Blog

Group calls for protection of street children against cholera
Group calls for protection of street children against cholera
Cholera
By Aderogba George
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI), an NGO, has called for urgent action to protect the street children from contracting cholera.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 33 states in the country have reported cases of the water-borne disease.
The initiative made the call in a statement issued by its Programme Officer, Mrs Khadijat Shuahib, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Shuahib said data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) paints a troubling picture about the disease.
According to Shuahib, NCDC has reported 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cholera cases, resulting in 37 deaths, between Jan. 1 and June 11, 2024.
She said the outbreak with Lagos as the epicenter, poses a significant threat, particularly to Nigeria’s most vulnerable population which has over 10 million street-connected youths, also known as Almajiris.
“These children face an elevated risk due to their living conditions. Often overcrowded and lacking basic sanitation and clean water, these environments create a breeding ground for cholera and other waterborne diseases.
“Studies by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that a single unchecked case of cholera can potentially infect two secondary cases. This exponential growth rate can be even more severe in these high-risk settings.
“The current situation necessitates immediate and comprehensive action. The Nigerian government must implement a plan to protect children and prevent a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
“This plan should address both the immediate threat and the root causes pushing children onto the streets. Firstly, the government must prioritise children in public health initiatives’’, Shuahib said.
According to her, Almajiri children who are also known as street-connected youth need to be integrated into government healthcare programmes and cholera response plans.
“Culturally sensitive outreach campaigns should be developed to educate them about cholera prevention, proper hygiene practices, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities,” she said.
She also pushed for targeted deployment of mobile medical clinics as crucial to curtail the spread of cholera, adding that high-risk areas should be prioritised, with well-staffed mobile clinics.
Shuahib said that trained healthcare professionals providing essential medical care and cholera treatment to vulnerable children residing in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities should be prioritised.
She also said that long-term solutions are essential to address the root causes of children living on the streets. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AG/KUA
=======
Edited by Uche Anunne
June 25, 2024
Court remands teenager in Correctional Institute over hard drugs
Remand
By Mujidat Oyewole
Ilorin, June 25, 2024 (NAN) An Area Court sitting at Centre-Igboro in Ilorin has remanded a teenager in the Borstal Correctional Training Institute at Ganmo for taking hard drugs and keeping bad friends.
The Presiding Judge, Toyin Aluko, in his ruling said the step taken by the teenager’s father to change the child for good was well intended.
Aluko ordered that the teenager be taken and kept in the training institute for one year.
He said within the period he should be allowed to learn any available handiwork of his choice.
“However, if he changes and becomes a good person, he should be allowed to leave the institute and continue with his life freely,” the judge added.
Earlier, an officer from the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Tiamiyu Hakeem (ASCI), had told the court that the teenager’s parents reported their child to them.
He said this was because of his bad behaviour and they said they wanted the institute to reform him.
“The father complained that his child takes all forms of hard drugs, goes about with bad gangs and usually disobeys his parents.
“He said that the mother also agreed that he should be taken to our institute for him to be reformed and be a good citizen,” Hakeem said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MOB/CEO/OLAL
==============
(Edited by Chidi Opara and Olawale Alabi)

