National News
Acute Food Insecurity May Hit Nigeria, 17 Other Countries

Acute Food Insecurity May Hit Nigeria, 17 Other Countries
By: Michael Mike
Acute food insecurity is set to increase in magnitude and severity in 18 hunger “Hotspots”, among them Nigeria, a new United Nations early warning report has revealed.
The report released on Thursday spotlighted the urgent need of assistance to prevent famine in Gaza and the Sudan, and further deterioration in the devastating hunger crises in Haiti, Mali, and South Sudan.
It also warned of the lingering impact of El Niño and the looming threat of La Niña that risks bringing further climate extremes that could upend lives and livelihoods.
The report found that many hotspots face growing hunger crises and highlights the worrying multiplier effect that simultaneous and overlapping shocks are having on acute food insecurity. conflict, climate extremes, and economic shocks continue to drive vulnerable households into food crises.
The report warned that 2023 is likely to mark the first year since 2010 in which humanitarian funding has declined compared to the previous year, but it still represents the second highest funding level ever for humanitarian assistance.
FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu said: “The daunting prospects highlighted in this report should serve as a wake-up call to all of us. We need to spearhead the shift from responding to crises after they occur to more proactive anticipatory approaches, prevention and resilience building to help vulnerable communities cope with upcoming shocks. Acting ahead of crises can save lives, reduce food shortages and protect livelihoods at a much lower cost than a not timely humanitarian response.”
On his part, the WFP Executive Director,
Cindy McCain: “Once a famine is declared, it is too late – many people will have already starved to death. In Somalia in 2011, half of the quarter of a million people who died of hunger perished before famine was officially declared. The world failed to heed the warnings at the time and the repercussions were catastrophic. We must learn the lesson and act now to stop these hotspots from igniting a firestorm of hunger,” adding that: “We have proven solutions to stop these crises in their tracks, but we need the resources and the political will to implement them at scale before more lives are lost.”
The report – ‘Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity’ – issued on Thursday by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) called for urgent humanitarian action to save lives and livelihoods and prevent starvation and death in 18 hotspots – comprising a total of 17 countries and one regional cluster of four countries (drought-affected Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe) – where acute hunger is at a high risk of worsening from June to October 2024.
The report said the ongoing conflict in Palestine is expected to further aggravate already catastrophic levels of acute hunger, with starvation and death already taking place, alongside the unprecedented death toll, widespread destruction and displacement of nearly the total population of the Gaza Strip.
In mid-March 2024, famine was projected to occur by the end of May in the two northern governorates of the Gaza Strip, unless hostilities ended, full access was granted to humanitarian agencies, and essential services were restored. Over one million people – half the population of Gaza – are expected to face death and starvation (IPC Phase 5) by mid-July. The report also warned of broader regional ramifications of the crisis, which risk exacerbating the already high food security needs in Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic.
The report stated that conflict and displacement also continue at an alarming pace and magnitude in the Sudan, where time is running out to save lives and the lean season looms, with the outlook for food production is bleak, and there is a rapidly shrinking window to support farmers before the main planting season ends and the rains begin, limiting access to the hardest-hit communities.
Since the previous edition of the Hunger Hotspots report (October 2023), the Central African Republic, Lebanon, Mozambique,
Myanmar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and
Zambia have joined Burkina Faso,
Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia and Zimbabwe in the list of hunger hotspots, where acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further during the outlook period.
The report provides concrete country-specific recommendations on priorities for anticipatory action and immediate emergency response to address existing and emerging needs to save lives and ensure predictable hazards do not become full-blown humanitarian disasters.
The report stated that immediate humanitarian action delivered at scale will be critical to prevent further starvation and death – particularly in Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, the Sudan and Haiti. But the report warns that to effectively address and prevent famine, emergency agriculture – in addition to emergency food and cash assistance – must be provided in a balanced manner. Additionally, more investments are needed in integrated solutions across multiple organizations that can help to meaningfully tackle food insecurity and reduce reliance on emergency food assistance.
Acute Food Insecurity May Hit Nigeria, 17 Other Countries
National News
Curriculum Review: Nigeria Secondary Schools to now Offer Chinese Language- Mandarin- FCT

Curriculum Review: Nigeria Secondary Schools to now Offer Chinese Language- Mandarin- FCT
By: Michael Mike
The Chinese language, Mandarin has been added as one of the foreign languages to be offered in Senior Secondary Schools across the country in the newly reviewed secondary school curriculum.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Education Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr. Danlami Hayyo at the inauguration of the Chinese Corner at the Government Secondary School Tudun Wada, Abuja.
