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EU-ACT, British Council Call for Govt, CSOs Collaboration to Create Enabling Laws and Increase Compliance

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EU-ACT, British Council Call for Govt, CSOs Collaboration to Create Enabling Laws and Increase Compliance

By: Michael Mike

The European Union and the British Council have urged Civil Society organisations in Nigeria to collaborate with the government in mapping out an enabling environment for the sector.

The National Programme Manager, Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT) Programme, Damilare Babalola said the European Union and the British Council through the ACT programme aim to facilitate the relationship between government, CSOs, and regulatory agencies to promote mutual understanding, enabling environment and sustainable development programmes across the country

The European Union-funded ACT Programme was inaugurated in Nigeria on September 24, 2019, to contribute to inclusive, effective, responsible, and gender-responsive development in the country.

Babalola said this on Thursday in Abuja during a knowledge share fair with the theme: “ Nigerian CSOs Translating Knowledge to Capacity and Impact.”

While lamenting the gap in the nongovernmental organizations, NGOs, he said: “There are misconceptions that civil organisations are not regulated but the fact is that they are well regulated but there are issues around compliance but ACT seeks to promote compliance “

He also explained that: “We also notice weak capacity in some CSOs. Civil society is part of the mechanism used to drive sustainable development globally. They are involved in policy advocacy and policy engagement at different levels hence we need them to have a strengthened capacity. They need to put the internal governance in place, HR policies, account policy to aid their functionalities.”

He said the government needs to understand the space before setting laws and regulations.

“Regulatory agencies should come out and sensitize civil society organizations on the need for regulations. The FIRS should come out and enlighten CSOs more about the taxes and the consequences of not complying. PENCOM should enlighten actors in CSOs the government shouldn’t make laws on assumption,” he noted.

In his remarks, Executive Director, of Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), Oyebisi Oluseyi said CSOs are interested in regulations that enable smooth operations but kick against those that shrink civic space and stand against them performing social responsibilities to the communities they are meant to reach

He said: “We don’t want laws that will not allow us to do our work effectively. There’s a myth that nonprofit organizations are not regulated, but experience from what we have done showed that there are 54 existing laws that guide our operations.

We don’t want a law that will not allow us to help the common man. If government policy is not working and we spark up, we don’t want a situation where the law will be used to arrest us. We also want to carry out projects in communities without government shrinking resources meant for community development projects.”

Senior Director for Advocacy, Centre for Civilians in Conflict, The Hague, Netherlands Udo Ilo,, said CSOs must focus on sustainable programs, in line with the government policies, and will impact the Nigerian community.

He emphasized the need for CSOs to strengthen internal governance and control for accountability, public confidence, and trust. He also urged Civil societies to engage with the government for more understanding.

While commending the European Union and the British Council for the ACT Program, Mina Ogbanga, chief operations officer, of Rivers Network of NGOs said Regulatory agencies should make policies easy for compliance and not make processes unnecessarily cumbersome especially when it comes to registration.

EU-ACT, British Council Call for Govt, CSOs Collaboration to Create Enabling Laws and Increase Compliance

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Nigerian Troops Eliminate Shekau’s top ally, Tahir Baga, Clear 5 Terrorists Enclaves in Sambisa Forest

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Nigerian Troops Eliminate Shekau’s top ally, Tahir Baga, Clear 5 Terrorists Enclaves in Sambisa Forest

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops Operation Hadin Kai have victoriously killed a top commander of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, otherwise known as Boko Haram, TAHIR BAGA, in continuation of their major offensive at terrorists enclaves in Sambisa Forest.

Tahir was nutrialised on May 13, 2024 when the troops unleashing the major operation codenamed: Operation Desert Sanity III, mowed down terrorist enclaves of Shababul Umma, Garin Panel Beater and Lagara Anguwan Gwaigwai right at the heart of the forest.

Intelligence sources, told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that in the course of the offensive, contact was made with the terrorists which led to the suyanisation of the terrorists as well as some of his lieutenant while several others escaped with gunshots wounds.

Third Baga, was a close Ally to Abubakar Shekau. He was among the first sets who founded the Boko Haram movement in Maiduguri before moving into Sambisa Forest with likes of Mamman Nur, Khalid Albarnawi, Abubakar Shekau, Kaka Ali, Mustapha Chad, Abu Maryam and Abu Krimima.

Tahir Baga was a revered Imam who was respected among the Sect group. He had on several basis truncated efforts of many fighters and their families to surrender and has also pushed many under aged girls to go on suicide bombing after convincing that they will be granted paradise as everlasting reward.

The killing of Tahir Baga, is a major blow to the Boko Haram terrorists groups.