June 25, 2024
Cholera: FG in talks with Gavi over vaccine shortage – NCDC
Cholera: FG in talks with Gavi over vaccine shortage
Cholera
By Abujah Racheal
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN)The Federal Government has initiated discussions with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) to secure additional supplies of cholera vaccines.
Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja.
NAN reports that Nigeria is grappling with a cholera outbreak amidst a global shortage of vaccines.
Idris noted that, recognising the urgent need for vaccines, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has entered into discussions with Gavi.
“Gavi, a global health partnership, plays a pivotal role in improving access to vaccines in low-income countries.
“Through these negotiations, Nigeria aims to secure an emergency supply of cholera vaccines to curb the outbreak.
“At present, cholera vaccines are not stocked in our public facilities, though they are available in limited quantities in the private sector.
“But vaccines alone are not the only preventative measures we have at the moment; we must also ensure environmental cleanliness and proper hand hygiene,” he explained.
He highlighted that globally, the demand for cholera vaccines has surged, leading to severe shortage.
“This limited supply has strained efforts to control outbreaks in endemic regions, including Nigeria.
“Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food, remains a persistent health threat in Nigeria.
“The outbreak has significantly impacted several states, leading to numerous deaths and overwhelming healthcare facilities.
“Poor sanitation, inadequate clean water supply, and limited healthcare infrastructure have exacerbated spread of the disease,” Idris explained.
In response to the crisis, he said the NCDC has intensified its public health campaigns, emphasising hygiene practices and the importance of clean water.
“However, these measures alone are insufficient without adequate vaccination coverage. The shortage of vaccines has hampered mass immunisation campaigns, crucial for preventing spread of cholera.
“The situation in Nigeria underscores broader issues of global health equity and preparedness. It highlights the necessity for increased investment in vaccine production and distribution infrastructure,” he stated.
Additionally, he called for stronger international collaboration to ensure that life-saving vaccines reached the most vulnerable populations in a timely manner.
In response to the escalating cholera outbreak in 31 states of the federation, he said the NCDC has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate national efforts to combat the disease.
“The cholera outbreak is characterised by a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent, significantly higher than the national expected average of one per cent, underscoring severity of the situation,” he said.
He said that Lagos accounted for the highest number of deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two, and Kano, Nasarawa, and Cross River with one each.
“This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
“Sixteen states accounted for 90 per cent of the confirmed cases, with Lagos being the epicenter of the outbreak.
“Lagos state, having the highest number of cases, has received significant focus, with ongoing support and resources directed to manage the outbreak effectively,” he disclosed.
The states affected by cholera include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross Rivers, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, the FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara.
He said that a dynamic risk assessment conducted in May by experts from various fields, including health, environment, agriculture, and water resources, underscored the multifaceted nature of cholera prevention and control.
“It is clear that an integrated approach is necessary to address the complex factors contributing to spread of cholera.
“Efforts should focus on improving water and sanitation infrastructure, promoting hygiene practices, and ensuring access to clean drinking water and safe food.
“Additionally, strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing healthcare delivery, and mobilising community engagement are critical steps we are using to manage and mitigate the outbreak,” he said.
As Nigeria continued to navigate this challenging period, he said the resilience and collective action of all stakeholders would be crucial in overcoming the epidemic and safeguarding the health and well-being of communities.
NAN reports that since January 2023, there had been 82 million doses requested from 15 countries, almost double the 46 million doses produced over the same period.
The global stockpile was depleted until early March 2024, and currently has 3.2 million doses, far short of the five-dose goal.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AIR/CHOM/SH
===========
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

June 25, 2024
Reps move to sanction MTN, Airtel, other defaulting coys on CSR
Reps move to sanction MTN, Airtel, other defaulting coys on CSR
Sanction
By Femi Ogunshola
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (SCR) has resolved to sanction MTN, Airtel, and other companies for failing to perform their Corporate Social Responsibilities.
The committee said that it would enact laws to sanction any offenders in that regard.
Rep. Oby Orogbu, the Chairman of the Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, said this during a public hearing in Abuja on Tuesday on “a Bill to regulate corporate social responsibility in Nigeria.
She, however, gave MTN and Airtel the last warning to honour the committee’s invitation or face the arrest warrant.
According to Orogbu, some companies operating in the country have overtime violated the law, hence the need for punishment to be imposed on them.
She also frowned at the conduct of the National Communications Commission, MTN and Airtel, adding that they had several times ignored the invitation of the Committee.
She said that the committee had no choice but to invoke its powers by issuing a warrant of arrest.
“Section 89, 8 of the Constitution mandates individual companies as invited to make themselves available to parliament, but they break the law.
“I want to tell MTN and Airtel that they take so much from our nation and they feel too big to appear before the parliament; we will not tolerate that.
“We gave them the powers to operate in Nigeria, so to refuse to honor the invitation of the parliament is a no-no; we take exception to it.
“I have taken all friendly measures to make them understand the need to appear before the parliament, but they have refused.”
“If you feel you are responsible, then you should appear before the parliament. We want you to be responsible and accountable,” she said.
She said that in spite of operating from across the country, they had disrespected the same nation by not honoring the House invitation.
Mr. Wondi Ndanusa, who spoke on behalf of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said that the CBN is in support of the bill.
He expressed concern about the proposed penalty of imprisonment for defaulting companies, stating that the penalty should rather be persuasive.
He also said that many companies were faced with a lot of financial burdens and responsibilities, adding that the proposed SCR should be domiciled with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Mr Bala Wuoir, the representative of the Oil Producers Trade Section, expressed concern that the PIA already mandates oil companies operating in Nigeria to make a financial contribution of three per cent of their profits to NDDC.
He said that mandating them do so again would be burdensome, adding that oil companies should be exempted from the bill.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
ODF/SH
=======
edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 25, 2024
NDLEA seizes 82.6kg illicit drugs, arrests 139 in Ebonyi

