NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Niger Govt. invests N1bn on special needs education

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By Rita Iliya

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger says the state will invest N1 billion on the provision of education for children with special needs.

 

Bago announced this during the inauguration of Resources, Inclusivity and Strategic Communication (RISE) project on Wednesday in Minna.

 

It is organised by Farid Centre in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD).

 

The governor said that the state government was partnering with Farid Centre to establish a pilot scheme of Schools for Special Needs in four public schools in Minna.

 

He said the pilot schools would be at IBB Primary School, Bosso Primary School, School for Children with Special Needs and Dutsen Kura Primary School.

 

Bago also announced a donation of N50 million to the centre and another N25 million each for the four pilot schools.

 

The governor said the N1 billion would be used to establish the pilot schemes across the 25 local government areas as part of efforts to scale up the special needs education project.

 

He commended Farid Centre for coming up with the initiative aimed at attending to the needs of people with disabilities and special needs as well as making education free, accessible and inclusive.

 

Earlier in her address, Hajiya Jummai Gimba, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Farid Centre, said the initiative was aimed at integrating children with special needs into inclusive learning environments.

 

She noted that Niger ranks among the top 15 worst states in Nigeria for the problem of out-of-school children, with a staggering 57.1 per cent of children lacking access to education.

 

“At the Farid Centre, we believe that the true measure of a society’s progress is how well it includes and uplifts its most vulnerable populations,” she said.

 

Gimba expressed gratitude to MacArthur Foundation and partners at JONAPWD for their support, saying the project was about building an educational framework that recognises diversity as a strength and inclusion as a necessity.

 

In her remarks, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting inclusive education for children with special needs.

 

She stressed the importance of integrating children with special needs into mainstream classrooms because of its benefits of social integration, academic performance, teacher skills and community building.

 

Mohamed called on educators, community leaders and advocates to work collaboratively to ensure that every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive alongside their peers.

 

In their separate remarks Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu of Nupe and Dr Umar Farouk, Emir of Minna, commended the initiative aimed at increasing enrollment of children, especially those with special needs, in schools.(NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Maureen Atuonwu

Niger Governor’s wife launches free medical outreach

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By Rita Iliya

The Wife of Niger Governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, has launched a free medical outreach in the Edati community as part of efforts to improve healthcare access across the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day initiative is a collaboration between her office and the Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation, Kaduna.

 

The governor’s wife, during the launch on Friday said the initiative would provide free surgeries, 1,000 reading glasses, medical consultations, essential medications, and health education to community members.

 

She lauded the foundation for its noble effort, emphasising that the outreach would greatly enhance healthcare services for Niger’s people.

 

The governor’s wife highlighted the importance of looking after one another, stating “Giving back is not just about wealth, it’s about compassion and using whatever we have to uplift those around us.”

 

She also expressed gratitude to her husband, Umaru Bago, for his efforts in transforming the state’s healthcare sector and encouraged the Edati community to take full advantage of the initiative.

 

She reiterated her commitment to supporting and expanding similar programmes across the state.

 

Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Health, assured that the ministry would provide the necessary resources to deliver quality healthcare to the people of Edati.

 

Dangana was represented by Dr Gana Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Tertiary Health.

 

Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, Project Coordinator for the foundation, explained that the outreach aimed to perform 200 surgeries targeting various health conditions such as hernia, appendicitis, ganglion, utero-vaginal prolapse, goitres, fibroids, hydrocele, and undescended testicles.

 

He said the outreach would also offer services for hypertension, diabetes, ulcers, malaria, typhoid, and deworming, with a special focus on women and children.

 

NAN also reports that the medical intervention is expected to benefit more than 1,000 people in Edati and the surrounding areas.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Niger urges farmers to insure farms against disasters

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By Rita Iliya
Niger Government on Wednesday advised farmers to insure their farms against disasters, following recent floods that devastated farmlands in the state.

Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, gave the advise during an on-the-spot assessment of farms affected by flood in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.

