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ActionAid Secretary-General Praises Nigerians’ Warmth, Urges Government to Scale Up Community-Based Solutions
ActionAid Secretary-General Praises Nigerians’ Warmth, Urges Government to Scale Up Community-Based Solutions
By: Michael Mike
The Secretary-General of ActionAid International has applauded Nigerians for their hospitality and resilience during his maiden visit to the country, describing Nigeria as “an impressive nation whose people embody warmth, courage, and a strong sense of community.”
Speaking during a field visit to a women-led community empowerment programme in Abuja as part of activities marking ActionAid Nigeria’s 25th anniversary, the global head of the development organisation said he arrived with mixed expectations but was quickly won over by the sincerity and openness of ordinary Nigerians.
“I had heard many things about Nigeria before coming, some of them told in jest, like the idea that you haven’t truly visited Africa until you’ve visited Nigeria,” he said. “But over the past three days, I’ve been moved by the kindness of the people and the genuine willingness to help. It has left me with a very strong, positive impression.”
Reflecting on the organization’s two-and-a-half decades in the country, the Secretary-General said the true measure of impact lies not in written reports but in the lived experiences of people who have benefited from the programs.
“Listening to women and young people speak confidently about how trainings and community support have transformed their lives is the clearest sign of impact,” he noted. “When people speak from a position of power and agency, you know development work is reaching the right places.”
He added that ActionAid will deepen its investments over the coming years—especially in women and young people—because these groups play a pivotal role in driving sustainable change at both community and national levels.
The Secretary-General urged the Nigerian government to recognize the vital role civil society organizations play in development and to ensure a supportive environment for their operations.
“When organizations like ActionAid thrive, entire communities thrive with them,” he said. “The government must acknowledge this and create conditions that allow civil society to operate effectively.”
However, he stressed that NGOs alone cannot achieve nationwide transformation.
“Non-governmental organizations can only reach a limited number of communities. Government has the mandate, the resources, and the long-term responsibility to deliver services at scale,” he explained. “Our job is to demonstrate what works. Government’s job is to expand it.”
He also highlighted education as a non-negotiable priority for Nigeria’s development.
“No country can achieve meaningful transformation without investing in education,” he said. “Budget decisions must reflect this reality, and every expenditure should have a direct impact on communities.”
His visit concluded with renewed commitments from ActionAid International to strengthen partnerships, expand grassroots initiatives, and support Nigerian communities in achieving long-term, people-driven development.
On his part, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Ahmed Mamedu reiterated the need for urgent government investment in underserved communities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as other parts of the country, particularly those facing severe infrastructural and social service gaps.
He made the appeal during a field visit to Pasepa community, one of several hard-to-reach areas where ActionAid has worked for more than a decade.
Mamedu explained that the visit formed part of the anniversary celebrations, which include showcasing communities where ActionAid has driven long-term development initiatives. He noted that Pasepa, like many others in the FCT, reflects the reality of deep rural poverty often overlooked in discussions about Abuja.
He noted that: “Many people assume Abuja is all about the city’s glamour, but Pasepa is also part of the FCT,” adding that: “Coming here reveals what daily life looks like for people living in real poverty — difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, and minimal access to essential services.”
He said ActionAid has worked in Pasepa for over 12 years, partnering with local stakeholders to build community structures, strengthen accountability, and push for government responsiveness. Despite notable progress, but lamented that the reality on ground remains far from satisfactory.
“Are we impressed with what we are seeing here? The answer is no,” he stated. “We can definitely do better. We want to see more impact, more livelihood opportunities, and improved access to social services.”
He said one of the most striking observations during the visit was the steady stream of political actors entering the community, insisting that this is evidence that leaders are aware of the community’s challenges — and capable of reaching it when seeking support.
“If politicians can find their way here during the political season, then they can also bring infrastructure and amenities,” he said. “We expect that in the next few months and years, returning to this community will reveal concrete improvements.”
He stressed that such development is not only overdue but essential for improving the lives of thousands of residents.
He said the visit was also an opportunity for the Secretary-General of ActionAid International to directly experience the conditions in Nigeria’s marginalized communities.
“This visit allows him to hear the voices of the people firsthand and understand the depth of the work we do,” he added.
ActionAid Nigeria says it will continue supporting rural communities while advocating stronger government accountability and sustained investment in critical social infrastructure.
ActionAid Secretary-General Praises Nigerians’ Warmth, Urges Government to Scale Up Community-Based Solutions
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.
In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.
In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.
“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.
Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
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