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IPCR Has The Potential To Promote Peace In The Country- BIO- IBRAHIM

Maryam Aminu

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim has said that the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has a germane role to play in the promotion of peace, conflict prevention, management, and resolution in the country.

Dr. Bio Ibrahim stated this when she received a delegation from the Institute in her office in Abuja.

L-R ; Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Hon. Minister of Youth Development and Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) during their courtesy call on the Minister in her office.

The Minister disclosed that she was aware of some of the activities of the IPCR because she had been one of its close observers.

Dr. Bio Ibrahim in a statement by the Head Press and Public Relations, Maryam Umar Yusuf expressed
preparedness to synergise with the Institute to ensure that the youth play their cardinal role in peace and conflict resolution in the country.

She also stressed the need to collaborate with the IPCR to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security by adopting, validating and launching of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security.

“It is important to deploy a non kinetic approach to conflict resolutions in order to have lasting peace in the country,” she said.

According to her, “A clear concept of the role to be played by the youths is needed in the effort to stem the tide of banditary militancy, and boko haram so as to bring about enduring peace and harmony in our nation.”

Speaking further, the Minister emphasized that one of the priority areas of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is the inclusion of youth in ensuring peace and harmony in the country. She therefore advised the DG to come up with a clear plan on how the youths can be actively engaged in keeping the peace.

Earlier speaking, the Director General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu said the Institute provides Nigeria and some other countries with policies based on result oriented research to build capacity in conflict management, adding that collaborating with the youths in conflict resolution will foster togetherness and patriotism.

FG, American Tower Corporation To Train Nigeria Youth On Digital Skills Acquisition.

Maryam Aminu

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, has disclosed the readiness of her Ministry to partner with the American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria to provide free training on information and communications technology for Nigerian youths.

The Minister made this disclosure when some representatives of the oganisanisation led by the Public Affairs Manager for Africa, Mr. Ehize Ilozavbie paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Abuja.

Middle, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Hon. Minister of Youth Development, 1st right, Ehize Ilozavbie, head of delegation African Tower Corporation and Joseph Myapuria during their courtesy call on the Minister.

The Minister said, “The ministry’s major mandate is to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive and to prepare them for the 21st century economy just as President Bola Tinubu has emphasised severally in most of his engagements.”

The Minister in a statement signed by the Head Press and Public Relations Maryam Umar Yusuf, expressed the preparedness of the ministry to collaborate with the ATC so as to provide greater opportunities for the youths to benefit from the services of the organisation.

She said, “We are ready to partner with you in the area of information communication technology, which is the main area of partnership with your corporation that our youths can benefit from.”

Leader of the delegation and public affairs manager for Africa, Mr. Ehize Ilozavbie informed the minister that the ATC is committed to strengthening the telecommunication industry in Nigeria.

Mr. Ilozavbie stated that his organisation has its presence in thirty – three states in the country.

He added that their skill acquisition centres are designed to up-skill community members free of charge.

He revealed that the organisation has over eight thousand telecom towers across Nigeria. He further said that about ninety eight percent of their sites have renewable energy.

The Public Affairs Manager maintained that about fifty thousand Nigerians have been trained at these centres across the federation at no cost to the trainees.

He also informed the Minister of another component of their programmes known as the Girls in ICT which is focussed on training girls from secondary schools on ICT adding that some of the graduates from their training centres have gained employment abroad as a result of the knowledge they acquired.

IPCR Has The Potential To Promote Peace In The Country- BIO- IBRAHIM

Maryam Aminu

Dr. Bio Ibrahim stated this when she received a delegation from the Institute in her office in Abuja.

The Minister disclosed that she was aware of some of the activities of the IPCR because she had been one of its close observers.

“It is important to deploy a non kinetic approach to conflict resolutions in order to have lasting peace in the country,” she said.

Maryam Aminu

Dr. Bio Ibrahim stated this when she received a delegation from the Institute in her office in Abuja.