Bawa-Bosso represented by Dr Mathew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said insuring farms against disasters would provide farmers with financial protection and support during times of crisis.

“Disasters such as floods, droughts, and pests can have devastating effects on farms, leading to significant losses for farmers just like it has happened.

“By insuring their farms, farmers can receive financial compensation for their losses, which would help them to recover quickly and continue farming,” he said.

He attributed the flood to excess water from Kainji and Jebba dams, associated with climate change.

He assured the farmers that the flood would recede within five days and that extension agents would collect data on affected farmers for possible government intervention.

Bawa-Bosso disclosed that the state government plans to link affected farmers with the Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) for further intervention.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mohammed Baba,  Managing Director of Niger State Agricultural Mechanisation Development Authority (NAMDA), advised farmers in the state to key into the Niger Foods Project.

Baba explained that the project allows farmers to access inputs on credit and repay at harvest, thereby boosting their production.

Earlier, Alhaji Mahmudu Usman, ‘Etsu yankpa’ of Kusogi village, disclosed that the flood had destroyed about 300,000 hectares of rice farms worth billions of Naira.

Usman stated that the disaster had affected indigenous and non-indigenous farmers in more than 25 villages under Kede Community in Mokwa Local Government Area.

He appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the farmers, as their livelihood depends on the farms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that floodwaters, allegedly from Kainji and Jebba dams, have inundated numerous farmlands in at least ten communities, causing widespread destruction.(NAN)
Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/ Isaac Ukpoju

NAFDAC inaugurates consumer club in Niger schools

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By Rita Iliya
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated its Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) in secondary schools in Niger.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, said the inauguration of the club was part of the agency’s catch-them-young initiative.

Adeyeye, who inaugurated the NCSC at Maryam Babangida Girls Science College in Minna on Wednesday, said it aimed at sensitising students on the dangers of illicit drugs.

Represented by Mr James Kigbu, the Coordinator of NAFDAC in Niger, the director-general disclosed that 14.4 per cent or 14.3 million Nigerians were victims of drug abuse.

She described the situation as “alarming” and highlighted the need for collective action to address the issue.

“This epidemic of drug, including alcohol abuse was destroying families, the workforce, and destabilising our economy,” she said.

She noted that the catch-them-young initiative was designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.

She explained that the programme would focus on educating students about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making informed decisions.

Adeyeye also emphasised the role of teachers in the fight against drug abuse, urging them to work with parents and guardians to identify and address behavioural problems in students.

The director-general further noted that NAFDAC’s mission was to mould a future generation empowered to be upright and to demand uprightness from others.

Adeyeye encouraged students to resist peer pressure, abstain from drug abuse, and seek professional help when needed.

She urged the students to develop hobbies, concentrate on their studies, and be content with what they have.

The director-general urged the students to leverage their membership of the NCSC to assist in information flow on NAFDAC regulatory activities and promote the fight against drug abuse.

In her remarks, Hajiya Amina Attahiru, Principal of the school, commended NAFDAC for its initiative to educate students on the dangers of illicit drugs.

Attahiru, represented by Mrs Florence Jacob, Vice Principal, urged the students to take the opportunity seriously and learn about the dangers of illicit drugs.

Maryam Masaga, Coordinator of the NCSC in Niger, thanked the school management for honouring and giving the agency the opportunity to carry out the sensitisation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured presentations on the role of young people in the prevention of substance/drug abuse and the role of NAFDAC NCSC in safeguarding the health of the nation. (NAN)
Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/ Isaac Ukpoju

ECOWAS pledges continuous engagement with Mali, B/Faso, Niger after exit

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it will continue to engage with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, in spite of their formal withdrawal from the bloc on Wednesday.

Dr Omar Touray, the President of the commission, made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Touray said that this was in line with the decision of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which was taken during their Summit on Dec.15, 2024 in Abuja.

According to him, such is also in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people.

He noted that the bloc was still open to the three countries’ return.

He disclosed that two of the existing Sahel countries had already officially contacted the commission for further engagements to that effect.

