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  • 65-year-old pastor in police custody for allegedly defiling 7-year-old girl

     

    Defilement

    By Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 65- year old man, Francis Ogwu, has been handed over to the police for allegedly defiling his seven-year-old girl domestic help.

    The suspect, Ogwu, was arrested following an alarm raised by concerned residents of the town.

    The media aide to Anambra Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare,  Miss Chidinma Ikeanyionwu,  said this in a statement to newsmen  in Awka on Thursday.

    The suspect, a pastor and general overseer of Jesus House of Joy Church, Awka hails from Imo State.

    He has lived in Anambra, with his wife and children, for over 30 years.

    Ogwu confessed to the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, that he “just fingered the girl once”

    He denied allegations of penetration as against what the seven-year-old victim said.

    Ogwu attributed his action to temptation saying his wife usually denied him sex and that she made excuses of fasting whenever he desired her.

    Meanwhile, the seven-year-old, who narrated her side of the story, said the suspect had carnal knowledge of her over three times.

    She informed the Commissioner that her guardian Ogwu usually gave her money ranging from N500 to N1,000 after each experience.

    She also said that at some point, she was accused by the pastor’s wife of snatching the husband from her.

    The girl noted  that what prompted her to leave was the beating she got by the suspect’s daughter at any slightest mistake.

    Speaking, the mother of the victim, a native of Awka, Destiny Nwabueze, stated that she handed the daughter over to the Ogwu family due to their cordial relationship over time.

    Nwabueze said that she was shocked  when her daughter returned and told her of the development.

    She revealed that she quickly called the suspect, who upon arrival denied the allegations, which prompted her to involve other people by raising alarm.

    Reacting to the ugly incident, Obinabo said she would ensure the seven-year-old got justice.

    The Commissioner advised women to always be vigilant over their husbands behaviours.

    She also advised women to stop starving their husbands of sex as that could lead to bad behavior for some men.

    Obinabo, who charged women to always protect their girl child at all cost, noted that defilement was no longer excusable in Anambra State.

    Ogwu was kept under police custody as the case would be charged to court. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/ACA/MNA

    ==≈=====

    Edited by Chidinma Agu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Gaming, lottery have potential to drive economy- Gov. Mbah

     

    Lottery

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says gaming has enormous potential to drive and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy and tourism industry.

    The governor disclosed this during the Enugu State Gaming Conference held at Amaedo Event Centre, Enugu on Thursday with the theme: “Exploring The Future of Gaming: Innovation and Collaborations”

    Mbah, represented by his deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, said that Enugu was eager to drive the innovation and regulatory process.

    The governor said the government keyed into the industry to boost its revenues and local economy.

    He, however, urged the operators and investors in Gaming and Lottery Industry to imbibe the spirit of innovation and creativity to providing consumers with excellent services.

    Mbah advised that the gaming and lottery operations should be done with highest standard of integrity, transparency and responsibility.

    He assured the investors that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the businesses to thrive, adding that it was the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens.

    While describing the conference as apt and timing, Mbah urged the participants to come up with exciting discussions that would shape the future of the gaming industry in the country.

    “We must separate gaming driven by addiction where you now have to wreck yourself financially by selling your properties, selling your jewellery or that of the members of your family because you want to play a game,.

    “These are two different things and that is where the regulators have a duty to checkmate this,” he said.

    Earlier in a welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, said the conference stood as a testament to their collective commitment to the future of the gambling industry in Enugu State in particular and Nigeria in general.

    According to Arum, Enugu State holds a unique position within Nigeria – a vibrant cultural and e economic centre with a rich history and dynamic population.

    “We are not only to discuss current challenges and opportunities but to chart a course towards sustainable growth and development that benefits all stakeholders, operators, consumers, and the industry at large.

    “With the theme, this event has been carefully designed to help in the overall growth of the industry especially in Enugu State.

    “It encapsulates our vision for a forward-thinking approach to industry growth through innovation spurred by strategic partnership.

