NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Wings of Pride: Celebrating Nigerian Air Force at 61
Features

Wings of Pride: Celebrating Nigerian Air Force at 61

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Since its establishment on April 18, 1963, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has played a vital role in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its airspace, and contributing to regional stability.

By many accounts, the NAF has demonstrated remarkable commitment to its mission, with personnel displaying exceptional bravery, skill, and professionalism.

From counter-insurgency operations to humanitarian assistance, the NAF has consistently risen to the challenge, putting the nation’s interests above all else.

The NAF has played a crucial role in supporting ground troops in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, and has also provided critical support during natural disasters, evacuating citizens and delivering aid to affected areas.

It has contributed to regional stability through its participation in peacekeeping missions and joint exercises with neighbouring countries.

As the NAF celebrates its 61st anniversary, it continues to modernise and adapt to emerging challenges.

The acquisition of new aircraft, upgrade of existing platforms, and investment in cutting-edge technology are some of the initiatives aimed at enhancing the NAF’s operational capabilities.

At the event commemorating NAF’s 61st anniversary, it showcased a lot of breakthroughs in platforms procurement and advancement in Research and Development (R&D) efforts as well as induction of the first batch of the newly acquired Agusta 109 Trekka Helicopters by President Bola Tinubu.

The president, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said he was very emphatic on assumption of office that security would be a top priority of his administration, as neither economic prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

He said the induction of the new combat helicopters marked another milestone in his unwavering commitment to strengthen the nation’s armed forces, particularly the Air Force towards a more secure Nigeria.

Tinubu said the acquisition was made alongside orders like the Diamond 62 Surveillance Aircraft, the T-129 Attack Helicopters, the King Air 360 aircraft, as well as others that will be delivered in the coming months.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure you all that my administration will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and indeed other security agencies by giving due attention and priority to fleet modernisation as well as training and welfare of our men and women in uniform.

“As your commander-in-chief, I understand that a well-equipped military is essential not only for securing our nation but also for preserving our democracy.

“A democratically stable Nigeria is fundamental to our national progress and regional peace and the defence of democracy requires a military that is well-prepared, well-trained and well-equipped,’’ he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the dynamic security landscape of the nation demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive air force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres.

He said the reality underscored the need for continuous investments in modern platforms to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver air power across all spectrums of warfare.

Abubakar said the successful acquisition of the Augusta Westland 109 Trekka helicopter was a significant leap in our modernisation efforts of the NAF.

The air chief said the helicopter was designed to operate in challenging environments, providing critical support to both military and civil operations, including disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

“By inducting this platform into the NAF, the service is further strengthening its multi-domain operational capability, making us more responsive and efficient in the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“It is noteworthy that from 2024 to date, NAF has received a total of nine brand-new aircraft into its inventory, comprising four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, as well as the two Agusta 109 trekker helicopters being inducted.”

Abubakar said the NAF was poised to receive 49 more aircraft within the next two years, in line with Mr President’s firm commitment towards Nigerian security.

He said the 49 aircraft being expected included 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

According to him, the acquisitions will significantly bolster precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities, to support counter terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations.

In the area of building local capacity through research and development, the air chief said the NAF was optimising strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicle research and development, small arms and rocket developments, as well as radar enhancements.

He said that NAF’s various research and development institutions, such as the Air Force Institute of Technology, were partnering with universities and government institutions towards accelerating their research and development capabilities.

“As part of efforts to optimise our employment of NAF platforms, we have recorded research and development breakthroughs, such as revalidation of the Alpha Jet aircraft ejection seats, retrofitting of unserviceable 68mm rockets, and the development of a test kit for determining the specific impulse of pyro cartridges, amongst several others.

“Also, just two weeks ago, I inaugurated a research committee tasked with initiating the local production of the C-5 57mm rockets integral to some of our attack platforms.

“These achievements highlight our shift towards self-reliance and resilience in defence technology,’’ he said.

During the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), with Lagos State University and a local defence firm, EPAIL Nigeria, the CAS expressed the desire of the NAF to pursue locally driven solutions in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

According to him, in a rapidly changing world, the ability to continue to anticipate, rapidly adapt and innovate is imperative for the transformation of the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.

Abubakar said the NAF had since 2015, flown over 8,000, conducted more than 80,000 sorties with only few verified incidences of collateral damage.

He said it represented an occurrence rate of less than 0.005 per cent, an exceptional record by global standards, particularly within the complexities of asymmetric warfare.

