By Olubukola Aiyedogbon

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara, has declared March 17 as work-free day for civil servants in the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Kwara Head of Service, Mrs Susan Oluwole, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Ilorin on Thursday.

According to Oluwole, the work-free day is to enable workers in the state to travel to their respective local governments and places of voting for the gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly elections, slated for March 18.

“The Kwara Governor has graciously approved Friday, 17 March, as a work-free day for the state workforce.

“Workers are therefore advised to freely exercise their voting franchise and be law abiding, before, during and after the elections,” the statement reads in part. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD) and partners have underscored the need for the review of the National Cash and Voucher Assistance Policy (NCVAP) to aid efficiency.

In her presentation at the ongoing two days pre-validation workshop for the draft National Cash and Voucher Assistance Policy in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Mrs Olamide Dauda, a Consultant said the aim of the initiative was to improve the operational environment for CVA.

According to Dauda, the initiative will promote an inclusive approach and address the operational bottlenecks, help to lay the foundations for financial inclusion, and support increased access to social protection as feasible and appropriate.

“Transportation of cash in insecure areas has the risk to increase potential attacks.

“The use of cash transfers is broadly accepted and recognized as the most efficient and effective way of responding to humanitarian crisis.

“In context where cash transfers are not feasible, vouchers are seen as acceptable alternative,” she said.

Dauda said that the use of cash transfers gives recipients choice, dignity, and control to prioritize and fit the assistance to their specific needs.

“It enables them to address their individual needs based on their own preferences and decisions,” she added.

On her part, the Minister, FMHADMSD, Hajia Sadiya Umar-Farouq said the policy was expected to complement the Humanitarian Response Plan.

Represented by Dr Abubakar Suleiman, Deputy Director, Disaster Management, Umar-Farouq said that the policy would provide clarity on the use of CVA to meet needs among the poor and vulnerable.

“It will also improve the operational environment for CVA uptake by overcoming bureaucratic bottlenecks.

“The policy is also expected to support commitments, already enshrined in other national policies i.e. the recently approved National IDP policy, facilitate financial inclusion and access to social protection among target groups,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Trond Jensen, Head of Office, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that the policy would help to strengthen cash programming and coordination for the ultimate benefit of the affected people.

Represented by Ms Uche Njoku of the office, Jensen said that CVA programming has been on a steady rise between 2017 and 2023 in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Cash and voucher policy allowed for purchase/redemption using vendors within the beneficiary communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Sumaila Ogbaje

After years of absence, the Nigerian Base Defence Company, deployed into the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has joined the rest of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force.

The Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNISFA, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Sawyerr said that the induction of the Nigerian peacekeepers completed UNISFA’s 8-contingent member troops contributing countries.

During the parade held to commemorate the one year anniversary, Sawyerr said the force had achieve its mandate by providing protection to civilians, and engaged the two host governments and communities in spite of initial challenges.

He said the force had encouraged dialogue, supported humanitarian agencies to assist the people and provided support to the the two-country teams of Juba and Khartoum to implement the Programmatic Funding Activities.

The commander appreciated the cooperation and collaboration of the local administration and the traditional  institutions in forging peaceful dialogue that would lead to the determination of the final status of Abyei.

He commended the support of the UN Headquarters for high level visits, budgetary allocations and logistics support.

Sawyerr also commended the AFPs, humanitarian agencies and NGOs for their support in delivering humanitarian assistance to communities.

He also commended the military, police and civilian components of the mission for working in synergy with the vision.

According to him, the mission will continue to operate under UN core values of integrity, impartiality, professionalism and respect for gender and diversity.

He acknowledged the roles played by the female engagement teams, adding that all contingents would continue to increase women participation in UN peacekeeping.

He added that there were still existing challenges that must be tackled, urging peacekeepers not to rest on their oars but be spurred to give their best.

According to him, peacekeeping is a thankless job carried out for the purpose of global peace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed

By Thompson Yamput

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has completed configuration of the Bimodal Voter Registration Systems (BVAS) for the conduct of the House of Assembly elections in Kogi on Saturday.

