Africa Security Investigation News

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation  will from next month start payment of twenty five thousand Naira grants to the benefiting  members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners captured in the expanded National  Social Register of the  Conditional Cash Transfer,(CCT) Scheme.

According to Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, (ANIPR) Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, in a press release he signed on Thursday, disclosed that the Minister For Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, announced  this Wednesday when she met with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress,NLC led by its President,Joe Ajaero at Labour House,  Abuja.

The Minister explained that the decision to include vulnerable pensioners in the CCT scheme was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to labour leaders which he will deliver on.

Edu told the NLC that “the President mentioned very clearly that vunurable pensioners should be immediately captured on the National social Register and benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer, as part of the national social safety net expansion and this was made clear in his speech on Independence Day where he committed 25000 Naira for 15million household for three months”

She appealed to the NLC to help fast-track the process of collating Data of would-be vulnerable pensioners beneficiaries so that they can start receiving CCT.

“I want us to fast-track this.  If we can get this data and information within two weeks, we are sure that you will be beneficiaries immediately and  you can  start earning from next month which is November, that’s the main reason why I’m here”,  Dr.  Edu said.

She commended Ajaero for being a team player, saying the task of moving Nigeria forward was a collective one and urged him to continue to have faith in the federal government under President Tinubu.

Responding,  Ajaero expressed delight at the various poverty alleviation schemes rolled out by the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry and the passion and commitment the minister has for the job!

He was however of the view that getting to the root cause of poverty would go a long way in addressing the problem.

“Let’s look at not only how to solve this problem, but the cause of it, if we continue to treat the effects of poverty the problem will persist. Let us look other social welfare interventions and job creation that will go a long way to support families.

The NLC boss urged the federal government to create more jobs by creating a productive economy where factories are functioning and employing workers.

He thanked the Minister for being the first member of the federal executive council to visit the labour house in President Tinubu’s Administration,saying “for finding time to visit the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we will work with you to achieve success in this process and your impact will be felt.

President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Godwin Abumisi,thanked President Tinubu and the Minister for finding the retirees worthy of the federal government benefits.

He said Pensioners recieved as low as  between five and ten thousand Naira a month,saying twenty five thousand is a big money to them. He thanked the Minister for the Exceptional performance so far urging her to keep up the speed.

By Emmanuel Daudu

A female activist and youth leader, Comr. Shamsiya Adamu has bagged a LEADERSHIP ICON award in Jigawa state during the opening ceremony of a 100 training of teachers on mathematics, ICT, and Research Techniques on Tuesday organized by the Youth & Civil Society Coalition for Development in Dutse, Jigawa State.

Comr. Shamsiya Adamu who spoke with the media immediately after the event thanked the organization for finding her worthy of the award, pointing out that it is only a way to spur her up to do more.

While speaking further, she charged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and ensure that the knowledge is transferred to the generation to come.
” I would like to advise the government to improve and add more value to this organization and to organize such kind of programs for school teachers, such as English teachers, and agricultural teachers,” she added.

During the event, the Coordinator of Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Muhammad Idi Song lauded the training in a goodwill message while declaring the training open.

According to him, the youth organization is absolutely doing a great job by finding it necessary to contribute to enhancing the education sector in Jigawa state.
“We are proud of this organization and we will always be there for them to make such programs a huge success.

“I want to thank the organizers for the effort in getting resource persons and well-qualified experts to anchor the training.

“I also urge the participants to remain determined to learn and make the knowledge a transferable one to the younger generation”, he added.

The intensive training scheduled from 26-30th of September, 2023 was organized by the Youth & Civil Society Coalition for Development under the Presidency of Comr. Aminu Aminu.

Also speaking, the commissioner, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahad stated that the training is in line with the agenda of the Executive governor of Jigawa State, H.E Umar Namadi which is aimed at training at least 500 teachers across the state annually.
“Helping teachers to meet up to the global standard through training and restraining is a very good development. This would help the state to breed students of modern knowledge which would transit to generations to come.

“I urge stakeholders to continue the collaboration in staging this program periodically and I am pledging my support to this project and as a matter of fact, the female gender should be a priority during selections for the training subsequently.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Ado Yakubu Zandam, who is the Chairman House Committee on Education, Jigawa State House of Assembly while giving his goodwill message charged the participants to take the training seriously pointing out that the essence of the training is to make them improve in their places of primary assignment.

