By Emmanuel Oloniruha
One Percent International Management Service Limited, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has stressed the need to deliberate on ways of mainstreaming women in the process of peace and national cohesion.
The Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Amb. Stephaine Nnadi, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to Nnadi  the organisation is set to hold a one-day symposium to raise awareness on the role of women in peace, mediation and reconciliation and commemorate United Nations International Day of Peace.
She said that the symposium with the theme “Women as Burden Bearers, a time for peace” would hold at Wells Carlton Hotel Asokoro, Abuja on Sept. 21.
“The symposium is intended to address the recent unprecedented upsurge and challenges of conflicts, wars, and civil strife spreading across the globe especially in Africa, as well as full-blown wars in Russia and Ukraine.
“Women have always been the burden bearers of terrorism, displacement, community clashes and banditry hence the need to deliberate on ways of mainstreaming women in the process of peace and national cohesion.
“The symposium will provide a forum to commemorate the UN International Day of Peace as well as raise awareness on the role of women in peace, mediation and reconciliation in Africa,” Nnadi said.
According to her, the group expressed dismay that countries such as Ethiopia, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroun, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, have been bedeviled by recurrent tragedies as a result of incessant attacks by armed groups while women and children being the victims.
Nnadi said that the symposium would be attended by stakeholders from institutions of Government, members of the National Assembly, the Diplomatic corps, the academia, the private sector and the media.
Nnadi with one of her corporate talents Mrs Adaora Sydney-Jack, who is also a UN Ambassador invite members of the public to come and share perspectives towards a viable, strong and united country as well as build that would add values to the nation’s well-being.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Sunday described the death of Sheikh Abubakar Giro as a great loss to the West African subregion.

Shettima stated this in Argungu, Kebbi State, during a condolence visit on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, to the bereaved family of late Giro, who died on Sept. 6.

“I am here on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who called me from India and directed that I should come to Argungu to commiserate with the family of the respected Sheikh, government and people of Kebbi State and the north in general.

“This is a great loss to the state, nation and West Africa. Late Sheikh Abubakar Giro was a respected scholar. He worked for God, he didn’t bother about things of the world; he lived a humble life.

“May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternity.”

In his remarks, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sumaila Mera, stated that the Emirate was proud of the achievements of deceased.

Also, Sheikh Bala Lau, the National Chairman, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, who received Shettima on behalf of the family in company of other national officials, thanked Tinubu and the vice president for their show of love.

Earlier on arrival, the vice president was received at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Airport, Birnin Kebbi, by Gov. Nasir Idris of the state, who accompanied him on the visit.

Also on Shettima’s entourage were the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Sen. Umar Tafida; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, and members of the Kebbi state Executive Council, among other dignitaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Bridget Ikyado

Governments at all levels must rise and checkmate the proliferation of small arms as insecurity rages unabated in the country, Catholic Bishops declared in Abuja on Sunday.

They decried the terror regularly unleashed on communities by bandits, religion extremists and other gunmen.

“Governments should urgently check the proliferation of small arms and light weapons facilitated by the booming business of gunrunning which fuels insecurity in our country.

“It does not make sense to disarm the populace while armed criminals terrorise unarmed citizens,’’ President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, said.

He was addressing the opening of the second plenary of a retreat of the CBCN.

“We appeal to kidnappers and their sponsors and to those who unleash violence in our communities to have a change of heart and shun all forms of criminality to avoid God’s wrath.

“We also strongly denounce the mindless and reckless spilling of blood and destruction of property in our communities by hardened criminals and some trigger-happy government security operatives.

“The shedding of innocent blood is an abomination. God hates hands that shed innocent blood,’’ he stressed.

Speaking on the state of the economy Ugorji noted that while the economy was declining, the masses continued to suffer just as crime rate increased.

“We cannot get tired of urging government to rise to its primary responsibility of securing the lives and property of its citizens,’’ he said.

The archbishop also expressed the hope that future elections in Nigeria would be decided at the polls and not at the courts.

He appealed to governments at all levels to cut the cost of governance and to address deepening poverty and growing youth unemployment.

Ugorji also had some advice for ECOWAS and for the AU.

“We appeal to the leadership of ECOWAS and the AU to resist the temptation of recognising military intervention as solution to leadership crisis in Africa.

“They should continue to explore the more peaceful option of diplomatic negotiations.

“Such dialogues may require due attention to the causes of rising military interventions in African countries.

“While we denounce coups, we must state loud and clear that political leadership exists to promote the common good.

“Consequently, political leaders incapable of furthering the welfare of their citizens or who work against their peoples’ interests and wellbeing have no moral justification to continue in power, whether elected or not,’’ he said.

Also addressing the retreat, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Prof. Samson Fatokun, commended the Catholic bishops for their commitment to peace and unity in Nigeria.

Fatokun represented the CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh at the retreat.

He commended the CBCN for constantly making interventions by raising prophetic voice on crucial national issues.

He noted that Nigeria was still buffeted on all sides by issues that threatened its collective existence.

He said it was incumbent on faith leaders to provide hope and guidance for the faithful and for the citizenry at large.

“This plenary session is coming at a time when Nigerians are still going through excruciating pains, harsh economic climate banditry and kidnapping.

“Prices of basic necessities have skyrocketed beyond the reach of ordinary people and there appears not to be any respite in sight.

“The living conditions of average Nigerian families today are better imagined than experienced.

“It is indeed a time to worry! In all these, I believe that God Almighty will use faith leaders to fix this country if we do not give up,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Naomi Sharang

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has called on the Federal Government to revive the annual  Abuja Carnival which has not been held for some years now.

Executive Director, Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) Ms Faith Nwadishi, made the call in Abuja on Saturday during the schools’ cultural competition, season two, on the original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition was organised by CTA for schools in the FCT and featured poetry and arts categories.

Nwadishi was represented by CTA’s Programmes and Communication Manager, Mr MacDonald Ekemezie.

She said the first school cultural competition was held in the six Area Councils of the FCT on Dec. 14, 2022.

“This event aligns perfectly with our organisational mission of “Catch them young”.

While urging the Federal Government to fund and encourage such projects in schools, Nwadishi said the Abuja Carnival should be revived to reawaken the cultural creativity of states.

“I pray the new administration, that they should revive the carnival. They should inculcate, as a matter of right and privileges, in the young persons of the original inhabitants and other ethnic groups to showcase their culture.”

She further said that the objective of the school competition was to recognise and preserve the cultural heritage of the indigenes of the FCT.

“In the process of urbanisation and development, historical, cultural, and artistic treasures were lost. But CTA through this project, has continued to amplify the voices of the original inhabitants and their culture.

“This may have been tagged a competition, but truly, it is just a discussion and conversation conveyed through the beautiful lenses of young people – talents and spoken words on canvas.

“These brave young ones are the tomorrow we see today.”

David Jiraji of Mercy Model School Kuje, who emerged winner in the Arts Category, expressed appreciation to CTA.

Jiraji said through the process of the competition, he was able to understand other cultural aspects of the people of the FCT. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Chimezie Anaso

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of on Anambra has called on the people of the state to always find time to engage in physical exercises in the interest of their health.

Soludo made the call after leading no fewer than 1,000 residents on a monthly walk organised by the Anambra State Sports Development Commission at the Awka Township Stadium on Saturday.

The theme of the monthly walk is: “Solution Walk For Healthy Living”.

The governor said apart from going to hospital to access medical care, routine exercise is a cheaper way of maintaining good health.

He said his administration is determined to evolve a healthy population while promising to lead the walk at least one Saturday in every month.

“We shall make this a routine and I will be here to walk with you at least one Saturday every month.

“A healthy youth, healthy women, healthy adults and healthy senior citizens population makes healthy nation,” he said.

Soludo commended corps members who turned out in their numbers for keying into the exercise and urged them to imbibe the Anambra spirit of hard work and enterprise.

“Develop a passion as a corps member, learn marketable skills and you will become a creator of value and employer of labour very soon.

“About 100 corps members are going through our “one youth twoWwoWwww“ programme, I encourage you to continue because in Anambra, we build people on a sustainable basis,” said.

On his part, Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, thanked Soludo for approving the programme and demonstrating his love for sports by identifying directly with the people.

.

Onyedum promised to make subsequent editions bigger, better and rotational across the major cities in the state subject to the approval of the governor.

He thanked participants at the event for coming out en masse to walk with the governor while urging them to make it a habit on an individual basis.

“The turn-out today was impressive, roughly 1,000 people, we hope to hit 10,000 soon as we progress because, with the approval of Mr Governor, it is now a monthly affair,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Fulfilling Dreams Foundation, has appealed to the Kwara Government on the need to implement the Child Rights Law through establishment of more family courts in the state.

The foundation’s Executive Director, Hajia Nimot Labaika, made the call in Ilorin on Saturday.

She said her appeal was aimed at sensitising the public on the implementation of Child Rights Law in Kwara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the foundation is an implementing partner of USAID and Palladium project titled: “Implementation of Child Rights Law”.

Five organisations across the North Central Zone including: Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Platuea and Niger are implementing the project which is being sponsored by USAID Palladium.

Labaika advocated for the establishment of more family courts in the state as a way of ensuring quick dispensation of justice on matters relating to children.

She explained that more family courts should be established, especially at the senatorial level, if not in each of the local government areas.

“We have only one family court that sits twice in a week. The cases are enormous and we cannot afford to deny these children of their rights.

“We are also demanding for the establishment of Juvenile Homes so that our children can be kept if they have any problem.

“We are also looking for the establishment of safe space for girls. We know we have Boaster Home which is for the Federal Government to keep and reform male minors,” she said.

The activist also urged government at all levels to make budgetary provision for the full implementation of child right law.

She expressed the need for a structure called child right implementation committee, which needs fund to function.

“Without fund, they cannot do their duties effectively in protecting the right of these children including right to life, education, good health and love and care within the community,” she said.

Labaika advised parents to equip their children with sound education for them to become responsible citizens, while urging parents to patronise public schools if they can’t afford private schools.

“There is UNESCO law which makes education free, quality and compulsory for children.

“Public schools too are doing well because they have quality teachers and infrastructural facilities are also being upgraded. So, they should not leave their children at home.

“Children are not supposed to hawk during the school hours. The children right law provides that every child of school age must be at the school during the school hours. So, whoever violates this provision must be sanctioned,” she said.

Labaika said the full implementation of child right law domesticated by some states in Nigeria, had not seen the light of the day.

She added that the foundation and other implementing partners are championing the cause of ensuring full implementation of the law across states.

The activist said the rally was to sensitise the public on the existence of the law and its full implementation.

“The rally is to bring all stakeholders together and let people know that there is a law and whoever that violates the law, will be penalised,” she said.

She described the children as leaders of tomorrow and emphasised the need for stakeholders to adequately protect their rights.

“Many of them have been deprived their basic right to education, health, love and care. Everybody including parents and guardians must know that these children the right of these children must be respected and protected.”

Laibaika urged the people to take advantage of the law to prosecute offenders even before the full implementation of the child rights law.

She said that it was in the interest of the state to protect the rights of the child in any circumstance, while reiterating the resolve of the organisation help get it fully implemented. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Segun Giwa

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has extended his heartfelt greetings to the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on his return to the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Akeredolu just returned to work after three months medical leave.

This is contained in a statement by Alao Babatunde, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, to the minister on Saturday in Akure.

The minister stated that the return of the governor is not just a testament of his strength, resilience and will, which the majority admire him for, but also a proof of God’s faithfulness over his life.

“The people of Ondo State, who have eagerly awaited the return of their beloved governor are filled with joy and gratitude to have him back.

“Your unwavering commitment to the well-being and progress of Ondo State has been an inspiration to us all, and we are pleased to see you back in good health.

“Your leadership and dedication to the people of Ondo State are invaluable, and we look forward to the continued development and prosperity of the state under your guidance.

“As you formally resume duties, I pray our state witnesses more development under your watch,” he added.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Doris Esa

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, says investment in agribusiness and Agritourism, will strengthen food security in the country.

Umakhihe stated this at the international Agribusiness and Agritourism investment forum on Friday in Abuja.

The permanent secretary was represented by Mr Adebiyi Michael, Director, Agribusiness and Market Development in the ministry.

He said that agritourism enhances the tourism industry by increasing the number of visitors to the area.

“Agritourism also provides communities with the potential to increase their local tax bases and new employment opportunities.

“Additionally, agritourism provides educational opportunities to the public, helps to preserve agricultural lands, and allows states to develop business enterprises,” he said.

He said that the Federal Government had designed agricultural investment incentives to support high level private sector participation.

“While some of these incentives are in form of tax holiday, exemptions and reliefs, there are some that leverage on specific policies,” he said.

Umakhihe restated the ministry`s commitment in working with relevant stakeholders to build agricultural and agribusiness economy capable of sustaining the country`s economy.

“I have no doubt that this forum will spur agricultural production which will ultimately contribute to growth and transformation in the nation`s economy,“ he said.

In a remark, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, urged security agencies to come up with strategies to make the initiative a success.

He was represented by Mr Okokon Etoabasi, a deputy director in his office.

Also speaking, Mr Masudur Rahman, Bangldesh High Commissioner to Nigeria described the initiative by the government of Nigeria as noble.

“This synergy will help if Nigeria and Bangladesh collaborate and both countries will benefit immensely,“ he said.

On the 50 hectares of land given to Bangladesh, he said that his country will ensure that both countries benefits in terms of job creation, rural development and human resource development.

Mr Guy Adoua, Deputy Country Director, World Food Programme, Nigeria (WFP), said that other countries should  learn from the Nigeria experience.

“I work for WFP and I think we have something to learn and to share from this experience, `he said.

Adoua said that the programme`s work is to provide food assistance to people in need, adding that most of the items are procured locally in Nigeria.

In a remark, Mr Henry Ogboi, the President World Agritourism Organisation (WAO), said that the organisation had allocated some hectares to government agencies and the government of Bangladesh.

He said that this is to hasten the development of the 200 hectares of Nigerian Agritourism village project situated in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ogboi said that the project would be centred on farm estate, improved machinery, mechanised farming, industrial hubs among others.

He said that the organisation is partnering with relevant security agencies to ensure that farming activities are carried out without fear of attack.

“The organisation has opened a dual carriage to the entrance site to facilitate development of host communities,“ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the occasion was the declaration of the Agritourism Village Project in Ibadan, Oyo State for investment opportunities by Umakhihe.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Naomi Sharang

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has pledged continuous support for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) indigenes to ensure that Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with mining companies are respected.

The Executive Director of CTA, Ms Faith Nwadishi, made the pledge during a Media Roundtable in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable is part of events to herald the wrapping up of the two-year project.

The project was titled: “Promotion of the Cultural Values and Environmental Rights of the Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through Drama and Art Forms.”

Nwadishi represented by Programme and Communication Manager of CTA, Mr MacDonald Ekemezie, said the initiative was aimed at amplifying the voices of the OIs to preserve their culture and promote their environmental rights.

The executive director said that the group would continue to strengthen the capacities of community representatives on CDAs.

“We shall seek additional funding to expand the project’s scope to other area councils in the FCT and also maintain ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders,” she said.

Nwadishi said that CTA provides training to selected community members and cultural ambassadors on how to negotiate and understand CDAs.

“During one review, it was revealed that a community leader had signed a CDA for personal gain, not for the community’s benefit.

“This discovery prompted CTA to empower communities with knowledge about their rights when negotiating and enforcing CDAs,” she said.

Also, Mr Jacob Sananu, an indigene of FCT, expressed gratitude to CTA for the projects implemented, saying they impact on the lives of the FCT residents.

“We appreciate the efforts of CTA at amplifying our voices. They have been practical, they have impacted our lives especially on CDAs. We now understand the difference between our rights and privileges,” she said.

NAN also reports that the programme was funded by the McArthur Foundation through the Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Julius Toba-Jegede