By Esenvosa Izah

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to end child labour in the workplace and across the country.

NECA Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, made the call on Tuesday in commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour marked on every June 12.

Oyerinde said that there was the need for concrete actions and collaboration to fulfill the country’s commitments.

“As stakeholders, we must reflect on our progress on this important issue and identify areas where we can intensify our efforts,” he said.

He said that child labour remained a pressing issue in the country which “affects millions of children denied of basic rights to education, health and a safe environment.

“This day serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to implement and strengthen policies.

“These policies should be aimed at eradicating child labour in the workplace, particularly within business value chains and promoting overall child welfare”.

The NECA boss said that the association had been pivotal in the fight against the worst forms of child labour.

He said that the association had developed a “code of conduct and guidance tool for businesses within the organised private sector.

“This tool aims to guide companies toward the elimination of child labour, while the association has advocated for in creased allocation of corporate social responsibility resources toward initiatives aimed at eliminating child labour”.

Oyerinde urged the government at both national and sub-national levels to prioritise children’s welfare in their development agendas.

He said that government should ensure that policies and programmes were effectively implemented and adequately funded for maximum impact.

He reiterated NECA’s and employers’ commitment to upholding and enforcing policies that would prohibit child labour in all forms across supply chains and operations.

“The private sector is willing to continue to invest in educational programmes and skill development initiatives that offer children and their families alternatives to child labour.

“I commend the International Labour Organisation for working with the association and private sector employers for their various corporate social responsibilities, even in a challenging economic environment, toward the eradication of child labour in Nigeria,” Oyerinde said.(NAN)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

By Dorcas Jonah

Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has advised women to emulate the legacies of late Hajiya Lami Lau, the National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).

Tinubu, who is also the Grand Patron of NCWS said this in her letter of tribute at the seven-day Fidau prayer of the late NCWS president on Tuesday in Abuja.

Represented by the wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the death of the NCWS president was not only a great loss to her family and friends, but to the entire community of women.

She said the late NCWS president had contributed her quota towards impacting, promoting, protecting and projecting the image of women across the nation.

”Late Lau had done her part, as a Muslim, I know that there is time for everything, and every living soul must taste death.

”I would like to extend our sincere condolences to all the Nigerian women and to the immediate families,” she said.

Earlier, the first National Vice-President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldine Etuk, described late Lau as hope to women and a guardian for the voiceless.

Etuk said Lau would always be in her heart and consciousness, adding that her memories would remain forever.

According to her, Lau was a leader whose presence was more than just commanding; it was transformative.

”She was a beacon of hope to women, a guardian for the voiceless and a champion for all in need of her touch.

”Her unwavering dedication to the cause of women’s rights and social justice is likened to a steady flame in a darkened world,” she said.

Etuk said Lau would always confront injustice fearlessly and stand as a shield for those who couldn’t fend for themselves.

”Lau led the Nigerian women with empathy and understanding. She listened to the unheard, lifted the downtrodden and inspired countless souls to believe in a brighter tomorrow.

”To me, she wasn’t just the president of NCWS, she was a friend — a confidante in times of uncertainty and a mentor in moments of doubt.

”Together, we weathered storms and celebrated victories. The memories we shared, the laughter we echoed and the tears we shed will forever be etched in my heart,” she added.

Etuk, while giving her farewell to her dear friend, mentor and leader said Lau’s absence leaves a void that could never be filled.

She said Lau’s legacy would endure, inspiring generations to come.

”Rest in peace, our rare gem, knowing that your light would forever illuminate our path,” she said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said the late Lau was an excellent leader.

She urged women to emulate the legacy of Lau to better the lives of Nigeria women.

”With a heavy heart, I am saying farewell to our mother and sister, I plead with everyone, let us emulate the good character of late Lau and drop those you don’t like,” she said.

Earlier, the former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said the death of Lau was a painful moment for all Nigerian women.

Tallen said this was a painful and trying moment for NCWS since it was the first time NCWS was losing a national president since its inception in 1958.