The sources said that the neutralizing and sacking of terrorist communities, also led to the rescue of 14 persons comprising 4 women and 10 children from the terrorists captivity.

The troops most notably
Throngs of the terrorists, who could not face the firepower of the rampaging troops, fled in different directions, abandoning their weapons and other equipment.

Among such weapons were a heap of bomb-making materials; 1 RPG 7 tube; Pkm 1X Rpg 7 tube, 1X ak47 rifle, 1 RPG Bomb, 1X RPG 7 Charger quantities of 97X 7.62MM Nato, quantities of 99X7.62 MMX 51MM, quantities 554X7.62 MM X 54 MM, 5, MCs, 2 bicycles, 3 mobile phones 11 magazines, 3 hand grenades 2 bandolier, one starlink WiFi system, 1 lithium inverter batteries of 100 AH, 1 solar inverter of 200 AH, 1 hand held patrol radio among others items were found in the terrorists enclaves.Nigerian Troops Eliminate Shekau’s top ally, Tahir Baga, Clear 5 Terrorists Enclaves in Sambisa Forest

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops Operation Hadin Kai have victoriously killed a top commander of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, otherwise known as Boko Haram, TAHIR BAGA, in continuation of their major offensive at terrorists enclaves in Sambisa Forest.

Tahir was nutrialised on May 13, 2024 when the troops unleashing the major operation codenamed: Operation Desert Sanity III, mowed down terrorist enclaves of Shababul Umma, Garin Panel Beater and Lagara Anguwan Gwaigwai right at the heart of the forest.

Intelligence sources, told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that in the course of the offensive, contact was made with the terrorists which led to the suyanisation of the terrorists as well as some of his lieutenant while several others escaped with gunshots wounds.

Third Baga, was a close Ally to Abubakar Shekau. He was among the first sets who founded the Boko Haram movement in Maiduguri before moving into Sambisa Forest with likes of Mamman Nur, Khalid Albarnawi, Abubakar Shekau, Kaka Ali, Mustapha Chad, Abu Maryam and Abu Krimima.

Tahir Baga was a revered Imam who was respected among the Sect group. He had on several basis truncated efforts of many fighters and their families to surrender and has also pushed many under aged girls to go on suicide bombing after convincing that they will be granted paradise as everlasting reward.

The killing of Tahir Baga, is a major blow to the Boko Haram terrorists groups.

The sources said that the neutralizing and sacking of terrorist communities, also led to the rescue of 14 persons comprising 4 women and 10 children from the terrorists captivity.

The troops most notably
Throngs of the terrorists, who could not face the firepower of the rampaging troops, fled in different directions, abandoning their weapons and other equipment.

Among such weapons were a heap of bomb-making materials; 1 RPG 7 tube; Pkm 1X Rpg 7 tube, 1X ak47 rifle, 1 RPG Bomb, 1X RPG 7 Charger quantities of 97X 7.62MM Nato, quantities of 99X7.62 MMX 51MM, quantities 554X7.62 MM X 54 MM, 5, MCs, 2 bicycles, 3 mobile phones 11 magazines, 3 hand grenades 2 bandolier, one starlink WiFi system, 1 lithium inverter batteries of 100 AH, 1 solar inverter of 200 AH, 1 hand held patrol radio among others items were found in the terrorists enclaves.

Nigerian Troops Eliminate Shekau’s top ally, Tahir Baga, Clear 5 Terrorists Enclaves in Sambisa Forest

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ISWAP Founder’s Son Surrenders In Maiduguri

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ISWAP Founder’s Son Surrenders In Maiduguri

By: Zagazola Makama

The Eldest son of Mamman Nur, founder of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP), Mahmud Mamman Nur Albarnawy, has surrendered to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Maiduguri.

Mahmud, 22, surrendered on Sunday, May 12.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, that Mahmud Mamman Nur Albarnawy was confirmed to be the senior son of the late ISWAP founder after undergoing profiling at the Command Headquarters of NSCDC in Maiduguri.

The sources said that men of the command had facilitated his surrender through his uncle in Gamborun Ngala after receiving the information that he was willing to formally surrender to the Nigerian government.

A reliable agent was sent to convey him to Maiduguri. They arrived in Maiduguri on May 11, at about 1 pm.

Mahmud was later debriefed and profiled by an intelligence officer of the command where he confessed to having sneaked out of the Ali Ngulde camp in Mandara Mountain, Gwoza LGA, into Maiduguri and stayed for about a month at Gwange in the city capital before relocating to Gamboru Ngala without any alarm or distress signs from communities.

During his stay in Gamboru Ngala, some of his late father’s loyalists were persuading him to return to the Lake Chad general area to pay allegiance to ISWAP but he refused, citing the betrayal and eventual execution of his late father.

