NIGERIA AT UNESCO...
NEWS, EVENTS AND LINKS:
_____________
August 2008:
2008 UNESCO Literacy Prizes Winners Announced
The award ceremony for the 2008 Literacy Prizes Winners will
take place on 8 September, 2008 in Paris, France during the
occasion of the celebration of International Literacy Day.
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes are awarded
every year in recognition of creativity, excellence and
innovation in literacy throughout the world. Complying with
the United Nations Literacy Decade [UNLD] thematic calendar,
the theme for this year's Prizes is "Literacy and Health."
And there is strong emphasis on epidemics and communicable
diseases such as HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria.
This 2008, literacy projects in Brazil, Ethiopia, South
Africa and Zambia won the four UNESCO International
Literacy Prizes. The laureates were proclaimed by the
Director-General of UNESCO, Koichiro Matsuura, on the
recommendation of an international jury. A programme
in Morocco and another from the British Broadcasting
Corporation received Honourable Mention.
Last year, 2007, UNESCO's Confucius Prize for Literacy
was awarded to the Mrs. Alaere Augustina Timi Alaibe led
Family Re-orientation Education and Empowerment [FREE]
Community Based Organization in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
For more information on the UNESCO Literacy
Prizes, please, visit the following link:
Abolition of the Slave Trade Remembrance
As a follow-up to the activities of the Bicentenary of the
abolition of the slave trade by the Parliament of the
United Kingdom in 1807, and to commemorate the International
Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
[23 August], the Liverpool Museum made a gift to UNESCO
consisting of a corridor of 36 panels on the touring
exhibition titled: "The Transatlantic Slavery Gallery."
The gallery will be inaugurated on 22 July, 2008 at the
headquarters of UNESCO in Paris. "The Transatlantic
Slavery Gallery" touring exhibition wil last from 22
July, 2008 to 29 August, 2008.
For more information on the slave trade, please
visit the following official link:
July 2008:
World Heritage Committee Meets in Canada
From Wednesday 2 July, 2008 to Thursday 10 July, 2008, the
32nd Session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee holds
in Quebec, Canada. The Committee meets to consider requests
for the inscription of new sites on UNESCO's World Heritage
List and examine the state of conservation of sites already
inscribed on the List. Nigeria is a Member of the World
Heritage Committee.
The World Heritage Committee consists of representatives
from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention Concerning
the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage,
elected by the General Assembly of States Parties to the
Convention.
The current composition of the Committee is: Australia,
Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt,
Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco,
Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia,
United States of America.
For more information on this WHC's Meeting please
visit the following link:
Education Leader's Forum to Hold in Paris
In UNESCO Headquarters Paris, France, from Monday
7 July, 2008 to Tuesday 8 July, 2008, the Education
Leaders Forum sponsored by Microsoft will hold. The
Forum will focus on "Success and Sustainability:
Tertiary Education's Global Challenge." Also, the
leaders will explore issues and propose innovative
solutions for success and sustainability in tertiary
education during the 21st century.
The Education Leaders Forum creates a venue for
government leaders and opinion makers in education
to share experience, thoughts and ideas for
development and progress
To know more about the Forum, Please, visit the
following official link:
June 2008:
First Lady of Nigeria Visits UNESCO
Nigeria's First Lady, Her Excellency: Mrs. Turai Yar'Adua [3rd from right] addressing
From 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Thursday 12 June, 2008, the First
a UNESCO Meeting on "Adult Literacy, Girl Child Education and NGO Involvement."
Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency: Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua was at
UNESCO Headquaters in Paris France for an official visit.
On arrival at UNESCO, the First Lady was met by Nigeria's
Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Professor
Michael Omolewa. Afterwards, Mrs. Yar'adua was introduced
to the President of the Africa Group at UNESCO, Dr. [Mrs.]
Mary Mbiro Khimulu who serves as Kenyan Ambassador and
Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
Accordingly, Mrs. Yar'Adua was also received by UNESCO's
Deputy Director-General, Mr. Marcio Barbosa. The First Lady
also addressed women Ambassadors to UNESCO before attending
a Meeting with UNESCO top officials on "Adult Literacy, Girl
Child Education and NGO Involvement."
To read Mrs. Turai Yar'Adua's address to women Ambassadors to
UNESCO, please visit the following web link:
Ambassadors in UNESCO
Also, for more information on the First Lady's message to UNESCO,
during her visit, please, go to the following web page link:
Intangible Cultural Heritage: Second Session
Nigeria is a Member State of the Convention for the Safeguarding
of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Notably, the Second Session
of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention
for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will
hold at UNESCO Headquarters Paris, France from 9 A.M. Monday
16 June, 2008 to 6 P.M. Thursday 19 June, 2008.
This Second Session will discuss, among other items, the examination
of the draft operational directives prepared by the Committee at
its request to guide the implementation of the Convention and
determination of the States Parties' contributions to the
Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, referred to in Article 26.1
of the Convention. In addition, and in conformity with its Rules
of Procedure and with Article 6 of the Convention, the General
Assembly will conduct an election on this occasion for the renewal
of half of the Members of the Intergovernmental Committee for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In preparation of this Second Session of the General Assembly,
an information meeting for the States Parties to the Convention
takes place on Monday 2 June, 2008 at Room XI; from 3.30 P.M.
to 6 P.M.
For more information on General Assembly Session 2 of
the State Parties to the Intangible Cultural Heritage
Convention, please visit the following official
web link:
May 2008:
Permanent Delegate at French Centre Colloqium
From 6 to 8 May, in Lome, Togo, Reseau des Centres de Francais
Langue Etrangere d'Afrique [RECFLEA]: Network of Centres for
Teaching French as a Foreign Language in Africa, held its
first Colloquim:
Notably, Nigeria's Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to
UNESCO: Professor Michael Omolewa was there to deliver a
paper titled: "Langue Francaise, Diversite Culturelle et
Integration Regionale": The French Language: Cultural
Diversity and Regional Integration.
To read the full French text of Ambassador Omolewa's
lecture at the RECFLEA event, please, visit the
following link:
ADEA Biennale Meetings in Maputo, Mozambique
The Association for the Development of Education in Africa [ADEA]
has come a long way as part of UNESC0's bigger-vision mandate.
ADEA was first established in 1988 under the name: Donors to
African Education (DAE). Its initial mandate was derived from the
recommendations a 1988 World Bank study entitled. "Education in
Sub-Saharan Africa: Policies for Adjustment, Revitalization
and Expansion."
Over the years, Nigeria has contributed immensely towards the
vision and progress of ADEA. Accordingly, Nigeria will not
hesitate to play valuable roles of humane service for the
betterment of education in Africa - during the May 2008
biennale meetings:
The 2008 Biennale of Education will be held in Maputo,
Mozambique from 5 to 9 May, 2008. The venue will be the
Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre. "Beyond
Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding
Learning Opportunities in Africa" is the theme for this
biennale.
ADEA's Biennale Meetings are the high point of the activities
and life of the Association. The main objective of the meetings
is to encourage and sustain frank and open discussions between
African ministers of education, development agencies, and other
education professionals. These discussions are vital for
ADEA as they help to guide the Association's future actions,
dialogue being one of the keys towards sowing the seeds for
better understanding and progress.
In light of the significant progress Africa has made toward
achieving universal primary education, the 2008 Biennale will
focus on post-primary education and training, one of the
greatest challenges facing African education systems today.
The 2008 Biennale will present to the African educational
community the most recent tools, knowledge and practices
that are well able to bring continent-wide progress in
post-primary education.
As with previous Biennale Meetings, the event will be
attended by a large number of stakeholders involved in
the development of education in Africa, African Ministers
of Education and senior officials; senior representatives
from bilateral and multilateral cooperation and development
agencies; regional and sub-regional organizations;
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society
organizations (CSOs); and education researchers plus
professionals.
About 500 people are expected to attend the meeting. This
Biennale is organized in collaboration with the Ministry
of Education and Culture of Mozambique and the Government
of Mozambique, which has graciously offered to host the
Biennale of Education in Maputo.
For more information on ADEA's biennal forum for 2008
please, visit the following official link:
April 2008:
EFA: Global Action Week 2008
The Education for all [EFA] Global Action Week this year
[21-27 April] will focus on quality education to end
exclusion. A series of events will be organized to
emphasize the importance of inclusive education as the
only way to achieve Education for All.
Indeed, attaining education for people across the world
is UNESCO's absolute priority. And with utmost commitment,
Nigeria is glad to be part of this priority within her
national framework.
For more information on this year's global action
week, please, visit the following official link:
Nigeria to Host African World Heritage Fund
Speaking at the 1 to 17 April 179th Session of UNESCO's
Executive Board, Nigeria's Ambassador and Permanent
Delegate: Professor Michael Omolewa said:
"It is within this context of Nigeria-UNESCO Cooperation that my
Delegation joins other members of this Board to mourn the
transition of Ambassador Dragoljub Najman, former Ambassador
of Serbia to UNESCO and the inaugural Chairman of the
UNESCO-Nigeria Committee on Special Plan for Cooperation..."
Also, in the following words, Ambassador Omolewa went on to
say that Nigeria will host African World Heritage Fund's
meeting this April 2008:
"And while still on the issue of the development of Africa, my
Delegation is delighted to confirm that Nigeria will be hosting
the advocacy meeting of the African World Heritage Fund later
this month..."
For the full text of Nigeria's Statement at
Executive Board Session 179, please
visit the following link:
Nigeria and Executive Board Session 179
At UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, from 9 AM Tuesday
1 April to 8 PM on Thursday 17 April, the Executive Board
of UNESCO will meet for its 179th Session. Nigeria will
take part in the Session as a Member of the Board.
The Executive Board is elected by the General Conference;
and is one of the three constitutional organs of UNESCO.
It consists of 58 Member States with a four-year term of
office. Each State Member appoints one representative and
may also appoint alternates.
The Executive Board examines the programme of work for the
Organization and corresponding budget estimates. It ensures
the effective and rational execution of the programme by
the Director-General.
For more information, please, visit the following page:
Information for All Programme [IFAP] 5th Session
Ngerian was elected to the IFAP council on Thursday 25
Please, visit the following page for more news:
October, 2007 for a four year term that will expire in
October, 2011. Nigeria will therefore take part in the
Fifth Session of IFAP's Council accordingly.
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Council for the
Information for All Programme will be held at UNESCO
Headquarters in Paris, France, from Wednesday 2 to Friday
4 April, 2008 [two and a half days session], in Room II
[Fontenoy Building]. The Council session will be followed
by a half day Bureau meeting in the afternoon of 4 April
2008, in Room IX [Fontenoy Building]. All meetings are
from 9:30 AM to 12.30 PM and from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM in
the afternoon.
The Council is responsible for guiding the planning and
implementation of the Information for All Programme.
In particular, the Council considers proposals on the
development and adaptation of the Programme, recommends
broad lines of action that the Programme could take,
reviews and assesses achievements and defines basic
areas requiring increased international cooperation,
promotes participation of Member States in the
Programme and supports all fund-raising efforts all
Programme implementation.
March 2008:
In 2010, Nigeria will host the 8th E-9 conference on EFA:
Nigeria to Host 2010 Education For All [EFA] Review Conference
Education for All review by 9 High-Population countries.
Education ministers at the Seventh Ministerial Review Meeting
of the Nine High-Population (E-9) Countries (10-12 March, Bali,
Indonesia) have recognized the vital role of teachers in
improving the quality of education as well as expanded access
and equity.
