News
NHRC Tells Youth, “Don’t Allow Yourselves Used As Canon Fodders to Deepen Hatred in Nigeria”
NHRC Tells Youth, “Don’t Allow Yourselves Used As Canon Fodders to Deepen Hatred in Nigeria”
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on young people not to allow themselves to be used as ‘cannon fodders’ to incite and deepen hatred in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja at the special event to mark the 2024 International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Ojukwu said: “Sensitising and mobilising young people to combat hate speech is crucial in today’s world, where they are not only the target but also influential voices in their communities.”
He noted that young people who are more in Nigeria should guard against breaking the bond of the country and as such “should not allow themselves to be used as ‘cannon fodders’ to incite and deepen hatred in Nigeria.”
He added that: “Coincidentally, youths form the bedrock of our nation, and this demographic divide should at all times be mobilised for the social and economic development of our dear nation.”
He revealed that the NHRC working with the UN System in Nigeria, youth leaders and other stakeholders will use this commemorative event to create awareness, foster partnerships, and promote strategies to identify, address and counter hate speech.
He noted that: “This event which is jointly organised by the National Human Rights Commission and the United Nations in Nigeria in pursuance of their unique mandates to promote and protect human and in recognition of the roles of youth in nation building as well as serving as natural agents in the promotion of values etched in human rights in the spirit of Chapters 2 and 4 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
Ojukwu said: “Hate speech is intricately related to human rights, either in its form or outcome. From the purveyor, it is about right to freedom of expression, opinion, speech or belief. To the recipient, it is a violation of the rights to dignity of human person and the freedom from discrimination based on religious belief, political, ethnic, gender, cultural or other affiliations, amongst many other human rights.
“Hate speeches promote discrimination, divisions, incites violence, all of which impedes voters’ participation and access in the elections.”
On his part, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mohamed Fall said the United Nations considers hate speech as any kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factor.
Fall who was represented the Culture Programme Specialist, UNESCO Abuja Office, Mr. Philippe Delanghe said: “Hate speech contradicts all the values and principles enshrined in international human rights law. It also undermines efforts to achieve the aim of 2030 Agenda and its SDGs to leave no one behind, as it often targets the most vulnerable in our societies and minorities.”
He warned that: “If left unchecked, hate speech can harm peace and development, lay the ground for conflicts and tensions, undermine social cohesion, and contribute to wide scale human rights violations and atrocity crimes.”
He added that: “The devastating effect of hatred is not new. However, new technologies of communication has amplified the scale and impact of hate speech. Social media and the internet are now the most frequent methods for spreading divisive rhetoric and ideologies on a global scale.
“This brings me to the theme of this year, the power of youth to address and combat hate speech. Young people are often most affected by hate speech, particularly online as such young people must be part of the solution, your role in creating public and online spaces that are free from hate speech cannot be underestimated.
“The world must not tramp on freedom of speech and expression, but when speech is used to violate the rights of others it must not be met with silence. Silence implies apathy and even acceptance.”
He revealed that: “At the UN in Nigeria, we are working with multiple stakeholders to promote tolerance. UNESCO is leading the way through its efforts to promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL). We are also currently developing a UN wide Hate Speech Strategy. We count on your support in ensuring the strategy will be translated into effective action.”
He stated that: “As we celebrate a culture of tolerance today, I urge all of us including the government, traditional and faith leaders, civil society, young people, individuals, toincrease our efforts to counter hate speech in line with international human rights law.
“As the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has said: “Hatred is a danger to everyone – and so fighting it must be a job for everyone.”
NHRC Tells Youth, “Don’t Allow Yourselves Used As Canon Fodders to Deepen Hatred in Nigeria”
News
Emir Says Suicide Bombers Attack Wedding, Burial Ceremonies, OthersOver 30 people killed, 100 injured
Emir Says Suicide Bombers Attack Wedding, Burial Ceremonies, Others
Over 30 people killed, 100 injured
By: Michael Mike
The Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta has confirmed that multiple suicide attacks were carried out at various locations, including wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town on Saturday.
It is believed that the death toll might have risen to 30 deaths as the coordinated attacks which took place on Saturday’s afternoon caused pandemonium as people had to scamper for safety.
Reliable Sources within Gwoza told journalist that: “More than 30 innocent civilians were killed with over 100 sustaining various degree of injuries, even as many of the victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention.”
Confirming the incident to journalists, the Emir of Gwoza, said: ” The entire Gwoza council area is in serious mourning following multiple suicide attacks on our community.
“The first suicide attack was masterminded by an unidentified woman who sneaked with two children into a wedding reception of a popular young man in Gwoza, she detonated her Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) killing herself and many people.