Touray called on all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS member states to take note of the unfolding development.

He urged them to treat the national passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as still valid, until further notice.

Touray also urged them to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

He said citizens of the three countries would be allowed to continue enjoying the rights of visa free movement, residence and establishment, in accordance with extant ECOWAS protocols, until further notice.

Touray further said the commission would continue to provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials who are citizens of the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.

“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.

“This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three Sahel countries had on Jan. 29, 2024, declared their intention to quit ECOWAS within 12 months in line with the provisions of Article 91 of the bloc’s protocol.

The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government had in December 2024, approved the three countries’ right to quit but said ECOWAS doors were still open to their return to the subregional bloc.

It would be recalled that the Sahel states had hitherto been hit by violent extremism and terrorism orchestrated by marauding Islamist jihadists emanating mostly from North Africa and the Middle-East.

Notably, this was one of the reasons that the rebelling military rulers gave for seizing power earlier in the their countries.

They accused ECOWAS leaders of being too aligned with Western powers, especially France, at the detriment of their own countries.

The trio said their decision to exit the bloc was also in protest against ECOWAS’ hardline position over the coups in their countries, the imposition of sanctions, as well as the threat of military invasion.

The putschists are now aligned with Russia to fight the armed jihadists, who are currently orchestrating terrorism against their countries.

They have therefore severed all preexisting Western military alliances and presence in their countries.

The military rulers had seized power following a series of coups between 2020 and 2023.

ECOWAS initially responded by imposing sanctions against them, demanding a quick restoration of civilian rule, and threatening to use military force, before backing down.

To demonstrate that they were prepared to match their words with actions, the three countries later went on to sign a tripartite defence treaty and a new confederation – the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), as an alternative to ECOWAS.

They have now made real their “irrevocable” decision to quit ECOWAS, exactly one year after declaring their intention to quit the bloc.

This has become a reality, in spite of ECOWAS leaders’ lifting of some of the sanctions imposed earlier and the deployment of germane diplomatic efforts to enable them to rescind their threat to exit.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Niger, GAVI, UNICEF celebrate PHC partnership

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By Rita Iliya

Niger government, in collaboration with Global Alliance Initiative (GAVI) and UNICEF, has celebrated the close-out of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening the state’s primary healthcare system.

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger disclosed this when he received officials from GAVI and UNICEF during a courtesy visit as part of activities for close out of GAVI supported primary healthcare system strengthening in Minna on Tuesday.

Bago expressed gratitude to partners for supporting the state’s primary healthcare initiative, aimed at promoting healthcare services and child birth registration.

He disclosed that the partnership received seed money of about N6 million dollars, which the state government matched with an additional N1 million dollars.

He revealed that the state was working towards a more developed system, where tele-medicine services would be provided across primary healthcare centres.

“This will enable partners to assist from a distance, especially in areas where manpower is scarce.

“The state government also plan to deploy tele-medicine facilities across all primary healthcare centres, provide internet services, and build doctors’ accommodations to house medical personnel within the facilities,” he said.

Bago disclosed that in the next six months, the state plans to launch a drone vaccine delivery project to reach hard-to-reach areas, leveraging technology to bridge the gap.

According to him, with tele-medicine, doctors will be able to diagnose patients remotely, and nurses at the stations can dispense medication accordingly.

In his remarks, Dr Shyam Pathak, Chief of Health, UNICEF, acknowledged the governor’s achievements in recruiting 1,500 new health staff, retaining 400 health staff and procuring medical equipment.

He said that this has provided access to quality health services for vulnerable populations.

He also commended the contributions of traditional and religious institutions toward strengthening the primary healthcare system.

Pathak advocated for increased investment, oversight, and improvement in sustaining the project, retaining health workers, maintaining equipment, and sustaining the mechanism of operation of services and data documentation.

He also solicited support to reach children and households displaced by insecurity, as well as nomadic and pastoral populations, with health services such as immunisation, birth registration, education, nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

He noted that UNICEF supports human growth and development of every child through multi-sector programming along with health.

