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UN calls for investigation over clashes in Somaliland

Hauwa Mustapha
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The UN has called for an independent and impartial investigation into clashes in the separatist Somali region of Somaliland, which it said left “at least 20 dead and 119 injured”.

“I am concerned about reports that clashes are continuing today and have resulted in new casualties,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement.

The UN toll is double that advanced Monday by several sources, interviewed after clashes between armed militias loyal to the Somali government and forces of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland, in Las Anod, a town disputed in this region.

Las Anod is claimed by both Somaliland and the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, loyal to Mogadishu.

“These killings come just a month after at least 20,000 people were displaced by clashes in Las Anod, and could contribute to further displacement, worsening the already fragile humanitarian situation in the region,” Türk said.

“I call on the authorities to carry out a credible and impartial investigation into the clashes to determine who is responsible and to hold them accountable in fair trials,” he added.

africanews

Burkina Faso militants attack Death toll rises

Hauwa Mustapha
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Twenty five people, including 22 civilians and three police officers, were killed in an attack by suspected jihadists in northern Burkina Faso on Saturday, according to a new toll announced Monday by the governor of the Sahel region.

“The municipality of Bani in the province of Séno (north) was the target of a violent attack perpetrated by armed terrorist groups”, explained the governor and lieutenant-colonel Rodolphe Sorgho, in a press release.

“The provisional toll of this despicable and barbaric attack shows 25 people killed, including 22 civilians and three policemen, injuries and material damage,” he said. A previous report given Sunday by two residents had reported at least 12 dead.

Mr Sorgho said in the press release that actions to secure “the locality are underway” and invites the population to “more collaboration so that together we can overcome the terrorist hydra”.

On Sunday, a resident said that the armed men “targeted the police station, the town hall and a school”. “Concessions (homes) and a mosque were hit by the gunfire of the attackers before the response from the defense and security forces,” he added.

A second resident had told him that “men on motorcycles” ” attacked the city” with “several targets”, fearing a heavier toll given the number of missing and injured. “Several armed individuals were neutralized in the response and the hunt that followed,” said a security source.

Also on Saturday in the Eastern region, six soldiers were killed in the explosion of a homemade bomb, according to two security sources. “Elements of the Diapaga military detachment were carrying out a patrol mission” when their vehicle “hit a mine on the Diapaga-Partiaga axis”, said one of them.

Burkina Faso has been rocked since 2015 by attacks by groups linked to Al -Qaeda and the Islamic State, and their clashes with the armed forces. The violence left thousands dead and some two million displaced.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré, transitional president resulting from a military coup on 30th September, 2022, the second in eight months has set himself the objective of “reconquering the territory occupied by these hordes of terrorists”.

africanews

Governor Soludo kicks-off local government campaigns

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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Governor Chukwuma Soludo has flagged-off campaigns for candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in Idemili South and Anaocha council areas of the state, ahead of the February 25 and March 11 general elections.

During the event, the Governor also embarked on inspection of the rehabilitation work on Afor Nnobi-Awka Etiti-Ichida-Nkwo-Igboukwu road, as well as flagged-off the construction of the 6.4 km Nnokwa-Adazi Enu-Akwaeze road.

The Governor solicited the support of Anambra people for candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, assuring to continue to deliver democracy dividends to the people.

Transition Committee Chairmen for Idemili South and Anaocha Council Areas, Mrs. Amaka Obi and Mr. Ikechukwu Ozor enumerated the many projects and development initiatives of the Governor in all sectors of the state economy, pointing out that a vote for APGA is a vote for continuity.

The APGA candidates in the locations visited including Ikenna Iyiegbu, Sir Ejike Ikechukwu, Mrs. Njideka Oraedum, among others, pledged to work with the Governor to develop the state if elected.

Members of the state executive council including the Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Entertainment and Culture, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike and their Works Counterpart, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, among a large number of party stakeholders and faithful, attended the events.

 

 

N.O

Atiku youth wing coordinator in Kwara decamps to APC

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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The Kwara State Coordinator, Atiku Youth Wing, Akanbi Ilyas Shola has decamped from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) .

Shola who is also the former House of Representatives aspirant under the banner of PDP said he is joining the APC in order to actualise his dreams and make positive changes in the lives of his people.

He therefore drummed support for the second term bid of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Ilyas who claimed to have recently led the PDP ‘Osuwa’ rally, announced his defection at a news conference he addressed in Ilorin, the state capital.