The project was sponsored by the biggest Chinese construction company in Nigeria, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Hayyo noted the foresight of the FCT education board which introduced Mandarin in schools in FCT before the latest review of the curriculum.
He said: “May I inform you that in the recent review of our Curriculum, the Chinese language has been selected as one of the international languages to offer in Senior Secondary Schools.
“That is to say that, the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese corners early enough. Chinese Mandarin has the largest number of speakers in the world and today it has become the language of commerce, education and tourism.
“Our decision to delve into Chinese education and culture is a wise move.”
The FCT Education Secretary also disclosed that the inauguration of the new centre on Tuesday brings to 14 the number of Chinese centres in Abuja.
The centres he said are established in Secondary schools across the Federal Capital city.
He said: “The bilateral relations has seen to the establishment of 13 Chinese corners and having the commissioning
of the 14th Corner in G.S.S Tudun Wada today.”
The corners, he said “have greatly enhanced education and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. It has opened a window for better understanding and appreciation of our various cultures and it has also given our students the opportunity to pursue their further education in China.”
He also pointed out that staff and teachers have benefitted from the collaboration by attending capacity building in China.
“Today we are proud to say that it is only the FCT that has Chinese Corner in her schools in the whole federation,” he added.
On behalf of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, the Education Secretary also appreciated the Chinese government and Embassy for their support and commitment to promote people to people exchange for the good of all.
“Your friendship has confirmed what the Chinese say as “Hai nei Cun zhiji tianya ruo bi lin” (a bosom friend brings distant lands near),” concluded.
In his remarks, the Chinese Counselor, Yang Jianxing said that the idea of the Chinese Corner was birthed as a result of China’s appreciation of the mutual relationship between both countries.
He explained, “Twelve years ago, out of the cherishment for China-Nigeria friendly relations and the expectation for cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board of Nigeria joined hands to establish the “Chinese Corner” as a unique platform
for cultural and educational exchanges.
“Over the past more than ten years, this seemingly simple platform has long become a link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries, and one of the most popular cultural check-in spots among teachers and students in Abuja.
“For students, the “Chinese Corner” is not only an immersive classroom for learning Chinese and experiencing Chinese
culture, but also a window to observe the world. Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.”
He also added: “ The Chinese diplomatic missions in Nigeria will also continue to support China-Nigeria cooperation in various fields such as culture and education, and continuously promote the building of a closer China-Africa and China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
“Today, the inauguration of the “Chinese Corner” is not an end, but a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, the Director/Secretary of FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan said the initiative is a testimonial of the strong bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.
He stressed that the initiative “aims at promoting mutual understanding and people to people exchanges.”
He pointed out that “The Chinese Corners aims at not just fostering people to people exchanges but to provide resources for learning Mandarin and potential scholarship to China. It is also to strengthen diplomatic relations through artistic collaboration.”
Providing background information, Ladan said that “the FCT – SEB came into existence in 2013 with the prototype in G.S.S Garki, before the other eleven added in 2014. By 2024 one more was added at G.S.S Wuse Zone 3, and this year two more are about to be added, courtesy of prominent Chinese companies in Nigeria”.
Curriculum Review: Nigeria Secondary Schools to now Offer Chinese Language- Mandarin- FCT
National News
Tinubu Says 126 million Nigerians now captured in National Identity Database

Tinubu Says 126 million Nigerians now captured in National Identity Database
…30 arrested for operating fake registration centres
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has announced that over 126 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the National Identity Database with their National Identity Numbers, NIN.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Senator George Akume, at the 7th National Day of Identity, organised by the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC held on Tuesday in Abuja, said the government is interested in a Nigeria where every citizen’s identity is recognized, verifiable, and protected, and where no one is left behind in the journey toward development.
The President while lauding the Commission for clearing over 2.5 million backlog records within the past two years. said it was commendable that NIMC succeeded in arresting over 30 fraudulent individuals for setting fake registration centres, stressed that the National Day of Identity is a reminder that in the 21st century, identity is more than just a record. It is the foundation of citizenship, the gateway to opportunity, and the anchor for national security.