    He explained that there were tremendous potentials for the gaming sector to contribute significantly to the state’s economic prosperity.

    Arun called for its prudent and transparent management as well as social impact and consumer protection.

    While commending the state government for its support and unwavering commitment to building a unique and safe gaming destination in Nigeria, Arum expressed gratitude to all their sponsors, partners and organisers who made the conference a reality.

    A Resource Person, Mr Basher Are while speaking in a topic titled: “Gaming Tourism Development: Prospects For Nigeria Market” x-rayed the challenges facing the gaming industry in the country.

    He said that there was a bright future for the sector in the land.

    The high point of the event was a panel discussion with questions and answers session from participants. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/OIF/MNA
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/ Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • NGO seeks urgent action to end torture

    Dr Uju Agomoh and other Stakeholders on Inmates and torture victims welfare

    NGO seeks urgent action to end torture

     

    Torture
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 28, 2024(NAN)An NGO,  Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called for urgent action by African countries to intensify efforts to eradicate torture.

    The Executive Director, PRAWA , Dr Uju Agomoh made this in a statement to commemorate the year 2024 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on Friday in Abuja.

    Agomoh said that torture was a grave violation of human rights, causing immense physical and psychological suffering adding that despite global advances, many individuals still endured the atrocity.

    She said that PRAWA remained steadfast in its mission to create a humane and secure society that corrects and empowers to prevent crime, violence, and torture while providing comprehensive rehabilitation to survivors.

    She said “we honour the resilience and strength of torture survivors and commend their courage.

    According to her, PRAWA continues to work tirelessly to offer medical, psychological, legal, and social support, ensuring their reintegration into society and promoting their healing journey.

    “For three decades, PRAWA has been unwavering in its commitment to eradicating torture and providing holistic support to survivors.

    “Since the adoption of the UN Convention Against Torture, serves as a solemn reminder of our ongoing fight to uphold human dignity and justice.

    “We once again call upon the Nigerian government and African states to intensify their efforts to eradicate torture.

    “Concrete steps must be taken to implement effective legal frameworks, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and provide adequate resources for the support and rehabilitation of survivors.

    “The prohibition of torture is absolute and non- negotiable, “she said.

    The PRAWA boss further urged government and African states to fully implement and enforce existing anti- torture laws to ensure perpetrators were held accountable.

    Agomoh also urged them to allocate resources to support comprehensive rehabilitation programs for survivors of torture.

    She appealed for continuous training for law enforcement and security personnel on human rights and the absolute prohibition of torture.

    “We urge them to establish and strengthen independent bodies to monitor detention facilities and investigate allegations of torture.

    “Also, government need them to resource​​​ the​ National​ Preventive Mechanism (NPM) adequately to enable its effective functioning and full compliance with the provisions of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, Cruel, Inhumane and Degrading Treatment​​or​ Punishment​​(OPCAT).​

    “This includes​ providing​​ sufficient funding, staffing, and training to ensure the NPM can effectively carry out its mandate, “she said.

    The PRAWA boss also called on​ the international community to support African nations in their fight against torture by providing technical ​​​assistance,​​funding,​and capacity-building initiatives.

    “As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to a world free from torture, where every individual’s dignity is respected and protected.

    “Together, we can make significant strides towards ending torture and supporting survivors, ensuring justice, healing, and a brighter future for all.

    “Together, we stand united against torture, “he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Torture Victims Day is observed every June 26 globally.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SH

    =======

    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Katsina State recorded reduction in out-of-school children, says UNICEF

    Katsina State recorded reduction in out-of-school children, says  UNICEF

     

    Children

    by Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) says the rate of Out-of-school children in Katsina State has reduced from 36.9 per cent to 35.5 per cent in the last eight years.

    Mr Rahma Farah, the UNICEF’s Chief of  Kano Field Office made this known during a Media Dialogue organised in Katsina by UNICEF in collaboration with the Katsina Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

    Farah said the success was recorded as a resu;t of collaboration between the state government, UNICEF and other partners.

