Nigeria: European Union (EU) Heads of Mission conclude strategic visibility and public diplomacy mission to Kano

• reinforcing engagement with youth, communities, and regional partners.

By: Our Reporter

A high-level delegation of EU Member States Heads of Missions and their Deputies, led by EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, together with UNICEF, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Government, Plan International Nigeria, UN Habitat, and other development partners, has concluded a multi-day engagement in Kano State aimed at strengthening strategic visibility, public diplomacy, and partnerships across Northern Nigeria.

During the visit, the delegation met with the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, who represented His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, and exchanged ideas on urban development, opportunities for youth, and social inclusion. The Governor emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in advancing development across the state, noting that, “under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State remains committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages responsible investment, promotes transparency and accountability and fosters collaboration with international partners to achieve shared development goals.”

The Government of Kano State presented its Urban Development Strategy, aimed at guiding sustainable urban growth, improving resilience, strengthening infrastructure planning, fostering social cohesion, promoting peace and regional integration, and unlocking economic opportunities across the metropolitan region, with technical support from UN-Habitat.

Reflecting on the mission, Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said, “This visit underlines the European Union’s commitment to being visibly present and engaged in Northern Nigeria. By connecting directly with communities, young people, and local institutions, we are strengthening partnerships that support inclusive growth, stability, and opportunity for all.”

Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, said, “Investing in women and young entrepreneurs is key to building resilient communities. Through skills development and support to local enterprise, we are creating opportunities that strengthen local economies across Northern Nigeria.”

At Bayero University Kano, the EU Heads of Mission engaged directly with students in an interactive exchange focused on youth participation and locally driven solutions, underscoring the importance of listening to young voices and supporting their contribution to society.

On education, Dr Charles Usie, Country Director, Plan International Nigeria said, “Quality education is more than access to a classroom; it is about creating opportunities for children to learn, thrive, and shape their own futures. Achieving this requires strong partnerships and sustained investment, particularly for girls and children who continue to face barriers to education and opportunity. Together, we can build a future where no child is left behind.”

Across programme visits, the delegation observed EU-supported and partner-led initiatives, including an accelerated education programme supported by Plan International and a Qur’anic education centre supported by UNICEF, promoting inclusive learning and strengthening child protection. Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, said, “Children and young people are at the centre of this engagement. By investing in their education, health, and protection, we are helping ensure that every child, especially the most vulnerable, can survive, learn, and build a better future.”

The delegation also visited a facility producing ready-to-use therapeutic food for children affected by malnutrition, and media platforms such as Kannywood, highlighting the role of local storytelling in shaping public dialogue and social change.

Participating at the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty, the EU Heads of Mission engagement concluded with renewed commitment from the European Union and partners to deepen collaboration across Northern Nigeria, expand opportunities for young people and women, and support inclusive, resilient systems that respond to local needs and aspirations.

Nigeria: European Union (EU) Heads of Mission conclude strategic visibility and public diplomacy mission to Kano

Gombe gets smart police divisional headquarters to strengthen internal security

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Wednesday, inaugurated a smart Divisional Police Headquarters in Gombe to enhance crime fighting and strengthen internal security.

Also inaugurated were housing units for rank-and-file constructed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) with digital infrastructure support from Galaxy Backbone Ltd.

Speaking during the inauguration in Gombe, Yahaya described the infrastructure as critical in modern crime fighting.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Mannasah Jatau, the governor said the police need the right tools and regular training of its personnel to effectively tackle crime.

He commended President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam and the NPTF leadership for the gesture.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, who was represented by Mohammed Mustapha, DCP Administration, Gombe State Police Command, said the facility would boost officers’ morale.

Disu described the facilities as investments in the welfare, dignity and operational readiness of personnel.

According to Disu, decent accommodation and modern workspace will enhance response time and help officers serve the public with greater efficiency and humanity.

Also, Mohammed Sheidu, Executive Secretary, NPTF, said the divisional headquarters equipped with modern technologies was part of its special intervention project to boost personnel morale.

Sheidu described the projects as strategic investment in modern, responsive and people-centred policing.

“What we inaugurated today is not just a physical structure but a direct investment in the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities and safeguarding the nation,” he said.

Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Chief Executive Officer, Galaxy Backbone, said the facility was a commitment to harnessing the power of technology in transforming policing in Nigeria.

Adeyanju said that his company in partnership with NPTF was laying the foundation for a smart digital police force, “one that is proactive, data-driven and responsive to the needs of our citizens.

“This facility will enhance intelligence gathering and crime prevention integrated with NIN, facials, fingerprints and other biometrics.

“We are looking at cloud-based solutions that ensure secure storage and real time access to critical and confidential information.

“This initiative will help strengthen police force, improve response time and ensure accountability and transparency.

“By embracing digital tools, the Nigerian Police Force will be better positioned to combat crimes, protect communities and uphold justice in a rapidly evolving world,” he said.

Adeyanju said Galaxy backbone and the NPTF were building a future where Nigerian police would stand as a model of smart digital security in Africa.

Gombe gets smart police divisional headquarters to strengthen internal security

Swift Troops’ Intervention Foils Attack on School, Saves Students in Kogi

By: Zagazola Makama

The timely intervention of security troops has prevented what could have been a major attack on students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Iluke Community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Eyewitnesses who spoke after the incident commended the swift response of the troops, saying their prompt arrival at the scene prevented the attackers from carrying out a mass abduction of students.

The attack occurred when armed men stormed the community and started shooting where students were writing their examinations.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants attempted to seize the students and move them into a nearby bush before security personnel responded to distress calls from residents.

“The situation would have been much worse if the soldiers had not arrived when they did. Their intervention saved the students and prevented what could have been a major tragedy,” one resident said.

Another eyewitness described the response of the troops as timely and professional, noting that the security operatives engaged the attackers and forced them to abandon their mission.

The residents said the arrival of the troops compelled the attackers to retreat from the area.

All the students were reportedly safe and unharmed and safely reunited with their families following the operation.

Community members also praised local security volunteers and other security agencies that supported the operation.

The incident, however, left the community in mourning following the death of three residents during the attack.

Security sources said one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

A security operation is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.

Residents of Iluke Community expressed gratitude to the troops for their courage and sacrifice, describing the intervention as a decisive action that prevented a larger humanitarian crisis.

They urged security agencies to sustain the ongoing operations and strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities across the area.

The Kogi State Government has also commended the troops and other security personnel involved in the operation, assuring residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Swift Troops’ Intervention Foils Attack on School, Saves Students in Kogi