Earlier, declaring the event open, the President of the Youth & Civil Society Coalition for Development, YCSCD, Comr. Aminu Aminu speaking on the significance of training teachers, has this to say, “Training teachers is a critical aspect of education because it helps to improve the quality of education and the overall teaching experience for students. Here are several reasons why training teachers is important:

“Improves teaching skills and knowledge: Teacher training programs equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective instruction, manage their classrooms, and assess student learning.

“Enhances student learning: Well-trained teachers have the ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment, which can lead to an increase in student learning outcomes.

“Keeps teachers up-to-date with new teaching methodologies and technologies: Teachers should continuously improve their skills and knowledge of new teaching methodologies and technologies, and training programs provide an effective means to do so.

“Helps teachers manage diverse classrooms: Effective teacher training can equip teachers with strategies to manage a diverse range of learners in their classroom, including those with special needs, various cultural backgrounds, and different learning styles.

“Fosters professional development: Teacher training can encourage ongoing professional development, leading to improved teacher retention rates and job satisfaction.

“In conclusion, teacher training is a fundamental aspect of education that can lead to better teaching, improved student outcomes, and a more satisfying teaching experience for both students and teachers”, Aminu added.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet), has alerted the public on the possibility of deterioration in visibility in some northern states as a result of observed dust haze propagated into the country from the source region.

According to a release from the Agency, signed by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim
GM/ PR, “Stations in the source region from  Chad (Faya-Largeau, Bol-Berim, Mongo, Abeche and Ndjamena) have been reporting horizontal visibility between 800m and 4000m. Other sources from Niger that share border with northern Nigeria (Diffa, Maine-Soroa, Goure, Bila, Maradi, zinder and Birni-n- Konni) have been reporting dust haze in poor visibility between 1000m and 3000 m since the last 24 hours”.

Explaining  further the statement revealed that due to strong winds, the dust in suspension is expected to propagate  to some states in the northern part of the country, which will further reduce horizontal visibility.

The release further disclosed that there are prospects of DUST HAZE (in moderate to poor horizontal visibility) over the northern parts of the country , especially over Katsina , Kano, , Nguru, Jigawa Potiskum and Maiduguri in the next 24 hours, the statement reads.

NiMet therefore advise members of the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere. Individuals with respiratory ailments are advised to protect themselves as the current weather condition is not good for their health.

Airline operators are also advised to avail themselves of weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.

The United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Raymond Edoh has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 63rd independence commemoration, assures Nigerian youths globally of a result full and improved economic in a short while.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media, and Publicity, Emmanuel Daudu, Dr. Raymond Edoh has this to say, “Nigeria gained its independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. This marked a significant milestone in Nigerian history and set the stage for the country’s development as a sovereign nation.

“The youth in Nigeria have played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s history and continue to do so today. During the struggle for independence, young Nigerians actively participated in various movements and organizations advocating for self-governance. Prominent youth leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello emerged during this period and went on to become influential figures in Nigerian politics.

“Since independence, we the youth in Nigeria have been instrumental in driving social, political, and economic changes in the country. They have been at the forefront of demanding accountability, good governance, and social justice. Nigerian youth have organized protests, advocacy campaigns, and used social media platforms to amplify their voices and express their concerns.

“One notable example of youth activism in recent times is the #EndSARS movement that gained international attention in October 2020. The movement, largely led by young Nigerians, called for an end to police brutality and demanded police reform. It showcased the power of youth mobilization and their ability to bring about change.

“Furthermore, Nigerian youth have been actively involved in entrepreneurship, technology, arts, and culture, contributing to the country’s economic growth and development. They have embraced innovation, started businesses, and created job opportunities for themselves and others.

“However, we the youth also face numerous challenges, including high unemployment rates, inadequate access to quality education, and limited opportunities for political participation. Addressing these challenges remains a crucial task for the government and society as a whole.

“We the youth have played a significant role in shaping the nation’s journey. We continue to be at the forefront of demanding change, driving innovation, and contributing to Nigeria’s development.

“The country’s 63rd independence anniversary, is a special occasion for all of us Nigerians, regardless of our background, tribe or religion to celebrate the gains of freedom, saluting the sacrifices of founding fathers”

Edoh, while reiterating his optimism in the Tinubu led government tasked the youth not to give up on the Nigerian economy stressing that the storms would be over in a no distance time.