    “The number of out-of-school children has been high, with 536,122 children, but it is progressively reducing over the last eight years from 36.9 per cent in 2016 to 35.5 per cent in 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).

    “It has been projected that the rate will reduce to 30 per cent by 2024 if commitments to education and investments are sustained by the government.

    “Primary school completion rate in Katsina state averages at 62.5 per cent compared to the national average of 73.1 per cent, and 56.1 per cent for the northwest respectively.

    “Senior Secondary School Completion rates are low, with only 32 per cent of children enrolled completing their education MICS 2021,” he said.

    Farah pointed out that it was important to note that Katsina has a positive gender parity index of one at primary level, meaning there are nearly equal numbers of girls and boys in primary school, and the transition rates can be more encouraging than they are now.

    According to him, the transition rate to secondary school in Katsina state stands at 69.5 per cent lower than the national average of 84 per cent and the northwest average of 70 per cent, with fewer girls transitioning to secondary school than boys.

    “Only 9.2 per cent, and 13.3 per cent of children in grade-3 were able to demonstrate reading and numeracy skills respectively in Katsina state compared to the national average of 26.8 and 25.3 in reading and numeracy skills respectively.

    “To mitigate against the declining state of education in terms of access, participation and quality of learning outcomes, UNICEF, and partners supported the state and governments in the Northwest to reprioritise investments in education.

    ”This has resulted in increased financing to education, increase 96720k the number of newly recruited teachers, provides over 100,000 social cash transfers to keep children from the poorest families in school, and also enrolled over 123,575 learners, boys and girls, on the Nigeria Learning Passport platform in the last two year

    “It also led to the creation of 500 community learning hubs in 10 frontline Local Government Areas, engaged radio stations to broadcast radio learning programmes and provision of solar radios and memory sticks in support of alternative learning solutions,” he said.

    Farah said that UNICEF and other partners also supported the government to launch a strategy that provides equal opportunities to all children to enroll, participate, transition and complete school by children in Frontline areas.

    He added that the state was supported to create an enabling environment for a second chance education for girls through Re-Entry guidelines that provide opportunities for pregnant and married girls to re-enroll and complete their education.

    He said that UNICEF would like to engage the media as equal partners in education development and ensure that every parent, community, traditional and religious leader is aware of the government of Katsina and its partners’ priorities.

    UNICEF distributed 2,760 radio devices to local communities affected by insecurity to ensure easy access to learning for children in the areas. (NAN)

    AABS/YMU/SH

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    Edited by Yakubu Uba/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

     

  • 19 Jigawa LGAs listed in high, moderate flood risk areas, says NEMA

    19 Jigawa LGAs listed in high, moderate flood risk areas, says NEMA

     

    Flood

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

    Dutse, June 28, 2024 (NAN)The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says no fewer than 19 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Jigawa state fall within the high and moderate flood risk areas.

    Hajiya Zaubaida Umar, the Director-General of the NEMA, stated this during the 2024 Downscaling and Sensitization of Flood Early Warning Strategies for Early Actions in Dutse.

    This, she said, is according to the Nigeria Hydrological Agency’s (NIHSA) 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO).

    Umar, represented by Dr Nura Abdullahi, the Coordinator of NEMA Kano Territorial Office, listed the affected LGAs as Kaugama, Hadejia, Auyo, Ringim, Taura, Miga, Jahun, Guri, Kirikasamma, Malammadori, Gumel, Gwaram, Dutse, Birniwa, Kiyawa, Kafinhausa, Suletankarkar, Babura and Maigatari.

    “These LGAs are already listed  on the earlier NEMA communication to the government of Jigawa.

    “According, I call for support in this initiative of downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation to the grassroots,” Umar said.

    She stressed that the management of disaster risk in contemporary times hinges on community wide participation.

    “As we always emphasise, disaster management is everybody’s business, therefore we must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Jigawa state,” she added.

    Umar further expressed hope that the gesture will a long way in reducing the impact of annual recurring floods and safeguard the private and communal livelihoods of the people of the state.