Drug
By Christian Ogbonna
Abakaliki, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ebonyi Command said it seized 82.587kg of various illicit drugs in the state between January and June.
The command said it also arrested 139 suspected drug traffickers in the period under review and among the suspects were 35 females and 104 males.
Mr Peter Ogar, NDLEA’s commander in the state disclosed this on Tuesday at a news conference in Abakaliki as part of activities marking the 2024 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Ogar said the theme for 2024 tagged: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” was significant in the efforts to curb drug abuses in the society.
The commander listed some of the drugs seized to include: cannabis sativa, tramadol, flunitrazepam, methamphetamine, locally known as `Mkpurummiri’, and other illicit substances.
He explained that the command convicted 13 suspects within the period under review.
“In line with our mandate to get rid of drug abuse and trafficking, the command conducted the following activities for the period of January to June 2024.
“A total of 139 suspects arrested, 35 females and 104 males. The command seized a total of 82.587kg of various drug exhibits.
“Out of these numbers, the command counselled 40 clients arrested during raid operations. The command secured convictions of 13 suspects within the period,” he said.
Ogar noted that within the period under review, various cases were still pending at the Federal High Court, Abakaliki, awaiting determination.
“The period witnessed a wide range of sensitisation programmes, campaigns and drug abuse enlightenment education across the three senatorial zones of the state,” he added.
The commander urged stakeholders including government, agencies, international organizations to provide preventive strategies by way of policies aiming at clamping down on drug abuses.
He noted that such policies and programmes could create awareness on the dangers of drugs on both individuals and society.
“The government needs to fashion out ways of getting those who are hooked on drugs rehabilitated and prevent those trying to indulge in drug abuses,” Ogar advised. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OOC/CHOM/MNA
==========
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu
June 25, 2024
Stakeholders call for social reorientation of citizens in tackling insurgency
Stakeholders call for social reorientation of citizens in tackling insurgency
Insecurity
By Naomi Sharang
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in the security and media sectors on Tuesday, in Abuja, have called for social reorientation of Nigerians in tackling insecurity in the country.
The experts in their submissions at the end of a two-day roundtable organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) in collaboration with Development Specs Academy.
The theme of the event is “Asymmetrical National Security Challenges, the Army and National Development”.
Executive Director, Development Specs Academy (DSA), Prof. Okey Ikechukwu said that the country has security challenges that were no longer easy to deal with following traditional methods.
“As such, there is the need for a social reorientation of citizens to divulge information on threats in their communities to security agencies.
“It is about a progressive change of social attitude about security at the level of awareness, at the level of people knowing that I should have an interest in securing myself. So I should tell persons responsible when I see danger.”
He said that to deal with the nature of Nigeria’s insecurity, it would require social reorientation, having greater partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and community-based organisations.
“More importantly, education and reeducation of youth leaders. If they become part of the conversation, they will be in a position to tell those who don’t know what to do with themselves, we give them what to do.”
“In our village, you notice a stranger, you tell the traditional ruler, they go to the police, that’s what enables security agencies to operate.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC). retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab said that the objective the roundtable was to try to foster military-media cooperation and understanding.
Garba who was represented by retired Maj.-Gen. James Miyam said that the media should continuously try to propagate what the Nigerian Army was doing and by so doing illicit community support among Nigerian citizens.
“What came out in the roundtable table is that there is an overarching need for perception management by media managers.
“This is for them to understand and balance the need for them to carry out their responsibilities well.
He said that that community and citizen support was very critical to the operational activities of the army.
“So we are trying to now sensitise the entire Nigerian citizenry on the need for them to come where they have information that can enhance operational activities of the military.
“They should not shy away, they should quickly come forward and give this information,” he said.
On his part, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, spoke on the topic ‘Professional News Management as Panacea for Infodemics, Misinformation and Fake news”.
He said that the media globally, played a very important role in practically every aspect of life.
“In an increasingly shrinking global space marked by exponential growth in media convergence and artificial intelligence, the dampeners of infodemics, misinformation and fake news have all but assumed lives of their own.
“This development rightly ought to be a source of concern and it is gratifying that NARC and the Development Specs Academy, have given this issue more than cursory attention.”
He said that Infodemics as defined by David Rothkopf, a journalist and political scientist, is…” a few facts, mixed with fear, speculation and rumor, amplified and relayed swiftly worldwide by modern information technologies”.
Ali said that infodemics was now dominating national life where purveyors of misinformation and fake news turned little facts on their heads to achieve a predetermined end.
Proffering solutions to infodemics and misinformation, the MD of NAN said that truthfulness and accuracy must be upheld.
“We must also be timely in countering misinformation. This entails striking a balance between speedily responding and the volume of information available.”
For a former spokesman of the army, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, there was the need to improve the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the public.
This, he said was to have a better understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices and the efforts of the Nigerian Army in dealing with the security challenges in the country and defending its own territorial integrity.
He also said that non-violence communication could be integrated in the overall communication strategy of the army in dealing with their relationship with the public.
In his submission, a traditional ruler from Delta, Prof. Echefuna Onyebeadi said that in spite of the overwhelming evidence of the importance of traditional rulers in the management of national security, there existed some challenges that mitigate their proper functioning in national security.
“One of the challenges is lack of constitutional role. The Constitution does not make any specific provision for the role of traditional rulers in this country.”
While expressing sadness over ‘security votes’ to state governors without much results in the fight against insecurity, Onyebeadi said that if part of the votes “trickle down to the traditional domain, it
would aid national security.
On the part of the NGO, Executive Director, Hedda Beautiful Hands, Ltd, Hope Ayabina, suggested that the military should get involved with the activities of NGOs.
“They should teach them a skill or two; security skills preferably- that in itself, can be a tool for intelligence gathering.”
Similarly, Head of Legal and Training Services at DSA, Margaret Agbo, said that
the key strategies and methods that could be adopted in effective grassroots intelligence gathering included community engagement.
“This is in order to establish relationships and build trust.”
She also said that regular engagements with various levels of the local leadership, influencers and elders would help gain deep insights into various aspects of what held the community together.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NNL/SH
=======
edited by Sadiya Hamza