The decampee said he decided to dump the PDP because of the party’s lack of youth inclusion in its programmes at both the state and national levels.

He hailed Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration’s youth friendly programmes and polices, noting that the governor has deliberately made youths very important allies by appointing them into key political and government offices.

According to him, he has realised through experience and exposure that the youth need a government and party that cares about their inclusion in politics to develop the country which is lacking in the PDP.

He lamented that the PDP has failed to give up the stage by recognising the youths in every matter related to the success of the party stressing that throughout his lifetime, he has remained a loyal and committed frontline member of the PDP.

“In December 2022, I led some group of people to organise a town hall meeting tagged: “Arewa Decides Project 2023” to awake political consciousness among the youths in Kwara State”.

“It is also on record that on the 19th of January, 2023, I led Ilorin East/Ilorin South Osuwa Constituency rally across some streets of Ilorin to raise support for the PDP.”

“Alas, it has dawned on me that the PDP has not learnt any lesson from the defeat of 2019, particularly on youths inclusion,” he declared.

Shola disclosed that for days, he has pondered over the words of some stakeholders whose advisory note led him to trace the failure of the PDP, their inability to recognize the youth constituency as an integral part of the party, and also the game-changer of the country’s political terrain. I was in awe of the pathetic situation.

He said no administration in the history of the state has given opportunities to the youths to showcase themselves like the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the last three and half years.

According to him, it is therefore incumbent on Kwara Youths to support Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who is reputed for massive.empowerment of the youth stressing that under his administration, the youths are being supported across different sectors.

“It is quite disheartening that the PDP in which I toiled day and night failed to take the youth into account. They failed to recognise that the future belongs to youths. On this note, I have come to terms with making a bold statement and joining hands
with the true progressives in the APC in order to actualise my dreams and make positive changes in the lives of my people” he stated.

 

N.O

APC Stakeholders in Nasarawa assure Tinubu, Governor Sule of Massive Votes

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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The All Progressive Congress (APC) Stakeholders of Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have assured Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abdullahi Sule and all APC candidates of their massive votes during the February and March elections.

Giving their assurance during a town hall meeting with Governor Sule and his campaign council, state APC officials and other Government functionaries in Toto LGA, said that Governor Sule has brought lasting peace and infrastructural facilities to Toto and its environs, hence the need for their stand to give him and APC massive votes come February and March elections respectively.

“His Execllency Eng. Abdullahi Sule has done extremely well in developing our area, Toto Local Government and other local government areas

“He has constructed roads, health and education facilities among other infrastructure across communities”

“We don’t have any other candidate apart from Governor Sule to be our Governor again in 2023 by God’s grace”

They called on the people of the area and the state to vote Sen. Bola Tinubu, Presidential candidate of APC, Gov. Abdullahi Sule and other APC candidates in the elections.

“This is to enable us and other people enjoy more dividends of democracy beyond 2023,”

In his response, Governor Abdullahi Sule restated his continuous commitment to providing infrastructure such as more roads, electricity, health, youth and women empowerment to the people of the area and the state at large.

“I will provide more infrastructure to communities across the state in order to change people lives positively,” he said.

Sule appreciated the Stakeholders and other people for turning out en mass for the meeting.

The Governor also promised to continue to adhere to the rule of law and provide good governance.

He further solicited for the support and votes of the people of the area and Nigerians at large to enable him and all other APC candidates emerge victorious during the elections.

He called for unity among the people of the state for peace, progress and development of the state.

Meanwhile, the State APC Chairman, Dr John Mamman said that the stakeholders meeting was to enable the Governor hear from the stakeholders and other people about his government performance and to also know their challenges.

“We are also here to thank you for the support you are giving to His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule over the years.

“We want to appeal to you to support His Excellency re-election bid as Gov. Sule is doing well and still doing well,” he said

The APC Chairman outlined the achievements recorded so far by Gov. Sule in the area to include security, roads, health, education, among other infrastructure.

Mamman called on the people of the state to vote Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gov. Sule and all other APC candidates during the elections.

 

 

N.O

USAID Engages Stakeholders To End FGM In Ebonyi

Temitope Obatoke
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The USAID Momentum Country and Global Leadership (USAID MOMENTUM), has engaged stakeholders on transformative approach to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with support to manage complications from the act.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C), is observed every February 6 to mark achievements so far and create more awareness with the theme, Partnership with men and boys to transform social and gender norms to end FGM.