”Standing here to pay tribute to this great woman, Lau was a very committed president, full of zeal and committed to the betterment of the Nigeria women, we will surely miss her,” she said.

Others at the event who paid tribute to the late Lau were the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, former NCWS National Presidents, NCWS national officers, NCWS State Presidents and a lot of affiliates. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

==============
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Aderogba George
A group, Counter Trafficking In Persons (CTIP) Cluster group, has advocated for the  establishment of a commission to oversee the issue of human trafficking in states.

The group, at a learning event on Tuesday in Abuja, stated that states commission on human trafficking would adequately tackle CTIP issues instead of the present taskforces on human trafficking.

The group said that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is currently overwhelmed, adding that state commissions would complement their efforts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group is funded by the United States Agency on International Development (USAID), through the Palladium project.

NAN also reports that the group noted the rampant cases of human trafficking in Benue, Taraba, and Oyo States, and called for funding for the operations of these commissions in the states.

Mrs Mabel Ade, Executive Director of Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), called for enhanced counter-trafficking responses, citing poverty, unemployment, and hunger as push factors contributing to the menace.

“There is a need for government to put up more legal framework to checkmate the activities of human traffickers in Benue, Taraba and Oyo.

“Human trafficking is a dangerous thing that can make one lose contact with their loved ones forever and this can lead to a prolonged trauma,” she said.

Members of the group posed for photograph after it meeting in Abuja on Tuesday

Dr Priscilla Achakpa, the Chief Executive Officer of Women Environmental Programme, highlighted the importance of enforcement of law and value reorientation of the children.

She noted that legislation alone is insufficient without adequate implementation at the state level.

“Nigeria has two main problems in fighting human trafficking: weak laws and lack of funds for enforcement, especially at the state level where trafficking starts.

“This issue is now prevalent in areas with high population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), unemployment, poverty, and regions plagued by conflict and insurgency.

Achakpa said that value reorientation was crucial to stem the tide of human trafficking in Nigeria.

She urged decision makers to take action and support the advocacy efforts of CTIP Cluster group to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators.

NAN reports that the event brought together stakeholders who share knowledge and best practices in tackling human trafficking.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for activation of emergency response teams of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) towards a disaster free 2024.

NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, made the call during a courtesy visit to the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the call was necessary in anticipation of predicted floods, which would be affecting 148 LGAs in 31 states this rainy season.

Umar emphasised the importance of enhancing collaboration among government agencies, .

“Specifically, 148 LGAs in 31 States are predicted to be within the high flood risk areas.

“249 LGAs in 35 states and the FCT are considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas during the 2024 rainy season.

“I seek for your collaboration with NEMA in the onerous task of saving lives and livelihoods.

This will also restore normalcy in the event of floods and associated secondary disasters as the rainy season intensifies,” she said.

According to her, the visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Feb. 2, by NEMA and NSCDC, aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness and response.

She underscored the need for continuous engagement to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of Nigerians during disasters.

Umar praised the NSCDC for its consistent support in providing security during disaster response operations, highlighting their role in safeguarding relief interventions and protecting vulnerable groups.

“NEMA distribution of relief materials can not have been a success without the NSCDC providing safety and security to our staffers, the beneficiaries, and the items distributed.

“The NSCDC has provided safety and protected the dignity of women, children and the elderly living in Internally Displaced Persons Camps and those forced to take refuge in host communities as a result of disaster situations,” she said.

Responding, the NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, expressed the organisation’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with other agencies.

The CG highlighted the importance of collaboration in disaster preparedness, distribution of materials, and training.

According to him, NSCDC would deepen the collaboration and ensure a more robust approach to addressing the current security challenges in the country.

He also emphasised the need for coordination and cooperation among agencies to provide solutions to the ongoing conflicts.

Additionally, the CG assured NEMA of its organisation’s support in terms of workers’ safety and security during material distribution.

He reiterated NSCDC’s dedication to working together with its partners to ensure peace and security in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Sylvester Thompson

Dr Ifeanyi Nwafor, Nigerian business man has urged government at all levels to invest more in training programmes in order to build a skilled workforce that would add value to global economies.