“Few minutes after, another suicide bomber sneaked into a burial ceremony at the nearby and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices, and as am talking to you now, the third explosion just occured few minutes ago with more casualties.
“At least, over 100 people were injured, and most of them who sustained serious injuries have been rushed to Maiduguri with military escort for proper medical attention.
“This is just a preliminary confirmation, as details of the casualties are still yet unknown, but I will keep you posted on the any development.”
Reacting to the incidents, member representing Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa federal constituency, Ahmed Usman Jaha, sympathized with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the multiple attacks, even as he prayed Allah to grant the souls of the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus, and wished those who sustained injuries quick recovery
Emir Says Suicide Bombers Attack Wedding, Burial Ceremonies, Others
Over 30 people killed, 100 injured
Nigeria: A third explosion kills a soldier; 2 CJTF in Gwoza
By: Our Reporter
A third explosion killed a soldier and two members of civilian JTF in Gwoza town, south of Borno State, northeast Nigeria, shortly after the first and second explosions were detonated by the terrorist group today (Saturday).
Security sources said the human bomber, a female suicide bomber, shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ as she grabbed the soldier before detonating the vest, which ended her life, the soldier, and two members of the civilian joint task force.
NEWSng gathered that many human bombs were released by the Islamic State for West African Provinces in the wake of fresh bomb attacks across Borno State, northeast Nigeria.
“We were informed that it was not only Gwoza that the terrorists were targeting but Maiduguri and other major towns across Borno State. For now, we are trying to get those around Gwoza as the curfew imposes, which hopefully will yield a good result.” A security source told NEWSng in Maiduguri.
Residents of Gwoza town revealed that the first detonation occurred at the wedding of one of the drivers of a non-governmental organization operating in Gwoza, while the second occurred while people were condoling with the families of the first victims of the attack, and the third explosion occurred when the military imposed a curfew and was conducting a stop-and-search on residents.
Gwoza town was formally the Caliphate of the Boko Haram insurgents before it was liberated by the Nigerian military in 2016. However, the terrorists were reportedly said to be controlling the mountainous areas around the town, a situation in which it is continuously argued that the town was not totally liberated
Nigeria: A third explosion kills a soldier; 2 CJTF in Gwoza
International
Prepare for Rainy Days, Invest in UK Properties, Property Consultant Advises Nigerians
Prepare for Rainy Days, Invest in UK Properties, Property Consultant Advises Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
Nigerians have been asked to considering investing in properties in the United Kingdom as another way of preparing for the rainy days.
Director, UK-based Property Consultancy Firm, Daniel Ford International, Yemi Edun said Nigerians owning a property in the UK is a brilliant investment and a perfect pension plan that can match inflation anytime.
Edun who spoke at the sidelines of UK Property Roadshow Holding in Abuja called on Nigerians to embrace the opportunities offered by the Berkeley Groups to own properties in the UK.
Edun said: “We won’t get involved in anything that will be untoward property-wise. So this is encouraging Nigerians to come buy homes in the UK. Yes. As an option.
“As an investment option. As a second home. As a mitigation for their currency that keeps crashing, you know.
“And you ask me who buys? We have people in inheritance money, divorce settlement, up-and-coming technology people, farmers, bankers, you know.
“They buy for a certain amount. In another 10 years that property has doubled or tripled, you know.
“It’s a good pension plan so that when you retire, you have income that can match inflation. Because imagine you buy a property and you are getting a rent of two million Naira. Two million Naira is a lot of money.”
Speaking on why London should be of particular interest, Edun said: “London is special. The age long connection is one of the reasons that people get to London and they don’t suffer a cultural shock.
“Most Nigerians can get to London and you won’t even notice he’s a foreigner. So English language, schools, medical, lifestyle, football, and it’s just six hours away.”
He said the Roadshow helps to remove some of the barriers as prospective buyers have the opportunity to meet with developers like Berkeley Groups.
He added that: “We have come with what I call the buffet of properties that we’ve hand-picked, you know, specially for them, negotiated good deals that they would otherwise not be able to get themselves.”
The Berkeley Groups is one of the leading property firms in the UK and they are quoted on the London Stock Exchange.
Prepare for Rainy Days, Invest in UK Properties, Property Consultant Advises Nigerians
Emir Says Suicide Bombers Attack Wedding, Burial Ceremonies, OthersOver 30 people killed, 100 injured
Police to review vigilante group activities, as 3 arrested in Damaturu
Nigeria: A third explosion kills a soldier; 2 CJTF in Gwoza
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