By Zubairu Idris

The Action Against Child Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria (A-TIPSOM), on Thursday organised a workshop to assess the Almajiri system and its impact on child trafficking in Northern Nigeria.

The word “Almajiri” is derived from the Arabic word “al-Muhajir”, which refers to a person who migrates from his home in quest for Islamic knowledge.

The workshop was also to explore ways to counter the trafficking and exploitation of the Almajiri school children in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that A-TIPSOM is a project funded by the European Union (EU), and implemented by Spain based International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies.

The workshop held in Katsina with the theme: “Countering the Trafficking of ‘Almajiri’ Child”, was in collaboration with Almajiri Child Right Initiative (ACRI) and the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL).

The Project Team Leader, Mr Federico Milan, represented by A-TIPSOM Technical Adviser, Mr Sani Dantuni-Bello, said the workshop was designed to address the complex issues surrounding the Almajiri system and its impact on child trafficking in the region.

“The primary goal of the workshop is to engage with relevant stakeholders, including state and non-state actors.

“To fulfill their obligations under the law in protecting and supporting Almajiri children, thereby reducing their vulnerability to trafficking, smuggling and improving their lives,” he said.

Milan added that the project would strengthen the capacity of local authorities, civil society organisations and communities to prevent and respond to cases related to Almajiri-related trafficking and smuggling.

He said that the aim was to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges posed by the Almajiri system and emphasise the potential benefits of its reform.

According to him, it will highlight the roles each community member can play in supporting the initiative.

“It is expected to establish a forum that will serve as a critical platform for fostering collaboration among stakeholders within the community.

“All with the common objective of reforming behaviors and improving the conditions of Almajiri children,” he said.

In his remarks, the NACTAL National President, Mr Abdulganiyu Abubakar, said that the interaction would help efforts in addressing the plight of Almajiri children.

According to him, this would be by making state and non-state actors to identify and protect the children from human traffickers.

He expressed the hope that the intervention would open doors for other partners to come in and assist.

Also speaking, Hajiya Baraka Suleiman, the ACRI Team Leader in Katsina State, said they had supported many Almajiri children, including sponsoring their education in formal schools.

NAN reports that the participants included government officials, representatives of security agencies, Civil Society Organizations, NAPTIP and relevant agencies, as well as Quranic school teachers, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Adebola Adegoke

Sustainable development advocates in Nigeria have emphasised the need to strengthen institutions, collaborations and global partnerships to drive the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

They made the call during the launch of the United Green Ambassadors Awards (UNGAA) on Thursday in Lagos.

The event had the theme: “Championing Change: Global Goals 2023 Success and SDG Impact.”

Dr Alex Akhigbe, Director, UNGAA, said that some of the challenges hindering the progress of the SDGs in Nigeria could be traced down to lack of priority, responsibility, and availability of leaders ready to drive the change.

“We need to set our priorities right as a nation, take responsibility for preserving the earth and not wait for someone else to do it.

“We also need to create enough awareness, as UNGAA is doing, to awaken the interest of others in joining the few making this change possible so we can begin to see rapid advancement,” Akhigbe said.

He said that the aim of UNGAA was to drive positive community actions through the praise, promotion, and recognition of sustainability champions.

“There are people and organisations who are committed to achieving various aspects of the SDGs. We have seen some improvement in access to education, reduction of infant mortality rate, and promotion of gender equality.

“This is one of the reasons why UNGAA thinks that the people making these things possible in rural towns and urban cities deserve to be celebrated.

“But there is still much work to be done economically in reducing the poverty rate and other key areas,” he said.

Akhigbe urged all stakeholders and individuals to actively participate in achieving the SDGs, saying “let’s leave no one behind”.

“We need all hands on deck in preserving this home called Earth and her most valued asset – people.

“There are various innovative, creative ways all stakeholders can give their voice and support to the actualisation of the SDGs and the time to do so is now.”

Dr Murtala Mohammed, Founder and Executive Director, System Strategy and Policy Lab, said that championing change for the implementation of the SDGs required dedication, collaboration and consistency.

According to him, some of the key challenges in the implementation include lack of standardised and reliable data, not choosing reasonable and enforceable goals to prioritise, weak constitutional capacity and lack of accountability.

These challenges, he noted, had led to poor governance and policy inconsistencies.

He listed strategies for achieving the SDGs to include raising awareness and advocacy, partnerships and collaboration, innovation and technology and data collection and monitoring.

Mohammed said that some other strategies are community mobilisation, capacity building, accountability and promotion of inclusivity.

“There is need to foster collaborations among governments, civil society, private sector, academia and international organisations.

“Partnerships will leverage resources, expertise and innovative solutions to address complex development challenges.

“Prioritise engagement with communities at the grassroots to understand their needs and concerns and use this information to guide policy decisions that address the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

“Establishing a robust data collection and analysis system to monitor progress and inform evidence-based policymaking will enable targeted interventions and accountability in SDG implementation.

“Also, the government should develop a comprehensive communication strategy to ensure that initiatives, policies and achievements are effectively communicated to the public.