Nwafor gave the advice in Abuja on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of the celebration of the nation’s Democracy Day slated for June 12.

He said building a highly skilled and educated workforce was very important in a global community and would enable Nigeria compete favourably.

He noted that companies in advanced countries such as the United States, Canada and Britain among others , outsource some of the Information Technology (IT) jobs in countries like Malaysia and India.

“The reason they are going there is because these countries have a highly educated workforce, which can be easily trained to do some of the tasks that would had been done in their countries.

“So, we want the government to look into how to improve our educational systems and training programmes to enable us compete with all these countries.

“Many companies channel money into these countries to hire their workers, to set up infrastructure to do all these in these places,” he said.

Nwafor, who is the Managing Director, Metrodigital Ltd., said Nigeria needed to make more investments in terms of improving the educational sector.

He said that if Nigeria had a highly trained workforce, companies like Microsoft would come and carry out their software development.

According to him, companies like Apple and others can also come to invest in the country as a result of the trained and skillful workforce.

The Metrodigital boss also lauded Nigeria’s hard earned democracy in the last 25 years, saying democracy had indeed brought dividends to Nigerians.

He said with democracy, government was able to revolutionalise the telecom industry which led to massive investment in telecom infrastructure in the country.

According to him, the telecom giants like MTN, Globacom, 9mobile, Airtel among others have dominated the Nigerian telecom market.

He said that they brought affordable telecommunication services to almost every part of Nigeria.

“There has been tremendous progress made in the financial services sector, as new companies such as PayPal, Flutterwave, Opay, Moniepoint among others, have also emerged in the last few years.

“These have really revolutionalised financial services in a way, making e-commerce possible and with the advent of Fintech, people can now sit back in their homes and make orders in Jumia or Konga.

“Every market woman or man can have his/her Point of Sales(POS) and be able to accept credit card payments.

“These are all improvements in technology that emerged over the last several years as a result of democracy in the country,” Nwafor said.

He urged governments to continue to make more progress by creating more enabling environment for more companies to thrive.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Deji Abdulwahab

By Salif Atojoko
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria has steadied the course of democracy since exiting the yoke of military rule in 1999 to become the most populous democracy on African soil.

He also said Nigeria had become the beacon of democratic self-determination for the black race and one of the largest democracies in the world.

Tinubu made the remarks in his national broadcast on the 25th anniversary of unbroken democracy in Nigeria on June 12, Democracy Day.

“This change stands as a pivotal moment in human history. From this change, we shall never turn, nor shall the annals of mankind’s progress forget the sublime meaning of this great moment. 

“Today, 25 years later, we celebrate the silver anniversary of our journey in democracy.   

“Democracy is neither a foreign nor abstract concept devoid of real-life meaning for us. Neither can we afford to reduce or minimalise it to being nothing but the mere holding of periodic elections where one candidate and party outdo another,” he said.

According to the President, while elections attract dramatic attention, they are but one aspect of democracy.

“Democracy is a way of life that encompasses a broad outlook of which elections are but a part. As such, a nation can have elections without being democratic. But a nation cannot be truly democratic without holding elections.   

“That we have established a tradition of holding transparent, open, and fair elections gives credence to our democratic bearing. That we have experienced peaceful transitions of government affirms our democratic temperament,” he said.

According to him, true democracy shines its light into the daily lives of the people who live under its nurturing wings.

“It affords us the freedom and liberty to think as we want, live where we want and pursue whatever legitimate endeavour that suits us.

“Democracy does not assume some false or forced unity of opinion. In fact, democracy assumes that conflicting ideas and differing opinions shall be the order of the day.

“Given the diversity and variety of the human experience, there must be diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

“What democracy demands is that we do not resolve differences through force and repression. But we make allowance for the legitimacy of views that differ from our own,” the President appealed to Nigerians.

He said no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run.

“We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given. 

“These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you,” he said.

Tinubu honoured those who laid down their lives and sacrificed everything to pave the way for the nation. 