June 25, 2024
Ikorodu residents send SOS to Lagos Gov.
Ikorodu residents send SOS to Lagos Gov.
Invasion
By Adepote Arowojobe
Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 25, 2024 (NAN) Some residents of TOMEC Estate in Ikorodu, on Tuesday appealed to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to urgently intervene in a face off with its Local Government Development Authority.
They made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
NAN reports that the TOMEC Community Development Association (CDA), is made up of four estates, including T.O.S Benson, Toma 1, Toma 2 and Coker.
NAN also reports that the face off between residents of the estate and the LCDA Chairman, Mr Lanre Sulaimon, is for constructing an events centre by the only access road to the entrance of the four estates.
The CDA Chairman, Mr Oladapo Bello, alleged that the LCDA chairman invaded the community with hoodlums to forcefully open one of their gates to outsiders.
According to him, more than 80 per cent of occupants of the over 25 -year old estate are civil servants and retirees of Lagos State Government, who now live in fear due to vulnerability to insecurity after the invasion.
“I was called that hoodlums and area boys came to attack and invade our estate with dangerous weapons.
“However, they also alleged that the council chairman was with them.
“One of the security men also alleged that they were attacked, while one of them was taken away by the hoodlums.
“We appeal to Gov. Sanwo-Olu to set up a committee to look into the matter, so that people will no longer live in fear,” he said.
Mr Muftau Tawakalitu, a 67- year old resident of the estate, urged the governor to immediately set up a panel of enquiry to mediate and find a lasting solution to the disagreement between the council and the community.
Tawakalitu alleged that he was beaten up by the hoodlums, “my eyes turned red, till now, I have pains in my chest”.
“This disagreement is simply over a gate we contributed our resources to build for security.
“When we had issues on this same gate years ago, the then governor, Babatunde Fashola, came to see things himself and directed that the back gate be permanently locked for security reasons.
Also Mrs Folashade Bashua, a retiree and resident of Coker Estate, appealed to Sanwo-Olu, to caution the management of the council, adding that residents no longer sleep with two eyes closed.
Responding, the LCDA chairman denied attacking any resident of the estate nor did he go there with hoodlums.
He told NAN that the problem started when the council decided to build an events centre, to generate additional internal revenue on a portion of land owned by the council.
According to him, the road is a public road and cannot be used by the estate alone.
He explained that the only access road, which is the estate gate is supposed to be for the public use but was always locked, in contravention of the Lagos State Laws on gated streets.
The chairman said he went to the estate to inspect the access road with members of his management team, who were trying to protect him against being mobbed by the estate residents at the time.
“I came inside the estate with my management team and the security men challenged us at the gate, asking us to pay.
“They usually collect toll fees from everybody including the council officials without permission from the council.”
“I told them the council could no longer tolerate erecting of illegal gates without permission, so I called the police.
“When i received their petition sometime ago, i called for a meeting, because I wanted to ask them to register their streets with the council but they never showed up.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ADEX/CHOM/IFY
===============
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ifeyinwa Omowole