Also speaking, Dr Ibrahim Sesay, Chief of Child Protection, UNICEF, commended Niger government for its commitment to birth registration, saying the state had made significant progress in registering children under five years.

Sesay stated that the MOU between Niger government and the UN system had yielded positive results, with over 400,000 children registered in 2024, exceeding the 100 per cent target.

“This achievement is due to the leadership style of the governor and the commitment of the Commissioner of Health, National Population Commission, and other stakeholders,” he said.

Sesay also announced that UNICEF would integrate services to issue national identification numbers to registered children, enabling the tracking of unimmunised children and identifying gaps in the system.

Similarly, Dr Alex Chimbaru, WHO representative, commended the governor for his commitment to ensuring the project’s success, adding that there had been a decrease in maternal and infant mortality rates.

Chimbaru attributed the success to the governor’s commitment and the community’s hard work, emphasising that sustainability was crucial to maintaining the progress made.

Chimbaru urged the state government to continue monitoring its indicators and indices to ensure that the progress made was sustained.

In his remarks, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare in Niger, disclosed that the programme had made tremendous progress in reducing maternal and infant mortalities in the state. (NAN)
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

IFAD-VCDP made us landlords, millionaires— Niger beneficiaries

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By Felicia Imohimi

Some beneficiaries of the Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) in Niger say they have become millionaires and landlords through the scheme.

The farmers in Ezhigi community, Edati Local Government Area, spoke on the sidelines of media tour of FG/IFAD-VCDP project in some communities in Niger.

They said their income, livelihood and children’s educational standard had improved through the intervention of the dry season farming programme.

Mr Jubril Haruna, rice farmer and processor, said that prior to the intervention of IFAD-VCDP in 2020, he relied on his father for survival- both feeding and accommodation.

He said they were trained on good agronomical practices, how to prepare nursery bed, transplanting and proper application of fertiliser.

Haruna said they were provided with tiller machines, subsidised fertilisers, solar powered irrigation pumping machines, among others.

He said that initially, they only farmed during rainy season which was one season annually and in small scale which was unsustainable.

Haruna said at the moment, they could farm all year round in large scale, had enhanced income and build brick houses instead of mud.

He said that at the moment, he was able to build a standard house with bricks, set up a processing facility, raised his children’s educational standard and became a millionaire through the intervention.

“IFAD-VCDP provided us with solar panel water pump as against fuel pumping machine we were using initially.

“I bought additional three panels to enhance my irrigation farming which is the sustainable means of agriculture.

“The programme also provided us with improved seedlings Faro 44 which is more profitable than the former ones we were cultivating traditionally.

“Through this improved seedlings, we do realise 80 bags to 100 bags of 100kg per hectares as against 30 bags to 40 bags we used to realise prior to the intervention,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Mohammed Usman, listed some interventions received as training on how to prepare nursery bed, transplanting and provision of tiller machines for soil excavation before transplanting.

He said they were provided with fertilisers, solar powered pumping machines, among others.

Usman, who was living in his father’s house prior to the intervention, said he had become a landlord.

He described their traditional method of farming as cumbersome, strenuous and less productive.

“With VCDP we are moving forward; we now know more about dry season farming and its enormous benefits.

“IFAD-VCDP gave us solar powered water pumping machines which put an end to huge expenses on diesel and fuel to pump water.

“They trained us on good agronomical practices and gaps training on rainy and season farming,” he said.

Usman, who lauded IFAD-VCDP for its transformative intervention to the entire community, said it had improved their lives economically, morally and otherwise.

He said that before the intervention, most houses in the community were built with mud due to scarce resources.

“IFAD-VCDP has transformed lives economically, social and otherwise to the extent that almost everyone now own modern houses built with bricks.

“We have benefited a lot and our children know attend standard schools.

“I can comfortably do any business irrespective of cost; I can farm three to four hectares across seasons through their support,’’ he said.