“For individuals, civil society and NGOs, identify key priority projects that align with government’s agenda and work closely with the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure their successful implementation within specified timelines,” Mohammed said.

Mr Femi Oye, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SMEFunds, said the lack of commitment from state and non-state actors had stalled the progress of the actualisation of the SDGs in Nigeria.

According to Oye, for us to achieve the SDGs in the remaining seven years, we need to accelerate our efforts and emphasise partnerships and collaborations which is SDG 17.

“We also need to foster initiatives that can help mitigate impact of climate change and reduce our carbon emission for a more sustainable environment.

“In the past years, I have worked with women, individuals and organisations to help them translate their activities into quality carbon offset, recyclables and attract finances and impact funds.

“We need to look inward, take actions and make impact as individuals because everyone is a contributor towards the achievement of the SDG,” he said.

On his part, Dr Toyosi Craig, an energy management consultant, said that Nigeria needed to do more on SDG 7 which aims to ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Achieving this, he said, would translate to energy efficiency, access to electricity, socio-economic development and environmental impact. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Lucy Ogalue

Three leading traditional rulers on Thursday re-echoed their pleas for Nigerians to close ranks and build a formidable nation that would stand the test of time.

The traditional rulers spoke at a ceremony and book launch to mark the 80th birthday of King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII and Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa.

Setting the tone, Daukoru urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace and unity, despite the glaring diversities among the ethnic nationalities that made up the country.

He said that Nigerians should use their diversities to build a united, indivisible nation, where every citizen should stand in solidarity with each other.

The octogenarian, who was also a former minister of state for petroleum resources, advised Nigerians to always show diligence in their duties to build a successful nation.

Also speaking, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, reiterated the importance of unity for Nigeria to stand as a nation.

Ogunwusi, however, told traditional rulers to preach unity to their people, describing peace and unity as key factors in fostering national growth and prosperity.

“Politicians come and go but we as traditional rulers remain in our kingdoms. It is our duty to encourage and maintain unity among our people.

“Nigeria is our country. We have no other country. So as traditional rulers, we should use events like this to send messages to our people and even to generations unborn.

He lauded Dakoru for his commitment to nation building, saying that the gathering was a way of showing appreciation to what the Bayelsa king had been doing to promote Nigeria’s growth.

“We are very proud of you and we pray God to bless you and the works of your hands,’’ Ogunwusi said.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III, commended traditional rulers for the roles they had been playing to foster unity in Nigeria.

Congratulating Daukoru on his birthday, Abubakar described him as a man of many parts, who had made remarkable contributions to the unity and progress of Nigeria.

Speaking on “The Imperative of Energy Security for Accelerated Rural Development’’, a former Economic Adviser to the President, Prof. Magnus Kpakol, called for deliberate effort by government to develop the resource-rich Niger Delta.

Kpakol, who is also the Executive Chairman of the Economic Growth and Development Centre, said that Nigeria would never be successful as a nation without the development of the Niger Delta.

“There must be an intentional approach to developing the Niger Delta for the entire nation to develop,” Kpakol stated, noting that human capital was key to economic development.

He argued that no country would become self-sufficient without human capital development, expressing his regrets that up to 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacked access to electricity.

Kpakol said that to achieve rural electrification in Nigeria, the government should be intentional, purposeful and institutionalize human capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by many traditional rulers, top government functionaries and captains of industry. (NAN)

Edited by Silas Nwoha

By Femi Ogunshola

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has confirmed Dr kayode Ajulo, a constitutional lawyer and 57 others as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Secretary of LPPC, Mr Hajo Bello.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LPPC had earlier shortlisted 69 lawyers for the prestigious award,

Those in the list included Funmi Falana, the wife of Mr Femi Falana (SAN); the daughter of Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) Mrs Folashade Alli, Abiola Oyebanji, Bomo Agbebi.

On the list also were Daniel Uruakpa, Felix Offia, Lawrence Falade, Kingsley Obamogie.

“The LPPC, Chairmanship of His Lordship, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, approved their rank as SAN“, Bello said in the statement.

He said the swearing-in ceremony of the 58 successful applicants would take place on Nov. 27.

Ajulo is a rights activist renowned for his extensive knowledge and activism in various areas of law.

These include litigation, constitutional law, corporate and commercial law, and human rights.

He obtained his first law degree from the University of Jos and pursued further education at various international institutions.

He currently serves as a research scholar at Lincoln University College and volunteers his expertise as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, including his home state institution, Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.

Ajulo’s remarkable contributions have earned him numerous awards and honors, including Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) which was conferred on him by the President Muhammadu Buhari, (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Mrs Lilian Madueke, Chief Operating Officer, Kaizen Academy (Nigeria) Ltd., has called for a multi-pronged approach to fostering a culture of sound corporate governance within public sector institutions in Nigeria.

Madueke, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, said the advice would address the disparity in adoption of sound corporate governance practices between private and public sectors.

“Robust corporate governance is not only crucial for the sustained growth and competitiveness of organisations, but also for the overall development of a nation.

“In this regard, the public sector, being a critical driver of national progress, can not afford to lag behind.