“We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives. 

“They bravely surrendered their futures, so that our nation might have a better one. 

“Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife and Adm.  Ndubuisi Kanu,” he said.

Others he said are Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.

Tinubu added that the sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among many others, should never be forgotten.

“For at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile.  

“While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats. “Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun. 

“The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten,” said Tinubu.

He said the nation could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists.

“We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties,” he said.

“I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

“As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.

“Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life,” he said.

He said although the challenges were steep and multiple, he was grateful to lead Nigeria at this moment in her history and point in her democratic journey.  

“I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.

“The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.

“I say to you here and now that as we celebrate the enshrinement of our political democracy, let us commit ourselves to the fulfilment of its equally important counterpart, the realisation of our economic democracy,” he said.

The President acknowledged the economic difficulties Nigerians face at this point in time.

He said the economy had been in desperate need of reform for decades and had been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil. 

He said the reforms initiated by his government were intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth.

“There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour. 

“As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you. 

“In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organised labour on a new national minimum wage.

“We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less,” he said.

The President said he was committed building a Nigeria where no man is oppressed.     

“In the end, our national greatness will not be achieved by travelling the easy road. It can only be achieved by taking the right one. 

“The words of the American President Franklin Roosevelt certainly ring true: ‘There are many ways of going forward. But only one way of standing still!’

“We dare not slumber lest the good things awaiting our immediate future pass us by. We dare not plant our feet in idle standstill in the middle of the intersection of hope and despair,” he charged Nigerians. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

TEXT OF PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU’S NATIONAL BROADCAST ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNBROKEN DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA, DEMOCRACY DAY 12TH JUNE 2024.

1. My fellow Nigerians, let me begin by congratulating all of us for witnessing the celebration of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024. This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

2. On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society.

3. Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, we fought and struggled for our natural rights as human beings put on this earth by the divine hand of our Creator.

4. We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives.

5. They bravely surrendered their futures, so that our nation might have a better one.

6. Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.

7. The sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among many others, should never be forgotten. For at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile.

8. While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats. Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun.

9. The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten.

10. We could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists. We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties.

11. Despite the lethal might of the military government, what appeared to be high and unyielding walls of dictatorship came tumbling down. The dismal fortress exists no longer.

12.The power of an idea, the power of the people proved more potent than all the guns and munitions, and the threats of the strongmen.
13. The nation exited the yoke of military rule in 1999 to become the most populous democracy on African soil, the beacon of democratic self-determination for the black race and one of the largest democracies in the world.

14. This change stands as a pivotal moment in human history. From this change, we shall never turn, nor shall the annals of mankind’s progress forget the sublime meaning of this great moment.

15. Today, 25 years later, we celebrate the silver anniversary of our journey in democracy.

16. We have steadied the course.

17. Democracy is neither a foreign nor abstract concept devoid of real-life meaning for us. Neither can we afford to reduce or minimalise it to being nothing but the mere holding of periodic elections where one candidate and party outdo another.

18. While elections attract dramatic attention, they are but one aspect of democracy. Democracy is a way of life that encompasses a broad outlook of which elections are but a part. As such, a nation can have elections without being democratic. But a nation cannot be truly democratic without holding elections.

19.That we have established a tradition of holding transparent, open, and fair elections gives credence to our democratic bearing. That we have experienced peaceful transitions of government affirms our democratic temperament.

20. Fellow Nigerians, true democracy shines its light into the daily lives of the people who live under its nurturing wings. It affords us the freedom and liberty to think as we want, live where we want and pursue whatever legitimate endeavour that suits us.

21. Democracy does not assume some false or forced unity of opinion. In fact, democracy assumes that conflicting ideas and differing opinions shall be the order of the day. Given the diversity and variety of the human experience, there must be diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

22. What democracy demands is that we do not resolve differences through force and repression. But we make allowance for the legitimacy of views that differ from our own.

23. Where other forms of government impose against the will of the people, democracy aims to make leaders sufficiently humble that they conduct themselves as servants of the common good, not as viceroys of the narrow interests of the mighty.