The National President of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria [MOUN], Comrade Julius Oghenevwegba Bobi has stated that the union would no longer tolerate a situation where their members are subjected to all manner of abuse by state governments and their agencies across the country.

According to a statement signed personally by the MOUN president and made available to the media on Sunday, he lamented that their members all over the country are been subjected to several inhuman treatment which is no longer accceptable to union.

The release read, “This is to draw your attention to the fact that the leadership of MOUN is very much aware of the travails and indisriminate treatment meted out to our members who ride motorcycles across the country by the government and her agencies, the effect of which as the National President, I have risen to the challenge to hold a dialogue with the government over these harassments and incessant seizure of motorcycles that are hitherto being destroyed, thereby rendering our members jobless despite being lawful citizens of the country, who pay their taxes regularly’

“The information reaching us this week gave an estimate of about 700 motorcycles that were seized by government agencies in the FCT, Abuja, aside other places in Nigeria. This is worrisome among other things motorcyclists are going through in Nigeria. If not harassments from the police as a result of extortions, it will be one thing or the other, a bane we can no longer tolerate”, the statement read.

Comrade Bobi maintained that the situation has forced him to write to the current Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike with a view to appealing to him to change his approach handling the issues relating to motorcycle riders in the Federal Capital Territory.

You may want to recall that the Motorcycle Operators Union recently received their Union certificate from the Registrar of the Trade Union, Mr Amos Faloni.

And according to the National President, the new development has now given them the temerity to carry out their operations in the way and manner that is regulated by the law. “We now have the full backing to exist as an entity without the harassment and molestation by anybody hence within the ambit of the law. We are by this poised to achieve our mission and vision statement as our core values and what the association represent.

Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 63rd independence anniversary.saying the celebration,though at a low key is symbolic in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.

In a statement signed by her Special Adviser, Media, and Publicity, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Minister said the country’s 63rd independence anniversary, is a special occasion for all of us Nigerians, regardless of our background, tribe or religion to celebrate the gains of freedom, saluting the sacrifices of founding fathers”

Urging for a renewal of faith in Nigeria, Dr. Betta gave the assurance that with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a new lease of life for Nigeria is in the offering for all Nigerians.

The Minister called on all citizens, especially the youths, women to stay patriotic and work with the Government of President Bola Tinubu on rebuilding and restructuring the system to yield better dividends.

“Our love and faith in Nigeria must never waver; they must rule our hearts at all times.

“As a youth myself, I call on the young people to see the survival and greatness of Nigeria as tasks that must be done. Let’s therefore, celebrate our 63rd independence anniversary with joy and pride, knowing that we belong to a great country with a rich history and bright future”, Dr. Edu said in the statement.

Continuing, the Minister canvassed the support of all Nigerians for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that will end hunger and multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria, “including a reduction in humanitarian crises which my Ministry is spearheading”

“Our dear president needs the collective support of Nigerians to enable him to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at ushering in a new lease of life for everyone.

“Our country’s 63rd independence anniversary, therefore, presents us with a beautiful opportunity to rededicate ourselves to upholding the ideals of our founding fathers and the goals of the present administration. Happy independence, Nigerians”, she added.

LAGOS, September 28, 2023: Three freedom of expression and media development organizations today issued a joint call on Federal and State Governments to take urgent measures to facilitate access to the Internet for all Nigerians in accordance with the government’s international obligations. They stressed that access to the internet is no longer a matter of mere convenience but a fundamental prerequisite for full citizenship and participation in modern society.

In a joint statement signed by Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO); Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC); and Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) in commemoration of this year’s International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), the organizations urged the government to take immediate and comprehensive action to bridge the digital divide by exploring innovative solutions to provide universal and affordable internet connectivity to all citizens, regardless of their location or economic status.

According to them, universal access to the internet has become imperative in the digital age “with many countries in Africa and elsewhere in the world already providing or ensuring high quality Internet connectivity for all their citizens free of charge”, which makes it “unacceptable that millions of Nigerians continue to wallow in digital wilderness”.

The organizations are the Nigerian members of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a global network of freedom of expression organizations, and its continental network, the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), and are collaborating under the banner of the Partnership for Media and Democracy (PAMED).