The CAS said that in the few instances where civilian casualties were reported, the NAF had promptly conducted investigations, accepted responsibility with deep regret, and taken necessary corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

According to him, the service has proactively invested in advanced technologies and robust protocols aimed at preventing civilian casualties.

In his remarks, the Vice President, Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), Ade Ogundeyin, commended the NAF for its continuous efforts in modernising air operations, enhancing research and development, and fostering civil military cooperation.

Ogundeyin said that DIAN was established to promote local industry, defence manufacturing, and enhance Nigeria’s military industrial capabilities, aimed to advance indigenous defence technology through innovation and strategic partnerships.

He said that by fostering partnerships between defence industries and institutions, research bodies, and the academia and private industries, Nigeria was positioning itself for self-sufficiency in aerospace technology and defence manufacturing.

Available data indicates that the NAF has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations, providing air support and transportation services to peacekeeping troops in addition to its internal security operations over the years.

By participating in global and regional security initiatives, the NAF has demonstrated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests and contributing to international peace and security.

The NAF’s global ranking is 54th in terms of airpower, according to the Global Firepower Index 2025 while ranking third in Africa, behind Egypt and Algeria, with a firepower index of 0.5771.

As part of measures to mitigate civilian casualties during air operations, the NAF also unveiled the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plans Document during the NAF Day 2025 Seminar.

The seminar was part of activities marking NAF’s 61st anniversary in Abuja.

Experts are of the view that with continuous training of its personnel, systematic upgrading and acquisition of modern combat equipment, the NAF will continue to prove its mettle in protecting Nigeria’s airspace. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria

Group seeks empowerment of children to achieve AU Agenda 2063
General News

Group seeks empowerment of children to achieve AU Agenda 2063

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By Angela Atabo

African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, an NGO, says there is a need to prioritise the empowerment of children as a fundamental strategy for realising the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Dr Elizabeth Emeka-Onwucheka, Chairperson, Education and Mass Literacy Committee, AU Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, made the call at the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration organised by the group.

According to Emeka-Onwucheka, the event, with the theme “From the Streets to the Classroom“ echoes the aspirations of Agenda 2063, a prosperous Africa where every child has access to education and dignity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agenda 2063 outlines Africa’s strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation into the global powerhouse of the future over a 50-year period.

The chairperson said that the call aligned with the AU’s vision of an inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.

She emphasised the critical role of children in the continent’s development trajectory.

“The AU Agenda 2063 is big on creating the Africa we want.

“It is the children that we need to build the Africa we want, because they are the future of Africa.

“That is one of the things that we are doing today, educating the African child, taking the African child off the street to the classroom where they ought to be,” she said.

She expressed passion about building the dream Africa by equipping the children of today to take up that task.

“This is because they are the ones that will be here to run through the 50 years agenda of the AU Agenda 2063,”she said

Emeka-Onwucheka said that the Assembly collaborated with Premiere Academy and Cradle2Harvard International Schools (C2HIS) to carry out the project.

She said that the aim was to ensure that children already in the classrooms became the ambassadors for out-of-school children.

According to her, the objective is to make them ambassadors of the AU agenda while carrying their mates on the streets along to build the African dream.

The Principal of Premiere Academy Lugbe, Christopher Akinsowon, said that there were millions of African children on the streets who were out-of-school rather than in the classroom.

According to Akinsowon, African children are calling for help.

“They are full of potential; they are full of so many things they want to express themselves but due to certain imitations, they can not.

“They face limitations like school fees, inability to develop their immediate environment, and so many things that make them unable to give to the world what is expected of them.

“I think first and foremost, government legislation is very important.

“The role of government is key in addressing these challenges and then the individual effort,” she said.

Some students who participated in the event expressed readiness to grow into championing the AU Agenda 2063 and stressed the need to assist out-of-school children to get back to the classroom.

Ms Chikaima Ogunema, a student of Premiere Academy, commended the organisers of the event.

Ogunema said that the programme was impactful and it empowered her on what to do to contribute to Africa.

Deborah Ogaji from Government Secondary School, Wuye, Abuja, said that she had been empowered to be a change agent.6

“Today I learnt about the African child and that I can be anything I want to be, so I will help other children to realise their worth as Africans,”she said.