He noted that this year’s theme, “Public Key Infrastructure:Backbone to Digital Public Infrastructure,” speaks to a future that is already unfolding. Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI, is not a distant aspiration. It is the
backbone that supports our digital transformation, ensuring that the identity of every Nigerian is secure, trusted, and usable across all platforms.
He added that PKI is central to the integrity of our Digital Public Infrastructure. It provides the secure digital trust upon which all services, including financial transactions,
healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and governance, are built. Without PKI,
digital interactions remain vulnerable. Without PKI, citizens cannot fully trust that
their data and transactions are secure. But with PKI, Nigeria can build an ecosystem
where trust is guaranteed, fraud is reduced, services are streamlined, and every
citizen can engage with government and private institutions with confidence.
President Tinubu expressed delight that the mobile and web self-service applications has processed more than half a million record updates, and deployed over 800 mobile enrolment devices nationwide alongside new territorial offices for better oversight.
Tinubu further assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to strengthening digital infrastructure and identity management as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said: “Behind this number are workers who can now claim their pensions without fear of fraud. There are students who can now access loans and scholarships with ease. There are farmers who receive targeted incentives that boost productivity and strengthen food security. There are displaced persons and vulnerable groups who now have proof of identity that enables them to benefit from humanitarian support. This is the true power of identity, and this is the progress we celebrate.
“Importantly, this expansion has reached beyond our borders. More than 200 diaspora centres now serve Nigerians abroad, while dedicated enrolment exercises have registered refugees, internally displaced persons, and inmates of correctional facilities. In addition, a disability inclusion policy has been rolled out, training more than 5,000 enrolment agents to better serve persons with disabilities. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to leave no one behind.
“To sustain this growth, the Commission has upgraded its systems. The national database has been expanded from a capacity of 100 million records to 250 million, ensuring that no Nigerian will be excluded as enrolment continues. More than 1,500 enrolment devices are in operation across the country, complemented by over 200 centres established in the diaspora to serve Nigerians abroad. These achievements underscore the seriousness with which we are pursuing universal coverage.
“In addition, NIMC has harmonized and integrated 125 partner agencies, creating a unified ecosystem that reduces duplication, saves costs, and improves service delivery. This includes integration with the Immigration Service for passport issuance, the Federal Inland Revenue Service for tax records, the National Population Commission for birth registration, the National Health Insurance Authority for healthcare enrolment, and UBEC for school records. Working with the NCC, NIMC has enforced the NIN-SIM linkage, which has significantly reduced fraud and enhanced national security.
“Operational excellence has also been prioritized. The Commission has invested in the training of its staff, the provision of modern work tools, the creation of a world-class customer care center, and an ultra-modern audiovisual studio for public engagement. Staff welfare has been improved with the approval and implementation of salary adjustments, promotions for over 2,800 personnel, and the construction and rehabilitation of enrolment centers nationwide.
“At the same time, clampdowns on extortion and phishing sites have safeguarded citizens and protected the integrity of the system. Working with the Police and security agencies, NIMC has arrested over 30 fraudulent operators, shut down illegal centres, and maintained ISO 27001:2022 certification, a global benchmark for data security. The launch of the High Availability Verification Service now ensures 99.9% uptime for identity verification”.
He highlighted the benefits of the National Identity Number (NIN) to include seamless access to government services, improved financial inclusion, enhanced national planning, and strengthened security architecture.
According to him, the NIN has become a vital tool for streamlining social intervention programmes, eliminating ghost beneficiaries, and ensuring that subsidies and welfare reach the right people.
He added that it also facilitates access to banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and education services, while boosting citizens’ participation in the digital economy.
President Tinubu stressed that the integration of the NIN into various sectors would reduce identity fraud, improve revenue collection, and position Nigeria to compete globally in technology-driven development.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on his part, said: “As a Minister of Interior I commit my Ministry to the steady work of integration. We will continue to modernise our services, expand secure enrolment and verification across government, and ensure that identity driven services are delivered with dignity, protection and predictability.
“The investments we make today in PKI, data centres and secure enrolment will be the collateral for Nigeria’s digital economy tomorrow. They will enable secure cross border commerce, diaspora engagement and global trust in Nigerian credentials.”
The Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote in her remarks disclosed that 52 percent of Nigerians in the diaspora have been captured in the National Identity database, while 85 percent of inmates in Nigeria Correctional Centres have also been enrolled.
Coker-Odusote said NIMC infrastructures have been upgraded across the country and outside with over 200 enrolment centres, while about 125 agencies of government and institutions have had the National Identity Numbers harmonised with NIMC. She added that with upgraded infrastructures, NIMC has reduced time spent on NIN enrolment by 49 percent, while extortion of citizens have been eliminated.
She dismissed claims of compromise of NIMC database infrastructures, saying that NIMC systems are the most secure in the country with global standards and practices that prioritised security, trust and integrity.
The event was among others attended by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Works, Bello Mohammed Goronyo and Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari
Tinubu Says 126 million Nigerians now captured in National Identity Database
National News
NHRC: 365,224 Human Rights Abuses Recorded in August

NHRC: 365,224 Human Rights Abuses Recorded in August
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has disclosed that 365,224 human rights abuse cases were received by
the commission in August alone.
He made the disclosure at the presentation of the National Human Rights Dashboard, and the ‘Protection of Human Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons through Information/Data Collection and Documentation in Nigeria’ initiative, spotlighting the plights of IDPs, Returnees, Refugees and Asylum Seekers tracked from May to July 2025. On Tuesday in Abuja.
Ojukwu said, the commission got three hundred and and sixty four thousand, two hundred and sixty five voices who entrusted them with their stories.
He said: “In August, the National Human Rights Commission stood as a beacon of hope for Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Four (365,224) voices who entrusted us with their stories of struggle for enjoyment of human rights. These complaints, received across our 38 collection points in Nigeria reveal a nation at a crossroad.”
Ojukwu further said: “The data speaks loudly, spotlighting three critical areas: Freedom from Discrimination, Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR), and Law Enforcement and Human Dignity. These are not mere statistics; they are the pulse of a people yearning for fairness, justice, and respect.
“Our Observatory’s findings amplify this urgency, documenting incidents of human rights violations across all geo-political zones. The North-West, particularly Zamfara and Katsina, bore the brunt of banditry, with mass killings like the tragic loss of 50 worshippers in a Katsina mosque and abductions of 45 in Zamfara’s Bakura.
“In urban centers like FCT and Kwara, mob justice surged, with lynchings over theft and blasphemy allegations, reflecting a crisis of trust in law enforcement.”
‘In addition he said, “The Observatory also highlights a distressing rise in violations against vulnerable groups. Sexual and gender-based violence targeted minors, with harrowing cases of rape against girls as young as 2 in Ekiti and 7 in Ondo. Benue and FCT reported deadly farmer-herder clashes, while land disputes fueled killings in Ebonyi. Suicides in Osun and Imo, linked to financial and academic stress, signal an urgent need for mental health support.”
“These trends paint a stark picture. Yet, they also galvanize us to act: to strengthen child protection laws, reform policing with transparency tools, and address land tenure to curb communal violence.
He also called on relevant authorities to increase their efforts in protecting humans. “The state of vulnerable population in Nigeria should be of great concern to governments at federal, state and local levels.
Our Dashboard on the Human Rights and Internal Displacements reveal humanitarian crises of immense proportion. Multiple factors such as raging conflicts, banditry, and climatic disasters have thrown up internal displacements impacting on the human rights of poor and already traumatised populations.”
On Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) he said, “Our engagement with community protection action group members in project documented 8,966 displacements between May to July and a cumulative 53,261 from February to July. These are not just mere numbers. They represent Nigerians who have been exposed to multiple human rights violations, impacting on their dignity and humanity.
“The National Human Rights Commission with the support of our partners, UNHCR have also documented rising incidences of numbers of populations of returnees and refugees across our project sites. Between the months of May and July, there were a total of 10,710 Returnees to communities, 5,191 refugees and 2.275 Asylum Seekers in the same period.
“These dashboards continue to serve as our compasses. They point us to work for a Nigeria where no one is left behind, where discrimination fades, opportunities flourish, and dignity is non-negotiable. I call on all stakeholders to support our Vision: real-time alerts, nationwide response, and policies that breathe life into the lived experience of every Nigerian.” he emphasised
NHRC: 365,224 Human Rights Abuses Recorded in August
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