Mrs Nneka Chijioke-Dikeocha, the Ebonyi State Team Leader of Momentum Country and Global Leadership (MCGL), said that the theme of the day was a call for more action to the state government, partners and other relevant stakeholders for effective eradication of the practice in the state.

Chijioke-Dikeocha added that the organisation is working with local partners and community leaders on the approach to end Gender-Based Violence against women and girls. She maintained that it would be a gradual process in changing mind sets and perceptions of the public over cultural belief that FGM is a norm.

The USAID representative said it was a call to action to state government, partners, ministries and the media to eliminate the trend.

“We call on all to support and partner for effective eradication. We also call on men and boys to help speak out for female to stop the trend. We are sensitising the public to promote the rights of women and girls in Ebony.”

The Senior Clinical Associate, USAID-MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics, Dr Chinekwu Osondu, said the organization is supporting and helping to manage complications from FGM. Osondu said that the project has about 308 community volunteers working in four local government areas of the state.

She said the volunteers moved from house to house to counsel and train people on FGM, gender-based violence and fistula, among other violations against women and girls and its consequences. She added that the volunteers are also helping to identify cases that could be referred to health facilities for proper management. She assured that the organisation is ready and available to continue collaboration with other partners and the ministry of women affairs to ensure that the practice is stamped out.

Mrs Deborah Okah, the Ebonyi Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said it is observed that the act is now practiced among peer groups. Okah, represented by Mrs Florence Nwali, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the group influenced their age mates to carry out the act.

“FGM is still done in secret because some people believe it is part of their culture. This was why we called a press conference to collaborate and end this carnage of FGM.”

She said that the Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation, the pet project of wife of the state Governor, Mrs Rachael Umahi, had fought and is still fighting to eliminate the practice.

Mr Chukwuma Elom, the Coordinator of the Foundation, called on the judiciary, police, partners, the media and others stakeholders to collaborate with the foundation to end the practice. Elom said the foundation had launched an amended Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 003, 2022, online for justice and prosecution against perpetrators.

The Coordinator said that there is the need to move from domestication of the VAPP law to effective implementation to drive the change needed. He commended efforts and supports from the USAID, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund, among other organisations, to end the act.

“Our targets now is men and boys to help stop the act against our sisters. It is a criminal offence, justice alert. We advise perpetrators to stay away from the practice or risk prosecution.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Marcelina Ibina, Director in the ministry, stated that the trend is a form of violence against women and girls. She said that public sensitisation was to promote rights of women and girls in the society.

Mr Benedict Essong, Project Manager, UNFPA, said that the practice is a crime against women and humanity which needed to be eradicated.

The event was a joint programme by international partners, sponsored by USAID, to eliminate FGM. The programme also featured a road walk by staff of the ministry, national human rights, Nigeria Red cross society, among other stakeholders.

 

 

 

NAN

Nigerian actress Funke Akindele Loses Mother

Oluchi Okwuego
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The mother of Nollywood actress and producer, Funke Akindele, has passed away.

READ MORE: PDP confirms Funke Akindele as Lagos deputy governorship candidate

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RAAMP begins Sensitisation of rural communities in Kwara

Kamila Bello
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The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has started rural community entry/sensitisation across the three senatorial districts in Kwara on its upcoming projects.

The Development Communication Officer, Mr Gbenga Ishola, made this known in a statement on Tuesday, in Ilorin.

According to him, the purpose is to mobilise communities across the 16 local government areas of the state on the need to take ownership of the project in their domain, which is scheduled to commence very soon.

“The RAAMP Community Entry and Sensitisation exercise is coordinated by officials of the Kwara RAAMP State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU),” he said.

“The SPIU believe that through coming together as a people to usher in development of rural infrastructure, they would make their impact as rural dwellers.

“This is because it is no more a hidden fact, that the Gov. AbdulTaman AbdulRazaq-led administration have posited to do much more to reach the hinterland.

“His administration is a result driven government, especially by paying more attention on bringing life to the system through sustainable partnerships with developed agencies across all stratas,” Ishola added.

Communities across the 16 local government areas of the state have been called upon to see and embrace the RAAMP project.

He also mentioned that, this is a project presenting ample opportunities to the communities, specifically on how they can also contribute to the enhancement of mankind through their supports and other commitments.

He quoted the State RAAMP Project Coordinator, Mr Habit Ibrahim, urging the people to reciprocate the kind gesture of the government for creating an enabling environment through meaningful partnerships with developed agencies to bring developments to the rural dwellers.