Dr Hale Longpet, Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) made the declaration in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  only the House of Assembly election will hold in Kogi on Saturday.

The as governorship election is to hold in November because Gov Yahaya Bello’s tenure ends on Jan. 27, 2024.

The commissioner said that the commission had gotten all materials needed, aside ballot papers and result sheets which are being expected through the Central Bank on Thursday.

“Just this Monday, we assessed all the materials to see their levels of functionality and some of the BVAS that were either stolen or damaged were replaced.

“Although we have not retrieved any (BVAS) that were stolen, we have successfully replaced them for the purpose and successful conduct of the election.

“By Thursday, we shall go for the distribution of the materials such as the ballot papers and result sheets at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Zonal Headquarters here in Lokoja.

“It’s expected that on Friday evening the Electoral Officers (EOs) in all the LGAs would deploy all the Adhoc staff with the necessary materials to the RAs so that by early morning of Saturday they would be at their various polling units to conduct the election, ” he said

Longpet urged the people of Kogi to come out en-masse to cast their votes without any fear as the security operatives have assured the Commission of their readiness to protect lives and property better than last time.

“They (security agents) have assured us that they have stepped up their security apparatus and strategies to ensure the peaceful conduct of house of Assembly elections in Kogi.”

The REC said that security agencies have promised to redoubled their Surveillance at the flash points or black spots to checkmate activities of political thugs and trouble shooters.

“What we are expecting from the people is for them to just get ready with their PVCs to vote for candidates of their choices and should make sure that their votes count, ” Longpet said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Tosin Kolade

The Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH) has officially announced its commitment to drive private sector movement to accelerate progress to scale up water and sanitation facilities in Zimbabwe.

OPS-WASH National Coordinator, Dr Nicholas Igwe in a statement on Wednesday, said the partnership became necessary, following the critical role that access to clean water and sanitation played in a country’s development.

According to him, the constituency has the means to effectively coordinate relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and globally toward creating innovative strategies for the sector.

Citing activities in Nigeria, Igwe said using the pillars of financial institutions, technology and innovations, philanthropy and others, the OPS-WASH had brought together key organisations such as Coca-Cola, Lixil and FMDQ Group to the sector.

He said OPSWASH, which was borne out of Zenith Water Projects, was already making significant contributions to the WASH sector in Nigeria.

He stressed that private sector investment would help achieve SDG six, through efficiency and sustainability, adding that they had the capacity to boost innovation in the sector.

The statement quoted Dylord Mutamuko of HitBay Sanitation, and a Sanitation and Water For All (SWA) Constituency member, as saying that coordination and partnership was needed for scaling up sanitation in the African region.

“I am worried about the lack of coordinating platforms for the rest of Africa, especially given the critical need for accelerated progress at this time”.

Mutamuko however, accepted to take the lead in building the OPS-WASH Zimbabwe platform, to ensure better coordination of all private sector players.

The statement also quoted Mr Nesbert Shirihuru, from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural development, as pledging to support OPS-WASH Zimbabwe, particularly in the area of waste management.

Muchanyara Jarawaza, WASH Specialist, UNICEF Zimbabwe, commended the partnership, provided words of support and expressed commitment to facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the OPSWASH and other organisations hosted the 2022 World Toilet Summit, with the theme ‘Sanitation Innovations for Economic Development’.

Recommendations from the summit included the need for political leadership at the highest level to galvanise the commitment required at all levels.

Others were; mobilising adequate domestic and external funding for the required economic revolution and sanitation economy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in seven members of the Board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration took place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The affected members include retried Justice Adamu Bello (Katsina State); Hannatu Mohammed (Jigawa); Olubukola Balogun (Lagos State); Obiora Igwedibia (Anambra); Dr Abdullahi Saidu (Niger); Yahaya Dauda (Nasarawa State) and Grace Chinda from Rivers.

The event preceded the commencement of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Those at the FEC meeting include Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the National Security Adviser, retired Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno.

