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Ukrainian Embassy Opens Condolence Book in Abuja Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

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The Ukrainian Embassy in Nigeria has opened a condolence register for the sixth time since April, following another wave of Russian attacks that targeted civilian infrastructure and killed innocent people, including children.

Speaking on the decision to open the condolence book, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Ivan Kholostenko emphasized that this was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern. “We opened this condolence register to honour the memory of innocent victims of yet another massive act of Russian terror against Ukraine,” the Ambassador said. “The enemy deliberately targets civilian infrastructure, causing destruction, killing peaceful population, including children.”

Since April alone, the Embassy has had to open such books six times, each in response to large-scale civilian casualties that the Ambassador described as “attacks that strike not only our state, but our shared humanity.”

The latest opening of the condolence book comes as UN data shows an alarming escalation in civilian casualties. As of May 31, 2025, 13,341 civilian deaths in Ukraine were reported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) due to the Russian invasion that started on February 24, 2022. The UN has also documented thousands more injured civilians, with June 2025 being the month with the highest number of civilian casualties in three years, according to recent UN reports.

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The Ambassador explained that the Embassy opened the register “to give our Nigerian partners, friends, and the international community the opportunity to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”

The Ukrainian diplomatic mission accused Russia of employing what it called “shameful tactics” designed to maximize civilian casualties. The Ambassador detailed Russia’s use of the so-called “double tap” strategy – “striking the same location again after emergency responders have arrived, in order to kill State Emergency Service workers.”

“Russia also increasingly uses cluster munitions to maximize civilian deaths,” the Ambassador added.

Particularly concerning, according to the Embassy, is the timing of these intensified attacks. “The intensity of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities has significantly increased precisely after international calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic solutions,” the Ambassador noted. “This is no coincidence. It is a deliberate signal of contempt from President Putin.”

The Ambassador characterized the escalation as Putin’s attempt to project strength from a position of weakness. “His army is weak and demoralized, his economy on the verge of collapse – all he has left is terror against the civilian population,” the diplomatic source stated.

“Russia loudly declares it seeks peace, but in practice it only escalates its brutal and destructive war. While the world speaks of de-escalation, Russia bombs peaceful cities.”

In a direct message to Nigerians, the Ambassador expressed gratitude for Nigerian support while calling for continued international attention. “The people of Ukraine are deeply grateful to the people of Nigeria for their support and solidarity. We know that Nigerians, like Ukrainians, understand the value of freedom.”

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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EFCC Reopens Atiku’s Alleged Financial Crimes Probe

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

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The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

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