Mrs Hadiza Isah, State Programme Coordinator, IFAD-VCDP, Niger, said the visit was to document the success story of farmers that VCDP had supported since its inception in 2020.

Isah said before the intervention, the farmers cultivated between half hectare to two hectares per person.

She said that through the support, they expanded their farms to three to four hectares per farmer.

According to her, farmers in the community can now boast of 6.5 metric tonnes to seven tonnes per hectare.

“When we notice the volume of rice produced in the community and the challenges of processing, we provided them with processing unit or facility.

“The objective of VCDP is to sustainably enhance rural incomes and food security.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Greece Heart Doctors donate facility to Niger community

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By Rita Iliya

Heart Doctors from Greece have donated a newly constructed Primary Healthcare Centre to the people of Gusun Village, Kabo Ward in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger.

 

The project, tagged “Heart Doctors Project 2025”, was facilitated by Dr Mustapha Alheri, former Commissioner of Health in Niger.

 

Speaking at the commissioning of the project, Mrs Eheni Sotinou, who led the Heart Doctors’ team, commended Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger for his exceptional leadership.

 

“Since our intervention across the world, Africa, and Nigeria, we have never received a warm reception like the one Governor Bago gave us in Niger,” she said.

 

Sotinou explained that the Heart Doctors visited Gusun community on Nov. 9, 2024, and were moved to assist after seeing the deplorable state of the facility.

 

“We came from Greece, we learned from our fathers to assist,” she said.

 

The Heart Doctors’ team emphasised that they do not discriminate based on religion or tribe.

 

“We understand that we are all one, and God is one. We try to help people to be balanced in life,” Sotinou said.

 

In his remarks, Alheri thanked Gov. Bago for his development strides, saying it had attracted investors to the state.

 

He commended the people for their cooperation and thanked the Heart Doctors for their intervention in Niger in particular  and the country at large.

 

The Secretary of Gurara Local Government council, Sadaiuki Abubakar also thanked the Heart Doctors for the facility and Alheri for facilitating the construction.

 

The village Head of Kabo, Alhaji Salisu Ahmadu, commended the Heart Doctors for coming to the aid of the community with the health facility.

 

“The gesture would never be forgotten and would stand the test of time,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders, community leaders and residents of Gusun Village attended the commissioning of the project.

 

The facility, which was constructed and equipped by the Heart Doctors, is expected to provide quality healthcare services to the people of Gusun Village and its environs.(NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Oluwole Sogunle

Tchiani’s rhetoric: Time to silence Nigeria’s adversaries by crushing insurgency

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Tchiani’s rhetoric: Time to silence Nigeria’s adversaries by crushing insurgency

News Analysis by Abdullahi Mohammed, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The Niger Republic’s maximum ruler, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, during his 2024 Christmas Day nationwide broadcast alleged that Niger’s neighbours are backing terrorists operating in his territory.

Tchiani also alleged that a military base for France was about to be set in Borno, a Nigerian state, sharing a border with the Republic of Niger, a development he considered a threat to Niger’s 

sovereignty.

“Before the blink of an eye, a French military base will be physically seen in Maiduguri, perhaps before the New Year and they will ‘fight’ Boko Haram.

“Then will begin to explore and prospect huge mineral resources and surely begin to exploit, harass, intimidate, kill, incapacitate, and annihilate the local people, which is typical of France’s presence in Africa,” he alleged.

Nigeria has debunked the allegations, as the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.- Gen. Edward Buba, dismissed the claim as fake and mischievous.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby state unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false, and mischievous. It would be recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recently addressed this matter in various media forums, where he debunked such news and speculations.

“Accordingly, the general public is urged to disregard these claims and speculations that are still circulating in some quarters. It is clear that these are the antics of mischief makers,’’ he said.

Similarly, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesman in Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the allegations as baseless.

“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety.

“It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

“The ministry assures that Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries,” he said.

The Political Counselor to the Embassy of France in Nigeria, Mr Bertrand de Seissan also described Tchiani’s allegations as groundless.