Another student, Mr Ebere Bassit, said that the programme was a good way to celebrate children’s day and also the African child, especially the homeless, orphans and marginalised ones. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Indonesia, Ethiopia to strengthen economic partnership through BRICS
Foreign

Indonesia, Ethiopia to strengthen economic partnership through BRICS

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Indonesia and Ethiopia are considering ways to expand bilateral cooperation, as well as interaction in the BRICS bloc, according to a report by Antara News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The report indicated that the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono held a meeting with Ethiopian Ambassador to Indonesia Fekadu Beyene Aleka during which the two sides discussed the approach to engage in expanding the partnership.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister outlined national priorities, including poverty alleviation through better utilisation of resources.

He noted the high potential for the development of trade and economic ties with Ethiopia and expressed readiness to increase exports of competitive goods – primarily in the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.

Sugiono said the volume of bilateral trade between the countries reached 98 million dollars in 2024, up 55 per cent year-on-year.

He added that Indonesian companies are already present in Ethiopia in the sectors of household chemicals, food, and textiles.

The meeting focused on the prospects of signing a bilateral investment treaty, as well as food and energy security.

It is noted that the development of coconut, sugar cane and seaweed production is a priority.

The Ambassador also expressed interest in mastering Indonesian technologies for sugar cane cultivation.

The two sides agreed to intensify cooperation in the fields of education, science and training, as well as resume the work of the joint commission on bilateral cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the Indonesian minister invited Ethiopia to participate more actively in joint initiatives in BRICS. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Russia remains reliable partner contributing to Africa’s sovereignty – Lavrov
Foreign

Russia remains reliable partner contributing to Africa’s sovereignty – Lavrov

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Russia remains a reliable partner to Africa and will continue to contribute to the continent’s sovereignty.

The Russian Foreign Minister said this at a reception held in Moscow on the occasion of Africa Day, as published by the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry, partners of TV BRICS.

The event was attended by Lavrov and the Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the Russian Federation, Mahamat Paba Sale.

“Russia remains a reliable partner contributing to Africa’s sovereignty,” the Russian minister said.

Lavrov also underscored the importance of Africa in international politics and the historical process.

“Our country is invariably in favour of expanding traditionally friendly relations with African partners,” he added.

He emphasised Russia’s support for strengthening education and economic development of African countries.

Responding, Sale noted the “special importance” of Russian-African relations.

“Russia has played a key role in the process of independence of African countries, supporting the aspiration for progress of their peoples,” the Cameroonian diplomat said.

According to him, Russian universities train qualified personnel who are in demand in Africa, while the expansion of trade ties brings tangible benefits to local economies.

Sale expressed confidence that the partnership between Russia and Africa will only get stronger.

He expressed gratitude to the Russian side for the attention and support it is giving to Africa. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Abuja residents not paying taxes my greatest challenge – Wike
Metro

Abuja residents not paying taxes my greatest challenge – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says his greatest challenge as minister of the nation’s capital is residents refusing to pay their taxes.

Wike stated this after he inspected ongoing projects in the city, in preparation for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinibu’s second year in office.

The projects inspected are the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) and the extension of Phase I of the Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III.

Also inspected is the completed interchange at NICON Junction, the road network leading to Judges’ Quarters and the road leading to Wole Soyinka Way, which were also completed.

The minister said that people want to see facilities and infrastructure but nobody cares about how the government raised the money.

He pointed out that the FCT depends solely on taxes for its revenues since it was among the oil producing states.

He said that most elites owned houses in foreign countries and knew the implications of not paying their taxes, adding that they would lose their houses if they failed to pay.

“But when it comes to your own country, you don’t want to pay simply because nobody wants to obey the law and everybody thinks that there will be no sanction.

“I have said it before, that it did not happen yesterday does not mean it won’t happen today; that it did not happen today it does not mean it will not happen tomorrow.

“We must do something to support the government to get the facilities and infrastructure that we need,” he said.

He said that property owners have not paid their ground rent for more than 30 years, adding that the amount had remained unchanged for a very long time.

He, however, said that the FCT Administration was considering increasing the amount.

Speaking on the two weeks grace granted to ground rent defaulters by Tinubu, the minister said that no blackmail would stop the FCT Administration from doing what it was supposed to do.

“Let nobody think that blackmail will stop us. We will do what we are supposed to do. This is about leadership.

“We will not give in to black mail. If you have not paid, we will take over the property,” he said.

Wike also disclosed that he had signed more than 1,500 Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) before he travelled last week, adding that people just collect the C of Oand would not pay the statutory ground rent.

“It doesn’t matter what anybody wants to say, it is not acceptable.

“This is one of the heavy challenges we are facing and I assure you we will surmount it,” the minister said.

Speaking on the projects, the minister commended the quality of Job at the rehabilitated AICC, adding that the contractor, Julius Berger has fulfilled its promise.

