News
WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has advised public and private sector leaders to work together to tackle the root causes of hunger and build peace in Nigeria,
This advice was given by the Executive Director of the UN agency, Cindy McCain
while concluding a visit to Nigeria, stressed that there was urgent need for this step to be taken amidst rising food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria,
A statement by the WFP made available to our correspondent on Monday, said despite its huge agricultural potential, Nigeria is now in the grips a widespread humanitarian crisis driven by poverty, recurring conflicts, and climate shocks – with 32 million people struggling to feed themselves.
The statement said during McCain’s five-day visit to Nigeria, she witnessed firsthand how conflict, climate shocks, and high food and fuel prices are driving millions into acute hunger and malnutrition.
The statement quoted McCain to have said: “What I have seen and heard during my visit to Damasak, in Borno State, is deeply disturbing. An urgent humanitarian crisis is unfolding in northern Nigeria, as the number of children with acute malnutrition soars and the ongoing conflict prevents millions from returning to their homes and lands,” adding that: “People there desperately need peace and stability, so farming and food production can restart and this hunger crisis can be halted in its tracks.”
According to the statement, the prolonged humanitarian crisis – worsened by an economic slowdown, high inflation, rising food prices, and the recent floods – is endangering the lives of children, pregnant women and girls, and entire communities. Over 3.6 million people in northeastern and northwestern states have been forcibly displaced by conflict and are not able to access their farmlands or engage in other economic activities. With devastating flooding hitting Maiduguri in September – described as the worst in 30 years – more than 400,000 people have also been temporarily displaced in and around the city.
The statement further said malnutrition is rising, with nine million children at risk of acute malnutrition in the country. The number of children admitted for severe and moderate acute malnutrition has risen by 40 and 70 percent compared to 2023.
It said WFP is on the ground, supporting government-led efforts responding to the most urgent needs, and doing all it can. So far this year, WFP has assisted 1.6 million people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, distributing 32,000 metric tons of food and US$40 million in cash entitlements, decrying that the scale of the crisis calls for a response that goes beyond these badly-needed humanitarian interventions.
The statement said while in Abuja and Lagos, McCain engaged with senior government and private sector leaders, creative industries, international financial institutions, the United Nations, and donor representatives to explore African-led solutions, and discuss the role of the private sector and entrepreneurship in addressing food insecurity and youth employment.
It said McCain noted that “WFP’s commitment to delivering lifesaving assistance and tackling the root causes of hunger in Nigeria is stronger than ever. By mobilizing funding, technology, and ambitious new partnerships between the private and public sectors, we can support rural livelihoods, strengthen food systems and offer sustainable solutions to food insecurity that empower local communities,”
It admitted that Nigeria – West Africa’s most populous and largest economy – has the potential to play an outsize role in stabilizing the region and helping to ensure sustainable food security and nutrition for millions, provided the country receives the attention commensurate with its strategic importance.
The statement revealed that WFP is working with the Government of Nigeria and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on a ground-breaking food systems programme that will help communities escape the cycle of conflict by building the resilient, inclusive and effective food systems they need to achieve self-reliance.
Through the “Out of Conflict, into Solutions” food systems strategy, WFP will seek to address post-harvest losses, limited access to agricultural inputs, poor dietary diversity and limited access to food in Nigeria.
It further said: “Agriculture is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy – providing employment to more than a third of the labor force – up to 80 percent in rural areas. The private sector is one of the key contributors to developing extensive supply chains, including production, processing, manufacturing and distributions.”
It however explained that WFP needs US$228 million to stave off catastrophe in northeast Nigeria and meet the food and nutrition needs of 1.6 million over the next six months.
WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A vigilante member was shot dead on Wednesday during an attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters at a vigilante camp in Kanamma town, Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred at about 1839 hours when the assailants stormed the camp, opening fire on the victims.
The deceased, identified as Dauda Bamai, 35, of Kanamma, was pronounced dead by a medical doctor in Kanamma.
Security forces have intensified monitoring and patrols in the area to track down the attackers.
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba
By: Zagazola Makama
The promotion of Brig.-Gen. SM Uba, Director Defence Information, to the prestigious rank of Major General should have been a moment of pride and celebration for his family, colleagues and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Instead, it coincided with one of the most disturbing episodes of misinformation targeting a serving senior military office an episode that point to the devastating human cost of fake news.
In recent days, malicious actors repeatedly circulated photographs of the officer online, falsely claiming he was dead. While the Defence Headquarters swiftly debunked the rumour, the damage was already done.
Unknown to many, the fake news triggered panic, trauma and emotional distress within his family. When the false reports first emerged, his wife and children broke down in tears, unable to process the sudden shock. Despite repeated attempts to reassure them that he was alive and well, they remained inconsolable until they travelled to Abuja to see him physically.
Even more heartbreaking is the fact that as at Wednesday, the same misleading posts were still circulating at the exact moment he was promoted to his new rank as a Major General.
This contrast the spread of a death hoax against the backdrop of a well-deserved promotion captures the cruel reality of misinformation in the digital age. It is not just a threat to public order. It destroys families, inflicts psychological harm, undermines institutions and disrespects the honour of those who dedicate their lives to national service.
Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
… Condemns Country’s Military Coup
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s Former President Goodluck Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau, the Federal Government has announced.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa made the announcement on Thursday. He said: “He (President Goodluck Jonathan) left with a special flight with members of his delegation including, former President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Ibn Chambas.”
Jonathan, who is the head of ECOWAS Election Monitoring Mission to Guinea Bissau, was tramped along with members of his team in the country when military suspended democratic process and took over government.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria’s government has condemned the military coup d’etat in Guinea Bissau.
The Nigerian government in a statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has learned with profound dismay and deep concern the unfortunate military coup which has led to an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region. This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.”
The statement added that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria urges all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots and the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body.
“We warn that those behind this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.”
It further added that: “Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, will work closely with our regional and international partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the swift return to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News7 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