The Minister disclosed that she was aware of some of the activities of the IPCR because she had been one of its close observers.

“It is important to deploy a non kinetic approach to conflict resolutions in order to have lasting peace in the country,” she said.

IPCR Has The Potential To Promote Peace In The Country- BIO- IBRAHIM

Maryam Aminu

Dr. Bio Ibrahim stated this when she received a delegation from the Institute in her office in Abuja.

The Minister disclosed that she was aware of some of the activities of the IPCR because she had been one of its close observers.

“It is important to deploy a non kinetic approach to conflict resolutions in order to have lasting peace in the country,” she said.

Matawalle leads efforts for actualization of UNMAS in North East

… FG is working to resettle IDPs, others

The Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, is leading Federal Government ‘s efforts in the actualization of the United Nations Mine Action Service ( UNMAS) in the North East of Nigeria.

Henshaw Ogubike, Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe
Director ( Information and Public Relations) disclosed in a press release he signed that in 2019 the Government of Nigeria constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention to develop a National Mine Action Strategy and a work plan for the survey and clearance of anti-personnel mines in the North Eastern States affected by the Boko Haram Insurgency.

The membership of the Committee are Ministry of Defence (as Chair), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Emergency Management Agency, Northeast Development Commission and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs.

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a service located within the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations that specializes in coordinating and implementing activities to limit the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices.

It was initially deployed to Nigeria in the 2018 to provide technical support in areas of coordination, planning and technical advise and support to the humanitarian communities and Government but it was left after years of inaction.

But with the coming of Dr. Matawalle as Defence Minister of State the issue has been given attention from the Federal Government in synergy with the Government of Borno State.

It could be recalled that the Representative of the United Nations had a meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for Defence late last year where he reassured the delegation that the Federal Government was working out modalities to resettle returnees and the Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs) in Nigeria to a safe and better living condition.

Matawalle said that Federal Government would partner with UNMAS in working out a workable solution in reintegrating IDPs and farmers into society for better life. “We need to redesign action plan for the IDP returnees and farmers to go back to their farms,” he said

He said that there was the need for Federal Government to provide essential technical support for the establishment of a national mine action centre in the North East and extend it to North West where incidence of insurgency is still prevalent.

He said: ” Such center will afford the IDPs the opportunity to return to their Communities and have access to quality education.”

Through the intervention of Dr. Matawalle, the Government of Borno State led by his Excellency, Babagana Umara Zulum has provided Official and residential building for the activities of UNMAS to start in the North East being an epic center of insurgency.

This bold step of the Minister of Defence and Borno State Governor has further demonstrated that Nigerian Government is committed in providing support to hazardous areas affected by either war or activities of terrorism.

“There is the need to conduct Technical Surveys to identify hazardous areas that need to be safe before any other activities can take place,” the Minister said.

While commending the efforts of the Governor, the Minister highlighted some of the benefits to include; assistance for the IDPs, risk education and advocacy, clearance of the identified hazardous areas and stockpile destruction.

FG, American Tower Corporation To Train Nigeria Youth On Digital Skills Acquisition.

Maryam Aminu

The Minister made this disclosure when some representatives of the oganisanisation led by the Public Affairs Manager for Africa, Mr. Ehize Ilozavbie paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Abuja.

She said, “We are ready to partner with you in the area of information communication technology, which is the main area of partnership with your corporation that our youths can benefit from.”

Leader of the delegation and public affairs manager for Africa, Mr. Ehize Ilozavbie informed the minister that the ATC is committed to strengthening the telecommunication industry in Nigeria.

Mr. Ilozavbie stated that his organisation has its presence in thirty – three states in the country.

He added that their skill acquisition centres are designed to up-skill community members free of charge.

He revealed that the organisation has over eight thousand telecom towers across Nigeria. He further said that about ninety eight percent of their sites have renewable energy.