June 25, 2024
Davido, Chioma’s fairytale wedding takes over social media
By Babajide Awoyinfa and Taiye Olayemi
Ceremony
Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The highly anticipated wedding of Nigerian music megastar, Davido and his long-time partner, Chioma Rowland, took over the social media on Tuesday with series of heartwarming and memorable moments.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that videos and pictures that surfaced online allowed fans worldwide to partake in the joyous occasion.

Fans felt as though they were right there, celebrating alongside the couple, as the ceremony garnered thousands of views and reactions from those who could not get enough of the couple’s enchanting love story.
Also, it was all pomp and pageantry as the wedding ceremony brought together some of the big names in politics, business, and entertainment.
Distinguished guests who graced the occasion are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom.

Other prominent dignitaries in attendance include Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun; Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun; former governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel; the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu; business mogul and socialite, Obi Cubana and many others.

The wedding, tagged #CHIVIDO2024, eagerly awaited by fans and well-wishers, showcased Davido and Chioma in their stunning traditional attires.

While Chioma dazzled in a breathtaking beaded bridal attire, exuding elegance and radiant beauty, Davido also looked dapper in his outfit.

The couple’s coordinated outfits highlighted their unity and style, making a powerful statement of their commitment to each other.

One of the standout moments from the videos online was Davido and Chioma’s affectionate display on the stairs.

The ‘Unavailable’ crooner was seen tenderly cooling Chioma’s makeup with a fan, a gesture that captured the hearts of many fans online.

Another memorable moment of the ceremony captured on video, was when Davido prostrated before Chioma’s parents, expressing his commitment to their daughter’s well-being.

He said, “Your daughter will be protected, respected and connected.”

The venue was also decorated with a mix of white and gold colours.

The opulent decor added to the grandeur of the event, creating a perfect backdrop for the couple’s special day.