“We were also at Life Camp Junction Road to Ring Road III which is also 95 per cent completed and Julius Berger said before next week, it will be ready.

“We were at the NICON Interchange and you can see that the contractor, CGC, has done a marvellous job.

“They have completed the Interchange; they have completed the road network leading to the judge’s quarters, and from here to Jahi, leading to Wole Soyinka Way has also been completed.

“I feel so happy that the contractor has lived up to expectations. The quality of work is superb and I am sure residents in this area will be very happy with Mr president,” he said.

Wike added that Tinubu had promised to provide infrastructure to residents of Abuja and “these are some of the infrastructures he has provided”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCTA had on Monday, began taking over 4,794 revoked properties in the territory over unpaid ground rent, amounting to more than N6 billion.

Tinubu, however, gave the defaulters 14-day grace to pay the outstanding ground rent and associated penalties.

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Children’s Day: Waterlight, NITDA, others partner to boost digital literacy
General News

Children’s Day: Waterlight, NITDA, others partner to boost digital literacy

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By Naomi Sharang

Waterlight Save Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other NGOs have unveiled a strategic partnership to advance digital literacy among children and youths in the country.

The groups who converged on Abuja on Tuesday to celebrate the 2025 Children’s Day, all assured of digital education for Nigerian children.

Founder, Waterlight Save Initiative, Dr Ero Ibhafidon who acknowledged that there were challenges in the education sector, said that efforts are underway to ensure that every child is not left behind and every child gets basic education.

He said that children need to be trained on skills acquisition and not just formal education.

“We are not limiting our efforts to the classroom alone, but also skill acquisitions is also something that we want to start promoting, which we’ve already started.

“We want to take it up to the next level in digital education,” he said.

On the alarming rate of out-of-school children, Ibhafidon cited the words of late Prof. Obafemi Awolowo which is…

“If you ignore the children of the poor, then indirectly you are not protecting the peace of your own children in the future”.

Ibhafidon added that “So we believe that every child needs one or two skills in order to get going in what they need to get in life.

“They should learn not just skills of classroom learning, but they should learn different skills for themselves.

“The world is getting into a digital space. There are so many digital literacies that we should learn from home and also get educated from within our neighbourhood as well,” he said.

He said that his organisation was partnering with NITDA because we believe that technology is the way forward and NITDA is in charge of technology as far as the country is concerned.

Also speaking, Iklima Musa, Special Assistant on Strategic Partnerships to the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to growing the ‘next generation of innovators’.

She said that NITDA, through the implementation of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2024 – 2027, has developed the National Digital Literacy Framework.

“This is meant to train Nigerians, or we want to achieve a percentage of digital literacy of Nigerians at 70 per cent; not just Nigerians, but also children.

“This is because we want them to have the competence and the proficiency for them to use digital technologies.

“But beyond the basic skills, the knowledge and the skills that we require them to have for children specifically, the framework has outlined digital safety and ethical awareness”.

She explained that this was so that children could be able to protect themselves while they are online and offline.

“Our children must be able to recognise harmful content and also be able to report inappropriate behaviours online and this is basically because we really want to at the same time, enlighten them, empower them and invest in them,” Musa said.

Also speaking, Executive Director, Sunday and Omoikhere Oriaran Foundation, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, said there was the need to build children’s hope for a better Nigeria.

“The future belongs to them. And if the future belongs to them, we have to nurture them and get them ready for that future.

“We have to ensure that they are ready to take over from us. Children need to be celebrated. They are pure gifts from God Almighty,” she said.

She said that children ought to be celebrated, adding that that was why the foundation set out to commemorate Children’s Day.

“We are celebrating the day with children from the orphanage; we have our orphanage children, they are all here.

“We said let them come out, mingle with children, both of the high and mighty in the society.

“The children from the orphanage aspire to be their best but are not given the platform.

“And what we strive to do as the foundation, is to give them that foundation to excel and to be themselves, to use their talent, to just explore their world and give the best they can”.

She urged governments and well-spirited individuals to contribute their quota to the fight against out-of-school syndrome.

Some of the children who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed delight at the activities lined up.

Emmanuella Onyema, said she was grateful to the organisers while calling on government to improve on the quality of education. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Foundation marks children’s day, seeks more support for young cancer patients
Health

Foundation marks children’s day, seeks more support for young cancer patients

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By Justina Auta

In a bid to create more awareness and advocate for increased support for childhood cancer, a non-governmental organisation, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF), took action on Children’s Day 2025.