He confessed to having taken part in attacks in Bama, Banki, Gwoza and several other places as a middle rank fighter under the Boko Haram group.

Mahmud was handed over to Bulunkutu rehabilitation facility for further documentation and custody.

Who Is Mamman Nur?

In 2013, top commanders of the late Muhammad Yusuf, founder of the Boko Haram group, including Mamman Nur, Khalid Albarnawi, Abubakar Shekau, Kaka Ali, Mustapha Chad, Abu Maryam and Abu Krimima, were compelled to move out of Maiduguri, following intensified campaign against then by the Joint Security Forces in Maiduguri.

After a while, they regrouped in Sambisa forest and continued their campaign of violence through coordinated attacks on towns and villages.They institutionalized the group to become a terror organization.

In March 2015, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the ISIS Caliphate of Abubakar Al-Baghdadi. ISIS accepted the pledge of allegiance and named Abubakar Shekau as the first Wali of the Islamic State of the West African Province(ISWAP).

Shekau was later removed by ISIS following a petition against his leadership by Mamman Nur and Abu Mussab Albarawi, who were the members of the Shura Consultative Council.

Shekau was accused of ideological extremism, extra judicial killings, injustice, poor leadership skills and, above all, killing women and children.

The internal crises led to the separation of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, Boko Haram group and the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP), who moved to the Lake Chad region of Marte and Abadam to establish their caliphate with Mamman Nur as its New Spiritual Leader.

On 21 August 2018, Mamman Nur was eliminated in a mutiny led by Abou Mossab Albarnawyy in company of some ISWAP fighters. Nur was killed for releasing the Government Girls Secondary School Dapchi girls, without demanding ransom from the Nigerian government.

The elimination of Mamman Nur, saw the emergence of Abou-Mossab Albarnawyy as ISWAP spiritual leader.

ISWAP Founder’s Son Surrenders In Maiduguri

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Tuggar Calls for Strengthening of Economic Ties with Canada

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Tuggar Calls for Strengthening of Economic Ties with Canada

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has called for strengthening of bilateral and economic ties between Nigeria and Canada.

Tuggar who recently paid a working visit to Canada where he engaged with various critical stakeholders in furtherance of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Canada, said during his meeting with the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, Tuggar that Nigeria is Canada’s largest trade partner in Africa and called on both countries to strengthen trade ties, given the ongoing implementation of the AfCFTA.

Similarly, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, stated that Canada is committed to supporting socioeconomic development in Nigeria and the wider region for mutual benefit.

According to a statement on Monday by the spokesman of the Nigeria’s Minister, Alkasim AbdulKadir, both countries resolved to take steps to finalise the outstanding MOUs, including the bilateral Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPPA) ahead of the Canadian Trade Mission to Nigeria in June 2024.

He said, the Ministers also discussed regional security in Africa, with Joly lauding Nigeria’s leadership role in the region and offered Canada’s support in strengthening stability and democracy in West Africa.

He said: “They also agreed to work together on a range of regional and global issues, ranging from seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts to multilateral reform and countering disinformation. The bilateral engagement represents a significant step forward in the already robust relations between the two countries.”

AbdulKadir said Tuggar also met with the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF) to discuss Canada-Nigeria relations and regional African issues. He used the opportunity to explain the 4-D foreign policy thrust and ongoing developments in ECOWAS and the implementation of the AfCFTA.

Tuggar equally met with the Parliamentary Secretary, Robert Oliphant, where he explored avenues for enhanced partnership on multilateral reform, African security, education, healthcare, trade, and investment, particularly in the areas of mining, metals refining, energy, and digital economy.

He noted that Oliphant expressed deep appreciation for the visit, stating that it demonstrated the robust relations between the two countries.

AbdulKadir revealed that the Minister also met with the senior leadership of Carleton University and took a tour of its facilities, including the technology and innovation hub, as well as the Institute for African Affairs.

He said Carleton University has several partnerships with Nigerian universities and is an example of the strong educational cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.

He met with the President of the Business Council of Canada (BCC), Goldy Hyder, where they discussed opportunities for enhanced trade and investment, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure., noting that the BCC is exploring the possibility of visiting Nigeria later this year to follow up on the productive engagement.

Tuggar also met with the Canadian Parliamentary Secretary on Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, Maninder Sidhu, to expand the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries. The Minister during the visit, highlighted the linkages between democracy, stability, and sustainable growth, especially given the emergence of the AfCFTA.

The Parliamentary Secretary stated that Canada wants to support Nigeria’s economic development. They also discussed partnerships in the areas of infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and AI.

Tuggar Calls for Strengthening of Economic Ties with Canada

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