"We recognise the EFA goals will not be achieved globally if
they are not achieved in the E-9 countries, noting that some
countries may face greater challenges than others in meeting
the EFA goals by the 2015 target date."
The E-9 countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India,
Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, and Pakistan) represent half
the world's population, but only half the teachers are
trained in some countries.
In a 13-point declaration adopted at the conclusion of the
conference, the ministers, who represent 60 per cent of the
world's population, stressed the central role of teachers in
the attaining the Education for All (EFA) goals, and
underlined the importance of South-South co-operation.
For more information, please, visit the following page:
High Population Countries to Meet on EFA Review
From Monday 10 March to Wednesday 12 March, Nigeria will join
eight other countries to discuss "Improved Teacher Education"
as the theme of the Education for All [EFA] Seventh Ministerial
Review by the Nine High-Population Countries. The meeting is to
be held in Bali, Indonesia. Indeed, these Nine High Population
Countries are also known as the E-9.
The E-9 countries are: Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India,
Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan. They represent half
the world's population, but only half of the teachers are well
trained in some of these countries. E-9 countries account for
over two-thirds of the world's adult illiterates and more than
half of out-of-school children. Improving the number and quality
of teachers is thus seen as basic key to further progress. This
E-9 Initiative was launched in 1993 under the commendable
leadership of UNESCO.
For more information, please, visit the following page:
Also visit UNESCO's EFA official site, at:
L'OREAL-UNESCO Awards At Ten [1998 - 2008]
Nigerian women; including Dr. [Mrs.] Aisha Abubakar Abdulwahab
[pictured below] who has a doctorate in veterinary medicine;
plus joint PhD in public health from Ahmadu Bello University
in Zaria, Nigeria and the University of Plymouth in the
United Kingdom; and is currently working as a veterinary
doctor for the Nigerian Police Force in Abuja, have won the
wonderful L'OREAL-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science.
At UNESCO's Paris, France Headquarters on 6 March, over
30 of the world's leading women scientists will sign the
L'OREAL-UNESCO Charter of Commitment For Women in Science.
The Charter, which affirms the signatories' long-term
dedication to promote women in science, marks the 10th
anniversary of the L'OREAL-UNESCO For Women in Science
partnership.
Following the signature by the scientists, all former
winners of the L'OREAL-UNESCO Awards For Women in
Science, a ceremony will be held in which five
outstanding women researchers from five continents
will receive this year's awards; in recognition of
their work in life sciences.
For more information about Nigerians who won the prestigious
L'OREAL-UNESCO Awards, please, visit the following page:
Accordingly, the UNESCO official site concerning the organization's
partnership with L'OREAL on the For Women in Science Awards, is at:
February 2008:
UNESCO and the Economic Community of West African States
Nigeria to Host UNESCO AND ECOWAS SEMINAR...
[ECOWAS] are organizing a seminar from 26 to 28 February
in Lagos, Nigeria on the subject of "Nation-States and the
Challenges of Regional Integration in West Africa: The
Nigerian Case."
This seminar hosted by Nigeria is the 15th and last national
seminar of UNESCO's project on the challenges of regional
integration in West Africa.
The seminar is organized under the leadership of UNESCO'S
Management of Social Transformations [MOST] Programme,
which is part of the Social and Human Sciences Sector
[SHS] of UNESCO. MOST was launched in March 1994. It
was designed as a research programme to produce reliable
and relevant knowledge for policy makers. The original
mandate established a strong commitment to the promotion
of research that was comparative, international,
interdisciplinary and policy relevant. The programme
was also designed to organize and promote international
research networks, to give attention to capacity
building and to establish a clearing house of
knowledge in the social science field.
For more information, please, visit the following link:
2008 is International Year of Languages...
The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2008 as
International Year of Languages. And Accordingly, UNESCO
has been chosen by the global community to lead on this
crucial matter of ensuring that the numerous languages
of the world survive.
For more information, please, visit the following link:
New Year 2008: Goodwill From the Delegation!
January 2008:
A Reflective Look Ahead: Nigeria and General Conference 34:
December, 2007:
As another New Year dawns on the wold, it is the hearty wish of
the entire team at Nigeria's Permanent Delegation to the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizaion
[UNESCO] that you have a blessed and fulfilling 2008 in
God's care.
During 2008, the Delegation will continue to serve Nigerians
and our UNESCO partner Member Nations plus our friends
around the globe better and efficiently. Indeed, may you wake
with this, above photo, beautiful African sunrise into a
wonderful 2008!
As the year draws to an end, it is very important that we take a
reflective look at Nigeria's participation in the recently ended
34th General Conference of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO]. Since 14 November,
1960 when Nigeria became the 58th Member State of UNESCO, the
country have come a long way in terms of being a valuable and
worthy partner of the distinguished international organization.
With a unified sense of purpose in diplomatic action, Nigerian
Delegates made valuable inputs towards the commendable outcome
of UNESCO's 34th General Conference Session which took place
from 16 October to 3 November, 2007.
Various Nigerian Delegates contributed greatly to policy
debates, roundtables, meetings and resolutions that will
favourably impact the lives of people within countries
around the world - especially in the following areas:
education and economic development, culture and heritage,
science and technology plus communications and information;
including natural sciences as well as the human and social
sciences.
Consequently, Nigeria won two major elections into the worthful
Information for All Programme [IFAP] Council and the World
Heritage Committee. In addition, Nigeria's proposal for the
setting up of an Institute for African Culture and International
Understanding as a Category Two Centre - at the Olusegun Obasanjo
Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria - within
the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organisation [UNESCO] was adopted. This was during
the Saturday 27 October 10 AM to 5 PM meeting of the Culture
Commission [CLT] held in Room II at UNESCO Headquarters Paris,
France as part of the General Conference 34th Session.