They recalled in their joint statement that Nigeria was a co-sponsor of the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/20/L.13 of July 5, 2012, wherein the global human rights body called on “all States to promote and facilitate access to the Internet”.

They argued that having worked with a handful of other countries, namely the United States, Brazil, Sweden, Turkey and Tunisia, to initiate and propose the idea to the world for all States to facilitate access to the Internet for their citizens, it is ironic and reflects negatively on Nigeria that more than 11 years after the resolution was adopted, it has no policy or plan in place for the realization of the goal for its own citizens.

The organizations also cited the provisions of Paragraph 37 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which imposes a mandatory obligation on member States of the African Union to, “in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, adopt laws, policies and other measures to provide universal, equitable, affordable and meaningful access to the internet without discrimination.”

The organizations noted that while a significant portion of Nigeria’s population enjoys the benefits of the online world, there remains a sizable segment of the society that is excluded, marginalized, and disadvantaged due to their lack of access to the internet, arguing that such exclusion raises critical questions about the status of such people as citizens in the digital age where many public services and other benefits are now available only to those who are online.

Observing that this year’s celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information is focusing on the importance of the online space for Access to Information, they argued that the digital age has transformed the way we live, learn, work, and communicate and that access to the Internet had become a necessary means for the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, access to information and other human rights online.

The organizations insisted that those who are currently not online are being unjustifiably denied their full citizenship rights and benefits, including access to critical public services and other benefits that exist online in the digital age and urged Federal and State Governments to take advantage of this year’s celebration of the international right to information Day to commit themselves to redressing this undesirable reality.

They also called on Federal and State governments to take urgent steps to boost public trust and confidence in the internet, including by putting an end to attacks on journalists, bloggers and other citizens for expressing themselves online, describing such practices as a violation of the right to freedom of expression as well as the spirit of the 2012 UN Human Rights Council resolution co-sponsored by Nigeria, which affirmed that “the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online.”

The organizations also urged the government to ensure that all members of society, including vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents, are protected online by adopting appropriate policies and legislation, undertaking media and digital literacy programmes, among other measures.

They appealed to the government to take special care as it launches 5G telecommunication networks and services in Nigeria to ensure that the introduction of the technology in the country bridges rather than exacerbates the digital divide, including by ensuring that the services are affordable for ordinary citizens.

The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Funab Group of Companies Limited, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia has joined well meaning Nigerians to congratulate Muslims across the globe on the occasion of Eidul-Maolud, celebration making the birth of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In a statement signed by his Director of Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan and made available to Journalists on Wednesday in Abuja stated that, he is pleased to extend warm greetings and his heartfelt felicitations to fellow Nigerians and the world at large on the auspicious occasion of Eidul-Maolud, the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

According to the statement, “As we gather with loved ones and fellow believers to commemorate this joyous occasion, let us reflect upon the noble teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and strive to emulate the values of compassion, unity, and peace that he exemplified throughout his life.

It stated further “Eidul-Maolud provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of justice, humility, and brotherhood. It strengthens the bonds that hold our diverse nation together and reminds us of the importance of tolerance and understanding in a harmonious society.

Ajia used the opportunity to appeal to government to take priority in welfare of citizens and progress of the nation.

“We urge Federal government to remain dedicated to the welfare of citizens and progress of our great nation. We take immense pride in the economic growth and widespread development of Nigeria.”

He said, “On this joyous occasion, let us take a moment to appreciate the efforts made by all Nigerians towards building a prosperous future for our beloved country.

He advised that Nigerians should be their brothers keeper and extend hands of assistance to fellows in need.

“In this spirit of unity and solidarity, let us also remember those less fortunate among us, extending a helping hand to those who are in need. A compassion-driven society is the hallmark of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, let us strive to promote the welfare of all and work towards eradicating poverty and inequality.”

He therefore prayed that, this special day of Eidul-Maolud fill our hearts with joy, peace, and gratitude.

“Let it inspire us to foster goodwill and understanding, transcending differences, and celebrating our shared humanity.

“I extend my sincerest wishes to all Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, for a joyous Eidul-Maolud celebration. May the divine blessings of Prophet Muhammad be upon us all, guiding us towards a future of prosperity, resilience, and tranquility.