“This has never been discussed or suggested by either France or Nigeria,” Bertrand said, adding that the topic has never been discussed nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria.

Rather than raise unnecessary dust and hit up military tension, what is expected from the Niger military ruler is maximum cooperation with Nigeria to protect the lives and interests of peoples of the region, be they Nigerians or Nigeriens.

Rather than raise unnecessary dust and hit up military tension, what is expected from the Niger military ruler is maximum cooperation with Nigeria to protect the lives and interests of peoples of the region, be they Nigerians or Nigeriens.

Even residents of the Lake Chad area find Niger government’s public utterances ill conceived.

“The Boko Haram issue on Lake Chad should be a subject of discussion for Tchiani, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, President Idriss Déby of Chad and President Paul Biya of Cameron.

“Certainly not this fictitious France Military base,” said Bulama Sa’adu, a resident in one of the Lake Chad communities.

Sa’adu is right, especially when looking at the challenges faced by Gov. Babagana Zulum in his Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement efforts for no fewer than two million Boko Haram insurgency survivors.

Alhaji Abubakar Gamandi, the Chairman, Lake Chad Basin Fishermen Association of Nigeria, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Boko Haram insurgents were not out for reconciliation.

Gamandi expressed optimism that the best option was to fight them and free the teeming farming and fishing communities who have been subjected to economic and social slavery by the insurgents.

Gamandi predicted that the Nigerian military would crush the insurgents within three to four months if they are pushed to do so.

There have been concerns about the safety of the survivors in most of the communities where Zulum administration is planning to resettle them as they remain vulnerable to trans-boundary attacks.

When he visited some southern Borno communities in November for that purpose, he said he would push for the establishment of a Brigade Command in the area to combat the security challenge.

To many, the decision of the governor to lobby for the establishment of Brigade Command is a welcome development.

The Emir of Askira, Dr Albdullahi Askirama II, told the governor that out of the 12 district heads under his domain, eight have abandoned their communities and are currently staying with him.

“The soldiers are trying their best but your esteemed office must intervene and call for reinforcement of security forces in our communities.

“We share borders with Sambisa, Chibok and other volatile communities where the insurgents can easily attack.

“We want you to continue to help us as it were and help our district heads to return to their communities,” the traditional ruler pleaded with Zulum.

For instance, when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt– Gen. Olufemi Oluyede visited Borno in December, he pledged to boost the morale of the troops to end Boko Haram attacks.

“I believe we can make an end to this insecurity within the region.

“I am soliciting more support from you, the governor and also to request the people. It is high time we stop the whole thing because we will continue to be on the same course.

“We have been fighting this for the past 15 years. I think it is time for us to put an end to it,” he said.

No matter the insinuations by Niger, for strategic reasons, security experts say Nigeria cannot give up any inch of its territory in the Lake Chad Basin.

There is evidence of crude oil reserves and other materials in the area. It is also rich in maritime resources, including fish.

“Ninety five per cent of those fishing on Niger’s territory in Lake Chad, including the traders, are Nigerians.

“Again on the side, Chad, about 50 per cent of the fishermen too, and those trading in fish are Nigerians.

“Similarly, about 60 per cent of those fishing on the Cameroonian side of Lake Chad, and those trading in fish too, are also Nigerians,” said fishermen chief, Gamandi.

He also explained that the Nigerian market in Doron Baga is the central market where all the traders from Niger, Cameroon and Chad supply their goods.

“But unfortunately this lucrative business is no longer booming, partly due to insurgency and the inaction of the military who are not handling the matter as serious as it should be,” Gamandi said.

The Doron Baga market alone, according to the fisherman, has been supplying from 50 to 70 truckloads of smoked-fish weekly to Nigerian Markets.

He said that the market’s weekly turnover is worth more than one billion naira on the average, from every week consecutively for three months in a year.

“It is estimated that about one million people benefit from fishing value chains on the Nigerian side alone throughout the year.