“So far, Gov. AbdulRazaq has paid a whooping sum of N600 million counterpart funds to ensure the progress and seamless implementation of RAAMP project in the state.

“The rural dwellers have described the governor as a focused and determined leader who gets things done for the betterment of Kwara residents without being distracted.”

He added that the physical implementation of the project in the state would start after the raining season.

“The project will rehabilitate 450km Spot Improvement road, 225km Rehabilitation/Backlog maintenance road, yearly Routine Maintenance of 700km roads, Construction of 80-100m Cross Drainage across the state.”

READ ALSO: Federal government to establish RAAMP in 36 states

 

 

NAN

 

 

 

Nigeria’s Hajj Commission launches institute for effctive Operations

Aisha John-Mark
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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has established the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, HIN to train and certify all employees in the Nigerian Hajj and Umrah industry.

The Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, said at the opening of the institute in Abuja that the establishment of the institute would improve the quality of manpower in the Hajj and Umrah sector and enable the country to be at par with global industry standards.

Alhaji Zikrullah also said that the institute would provide an avenue for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development of youths and be reference point globally for hajj and umrah training.

He also said that the institute would play a key role in exploring the economic potentials abound in the sector which businesses and teeming youths could explore.

” I am confident that the institute will play a critical role in ensuring that Nigeria reaches and remains at the forefront of excellence in the global Hajj and Umrah industry. You will agree with me that the world is rapidly advancing in technology and it has become imperative that NAHCON keeps pace with these global trends. In view of this, it has become necessary for us to refocus our strategies and embrace the latest advancements in ICT. The Saudi Vision 2030, which all Hajj entities across the globe need to align to, has placed a high premium on excellent pilgrims’ services driven by ICT, It is for this reason that the Hajj Institute of Nigeria will provide a platform for training and research on various aspects of hajj and umrah, including the use of technology to improve our operations and services.”

According to the Chairman with the help of ICT, operational activities have been propelled to more efficient levels with near-zero room for mistakes which needs the right skilled manpower to run.

”Therefore, the birth of the institute marks the commencement of academic activities which will serve as added impetus to NAHCON’s quest for sustainable hajj management system in Nigeria. We recognise the economic potentials of hajj and umrah and it is time for us to leverage these opportunities and make them significant contributors to Nigeria’s economy.”

Hassan disclosed that 4th Board of the Commission had chosen to be the pioneer students of the institute not only because of its confidence in the quality of the programmes but to also commence the process of taking Hajj and Umrah to the next level from the very top.

”It is my strong belief that me and my colleagues in the board will emerge from this programme more educated and better prepared to steer the affairs of Hajj in Nigeria. Subsequently, more programmes will be rolled out for the different hajj and umrah stakeholders in the public and private sector.”

In his speech, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha said that the Federal Government is committed to supporting institutions like the HIN whose programs are in tune with the strategic objectives of the present administration.

“It gives me great pleasure to attend events such as this because of its relevance to this administration’s focus under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which has a vision of sustained inclusive growth and structural economic transformation .Our emphasis is focused on improving both public and private sector efficiency, increased national productivity and maximum welfare for Nigerians.”

Mr Mustapha said that he is confident that the launch of the Institute  and subsequent certificate programs will provide a platform for the Institute to continue to grow and improve its offerings.

“I would like to commend the Board and Management of the Commission for their dedication and hard work in establishing this Institute, especially for being the first cohort of students and for their tireless efforts to ensure that our hajj operations are of the highest standard. I am also grateful to our partners, both local and international, who have joined us today to celebrate this occasion and support the Institute,” he said.

NBA: LeBron James becomes All-Time Leading Scorer

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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0

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on Tuesday, setting the new mark with a fadeaway jump-shot late in the third quarter of a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

James, who entered the game needing 36 points to break Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387, sent the sold-out crowd into a frenzy when the shot splashed through the net to write his name into the history books. Play was stopped to recognise the achievement and to let James address the crowd.

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (L) with LeBron James (R).

“I just want to say thank you to the Laker faithful, you guys are one of a kind,” James said.

“To be able to be in the presence of such a legend as Kareem is unbelievable, it’s very humbling. Please give a standing ovation to ‘The Captain.'”

Lakers legend Abdul-Jabbar, who took the title from Wilt Chamberlain with his signature skyhook on April 5, 1984, sat courtside at Tuesday’s game.

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