24. My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity twenty-five years ago: Whether to veer toward a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship.

25. We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now.

26. As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given.

27. These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.

28. This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day.
29. Fellow Nigerians, our Democracy is more than a historic fact. It is a living, breathing reality.

30. The true meaning of this day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought us to this point.

31. Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation.

32. I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

33. As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.

34. Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life.

35. Although the challenges are steep and multiple, I am grateful to lead Nigeria at this moment in her history and point in her democratic journey.

36. I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.

37. The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.

38. I say to you here and now that as we celebrate the enshrinement of our political democracy, let us commit ourselves to the fulfilment of its equally important counterpart, the realisation of our economic democracy.

39. I understand the economic difficulties we face as a nation.

40. Our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades. It has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil.

41. The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth. There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour.

42. As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you.
43. In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organized labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.

44. In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done. We chose the path of cooperation over conflict.

45. No one was arrested or threatened. Instead, the labour leadership was invited to break bread and negotiate toward a good-faith resolution.

46. Reasoned discussion and principled compromise are hallmarks of democracy. These themes shall continue to animate my policies and interaction with the constituent parts of our political economy.

47. I take on this vital task without fear or favour and I commit myself to this work until we have built a Nigeria where no man is oppressed.

48. In the end, our national greatness will not be achieved by travelling the easy road. It can only be achieved by taking the right one.

49. The words of the American President Franklin Roosevelt certainly ring true:
“There are many ways of going forward. But only one way of standing still”!

50. We dare not slumber lest the good things awaiting our immediate future pass us by. We dare not plant our feet in idle standstill in the middle of the intersection of hope and despair.

51. We know the proper way forward and we shall take it!
52. The initial rays of a brighter tomorrow now appear on the early horizon. An abundant future and our capacity to achieve that future lie within our reach. Democracy and the institutions it begets offer to take us to our profound destination.

53. Let us board this progressive train together. Together, let us move Nigeria forward.

54. Let’s continue to keep the fire of democracy burning. Let’s keep the torch lit for generations to come.

55. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and preserve our democracy.

56. I wish us all Happy Democracy Day.

PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR

By Diana Omueza

Amnesty International, has called on the Federal Government to provide access to healthcare, education and vocational training for survivors of Boko-Haram insurgencies to aid easy reintegration into the society.

Mr Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, made the call at a news conference and inauguration of an investigative report in Abuja.

The report entitled: “Help us build our lives: Girl survivors of Boko Haram and military abuses in North-East Nigeria”, was unveiled by Amnesty International to highlight the plight of survivors of Boko-Haram attacks.

Sanusi said that the report revealed the plight of girls and young women who escaped Boko Haram captivity in the north-eastern part of the country who are faced with further suffering, including unlawful detention, among others.

“The report investigated how girls survived trafficking and crimes against humanity by Boko Haram insurgents.

These include abduction, forced marriage, enslavement and sexual violence.

“The report is based on 126 interviews, including 82 with survivors that were conducted in-person in the north-eastern part of the country and remotely between 2019 and 2024,’’ he said.

Sanusi said that on April 4, Amnesty International wrote to Nigerian federal and state authorities, as well as to UN offices, with its research findings.

“Nearly 50 girls and younger women told Amnesty International they risked their lives and the lives of their children to successfully escape Boko Haram,” he said.

Sanusi said that many women and girls experienced harrowing journeys lasting up to days where they survived with little food found and water.

The report said that 31 girls and young women said they were unlawfully held in military detention for almost four years between 2015 and mid-2023, typically because of their perceived association with Boko Haram.

Sanusi said that in addition to these, they were not receiving adequate support as they attempt to rebuild their lives after so many years of horrific and traumatic experience.

He added that the girls and women after escaping terrorist captivity also faced abuses in prolonged and unlawful detention which called for concerns.

“Those not unlawfully detained were left to fend for themselves in displacement camps amidst millions of other people needing humanitarian assistance,” he said.

