Niger Deltans have been appointed to strategic positions in key ministries and agencies. This level of inclusion is unprecedented and deserves acknowledgement. All we need to do is to be united for the President,” Otuaro declared.

The PAP boss, who presented certificates to participants of the training and later hosted them at a reception at the PAP headquarters, reiterated his commitment to sustaining peace and building human capital in the region.

He further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to keep sensitising the youth to reject political manipulation, stating that “Lasting progress can only be achieved through cooperation, not conflict.”

News

Afenifere Hails UN For Declaring July 7 World Amotekun Day

Published

11 hours ago

August 3, 2025

Editor

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Sunday, commended the United Nations following its declaration of July 7 of every year as “World Amotekun Day.”

Afenifere’s position was contained in a statement released by its national publicity secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

It would be recalled that Amotekun’s formal recognition by the UN was made public last week by the President of the World Peace, Ambassador Peer Stafsen, while presenting the certificate of affiliation to the Commandant of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, in Akure, the state capital.

Represented by the Director of Information and Communications of the association, Ambassador Markwili Mgbara, Stafsen said the recognition was due to the activities of Amotekun corps in “promoting safety and protecting lives and property across Nigeria’s South-West region.”

The affiliation certificate was issued under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the International Association of World Peace Advocacy.

Afenifere’s statement said the recognition of Amotekun by the UN was unprecedented in this part of the globe.

“Amotekun’s invitation to attend meetings of the body’s affiliates on security and human rights is a big morale booster.

“It is also a testament that those who brought it about and have been sustaining it were exemplary, as further attested to by some states in Nigeria who have shown interest in replicating the concept in their respective areas.

“The World Peace is part of the global body, the UN. Ondo State is significant on the issue of Amotekun as its former Governor, late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), was pivotal in the establishment of the corps.

“With this recognition, the South-West Security Network (Amotekun) will now be officially attending the United Nations’ annual general meeting starting with the one coming up in New York, United States of America, on September 22, 2025, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the global body,” the statement partly read.

Afenifere said the certification of the security outfit confirmed the affiliation of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps as a trained security unit recognised by the UN.

Ajayi also lauded the late former Governor Akeredolu, who, along with his fellow governors in the South-West, then were steadfast in ensuring that the security outfit took off and was sustained, in spite of the obstacles placed on its ways in various guises.

“Amotekun was launched on January 9, 2020, in Ibadan, Oyo State, by the governors of the South West, i.e. Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States.

“The establishment of the security outfit emanated from the regional security summit that took place in Ibadan in June 2019 under the auspices of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission,” Ajayi stated.

Afenifere’s spokesperson submitted that the formal invitation to attend annual security meeting is a clear indication that the establishment of the outfit was a very good step to take.

He recalled that Amotekun, in its early formation, faced a lot of avoidable challenges, especially from the Federal Government then led by the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ajayi praised the governors in the region for not succumbing to intimidation then.

In his words, “Their not succumbing to intimidation has helped greatly in checking crimes in the region and in reducing the menace of armed bandits, including unscrupulous Fulani herders who are making going to farms perilous.”

The national publicity secretary then called on the governments of the southwestern states to leverage on the latest international recognition.

“We seize this opportunity to also call for an expeditious action on the establishment of state police and the provision of all that is needed to ensure that crime and banditry are reduced to the barest minimum,” he added.