Notably, to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Second World Black
and African Festival of Arts, Culture and Civilization - which was
held in Nigeria with the popular name FESTAC 77 [Festival of Arts
and Cuture 1977], the Nigerian Permanent Delegation creatively lead the
Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation [CBAAC] into the
reality of UNESCO endorsing and adopting FESTAC with the laudable
support of Nigerian Governors and Ministers plus distinguished Ford
Foundation. And thus, as a beginning to this partnership the 30th
Anniversary of FESTAC took global stage and real significance at
UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France during the 34th Session of the
General Conference.
Accordingly, the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria
plus the entire staff of the Delegation wish to heartily thank
all other Delegates, friends and government officials; including
Governors and Ministers who came to Paris from Nigeria for their
invaluable support and patriotic participation during the hectic
days of the 34th General Conference.
Also, the Nigerian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO is grateful
to all journalists and press professionals who covered and
reported Nigeria's fruitful participation in the 34th Session
of the General Conference - especially those from Nigerian
media houses - who kept letting our citizens in Nigeria know
what their Delegation was doing to put their welfare within
the current line of beneficial, policy action and long-standing
mandate of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization [UNESCO].
It is with a sense of solid determination, humility and gratitude
that the entire staff of the Nigerian Permanent Delegation to
UNESCO looks beyond the 34th General Conference; knowing that the
lessons embraced; and gains of the bi-annual conference must be
consolidated and proved tangible for the people of Nigeria in terms
of making their lives better in the committee of nations through the
enriching, crucial work and mandate of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO].
For more Information on Nigeria's longstanding relationship
with UNESCO, please, visit the following link:
World Heritage Committee of UNESCO Elects Nigeria...
Sukur Cultural Landscape in Madagali Local Government Area Adamawa State,
Friday 26 October, 2007 saw Nigeria elected, for a four year term,
Nigeria; inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999
as a member of UNESCO's prestigious and valuable World Heritage
Committee [WHC].
For more information on the WHC election, please, visit the
following link:
On the same cultural topic, Nigeria's proposal for the setting up of
an Institute for African Culture and International Understanding as
a Category Two Centre - at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library
in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria - within the framework of the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
[UNESCO] was adopted. This was during the Saturday 27 October 10 AM
to 5 PM meeting of the Culture Commission [CLT] held in Room II at
UNESCO Headquarters Paris, France as part of the General
Conference 34th Session.
For more Information, please, visit the following link:
Nigeria Elected into Information for All Programme [IFAP] Council...
Thursday 25 October, 2007, dawned as the day Nigeria, after a hard
fought international, diplomatic battle at UNESCO, was elected
into the all important global Intergovernmental Council that
directs the activities of the Information for All Programme
[IFAP] run through the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization [UNESCO]. The election took place
during the 34th Session of UNESCO General Conference at
UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
Nigeria is also on the Executive Board of UNESCO: The
Executive Board is elected by the General Conference and is
one of the three constitutional organs of UNESCO. It consists
of 58 Member States with a four-year term of office. Each State
Member appoints one representative and may also appoint alternates.
The Executive Board examines the programme of work for the
Organization and corresponding budget estimates. It ensures the
effective and rational execution of the programme by the
Director-General.
Nigeria got 126 votes out of 193 eligible votes; and was elected
alongside Kenya (126 votes also) and Ivory Coast (102 votes).
Mali, with 92 votes lost out in the diplomatic battle. Other
members of the IFAP Council include: Australia, France, Israel
Brazil, Grenada, Venezuela, Democratic People's Republic of
Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Libya.
For more information on the IFAP elections, please visit the
following link:
Commissions and Subsidiary Organs
Also, for further information concerning UNESCO's Information for
All Programme [IFAP], please visit the following site:
Nigeria Participates in Crucial Round Table...
Friday 19 to Saturday 20 October was UNESCO's Ministerial
Round Table on Education and Economic Development. The
Round Table was part of UNESCO General Conference's 34th
Session. Dr. Igwe Aja-Nwachuku: Nigeria's Honourable
Minister of Education was there to represent the
country. And through the link below is the Minister's
contribution to the Round Table:
to UNESCO Round Table Concerning
Education and Economic Development
Also, for more information on the Round Table,
please visit the following UNESCO page:
Education and Economic Development
October and November, 2007: General Conference Months:
From Tuesday, 16 October, to Saturday, 3 November 2007,
July 2007: Nigeria Wins UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize:
16 July, 2007 dawned as the day Nigeria's NGO: Family And also, the following UNESCO official page:
New Zealand 2007: World Heritage Committee in Session:
The interesting World Heritage Committee holds its 31st session And also, the following New Zealand link:
2007 Africa Day Celebration at UNESCO:
Culture and arts are the highlights of this year's Africa Day
A Hearty Farewell to Nigeria's Mnister of Education:
Recently, the Nigerian Minister of Education: Mrs. Obiageli
April 2007: Session 176 of UNESCO's Executive Board:
The 176th Session of UNESCO's Executive Board holds from
18 March, 2007: Culture Convention becomes Legal:
Adopted on 20 October 2005 by the General Conference
International Women's Day 8 March, 2007:
8 March dawned with UNESCO taking the lead to celebrate And also, the following link:
International Mother Language Day 2007:
21 February, 2007 is International Mother Language Day.
Minister of Culture Visits UNESCO Headquarters, Paris:
To discuss the inclusion of culture as one of the core parts of
2007 Goodwill from the Nigerian
Let us warmly thank you for being part of our web site during 2006.
Thursday 21 December, 2006 dawned as the day Professor
Nigeria Celebrated on Global Sphere:
Commonwealth of
Nigeria has, once more, been recognized and celebrated on the global
First Intergovernmental Committee Meeting to Hold in Algiers:
The first meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the
UNESCO High Level Group Meeting on Education For All:
The next meeting of the UNESCO High Level Group on
Extraordinary Session of State Parties to the...:
Holding on 9 November, 2006 - will be an Extraordinary Session
Nigeria Elected Co-Chair of the Drafting Group During
Nigeria has been elected as co-Chair of the Drafting Group
Ambassador Michael Omolewa with former President of Mali:
His Excellency: Professor Michael Omolewa at the Atlanta, Georgia
October 2006: Executive Board of UNESCO in Session:
The 175th Session of UNESCO's Executive Board holds from
His Excellency: Alhaji Muktari Shehu Shagari - Nigeria's
2006...Nigeria's Education Minister Spreads "Cradle to Grave" Vision
Since coming to Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education to serve as
Recently, the Permanent Delegate and Ambassador: Professor Michael
Nigeria Elected Member of the First Intergovernmental
The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible
Notably too, still on our Intangible Heritage good news, Nigeria's
Permanent Delegate Honoured with Book Publication
A book written in honour of Nigeria's Ambassador and Permanent
You can also check the book out on
8 March 2006: UNESCO Celebrates
8 March, 2006
UNESCO: IBE Council 54th Session - January, 2006:
Minister of Science and Technology Visits UNESCO:
During the recently concluded 33rd UNESCO General Conference, Nigeria's
Nigerian Education Officials in China:
From 28 to 30 November, 2005, Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education
Director of Educational Support Services [DESS]
On her way back to Abuja, Nigeria, after attending UNESCO's 33rd
UNESCO's Executive Board in Session
On Friday 14 October, 2005, Nigeria was elected to the
Room One of UNESCO's General Conference
_____
UNESCO's First General Conference <20 November to 10 December, 1946>
_____
the 34th session of United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference
will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
For more information please visit the following
UNESCO official Page:
34th UNESCO General Conference
Re-orientation Education and Empowerment, [FREE],
was awarded the $20,000 [Twenty Thousand United States
Dollars] worth UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy.
FREE is a Opokuma Kolokuma, Bayelsa State: Nigeria
based Community Based Organization [CBO]. The
brainchild of Mrs. Alaere Augustina Timi Alaibe,
FREE works to address the high level of ignorance
and illiteracy, especially among girls and women,
as well as the collapse of family values in rural
communities of the Niger Delta.
Literacy projects in China, Senegal, Tanzania and
the United States also won prizes in the other four
2007 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.
For more information please visit the official
Web site of FREE at:
Family Re-orientation Education and Empowerment
2007 UNESCO Literacy Prizes Awarded
in Christchurch, New Zealand from 23 June to 2 July 2007. Nigeria
is participating in the meeting as a State Party to the World
Heritage Convention. 33 years ago, on 23 October, 1971, Nigeria
ratified the Convention; and have since continued to adhere to
it. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Sukur Cultural Landscape are
Nigerian inscriptions on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
For more information please visit the following UNESCO page:
World Heritage Committee 31st Session 2007
WHC Session: New Zealand 2007
being staged at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France
from 21 to 25 May. The breathtaking and amazing wealth of
the continent's intangible essence will be on display for
the world to see and appreciate.
For more information please visit the following page:
2007 Africa Day at UNESCO
Katryn Ezekwesili - who directly supervises the Permanent
Delegation to UNESCO, was appointed World Bank Vice
President for Africa. Effective Friday 27 April, 2007 Mrs.
Ezekwesili vacates her post as Minister in preparation for
her 1 May, 2007 starting of duties at the World Bank in
Washington DC.
With gladness, the entire staff of Nigeria's Permanent
Delegation to UNESCO; including the Ambassador and
Permanent Delegate Professor Michael Omolewa - send our
goodwill and aapreciation to Mrs. Ezekwesili. We trust
that God Almighty has already given her the wisdom to
serve humankind for good in her new role as World Bank
Vice President for Africa. We rejoice with her plus
all Nigerians, Africans and the rest of the world.
For more information on Mrs. Ezekwesili's World Bank
appointment, please visit the following official page:
World Bank Vice President
for Africa Appointed
Tuesday 10 April to Thursday 26 April, 2007. The first
plenary meeting will be held on Monday 16 April. Notably,
Nigeria is a Member of the Executive Board of UNESCO. And
the Nigerian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO will therefore
be participating in this 176th Session.
For more information on the 176th Session of the Executive
Board, please visit the following official web page:
Executive Board of UNESCO
of UNESCO, the Convention on the Protection and
Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
targets the continued strong uplifment of the links
between culture, sustainable development and dialogue
among civilizations plus peoples of the world. This
Convention entered into force on Sunday 18 March,
2007. For more official information, please visit
the following UNESCO page:
Convention on the Protection and
Promotion of the Diversity of
Cultural Expressions
International Women's Day. 2007's observance was done with
the objective of celebrating women around the world who have
continued to uphold and promote the defences of peace in the
minds of humankind as outlined in UNESCO's constitution.
For more information, please visit:
International Women's Day 2007 at UNESCO
Web Site of International Women's Day
And UNESCO will lead the rest of the United Nations
system plus the rest of the world in celebrations marking
this crucial day and movement seeking to ensure that half
of the earth's 6,000 languages threatened with extinction
survive in the years ahead. This year's celebration has
as its point of thematic focus: "the linkages between
mother tongue and multilingualism" issues. For more
information, please visit:
International Mother Language
Day 2007 at UNESCO
Nigeria-UNESCO Special Plan of Action, Professor Abraham
Babalola Borishade, Nigeria's Honourable Minister of Culture,
Tourism and National Orientation came to UNESCO
Headquarters from 18 to 21 January, 2007.
During his visit, the Honourable Minister met with Mr. Hans
d'Orville, Chairman of the Nigeria-UNESCO Special Plan of
Action, UNESCO's Assistant Director-General (ADG) for
Culture Ms. Francoise Riviere; including the official team at
UNESCO World Heritage Centre [WHC] and the Intangible
Cultural Heritage Section oficials.
Professor Borishade also met with the Director- General of
UNESCO: Mr. Koichiro Matsuura. Above is a picture of the
Honourable Minister [left] being welcomed to UNESCO by
the Director-General [right].
Permanent Delegation to UNESCO:
Consequently, the Nigerian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO
wish all our valued visitors, beloved Nigerians, all humankind and
our wonderful friends around the world a refreshing, blessed and
fullfiling New Year 2007 in GOD'S loving care! We'll continue
to serve you better during 2007...
Omolewa got a National Honour from the Federal Government
of Nigeria for his distinguished service to the people of his
beloved country and humankind globally: Ambassador Omolewa
was awarded Officer of the Order of the Niger [OON].
Nigeria's President Matthew Olusegun Obasanjo [seen in the
picture above] presented the OON Award to Professor
Omolewa - during a ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria. Below is
a picture of Professor Omolewa shortly after being
given the Officer of the Order of the Niger Award:
Learning [COL] Awards Presented in Jamaica:
sphere - this time at the individual level. This comes after Nigeria's
election, in October during Executive Board Session 175, as Co-Chair
of the Drafting Group on UNESCO's 2008 to 2013 Medium-Term Strategy:
On 2 November, 2006 in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Nigeria's Ambassador and
Permanent Delegate to UNESCO: Professor Michael Abiola Omolewa
was amongst seven distinguished ladies and gentlemen from around the
world who got the prestigious Excellence in Distance Education Awards
[EDEA] given every two years by the Vancouver, British Columbia:
Canada based Commonwealth of Learning [COL]. This worthy recognition
confers on the awardee the title of: Honorary Fellow of the
Commonwealth of Learning. The award ceremony was held during the
4th Pan Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning.
The Commonwealth of Learning [COL] is an intergovernmental organisation
created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development
and sharing of open learning plus distance education knowledge, resources and
technologies. COL helps developing nations improve access to quality
education and training. Bringing together some 1.7 billion people of many
faiths, races, tribes, languages, traditions and levels of economic
development, the Commonwealth, originally linked by the British Empire,
represents almost one-third of the world's population. To view extensive,
relevant information, pictures, documents, a copy of the award certificate
and the citation for Nigeria's Professor Omolewa during the Awards held
in Jamaica, please, go to the following link:
Fellows of the Commonwealth of
Learning Awards 2006
Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage will hold in
Algiers, the capital city of Algeria from 18 to 19 November,
2006. For more information, please, visit:
UNESCO Intangible Heritage Site: UNESCO
Education For All [EFA] will be held in Cairo, Egypt
from 14 to 16 November, 2006. For more information on
this EFA meeting, please, visit:
Education For All: UNESCO
of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention
for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This
crucial Session will take place at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris,
France. At this meeting election to six additional seats on
the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of
Intangible Cultural Heritage will be held. For more information
on this Extraordinary Session, please, visit:
General Assembly of Intangible
Cultural Heritage: UNESCO
October 2006 Excutive Board Session 175:
on Item 21 which is the Preliminary proposals concerning
the Draft Medium-Term UNESCO Strategy for 2008-2013
(34 C/5) and the Draft Programme and Budget for 2008-2009
(34 C/5). The Drafting Group is composed of 18 members in
total, comprising three countries from each of the six
electoral group: Group 1: Switzerland, United Kingdom and
United States of America; Group 2: Russian Federation,
Serbia and Saint Vincent and Grenadines; Group 3: Brazil,
Colombia and Japan); Group 4: India, Indonesia and Japan;
Group 5: Nigeria, South Africa and Democratic Republic of
Congo. The term of reference of the Drafting Group will be
to prepare a synthesis constituting a draft decision on the
basis of the preliminary proposals by the Director-General
contained in Document 175 EX/22, their presentation by the
Director-General, the debates held in plenary meetings, the
reply of the Director-General plus the results of
deliberations and recommendations of the Programme and
External Relations Commission and the Finance and
Administrative Commission.
Alpha Oumar Konare and Chairman of the African Union;
plus representatives to the October 2006 UNESCO
Executive Board 175th Session
USA held 90th anniversary of the Journal of African American
History (JAAH) organized by the Association for the Study of
African American Life and History (ASALH) in September 2006
Tuesday 26 September to Thursday 12 October, 2006. The first
plenary meeting will be held on Monday 2 October. Notably,
Nigeria is a Member of the Executive Board of UNESCO. And
the Nigerian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO will therefore
be participating in this 175th Session.
To read more about the 175th Session of the Executive Board,
please visit the following official web page:
Executive Board of UNESCO
Honourable Minister of Water Resurces[Left] - being
received by Koichiro Matsuura: UNESCO Director-General
during the 17th Session of the Intergovernmental Council
for the International Hydrological Programme (IHP)
held at the UNESCO Headquarters from 3 to 7 July 2006
for Reform and Progress in the Country's Education System plus;
Due Process:
Honourable Minister - during the last week of June 2006 - Mrs.
Ezekwesili has been laying out her vision for needed reform with an
inspiring motto called: "WE CAN" - which when spelled out means:
"We Educate for Character Aptitude and our NEEDS."
Accordingly, to study the Honourable Minister of Education's
reform vision in detail, please go to the following link:
Minister of Education's Reform
Vision for Education in Nigeria:
"Thoughts and Issues"
Abiola Omolewa attended a gospel event; and met with Dr. T. L.