The Public Affairs Manager maintained that about fifty thousand Nigerians have been trained at these centres across the federation at no cost to the trainees.

IRS Chairman Joins Global Alliance Crusade for A Peaceful Nigeria

Maryam Aminu

Despite the solid progress made in democratic consolidation, regional cooperation, and economic growth in recent years, Nigeria has been in the global spotlight due to persistent insecurity. Indeed, the current peace and security is replete with existing and emerging threats that are national, regional, and global in character. The threats are occasioned by incidents of terrorism, violent extremism, election violence, intercommunal violence, ethnic violence, farmer-herder conflicts, transnational organised in crime, and climate change, among others.

In the face of these crises worldwide, it is crucial to acknowledge unity in our diverse humanity and a shared responsibility in tackling global challenges.

The President Global Alliance for Peace and Unity, (GAPU) Hon. Solomon Pevkyaa said this when he led a team on a visit to the Chairman, Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service, Ahmed Muhammad on Thursday

GAPU seeks through this call to enhance inter-religious understanding and peace, including aspects relating to religion or belief, respect for diversity, countering hate speech and radicalization and enhancing dialogue

Pevkyaa said the visit was with the hope to building a partnership on the basis of shared understanding and knowledge on peace building in making Nigeria a more peaceful place

Awarding Yakubu Muhammad with certificate of commendation, Pevkyaa expressed that the Association appoints Credible Personalities whose lifestyles are ancored in promoting Peace

Reacting, the Chairman, Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service, Ahmed Yakubu Muhammad reiterated his commitment to working with GAPU for lasting peace across Nigeria

He stressed the importance of working together to tackle the various root causes of violence in Nigeria

ECOWAS organises 2 Days Brainstorming workshop on peace and security in Abuja

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), with the support of the Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project, has organised a brainstorming workshop (face-to-face and virtual) from February 22 to 23, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, with a view to developing a policy for integrating the gender dimension into peace support operations in the West African region.

According to a summary made available to journalists in Abuja by the ECOWAS Programme officer, IT and Communication, Mr. Kouadio Serge, the experts discussed the draft policy and strategy for the development, adoption, financing and implementation of the gender mainstreaming policy, as well as methodologies for ownership and inclusion of all stakeholders in the policy development process.

During the event, Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom, ECOWAS Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Dr .Sani Adamu, Acting Head of the Peace Support Operations Division, stressed that the workshop is a crucial step towards the development of a policy and training programs for ECOWAS that would bring its peace operations in line with all international standards, ensuring that gender is taken into account in the planning, preparation and deployment of all ECOWAS peace operations.

Dr Cyriaque Agnekethom also welcomed the involvement and support of key partners, including the EPSAO project implemented in partnership the European Union and the German government, the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA).
“As a reminder, since its creation in 1975, ECOWAS has integrated gender issues into its policies, programs and activities with increasing success. The regional organization’s Commission has developed “legal frameworks that recognize the importance of preserving the role of women in governance, electoral processes, conflict prevention and resolution and peacebuilding. These frameworks include the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), the ECOWAS Gender Policy (2005), the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (2008) and the Strategic Framework on Gender and Elections (2016).”

“In addition, there is a key framework at ECOWAS level, emphasizing the integration of gender equality and gender mainstreaming, including (i) the revised ECOWAS Treaty (1993); (ii) the 1999 ECOWAS Protocol on the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security; (iii) the Women’s Peace and Security Action Plan component of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF) 2017-2020;

“Similarly, (iv) Decision A/DEC. 1/01/05 Concerning the adoption of the ECOWAS Gender Policy and all its implementation instruments; (v) the Action Plan for the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 1325 and 1820; (vi) the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (CPE) (2008), (vii) the ECOWAS Strategic Framework on Gender and Elections (2015), and (viii) the Small Arms and Light Weapons Gender Initiative (2019).