“A comprehensive and robust regulatory framework tailored to the specific needs of the public sector must be established,” she said.

Madueke said this framework should encompass guidelines, standards and codes of conduct explicitly outlining the responsibilities and obligations of public sector leaders, ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical behavior.

She added that to build capacity, public-sector officials and leaders should undergo rigorous training programmes on corporate governance principles.

“Workshops, seminars, and certifications should be offered to enhance their understanding of governance mechanisms and best practices.

“This will empower them to make informed decisions that align with national interests,” she said.

The Kaizen boss noted that effective governance required engagement with stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations and the private sector.

She said mechanisms for regular consultations and feedback loops could foster transparency, inclusivity and a sense of collective ownership in public sector decision-making processes.

She also emphasised the need for independent bodies tasked with monitoring and assessing governance practices within public sector institutions.

These bodies, Madueke said, should possess the authority to conduct audits, investigations and evaluations to ensure compliance with governance standards.

“Performance-based incentives for public sector officials should be introduced to motivate them to uphold governance principles.

“Recognising and rewarding individuals and teams that exhibit outstanding governance practices can create positive competition and drive continuous improvement.

“Nigeria must also leverage technology for transparency and accountability by implementing digital platforms for procurement, financial management, and public service delivery to minimise opportunities for corruption and enhance efficiency.

“A sustained public awareness campaign can educate citizens about the importance of sound corporate governance in the public sector.

“Informed citizens can demand greater accountability from their leaders, creating a demand-driven impetus for governance reform,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government on Thursday trained and disbursed laptops and other equipment to 138 female artisans and women with disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), said 68 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 70 female artisans were trained on ICT and mobile phones repairs within the territory.

According to her, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) now plays a major role in all aspects of lives and has revolutionised the way people live, work and interact.

“It is pertinent to note that no nation can fully develop to its utmost potential, without investing in education, empowerment and development of its citizenry, especially, women.

“I want to specifically thank President Bola Tinubu for his inclusive initiative aimed at ensuring that no one is left out in the scheme of things.

“And his desire to ensure that women take advantage of Information & Communication Technology so as to become active and productive,” she said.

While reiterating the commitment of the government in training and women empowerment, the MBNCWD boss urged the beneficiaries to extend the knowledge gained to others.

“We will continue to train and empower women and youths who form more than 70 per cent of the nation’s population so that they can become self-reliant and contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

“As a way to motivate all the participants, a brand-new laptop and stipend for transportation will be given to all the participants.

“It is our hope that the system will be put to best use. We will continue to support and track the progress of all the participants to ensure they succeed in their chosen fields.

“I urged you all to practice what you have learnt and to share this knowledge with others in your states,” he said.

Mr Johnson Morrison-Udobong, Director, ICT Department, MBNCWD, said the training had exposed participants to technology, which creates inclusiveness by integrating PWDs into the labour force.

“These trainers’ programmes were designed to expose participants to innovations in the ICT sector capable of transforming the lives of participants and making them become productive entrepreneur

“ICT is the catalyst that enables digital transformation, so the training helps bridge the digital gap in the society by providing digital skills and relevant ICT devices,” he said.

Morrison-Udobong, therefore, encouraged the participants to make judicious use of skills acquired, which would expose them to several opportunities.

Agatha Egwu, a beneficiary expressed appreciation to the MBNCWD for the training, which she said would impact on the lives of PWDs.

Egwu said, “We learnt a lot and I appreciate the FG for allowing PWDs to be included in this kind of training and I will earn a good living from the training.

“Before we started I didn’t even know how to operate a laptop and I have learnt a lot here and appreciate the free laptop device given to us all.”

Janet Alabede, another beneficiary said the exercise exposed PWDs to some of the assistive devices, which would enable them to communicate without much hindrances.

Alabede gave assurance that she would extend knowledge learnt to other PWDs, who did not participate in the training exercise. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, says the 40 flats of housing units built for Internationally Displaced Persons (IDPs) will be ready by December.

Ahmed, who said this during the inspection of IDPs resettlement city in Keffi, Nasarawa, appealed to government for ecological funds to enable the Commission to construct a good road network in the area for easy access.

“The resettlement centre will accommodate 40 households and it is expected to be ready in the next three months,” he said.

While expressing satisfaction at the level of work at the centre, Ahmed said that the  facilities at the city included clinic, school, recreational centre, market and police station for their security.

“We are also working towards durable solution to ensure that all IDPs return home if they wish or they will remain in the resettlement centre we have provided for them.

“We want to have a good road network so that there will be easy access from the main town to the resettlement centre. We want to make the environment comfortable for IDPs,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that presently the resettlement cities are in Edo, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara and Nasarawa.

Ahmed also said that with time the resettlement city would be extended to other states, particularly violence prone states.

He acknowledged the vision of his predecessors Sen. Basheer Mohammed, who conceived the idea and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim who saw it through.

Ahmed promised that the Commission under his leadership would build on these achievements and restore livelihoods for IDPs and provide educational opportunities for their children. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi