National News
The International Association of World Peace Advocates IAWPA through its International Spokesman Amb Emmanuel Nkweke in a statement made available and distributed to newsmen in Abuja by its Director of Media and Publicity Amb. Nwokoma Messiah said it has strongly condemned the recent denial of a visa to the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff by the Canadian government, despite being formally invited to an event.
The association said this incident is part of a larger pattern of systemic visa denials by Western governments, including the United States, which disproportionately affect African nations.
These denials not only undermine the sovereignty and dignity of African countries but also perpetuate inequalities that contradict the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
IAWPA said the SDGs emphasize the importance of reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive and sustainable development which the western world has consistently negated especially with their recent attitude against a high profile Nigerian government official.
"We call on African governments to take a firm stance against these discriminatory practices and retaliate accordingly," said Amb. Emmanuel Nkweke, International Spokesman of IAWPA .
"It is unacceptable that Western governments continue to impose stringent visa conditions and reject applications from African nationals, including those invited to participate in international events while they enjoy free access to African Nations."
The International Association of World Peace Advocates IAWPA urges African governments to unite in condemning these practices and to demand reciprocity in visa issuance. We also call on the international community especially the United Nations to recognize the inherent value and dignity of African nations and to work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive global environment.
IAWPA also demands that the time for action has come which should witness Western governments taking immediate action to address these inequalities and ensure that visa issuance processes are fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory.
"We will continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of African nations and promote a more just and equitable world. " The statement concluded.