Others are Ministers of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, Finance, Zainab Ahmed, Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen and that of the Federal capital Territory, Mohammed Bello among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Justina Auta

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, has been conferred with an award by the UN Global Women Foundation Advocacy for Change, a global body.

Mr Olujimi Oyetomi, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, disclosed this
in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He stated that “the award is for her lifelong commitment toward building strong reach of service throughout the world”.

Oyetomi added that the award was presented to the minister during the “She Rises Forum on Empowering Women Economic Sustainability Through Entrepreneurship and Leadership” holding on the wings of the 67th Session of UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

He said “this special recognition by the global body adds to many that have been conferred on the Nigerian
Minister of Women Affairs.

“It is specially for her lifelong commitment to building strong reach of service throughout the world.

“The passion and commitment of Dame Tallen to positively change the lives of women and girls is infectious.

“It does not take long for anyone to stay around the Plateau State, Nigeria-born administrator and public
servant to detect her high level and tireless commitment and passion in this regard.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) says its troops of Sectors 3 and 4 have apprehended more than 900 suspected family members and collaborators of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by MNJTF, Chief Military Public Information Officer in N’Djamena Chad, Lt.-Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke.

Adegoke said that the infighting by the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist groups, as well as effects of MNJTF and other national operations bombardment, especially effects of the air strikes, had triggered their movement.

He disclosed that there had been continuous movements of large bodies of people from the Sambisa forests to the Lake Chad basin within the last one month.

“In a joint coordinated operations between Sectors 3 and 4 of the MNJTF in the Kamadougu Yobe River general area, along the Nigeria/Niger common border areas, more than 900 people, made up of women, children and elderly people suspected to be families and collaborators of the insurgents, have been arrested.

“Collaboration with national authorities and subsequent profiling and handing over is ongoing.

“Also,  troops of Sector 4 conducted a night patrol along Ngagam – Djalori Axis where they rescued three women alongside their four children who were fleeing from the fighting between the Boko Haram and ISWAP from Sambisa forest.

“In a related encouraging development, on March 8, troops of Sector 3 Nigeria deployed at Damasak, intercepted 70 terrorists’ family members comprising 43 women and 30 children.

“They are currently receiving medical attention and profiling,” he said.

Adegoke explained that the emerging situation by the MNJTF troops of Sector 3 Nigeria started on March 5.

He said this followed the arrest of two  suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ logistics suppliers and their collaborators  Muhammed Sabo and Sarki Danladi while trying to exit Munguno town to  the Tumbuns to link up with the terrorists.

He said that the items recovered from the suspects included two blankets, two fishermen identity cards, three wristwatches, two access passes which were issued by the terrorists, 20 empty sack bags, some personal clothing.

He added that troops on stop and search operation along the Main Supply Route Monguno – Kekeno – Cross Kauwa- Baga on March 4, arrested two suspects conveying some quantities of wrappers and other logistics to the terrorists.

“In the same vein, on March 5, we arrested one Abubakar Usman with First Bank ATM card and an invoice containing the lists of items to procure and possibly deliver to the terrorists.

“During the preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed that he has been involved in the supply of several logistics to the terrorists,” he added.

The MNJTF spokesman said that troops had apprehended some key terrorists’ logistics suppliers in different locations in recent times.

He said that several items such as fishing hooks, fishing threads, corn flower, mosquito nets, cooking pots, clothing as well as cash were recovered from the suspects.

In his massage to the troops, the Force Commander, MNJTF, Maj.-Gen. AbdulKhalifa Ibrahim, commended the efforts of the troops and the commanders for the effective coordination of the operations.

Ibrahim urged them not to relent in their determination at degrading the BHT/ISWAP logistics couriers which would have an overall positive impact on the counter insurgency operations.

He noted that the end of insurgency was in sight, and urged the troops to collectively deal a deadly blow on the insurgents.

He reassured them of the continuous support of the Headquarters MNJTF and called on the people of the Lake Chad Basin to be observant and report any suspicious activity to the security forces. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Idris Abdulrahman