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British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities

British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities
By: Michael Mike
The British High Commission has lamented the low attendance of children with disabilities in school in Nigeria.
The Acting British High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson gave the lamentation while hosting a gathering of members of Nigeria’s disability rights community and their advocates as well as representatives of the diplomatic community in Abuja.
He said: “It is particularly shocking that it is estimated that only 12% of children with disabilities are in education. I know from my own experience that people with disabilities can and do make a full contribution to society – I hope that by speaking out I can help make a positive impact in Nigeria.
The envoy added that: “As I prepare to leave Nigeria, it was a priority for me that the final event I host should be one that brings the spotlight onto the challenges faced by the disabled community in Nigeria. I live with a disability myself and I know that, even with a good employer and a strong legal framework, it can be extremely challenging for people with disabilities to fulfil their capabilities and potential.”
He said: “While legal developments are part of the necessary change, it is also vital that this is mirrored by culture and attitude changes too.”
The theme for the event was the progressing the SDGs with and for persons with disabilities – aligning with International Day’s theme this year. Attendees were treated to panel discussions which included key reflections from Mr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Mr Jake Epelle, CEO to TAF Africa alongside a performance by the Deaf Can Dance group.
The forum was also an opportunity to spotlight women leaders in the disability space, and to learn about the particular Health and Social are challenges faced by women living with disabilities in Nigeria which is especially relevant during 16 Days of Activism.
It is no secret that there are no accurate figures on disability in Nigeria, but millions of people have disabilities. It is estimated that unemployment rates are over 60% against a national rate of 21.5% and that only 12% of children are in education compared with 57% for those without disabilities.
Women with disabilities are also up to four times more likely than other women to experience violence. The Government of Nigeria has ratified the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities UNCRPD and passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018. In 2015, the Government also passed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities
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Governor Alia Condoles the NUJ over the demise of Achigbe and Acka

Governor Alia Condoles the NUJ over the demise of Achigbe and Acka
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the news of the passing of Comrades Damien Achigbe and Kundushima Acka of the Benue council of the Nigerian Union of journalists (NUJ).
He regretted that the two prominent members of the media community in Benue State had contributed immensely to the development of the state and their profession
A release by Tersoo Kula the spokesman of the Governor noted that
Comrade Damian Achigbe, was a veteran journalist who was a shining example of a professionalism in the state while Kundushima Acka, was the prolific Publisher of On-Tiv International Magazine before his demise.

Aliya described the late Achigbe as a fearless journalist, mentor, and advocate for developmental journalism, whom he says remained dedicated to the noble cause of the profession until his final days.
The Governor noted that Acka was not only a journalist but a grassroot politician, leader and publisher, who was the voice of the Tiv nation, whose contributions to community development and the media landscape will be fondly remembered.
His death, the Governor stressed, “is a painful loss to the people of Logo Local Government, the NUJ family,” and the state at large.
While commiserating with their immediate families, the Benue State Council of the NUJ, and the wider media community, Alia prayed God Almighty to grant the departed soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn these irreparable losses.
Governor Alia Condoles the NUJ over the demise of Achigbe and Acka
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VP Shettima Mourns Borno Attack Victims, Assures Enhanced Military Operations Against Terrorists

VP Shettima Mourns Borno Attack Victims, Assures Enhanced Military Operations Against Terrorists
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Borno State over the recent terrorist attack that claimed many lives in Darajamal community, Bama Local Government Area.
The Vice President reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Armed Forces to review security operations, including the deployment of advanced military hardware and surveillance equipment to eliminate terrorist groups across the country.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had on Saturday visited Darajamal community to condole the families of the victims —including civilians and soldiers— killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night.
In his condolence message on Monday, VP Shettima described the incident as a profound loss to both the state and the nation.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the people of Borno State, and the Nigerian military over the tragic loss of our compatriots. These deaths have left the entire nation in collective grief, but we are confident that justice will be served for the bereaved families,” the Vice President stated.
VP Shettima expressed confidence in the Armed Forces’ capacity to overcome the security challenges facing the state, citing President Tinubu’s approval for the acquisition of additional drones and his directive for all security agencies to intensify and review their operational strategies.
The Vice President highlighted the federal government’s consideration of establishing state police, emphasizing President Tinubu’s position that security challenges in some Nigerian states require specialized units that understand local terrain, culture, and can effectively network at the grassroots level.
He offered prayers for the bereaved families and assured both the state government and affected families of continued federal government support in addressing the security situation.
VP Shettima Mourns Borno Attack Victims, Assures Enhanced Military Operations Against Terrorists
News
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles

Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have ambushed operatives of the C-Watch security outfit in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing eight persons and setting two patrol vehicles ablaze.
The incident happened late Friday night when gunmen invaded a village near Dandume around midnight.

Residents said C-Watch operatives responded to a distress call and rescued eight villagers who had earlier sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
However, on their way back, the operatives reportedly ran into an ambush by the bandits, who opened fire on them, killing the rescued victims and burning two patrol vehicles belonging to the security outfit.
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
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