    According to her, the gesture is also a guaranteed path of driving socio-economic growth and development, which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of the Federal Government.

    Responding, Gov. Umar Namadi, said the state government has already taken proactive measures to reduce the impact of the flood across the state.

    Namadi, represented by his Deputy, Mr Aminu Usman, assured of his administration’s commitment to continue to safeguard the lives and property of people of the state.

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Aliyu Mairiga, noted that the event highlights the urgent need for effective and proactive measures to mitigate the risks and enhance resilience.

    “In the past, we’ve witnessed the devastating impacts of floods on our communities, infrastructure and economy. The flood of 2022 is still fresh in our memories.

    “NEMA’s implementation of the redefined 2024 early warning strategies is tailored to the needs and vulnerabilities of our state.

    “We recognise the privilege to have been picked from a larger group as a start point of this sensitization,” Mairiga said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNB/BEKl/SH

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

  • My mandate from Tinubu – Idris

     

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris (2nd Left), Former Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Labaran Maku (3rd Left) and some other dignitaries at the event
    Mandate
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Tinubu’ mandated him to bring back trust and honesty to public communication.
    Idris stated this in Abuja at the 60th Anniversary celebration of the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), with theme “Public Relations; Value Re-Orientation and Economic Transformation”.
     I have the blessing and approval of my principal, President Bola Tinubu, who appointed me, to say it as it is, but in a palatable manner.
    “He directed that trust must be returned to public communication.
    “That is the only way people or citizens will respect and always want to listen to the government.
    “We will keep doing that till the end of my job here,” Idris said.
    According to the Minister, it is better to always tell the people the truth and for them to also recognise that you are telling them the truth.
    “Trust and honesty must be restored in public communication.
    “That is why, if I don’t have information about something, I will rather keep my mouth shut, than to reproduce ignorance,” he stressed.
    The immediate past Vice President of Republic of Liberia, Dr Jewel Taylor in her Keynote address narrated her journey through stigma, criticism and ability to change the narrative and people’s negative perception of her.
    Taylor commended NIPR, adding that the life of politicians revolve around crisis management, and therefore public relations remains an effective tool to address the challenges.
    She added that public relations has been an activity in the Africa society, even before the coming of the colonial masters where drums of different categories were used to communicate to the people.
    Welcoming guests at the event, Dr Ike Neliaku, the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, said, to mark the anniversary celebration, the institute planted 60 trees in each of the 36 states of the federation to address climate change.
    According to Neliaku, public relations is very important for value re-orientation and economic transformation.
    He emphasised the Institute’s commitment to creating a positive narrative for Nigeria.
    Also speaking, the pioneer chairman of NIPR, Mazi Okereke said the cause of some crises in the country was breakdown of communication between the government and the governed.
    “Nigerian Government needs to put public relations on the driving seat. We are delighted that one of us is now Minister of Information and National Orientation”.
    In his goodwill message, the Chief Executive Officer of Ben TV from the UK, Mr Alistair Soyode called on NIPR to set up its branches in other countries to take care of Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the event attracted stakeholders from home and abroad while a panel of notable figures discussed the topic, “leveraging public relations for economic growth”.
    NAN also reports the the students of African International School, Asokoro performed a unity song by Temi Dakolo at the event (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/ROT
    ========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • NNPP Youth leader dismisses EFCC’s investigation against Kwankwaso

    NNPP Youth leader dismisses EFCC’s investigation against Kwankwaso

    Dismissal

    By Abdul Hassan

    Kaduna, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The National Youth leader of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Auwal Musa, has described the EFCC investigation on the former Kano State Governor, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, as a political witch-hunt.

    He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kaduna that the action was instigated by some political rivals to tarnish Kwankwaso’s image.

    “ I challenge EFCC to come out with facts on the allegations, otherwise, we consider it as an attempt to witch-hunt and victimise him,’’ he said.

     The leader further argued that there was no justification for EFCC to commence investigation of Kwankwaso from 2015 to 2023 as a former Governor and leader of NNPP.

    “ Why did the EFCC wait this long to investigate him , nine years after leaving office and also why investigate party affairs,’’ Musa asked.

    According to him, investigating an ‘honest and hardworking’ person like Kwankwaso will only amount to a waste of time.

    “Go to Kano and see what he did as a governor, check his records as a  Defence Minister, and a Senator,’’ he said.

    Musa urged EFCC to disregard any petition written against Kwankwaso by any politician or any associate.

    On NNPP crises, the youth leader said the party had resolved all its internal crises including the power tussle among its officers at the local, state and national levels.

    “ We have recently conducted elections into various offices in 13 states of the country successfully,’’ he said.

    He added that the party had also made changes in its logo and structurally designed a method of campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “ It is our hope that the NNPP will give a surprise outing and will win national and state seats in the coming elections.

    “ Nigerian youths are ready to make serious changes in the national political scene.

    ”We’ll take over government and salvage this country from maladministration,’’ he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AH/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • FG announces boost in nation’s economy

    Boost

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has reported significant boosts in the nation’s economy with the Excess Crude Account standing at 473.75 million dollars and Stabilisation Account at over N28.7 billion.

    The Government also said that the nation’s Natural Resources fund stood at over N53.89  billion.

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this at 142nd National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, presided over by its Chairman, Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja,

    A statement on the NEC meeting was made available to newsmen by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media.

    Nkwocha said ithe vice president linked the boost in Nigeria’s economic outlook to the financial prudence and transparency framework adopted by President Bola Tinubu.

    In the statement, the vice president said: “At the helm of the nation’s affairs is a leader who always reminds us of the necessity of making the right calls to deliver on our promises to the nation.”

    Shettima also  explained why Tinubu earned and deserves the title, Jagaban, conferred on him by the Emir of Borgu.

    ” The President is Jagaban (the front-row commander), he has a rare political virtue that has made him the unifying nub of the zeal to serve the country.

    ” We highlighted Nigeria’s improved credit outlook by Fitch Ratings, owing to Mr. President’s transparency and effective financial management to further the nation’s economic progress.

    “Today, as we prepare for the agenda of the day, I am excited by the presence of His Excellency, President Tinubu, a reservoir of ideas, a visionary extraordinaire, as he guides us towards finding a common ground.

    “Nobody can do so better than he does, and it is this rare political virtue that has made him the unifying nucleus of our aspirations to serve the nation. He is the Jagaban, the front-row commander, for a reason.”

    Also in the statement, Nkwocha said that NEC ratified the nomination of six state governors as members of the Board of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

    He said the governors, representing the six geopolitical zones, were from Borno, Katsina, Imo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Akwa Ibom States.

    Nkwocha said NEC noted the importance of NDPHC to the country’s economic development in approving the nominations.

    He said the meeting saw the presentation of key updates and recommendations from various ad hoc committees.

    Notable among them was the Ad Hoc Committee on Flood, Erosion, Drought and Desertification (Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response), presented by the Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi.

    He said the flood committee called for the revitalisation of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and improved coordination between different levels of government.

    Nkwocha said the council also resolved that the Vice-President, Ministers of Finance, Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Sanitation, and Budget and Economic Planning would meet on Monday to strategise on funding sources to mitigate the climate challenges facing the states.

    He said the outcome of the meeting would be presented to the President on Tuesday.

    Nkwocha said the Council, equally, Similarly, adopted the recommendations of the committee’s report on implementation and provision of funds to states and relevant MDAs to address the problems.

    He added that Update from NEC Ad-Hoc Committee on Economic Affairs was presented by Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara.

    The spokesperson said the council resolved that the committee should align its mandate with the National Economic Management Team to come up with robust solutions to the nation’s economic challenges.

    According to him, the committee is working closely with states to address challenges related to foreign exchange loan facilities and fuel pricing.

    He said the Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, chaired by Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo presented key recommendations as part of interim measures to improve security at oil and gas terminals and enhance regulatory oversight in the sector.

    Nkwocha said Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo was co-opted into the committee as a subject matter expert and the committee was mandated to submit its final report to council within one month.

    In a related development, Nkwocha said the council received an update on the on-going discussions regarding the establishment of state police, urging states to expedite their submissions on the matter.

    In a move to bolster food security, he said the Vice-President announced the presidential approval for operationalizing the Presidential Food System Coordinating Unit.

    He said the unit is charged with the responsibility of developing robust economic solutions for the country’s food system.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/ROT

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Poverty, bad governance causes of insecurity in Sahel – Stakeholders  

    Insecurity

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Some security stakeholders said on Thursday, that addressing poverty and bad governance were key to curbing insecurity currently ravaging the Sahel region.

    The experts stated this in Abuja, during a public debate on “Security in the Sahel: Effects, Challenges, Strategies and the Way Forward”, organised by West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), Dakar, Senegal.

    They described poverty and bad governance as the root cause of insecurity in the Sahel.

    The Sahel stretches from the Atlantic Ocean eastward through northern Senegal, southern Mauritania, the great bend of the Niger River in Mali, Burkina Faso, southern Niger, northeastern Nigeria, south-central Chad, and into Sudan.

    Mr Gad Peters, Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, particularly said that insecurity thrived because governments have failed to provide the needs of the people to enable them to live a life of dignity.

    Peters spoke on the topic, “Regional and International Responses to Security: The Role of International Organisations in Addressing Global Security Challenges”.

    He said that addressing poverty was principal to addressing insecurity in the Sahel.

    He also called for a functional education to equip the region’s population with life sustaining skills.

    Peters argued that the over dependence of African countries on international donor organisations was depriving the countries from looking for workable local solutions.

    He added that development partners’ support was usually not for the sake of humanity but to satisfy certain economic interests.

    “Insecurity in the Sahel will reduce significantly if the economy works for the common man.

    “There is also the need to address poverty, unemployment, and build community resilience to shocks caused by poverty and deprivations,” he said.

    On his part, Dr Peter Olumuji, Urban Security Strategist, while noting the contribution of poverty and bad governance to rising insecurity, stressed the importance of co-opting traditional and religious leaders into Africa’s security architecture.

    Olumuji, who is also the Secretary, Command and Control Centre, FCT Administration, stressed the need to develop the capacity of traditional and religious leaders on security.

    He described the traditional and religious institutions as critical to maintaining security at community level.

    “Let us localise our security solutions to achieve the desired results,” he said.

    Similarly, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu, former Commissioner of Police, also stressed the need to involve women in driving solutions to insecurity in the Sahel and the African continent.

    According to him, women bear the brunt of insecurity anywhere in the word and their participation will help in reaching a workable solution to rising insecurity in the region.

    “Also, people need to be provided with the right information about government efforts and the traditional and religious leaders play a critical role in this regard,” he said.

    For Mr Austin Aigbe of the West Africa Democratic Solidarity Network, leadership selection process plays a key role in fuelling insecurity in the Sahel region.

    According to him, bad governance thrives because of deficit electoral processes in Africa, which in the long run severed trust between the government and the governed.

    “The people need to trust the government enough to provide intelligence reports to security operatives and bad governance would continue until we correct the anomalies in our electoral process.”

    Earlier, Mrs Agnes Thomasi, Station Manager, WADR, explained that the debate was part of activities under the project, “Providing Quality and Relevant Information: A Counter Narrative on the Security Situation in the Sahel.”

    Thomasi said that the debate was the second phase of the WADR project, under Open Society Foundation (OSF), an Africa’s Security and Rights project, designed to contribute to the process of peace building in Africa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) is a trans-territorial, sub-regional radio station based in Dakar, Senegal.

    It was established by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa now Open Society Africa in 2005 to defend the ideals of democracy and open society, by dissemination of development information across the West African sub-region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abirmwense Moru

     

  • Board, NGO, sensitise medics to micronutrient supplementation in Kaduna