The foundation marked the celebration with young cancer patients in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), bringing attention to their struggles and the need for early detection, care, and support.

Ms Kemi Adekanye, Founder and Chief Volunteer of OkapiCCF, led the initiative on Tuesday at the National Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

She stated that the exercise was designed to celebrate the strength of children battling cancer and emphasised the importance of early detection and care.

According to Adekanye, the day also served as an opportunity to spend quality time with young patients, while offering support and encouragement to their parents and caregivers.

“There is currently no structured support or government intervention for children with cancer.

“We are helping to reduce some of their financial burdens by covering part of their treatment costs and offering psychological support, just like we are doing here today.

“We all need to come together to raise awareness and support for these children. Even for those who are not yet diagnosed, cancer is more common in children than most people realise,” she said.

Malam Sani Abdulkarim, father of a five-year-old cancer patient, said the initiative brought smiles and hope to children in the hospital, reassuring them that they were not alone in their fight.

“We appreciate the foundation for making these children happy on this special day.

“I also appeal to the government to support these families, especially financially, and to establish more oncology centres,” he urged.

Mrs Francesca Augustine, mother of a two-year-old, also expressed gratitude:”When she was diagnosed, it was devastating, but God sent Okapi Foundation to restore our hope and support us.

“She has now completed her treatment.”

Dr Oyesakin Adewunmi, Chief Consultant Paediatrician and Head of the Oncology Unit at the National Hospital, Abuja, lauded the foundation for its decade-long support of children with cancer.

“Through their contributions, we’ve been able to finance treatments to completion, and some of these children are now survivors who have returned to school,” she said.

Adewunmi also highlighted persistent challenges in the fight against childhood cancer, including lack of funding, access to blood and blood products, and socio-cultural factors.

She stressed the importance of timely medical intervention and adherence to treatment to improve survival rates.

Similarly, Dr Ifeoma Ezeukwu, Head of the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, called for a unified effort:”Everyone should support children with cancer.

“The belief that cancer doesn’t occur in children is outdated. It does, and it is treatable if detected early.

“We urge the government to make cancer treatment for children free and include it in the national health insurance scheme. This will ease the financial burden on families.”

She also acknowledged OkapiCCF’s continued partnership in supporting children through diagnosis, investigation, and treatment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the Children’s Day celebration, the foundation distributed hampers filled with food items and gifts to children undergoing cancer treatment.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Children’s Day: Scholar calls for proper upbringing
General News

Children’s Day: Scholar calls for proper upbringing

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By Blessing Ibegbu

Mrs Blessing Onuh, a teacher in Karu Local Government Council of Nasarawa State, has emphasised the need for proper upbringing of children to build an impactful society and advance the nation.

Onuh, who teaches at Lyngra Montessori Schools in Karu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, during the 2027 Children’s Day celebration.

“As we celebrate Children’s Day today, parents must reflect on the future of our children.

“The future of any nation largely depends on the kind of children being raised. As the saying goes, children are the leaders of tomorrow.

“What will happen to our tomorrow if children are not properly guided and educated,” she asked.

She explained that a strong family foundation was essential for positively impacting Nigerian children.

“The family is the first point of contact for any society. It plays a crucial role in a child’s life.

“A child is first nurtured in the family before entering the larger society, so good moral values should be instilled early,” Onuh stated.

She urged parents to be deliberate about raising their children and to spend quality time with them, especially during their formative years.

“If these early years are well guided, children tend to grow into responsible citizens with good morals.

“However, if neglected, they develop a myopic mindset and are easily influenced by negative elements in society,” she warned.

Onuh, who is also the Head Teacher of the school, highlighted the importance of quality education in shaping the Nigerian child.

“The importance of quality education cannot be overemphasised. Quality education is the key to success. For any society to stand tall, quality education must be prioritised,” she said.

She added that when children received the right education and information, society benefited because they apply the knowledge to improve the nation.

“This opens doors for financial and social growth. If Nigeria wants to achieve peace and progress, quality education is essential,” Onuh explained.

She described quality education as having good infrastructure, qualified teachers, excellent policies, proper teaching aids, and ongoing teacher training to keep up with changing times.

Onuh advised parents, schools, and government to be intentional about providing children with the positive training needed for future societal growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Children’s Day is celebrated annually on May 27 to honour children and highlight their rights, welfare, and potential as future leaders.