Osborn: World Missionary Evangelist and Head Servant of GOD at
OSBORN International Ministries. Below is a picture of
Professor Omolewa and Dr. Osborn during the event:
Conference held from 16 to 17 June, 2006. Nigeria's Ambassador and
Permanent Delegate: Professor Michael Omolewa was there as a
Distinguished Guest. Below is his photo with young Matthew Cooper
from Largymore Primary School in Northern Ireland: Matthew is a
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Culture of Peace and
Non-violence:
Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural
Heritage:
Cultural Heritage held its meeting on the 29th of June, 2006. During
the 1st General Assembly of States Parties to the Convention
on the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage, at UNESCO's
headquarters in Paris, France, 44 out of the 45 official States
Parties to the Convention participated in the election. Of the 14
countries whose membership was decided by ballot, Nigeria scored 43
votes. China scored 40; Japan 37; India and Senegal 36 each; Mexico
35; Gabon and Brazil 34; Peru 33; Hungary 32; Estonia 31; Romania
and Vietnam 29 each; and Bulgaria, 24. Belgium, Turkey, Algeria
and the United Arab Emirates were elected unopposed. For more
information, please, visit UNESCO's Intangible Heritage
official site, at:
Intangible Heritage Site: UNESCO
Ifa divination system was proclaimed by UNESCO as a masterpiece of
the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. Concerning this glad
development, Nigeria's Ambassador and Permanent Delegate
to UNESCO, Professor Michael Abiola Omolewa said,
in a press statement:
"It is with great pleasure that I am announcing to you
that our entry of Ifa into the Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity is successful. This achievement
belongs to the Almighty God alone, He is the one that
gave us the very professional expertise of Professor
Wande Abimbola and Professor Akinwumi Ishola, both
of whom prepared the very rich candidature file of
Nigeria. Now, the world can appreciate the quality
of the wisdom and understanding of the African race
before the intrusion of colonial rule, we therefore
expect that the award will lead to an enhanced status
for tourism promotion and capacity-building in
Nigeria."
To read more about it, please, go to:
Third Proclamation of Masterpieces of
the Oral and Intangible Heritage
of Humanity
Delegate to UNESCO, Michael Omolewa, was launched on Thursday
30 March, 2006 during the 7th Biennial Conference on Education
in Africa held in Libreville, Gabon.
Titled "Widening access to education as social justice", the 490
page book is a collection of essays reflecting international
perspectives for expanding access to education and the successes
and failures of such efforts. The book is edited by Akpovire
Oduaran and Harbans S. Bhola.
"Chapters of the book were written by eminent scholars carefully
selected from all regions of the world," said book editor
Akpovire Oduaran of the Department of Adult Education,
University of Botswana.
Speaking about it, Professor Omolewa described the book as a:
"testimony of my gratitude to the Almighty God... who has made
it possible for my friends, colleagues and professional
associates to conceive and initiate the project."
To see more of the book, please, go to:
Essays in Honor of Michael Omolewa
Amazon.com, at:
Widening Access to Education...
International Women's Day
was International Women's Day [IWD]. And the Federal Republic
of Nigeria took part in a Round Table concerning "Women in Politics"
around the world. To read more about the International Women's Day
2006 Ministerial Round Table at the United Nations Educational
Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO] Headquarters,
please visit the official Web Page at:
"Women in Politics":
A UNESCO International Round Table
In Geneva, Switzerland, from Wednesday 25 January to Friday 27 January,
2006, the UNESCO International Bureau of Education will hold the 54th
Session of its governing Council - composed of representatives of 28 Member
States elected by the General Conference of UNESCO. Nigeria is a Member of
the IBE Governiong Council. And with Ambassador Omolewa, the Nigerian
Delegation will be there for the 54th Session. For more information, please,
go to the following link:
UNESCO: IBE Council 54th Session:
25 to 27 January, 2006
Studies University. To read the news, please go to:
Professor Omolewa Honoured in China
Honourable Minister of Science and Technology: Professor Turner T. Isoun
was at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France - to represent the country in
various meetings, roundtables and deliberations. Below is a picture of
Professor Isoun [left] with Koichiro Matsuura: Director-General of UNESCO
and Professor Michael Omolewa, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of
Nigeria to UNESCO:
officials were in Beijing, China to represent the Federal Republic of
Nigeria at the Fifth High-Level Group Meeting on Education For All [EFA];
including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation [FOCAC]; as well as - at
the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative [UNGEI] Technical
Consultation. Accordingly, the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate:
Prosessor Michael Omolewa was in China with the Honourable Minister
of Education for these meetings.
Mrs. Bridget Chigboluka Braimah dies in plane crash:
General Conference which lasted from 3 to 21 October, 2005 in Paris,
France, Mrs. Braimah, pictured above, was in the Bellview airline
Boeing 737-200, flight B-3-210 that took off from the domestic
wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Lagos
Nigeria on Saturday 22 October at about 8:45PM. The plane
crashed afterwards in Lissa, Ifo Local Government Area of
Ogun State, Nigeria.
The Nigerian Ministry of Education where late Mrs. Braimah was
Director of Educational Support Services [DESS] is the parent
Nigerian Ministry for the Permanent Delegation at UNESCO. The
Nigerian Parmanent Delegation to UNESCO is therefore deeply
sadened to lose Mrs. Braimah. Professor Michael Omolewa and the
entire Nigerian staff and team at UNESCO send their heartfelt
condolences to Mrs. Braimah's husband and family; including
every other Nigerian family that lost loved ones in the
same plane crash.
The Honourable Minister of Education in Nigeria, also warmly
extends her deep-felt condolence to Mrs. Braimah's husband and
family - noting that she has not only lost a professional
colleague; but also a close friend whom she went to secondary
school with. The Honourable Minister will be paying Mrs.
Braimah's husband and family a condolence visit.
Chief Mrs. Braimah was appointed Director: Department
of Education Support Services in October 2004. A
traditional Chieftaincy title holder, she was prolific
in English, French, Spanish, Igbo and Igala!
Chief Bridget Chigboluka Braimah was born in the
Cameroon where she had her primary education before
proceeding for her secondary education in Enugu
Nigeria and her university education in Senegal,
France, the University of Nigeria Nsukka and the
United States of America.