The two-day meeting was attended by Ambassador NGOZI OKAEJE, Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Guinea Bissau and Head of Mission of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea Bissau, experts from the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), the ECOWAS Stabilization Mission in Guinea-Bissau (SSMGB), ECOWAS training Centres of Excellence (TCEs), GIZ – EPSAO and the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA).

FG will ensure that Nigeria’s maritime sector gets into best of shape- Oloruntola

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy/Transportation, Olufemi Oloruntola has stated that the ministry was created to address, harness and reposition the maritime sector and taking this into consideration, he assured that the ministry is committed to approach with purpose, the role of overseeing remarkable and notable difference at the nation’s ports.

According to Report by Desmond Adyo (Senior Information Officer) signed by Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press & Public Relations, the Permanent Secretary disclosed this when he received the Executive members of the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) at the ministry in Abuja, noting that for the ministry to realise these ideals, it will be accessible and open to formal correspondence with facts as well as propositions from critical stakeholders in the maritime sector.

Speaking further, Oloruntola identified as laudable, the coming together of about 20 associations to work under one umbrella saying that such an act facilitates communication and dialogue amidst other matters. He however, advised the association to drive home its mandate through a non-antagonistic dialogue with relevant government bodies to achieve its demands. The permanent secretary further assured that the complaints, the suggestions and the outcome of the specific meeting with NAMTOP will be brought to the attention of the Honourable Minister even before further correspondence from the trade association is received.

On his part, the National President, National Association of Maritime Transport Operators, Adeyinka Aroyewun who spoke on behalf of the delegation disclosed that the need for the visit was critical, to inform the Permanent Secretary of the association’s role at the ports, with most emphasis at the Lagos Ports, as well as to give verifiable information regarding developments within the ports as most often, information reaching Abuja and the ministry from Lagos, were usually misrepresented.

Furthermore, the President disclosed that the association is faced with several challenges notably the one concerning the Nigerian Ports Authority’s electronic call-up system (ETO).

According to him, the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators have been victims of the e-call-up policy which he noted has been more of a disservice to truckers than allegedly claimed by NPA.

The e-call up, Aroyewun stated only serves the purpose of generating revenue for the Government without addressing or proffering solutions of truckers in their quest to accessing port terminals. This is even as he indicted the Nigerian Ports Authority of charging truckers the sum of N25, 000 as against the approved levy of N10,000 payable for the use of the Truck Transit Parks.

The e-callup he disclosed, is not devoid of human interface, stating that payment of the levy is the only aspect that was electronically addressed. All other aspects he noted, involves direct human interphase.

Another of such affliction being faced by its members, Aroyewun disclosed, was the proliferation of fake Minimum Safety Standard (MSS) stickers to access the ports to the disadvantage of the business of other truckers. He therefore, appealed to the ministry to primarily address these challenges as their businesses are being affected negatively.

NiMet, Sahel Consulting Signs MoU, Set To Promote Resilient Agricultural System In Nigeria

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Thursday, 22nd February, 2024, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sahel Consulting to build sustainable climate monitoring and address early warnings system bottlenecks for resilient agricultural systems in Nigeria.

Signing the MoU, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike stressed the importance of early warnings as a measure to protect citizens.
“The importance of Early Warnings System cannot be over emphasized and we are willing to partner with any organization that is capable of investing in preparedness. This will help protect our population who should and must be protected by early warnings of climate disaster”, he said.

The Climate Early Warnings project is to be executed by Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, in collaboration with a consortium of implementing partners including The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and NiMet.

The project will include the provision of six Meteorological Automatic weather Observation Systems (AWOS) in Nigeria and setting up of a Mapping Room. It will also include capacity development for staff of NiMet and other government ministries, departments and agencies in Nigeria.

The implementation team includes members from International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) of Columbia University, New York, USA among others.

Yemi Adegoroye signed the MoU on behalf of Sahel Consulting and the consortium, while Professor Charles Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.