The day was established as a holiday in 1964 for primary and secondary school children in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru

Boundary Management: NBC to strengthen capacity of states, LGs 
Metro

Boundary Management: NBC to strengthen capacity of states, LGs 

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By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it has concluded plans to strengthen the capacity of state and local government boundary committees across the country on boundary management.

The NBC Director-General, Mr Adamu Adaji, disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the goal was to ensure that the committees were not only established but functional.

He explained that the Act that established the NBC made provisions for the establishment of the State Boundary Committee at the state level, Local Government Boundary Committee at the local government level.

He said the provision is to ensure that states and local government councils play very critical roles in terms of the definition of the boundaries between them and their neighbours.

The D-G said that the three tiers of boundary management are expected to work in synergy by involving the affected communities, local government areas and the states.

He said this was contrary to the previous practice where documents were interpreted and boundary maps drawn without involving the affected communities, local government or states.

“it is part of the plan we have for this year, to organise a kind of training workshops for some members of the state and local government committees across the country.

“We will bring them together and explain to them their roles and the synergy expected among them and us, and how they will go about getting documents that will help to facilitate the resolution of some boundary issues.

“Our desire is to ensure that every state and local government council across the country has a functional boundary committee.

“So, we will try as much as we can, to see how we can encourage the states to establish those two levels of boundary committees.”

Adaji said that, although, the Federal Government has improved funding of the commission to carry out its activities, more funds were still needed to achieve the desired results.

He pointed out that boundary issues were part of the causes of insecurity, adding that more funds should be provided to enable the commission to resolve many boundary issues as quickly as possible. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

We want Nigeria where no child is exploited, excluded – Children’s Parliament
Metro

We want Nigeria where no child is exploited, excluded – Children’s Parliament

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By Philip Yatai

National Children’s Parliament has urged stakeholders to build a Nigeria where no child faces violence, forced labour or exclusion.

The Speaker of the parliament, Progress Umoh, made the call at the 2025 National Children’s Day in Abuja on Tuesday.

Umoh said that children craved for a country where every child has the tool to learn, dream and grow to full potential.

She pointed out that many children face violence, fear and exclusion in spaces meant to nurture them, adding that children demand more than promises.

“We demand protection. As Nelson Mandela said — a society’s soul is measured by how it treats its children.

“Let us honour that truth with action.

“As the speaker of the National Children’s Parliament, I stand before you not just as a young Nigerian but as a voice for millions of children whose rights and future depend on meaningful action.”

She said that the Children’s Parliament serves as vital platform where young voices unite to address critical issues, propose solutions and drive change.

According to her, children deserve a seat at the table in shaping policies that affect them.

She noted that the theme of the global observance — “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, is an urgent call to action.

She, therefore, called for full implementation of the National Policy on Safe Schools to ensure every child learns in a safe environment without fear.

The speaker also stressed the need to strengthen child rights advocacy clubs in rural and underserved areas.

This, according to her, will empower young leaders to speak up.

She explained that “while initiatives like the National Commission for Almajiri Education are commendable, we need bolder steps to rescue out-of-school children, providing them education, safety and skills for the future.

“Programmes like the Girl-Led Movement proves that when children lead, change happens, such
initiatives must include all children, ensuring their voices shape decisions about their lives.”

Responding, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights, dreams and future of every Nigerian child.

Represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, the president described children as “the precious part of the nation’s fabric.”

Wike was also represented at the event by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

Tinubu added that children are also the heartbeat of Nigeria’s future and custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation and leadership.

He said “I, therefore, reaffirm today, our constitutional, moral and intergenerational duty and commitment to safeguard every Nigerian child, protect their rights and nurture their dreams.”

Similarly, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said children’s day serves as an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to uphold the rights of every child to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that the day also presents an opportunity to reflect and renew commitment to the rights, protection and wellbeing of every Nigerian child.

She said the Federal Government would strengthen the Nigeria Children’s Parliament to institutionalise child participation in governance.

“We are also developing the institutional framework for a National Child Protection and Development Agency.

“This strategic action aligned with the ministry’s Five-Year Strategic Roadmap to ensure accountability, coordination and sustainability in child welfare programming.”

On her part, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs, said “we are here to recognise the significance of our children in the family circle and the society at large.

“Importantly, we are here to stress the obvious fact that our children are great asset to us, they represent our hope, our continuity, our vision and most importantly, the future of our dear country, Nigeria.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate our children, we call on our teeming students in FCT to rise against bullying and speak up whenever confronted with this radical menace.

“I urge you to avoid bullying and channel all your energy to academic resourcefulness to shape a better tomorrow for yourselves.” (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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