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Waziri-Azu: NAPTIP Would Continue to Improve Operational Horizon

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Waziri-Azu: NAPTIP Would Continue to Improve Operational Horizon

By: Michael Mike

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi has assured that the agency will continue to expand its operational horizon through improved partnership, enhanced partnership with all stakeholders as well as diligent prosecution of offenders, to outsmart the criminal elements.

The Director General also cautioned desperate Nigerians against indiscriminate migration in the name of the popular “Japa” so as not to be enslaved by migrant smugglers who are poised at preying on their ignorance and vulnerability with the attendance consequences of mindless exploitation.

Waziri – Azi, stated this on the Special Edition of the online interactive programme tagged “Conversation with NAPTIP”, put together as part of the activities to mark the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the agency and the 2023 World Day Against Human Trafficking.

Conversation with NAPTIP is a specially designed platform that promotes mutual interaction between the agency and stakeholders for the purpose of enlightenment and feedback engagement in order to improve service delivery.

The Director General disclosed some of the modest achievements of the agency within the past 20 years to include the conviction of 624 traffickers, the rescue of over 22,000 victims of trafficking, sponsoring of 19 survivors through University Education, development of several counter–trafficking policies, engagement with diverse stakeholders including the Justice sector through the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and global partnership with critical partners to counter the emerging trends in human trafficking.

On the dynamism of human trafficking in Nigeria and the response of the agency in tackling them, Waziri – Azi reiterated that human trafficking has assumed a national spread across the country with the emerging trends including an increase in online catfishing of youngsters by traffickers, fake job offers and advertorials, fake scholarship offers increase trafficking under cover of sporting activities, orphanage trafficking as well as buying and selling of babies.

She said: “In the past 20 years, the crime of human trafficking has evolved in terms of trends and patterns. But, one thing I can say for sure is that Nigeria is better poised to tackle the issues of human trafficking.”

She added that through partnerships with global anti-trafficking Law Enforcement Agencies and corporate bodies such as Meta, owner of Facebook, and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, the Agency has been able to tackle them effectively.

On the nagging issues of mass exodus of Nigeria abroad, the Director General who appreciated the concerns and plights of Nigerians who daily seek alternative places to settle outside the country, urged them to be mindful of the Red Flag associated with human trafficking in order to avoid exploitation.

She said: “If you must Japa, Japa the right way. Migrate legally. Nobody is saying you should not travel. Nobody is saying you should not aspire more than what you are now. But, the point is, you have to do your homework. You have to do your research. You must ask the right questions.
And this attitude of Nigerians going through a middle person, people must learn to own the process.

“You must know the red flags. When someone tells you that he wants to sponsor you abroad and the next thing is that he starts manipulating your personal information on your passport. They change your name, they changed your age, they changed your date of birth, that is a red flag. Or when someone tells you that I want to take you to Italy and the next thing is that you see yourself in a bus going to Seme border or you see yourself going through Jibia border, that in itself is a red flag.”

Waziri – Azi while expressing appreciation to all partners for their sustained support and collaboration with the agency since its creation, declared that her projection is to place the agency on a sound pedestal as a foremost counter trafficking agency within the comity of nations through the potent implementation of all the relevant laws and ensuring that Nigeria is safe from all forms of trafficking and exploitation.

The online engagement provided an opportunity for many partners within and outside the country to ask questions about the activities of the agency.

Waziri-Azu: NAPTIP Would Continue to Improve Operational Horizon

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Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

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Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of palliatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative to vulnerable residents across the state ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration.

The governor launched the exercise at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for this compassionate intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians and restoring hope to families facing economic hardship,” Zulum said.

The governor also praised the resilience and patience of the people of Borno despite years of insurgency and insecurity, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens through people-oriented policies and programmes.

“Despite the challenges our state has faced over the years, our people have continued to demonstrate resilience, patience, and courage. As a government, we remain committed to implementing programmes and policies that directly improve the lives of our citizens,” he stated.

Zulum noted that the distribution exercise forms part of the federal and state governments broader social support programme aimed at cushioning economic hardship and strengthening community resilience.

“The distribution exercise we are flagging off today is therefore part of our broader social support programme designed to cushion economic difficulties and strengthen community resilience. I commend members of the Distribution Committee for their efforts and urge them to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the exercise so that the support will reach the rightful beneficiaries,” he added.

The governor urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed while also appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners for their continued support towards peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Dr Abba Bashir Dankellori, expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the timely intervention, describing it as a relief that would enable many Muslim families to celebrate the forthcoming Sallah with ease.

“I wish to, on behalf of the committee, thank the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the kind gesture. We also appreciate Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the selfless leadership, commitment and service to the people of the state,” Dankellori stated.

According to him, beneficiaries of the intervention include Qur’anic and Sangaya school teachers, as well as religious organisations that contribute to the moral upbringing of society.

Governor Zulum was accompanied to the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Engr Baba Bukar Gujbawu; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Busuguma, among other top government officials.

Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

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Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

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Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

By: Zagazola Makama

Joint Security forced in Plateau State on Sunday conducted a joint show of force across major flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru general area to ensure peaceful church services and strengthen public confidence.

The operation involved troops of Operation Enduring Peace, personnel of the Nigerian Air Force 551 Station, Operation Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.

Security sources said the exercise commenced at about 7:30 a.m. and was aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action while providing adequate security coverage during church services.

The coordinated patrols and visibility operations covered identified vulnerable areas and strategic locations within Jos and Bukuru.

According to the sources, the operation was conducted without any security breach or incident, while religious activities across the affected areas remained peaceful.

The security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining collaborative operations aimed at maintaining law and order as well as protecting lives and property in Plateau State.

Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

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Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

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Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

Nigeria recorded a major triumph at the 24th CAA Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, Ghana, as teenage athletes Rosemary and Miracle delivered a stunning performance to win gold for the country in the women’s 4x100m relay event.

The young stars, both students of NTIC Secondary School, helped Team Nigeria clinch the gold medal with an impressive time of 42.94 seconds, further underlining the country’s growing strength in athletics.

Their victory also secured Nigeria a ticket to the World Championships in Gaborone, while guaranteeing qualification for the 2027 World Championship in China.

The feat was particularly remarkable for Rosemary, who was making her senior debut for Nigeria at the continental championship.

Sports enthusiasts have since praised the duo for proving that age is no barrier to excellence, with many describing their performance as a glimpse into the bright future of Nigerian athletics.

Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

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