She had extensive educational and administrative
experiences. Amongst others, she worked on the
World Bank Project, with the Federal Scholarship
Board, the Bureau for external Aid and was assistant
Director, Finance and Supplies, Assistant Director,
inspectorate Department and Deputy Director/Secretary
Responsible for the National Council on Education
(NCE) and the Joint Consultative Committee on
Education (JCCE).
May God Almighty gracefully see Mrs. Braimah's family and every
other Nigerian family affected - through this heart-breaking
tragedy!
to 4 year term on UNESCO's Excecutive Board
Executive Board of UNESCO for the next four years. This
means that Nigeria's term on UNESCO's Executive Board
will expire in 2009.
During the heated election, 10 African nations - namely:
South Africa, Ethiopia, Benin, Nigeria, Togo, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Botswana, Gambia, and
Equatorial Guinea were in contention for the 7 seats
allocated to Electoral Group V [A].
Nigeria got 128 votes out of 177 votes cast. And was
therefore elected to UNESCO's Executive Board ahead of
Togo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Botswana,
Gambia and Equatorial Guinea. I83 nations from around the
world were entitled to vote during the Session. But 4
nations were absent; and there were 2 invalid ballot
boxes.
The other countries elected along with Nigeria were:
South Africa, Ethiopia, Benin, Togo, Democratic Republic
of the Congo and Uganda. For more information please,
go the following official link:
Executive
Board of UNESCO
UNESCO General Conference Inuaugural Speech as
the Organization's outgoing President of the 32nd
Session of the General Conference: 3 October, 2005
UNESCO's 33rd General Conference to
hold from 3 to 21 October, 2005 at
the Organization's Headquarters
in Paris: France
at La Sorbonne, Paris: France. From left to right,
Jean Thomas (profile), Julian Huxley (Director-General, standing)
and Leon Blum (to the right of the microphone)
[2nd from left], at a meeting of the World Heritage Committee
[WHC] in Durban: South Africa as 32nd Session President of
UNESCO General Conference. At that conference, Nigeria's
Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove was inscribed on the UNESCO
World Heritage List: 15 July, 2005
meeting as 32nd Session President of UNESCO General Conference
World Heritage
Lists Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Nigeria
Below, please, view the enchanting gate to Nigeria's Osun Osogbo Sacred
Vanguard
Queen Idia's Mask donated to UNESCO on
No singular artistic work represents the face of Nigeria's rich and vibrant
________
Below, please, view the exact replica of Queen Idia's Mask which
Commendation of Prince Seven-Seven by UNESCO Director-General
Nigeria
as President of UNESCO General Conference:
Nigerian
President and Africa
Nigeria's
Grove - inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 15 July, 2005:
25 May, 2005 by Nigeria's President
Olusegun Obasanjo during the 2005
Africa Day Celebration:
culture in its majestic splendour more than what has now been known as the
FESTAC Mask. The Mask has its deep roots in the ancient city of Benin in Edo
State of Nigeria. And can be traced to the expansive conquest of Queen Idia,
who during her reign, extended the frontier of what is known as the Ancient
Benin Empire to unbelievable heights and wide geographical reach.
The work in all subtlety represents the esoteric beauty of the Queen complete
with all the royal pomp and pageantry. This itself is a worthy tribute to the
Queen, who was an unquestionable foremost Art-patron. She encouraged the
creative impulses of her people as much as their valiant pursuit of conquest.
This beautiful Masterpiece, cast in bronze, is a constant reminder of the
richness of the past, the quest for excellence of the present and the vision
of the future for Nigeria's persevering, hopeful and beautiful people. Just as
the figurines at the back of this artistic showpiece depict the protective
ambience of the communities that payed homage to Queen Idia in the past, it
is also correct to say that the mask symbolises the spiritual bond for all
peoples of African descent in the world today.
That was why the Mask was the symbol of the 2nd Festival of Arts and culture
that was hosted by Nigeria in 1977. At the Festival, all the people of African
descent showcased their rich cultural heritage. Unfortunately, the original Mask
which was made of ivory was one of thousands of masterpieces that were taken
by Britain in 1897 in the so called “Benin Massacre”. It still remains in
Britain today. However, for Nigerians and all black peoples, the Mask
remains an inspiring symbol of the resilience and unwavering survival of the
human spirit. It is the threshold on which the creative talent of the people,
married to their physical courage and vision for the future, is soulfully based.
Nigeria's President Matthew Okikiolakan Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo
kindly and graciously donated to UNESCO on 25 May, 2005:
Speech by President Obasanjo as
African Union Chairman during Africa Day
Africa Day Address by the UNESCO Director-General
Queen Idia's Mask : Nigeria's gift to UNESCO
UNESCO Director-General Accepts Queen Idia's Mask
Prince Twins Seven-Seven Named UNESCO Artist for Peace
Africa Day Celebration: Press Release
African Union
of Nigeria to UNESCO became the first West African to be elected President of the General
Conference of UNESCO. Since his election at the 32nd Session, Ambassador Omolewa has worked
hard and travelled extensively to many countries around the world – in service to humanity –
within UNESCO’s outstanding framework, mission, vision and mandate. The purpose of UNESCO -
according to article one of its constitution - is: "to contribute to peace and security by
promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture in order
to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and
fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world without distinction
of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations."
We commend Ambassador Omolewa for his service to the people of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria and to all humankind.
World Heritage
Lists Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Nigeria
Prince
Twins Seven-Seven Named UNESCO Peace Artist
NEWSWATCH
UNESCO
NGOs:
Non Governmental Organizations
UNESCO
Task Force on Education for the Twenty-first Century
COL
The Commonwaelth of Learning
The
UNESCO Courier
Below, please, see the amazing Bronze Wall on the outside of
____
the Shrine located within Nigeria's Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove -
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 15 July, 2005:
Homepage of Delegation
(c) [Creative communications concept, design, maintainance & editing of this Web Site]: 2005 - 2008...:
Ugonna Wachuku [Mr.]