Given its enormous contribution to the wellbeing of the peoples of the Basin, Gamandi says partnership was vital to ensure that the decline in productivity in the area was halted.

“As we speak, the productivity in this business has gone down by about 90 per cent due to insurgency problems.

“Today Boko Haram insurgents are collecting royalty before allowing citizens to cultivate or embark on fishing.

“People pay at least N50, 000 before they will be allowed to farm in a small farmland while fishermen pay about N30,000.

“Those who think that the Lake Chad Basin has little value to offer to Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon are making a mistake,’’ Gamandi said.

His assertions are corroborated by Zulum who says the Lake is capable of providing employment opportunities to the vulnerable and underserved populations.

“Unfortunately because of insurgency, the entire shore of Lake Chad has become deserted. Nobody is there and the area has become a safe haven for members of Boko Haram insurgents.

“The socio-economic dynamics of insurgency has to be looked into not necessarily kinetic measures. We cannot deal with them completely using kinetic measures.

The Boko Haram insurgency is an international terrorist group. Boko Haram killing and banditry affect Nigerians, Nigeriens, Chadians and Cameroonians alike.

Rather than stoke security tension, political and security actors such as the Nigerien ruling junta should continue to explore military and political cooperation options.

A review of the fight against insurgency in West Africa is long overdue. Tinubu being Chairman of ECOWAS should champion the process.

To crush Boko Haram and silence enemies of Nigeria is a task Nigeria’s military must accomplish. The time to do the needful is now. (NANFeatures)

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

 

Foundation plans free fistula repair surgery

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By Rita Iliya

A Minna based NGO, the Raised Foundation has announced plans to carry out a medical outreach on free Fistula Repair Surgery on Jan. 27.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach would be conducted at the Dr Amina Women Health Centre, Kontagora, Niger.

 

The Communication Officer of the Foundation, Ruth Mamman-Jiya, disclosed this in an interview with NAN in Minna on Wednesday.

 

She said the aim of the outreach was to provide free obstetric fistula repair for women.

 

“We intended to carry out 200 surgeries within one year, starting from July 2024 to June 2025. So far, we have done 121 surgeries, and this outreach is a continuation of that effort,” she said.

 

Mamman-Jiya explained that patients were expected to start arriving at the centre on Jan. 27.

 

She added that the foundation had mobilised patients through community mobilisers, health centres, and radio awareness campaigns.

 

According to her, the foundation has a good working relationship with most health centres within the state, saying  they also refer patients to its centre.

 

She disclosed that the foundation had carried out over 800 surgeries since its inception in 2017.

 

She said before building the centre, the foundation conducted its outreaches in general hospitals across the state, until 2020 when the centre was completed.

 

“Since 2020, all surgeries have been carried out at the Dr Amina Women Health Centre, Kontagora,” she said.

 

Mamman-Jiya explained that the centre provided a free comprehensive package, including surgery, feeding, and accommodation.

 

“We don’t just treat them and leave them, we empower them with skills and start-up packs to reintegrate them into the society,” she said.

 

The communication officer  said the centre’s vision was to create a Nigeria where no woman dies from pregnancy-related causes, and obstetric fistula was eradicated.

 

“We try to restore hope and dignity to women living with fistula, and our goal is to reduce the negative indices of Fistula in Nigeria,” she added.

 

Mamman-Jiya noted that the foundation’s efforts was geared toward reducing the number of women living with fistula.

 

She said no woman should have to bear the pains and troubles that come with obstetric fistula while trying to give birth.

 

She said the centre has a capacity for a full-fledged hospital, with wards, hostels, and offices.

 

She said the centre also has an empowerment programme involved in training women in various skills and also provide with start-up packs.

 

“We keep them for eight weeks, and during this time, we empower them with skills and knowledge to start a new life,” she said.

 

She added that the foundation’s efforts were  geared towards restoring dignity and hope to women living with fistula.(NAN)

Edited by Mohammed Baba Busu/Gabriel Yough

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