Davido surprised Chioma with a car gift, bearing a customised number plate, “CHIVIDO”. (NAN)
BAG/PTB
====
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
June 25, 2024
NDLEA leads stakeholders in a walk against drug abuse
Sensitisation
By Hajara Leman
Gombe, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday led other stakeholders in a sensitisation road walk against drug abuse and trafficking.
The event is part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The International Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being celebrated on June 26, and the theme for this year is: “The evidence is clear, invest in prevention”.
The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Okechukwu Nkere, said the campaign was aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of substance abuse.
“The NDLEA wants to help the public to live a healthy drug free life through the sensitisation campaign.
“There is no gain in drug abuse, N100 drug can ruin a life, many are dying while others are in psychiatric hospitals as a result of drug abuse,” he said.
According to Nkere, religious leaders are the major stakeholders in terms of creating awareness of the danger of drug abuse.
“This is because we cannot be everywhere in Gombe, but once we enlighten them, they can take the message to the people,” Nkere said.
He urged the Gombe residents to key into the state government’s project on drug abuse, to save the lives of the younger generations.
He recommended for proper medical treatment of drug victims to effectively control the menace.
“The problem is, instead of taking the victims to rehabilitation centre, they try to manage the case at home.
“We have a functional rehab centre which is the cheapest in Nigeria, you can sponsor one person, he doesn’t have to be your relations,” he said, adding that the Agency conducted 79 sensitisation exercises with different groups.
Nkere further said the Agency had seized 2,112.295 kilogramme of drugs including 2,020.473 kg of Marijuana and 91.822kg Psychotropic substance.
He said the Agency also arrested 152 suspects, secured 51 conviction, 117 pending cases and counselled 124 clients.
The road walk which commenced from Tashan-Dukku terminated at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, was attended by various groups comprising NYSSC members and Civil Society Organisations among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
HUL/RSA
=========
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
June 25, 2024
Sustain fight against gender-based violence, Council boss tells FG
Sustain fight against gender-based violence, Council boss tells FG
Enlightenment
By Aderogba George
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Chairman, Abaji Area Council, FCT, Mr Abubakar-Umar Abdullahi, has urged the Federal Government not to relent in sensitising the public about ills of human trafficking and gender-based violence.
He made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja at one-day stakeholders community dialogue and advocacy against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
The event was organised by National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
He said it was important for NAPTIP to scale up public awareness on the provisions of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
Abdullahi who was represented by the Vice-Chairman, Alhaji Isah Makah, Abdullahi suggested that the programme should be held quarterly in the area.
He said though there were no reported cases SGBV in the entire Abaji communities there was need for increased sensitisation platforms regarding provisions of VAPP Act.
Also, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Baba-Inusa, represented by Alhaji Musa Haruna,
said that knowledge of the VAPP Act will guide the public on their limits when relating with women and girls.
Cross Section of the audience during the programme
Earlier, NAPTIP Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, said that 35 out of 36 states of the federation had domesticated this Act.
According to her only Kano remained the only state that had not domesticated the Act.
Waziri-Azi said that in 2023, NAPTIP received many complain from the FCT about SGBV, adding that were spousal assault, abandonment and physical injuries to children.
According to her, rape is the third highest complain the agency received, adding that secured the conviction of four persons in prisons on in 2023.
She said that in 2024 alone, NAPTIP had put seven (7) people in prison following the crimes of SGBV, while cautioning Abaji communities to be aware of that.
“We didn’t received any complain from Abaji, this is not encouraging because we believe that things should be happening here.
“Critical cases such as rape, incest should not be settled at the community level, we must avoid protecting offenders; these are serious crimes before the law.
“We also do not condone obstruction of NAPTIP officers while carrying out their lawful duties. We are currently prosecuting three persons suspected to have committed this crime.
“Also, the Child Rights Act (CRA) must be upheld by every parent. Parents should not shun their children when they are reporting cases of SGBV to them.
“We encouraged parents to make use of our reporting channel on 07030000203 and 627 short code on MTN and Airtel, these reporting channel are always.
“Give us proper information that will help us in doing our work,” the D-G said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders were taken through different lectures, including “Understanding Offences under the VAPP Act; and the “Role of Stakeholders in Responding and Preventing SGBV” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AG/KUA
======
Edited by Uche Anunne
June 25, 2024