Sanusi said that some of the survivors were reunited with their surrendered Boko Haram “husbands” in a government-run transit camp, exposing them to the risk of continued abuse.

According to him, the call for their support to settle well into the society is necessary because their unique experiences and needs have not been given the deserved attention.

He said that to this end, Amnesty International therefore, recommended that international partners and the Nigerian authorities should support these girls and young women.

This, he said, was to enable them to get the assistance they needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and in safety.

Sanusi said that Amnesty International was calling on the Nigerian government authorities, UN agencies and donor governments, to urgently make available tailored reintegration services for these girls and young women.

“Amnesty International urges the Nigerian authorities to ensure girls and young women have a meaningful alternative to being returned to their Boko Haram “husbands” and given necessary support to rebuild their lives.

“Relevant authorities should ensure their livelihood support among others to enable the survivors to live well,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, Chair Board of Trustees, Amnesty International, reiterated the need to punish both the state actors and non-state actors, perpetrators of crimes to serve as deterrent to others.

Rafsanjani called for provision of centres for the treatment of survivors of terrorist crimes.

“The government has to play its part in this because civil society organisations cannot replace the government.

“There is a lot we can do but we are limited, but it is keenly the government that can take constituted and necessary actions to address these things.

“We only bring credible research elements so that the government can take necessary actions,” he said.

Rafsanjani called on security personal to treat survivors with dignity and respect, adding that all hands must be on deck to address challenges of human rights in Nigeria.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kayode Olaitan

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Mr Olomotane Egoro, an Access Bank staff, on Monday admitted that Ali Bello, a co-defendant in the ongoing money laundering trial, neither lodged nor withdrew money in the bank statements tendered in the proceedings.

Egoro, who is also an EFCC 2nd prosecution witness (PW2), stated this while being cross-examined by Bello’s counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu, SAN, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

Upon resumed hearing, Aliyu applied for some exhibits of bank statements tendered by the anti-graft agency.

The bank statements belonged to some companies including Vifaz Multibiz Investment Company, Ary Consulting and Integrated Services, Hayzma Business Enterprise, e-Traders International Limited, and Aleshua Solutions Services.

Other companies’ account statements tendered included that of Whales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas, Dada Grand Merchant Ltd, and that of the Unnatii and Jamilu Abdullahi.

When Aliyu asked if there was any lodgement or withdrawal made by Bello in those accounts, the EFCC’s witness, after thoroughly going through the exhibits, said: “None my lord.”

The lawyer also asked Egoro to confirm from Exhibit E if there was any payment made to T.B Bank United States, e-Traders International Limited, Aleshua Solutions Services and others, and the witness equally said: “None my lord.”

When asked if there was any withdrawal that exceeded the statutory limit stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Exhibit E tendered, the witness said: “I don’t know what the limit was at the time.”

“Do you know what it is now?” the lawyer asked the witness.

Egoro responded that for an individual, the statutory withdrawal limit is N5 million while for a corporate body is N10 million.

The witness, however, agreed that the bank usually adhere to the laid down rules in its transaction.

He acknowledged that for Hayzma Business Enterprise account, the signatory is the 3rd defendant.

He also agreed with the lawyer that for e-Traders’ account in Exhibit G, the only person that made payment into that account was the 2nd defendant.

Egoro confirmed that the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants never made any payment into the account.

When asked if there was anything wrong in a signatory to an account to withdraw money from the same account, the witness said: “No, my lord.”

He said he was aware that the federal, state and local governments do award contracts to individuals and that when such contracts are executed, payments are made.

The witness admitted that majority of the transactions he earlier identified from the accounts belonging to the 2nd to 4th defendants which were suspected to be proceeds of money laundering from the LGAs or Kogi state were proceeds from a loan of N2 billion accessed from the bank by the 4th defendant’s company.

Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until June 24 for counsel for the 2nd to 4th defendants, Mr Nureini Jimoh, SAN, to cross-examine Egoro.

NAN reports that in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022, Bello and three others are facing trial on an alleged N3 billion fraud charge preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza