Two CPG members killed, one injured in Zamfara bandit attack

By: Zagazola Makama

Two members of the Civilian Protection Group (CPG) were shot dead, while another was injured in an ambush by armed bandits in Dansadau, Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama report that the attack occurred on Saturday at about 5:00 p.m. while the CPG members were travelling from Dantudu to Dansadau.

The injured member, identified as Kamal Yaron Malam, sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to Dansadau General Hospital for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased were also taken to the hospital for autopsy before being released to their families for burial according to Islamic rites.

Local residents expressed concern over the growing spate of bandit attacks in the area.

Two CPG members killed, one injured in Zamfara bandit attack

Cuban Embassy Honours Fidel Castro Nine Years After His Passing

By: Michael Mike

The Cuban Embassy in Nigeria has held a commemorative gathering to mark nine years since the death of Fidel Castro, with Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero leading the tribute to the late Cuban leader whose influence, she said, continues to shape global struggles for justice.

Addressing diplomats, government officials, and members of Nigeria’s Cuba-friendship community, Ambassador Morales Palmero said the annual remembrance carries deep meaning for the Cuban people and remains a moment to reflect on the principles Castro championed throughout his lifetime.

She thanked attendees for what she described as a visible expression of the strong ties between Cuba and Nigeria, noting that solidarity between both nations “remains a living and unbreakable link.”

The ambassador described Castro as a figure whose impact went far beyond politics. She portrayed him as a global moral voice, committed to defending the disadvantaged and speaking out against oppression in all forms.

She said: “His (Castro) life was defined by dedication to just causes,” adding that his legacy reaches beyond Cuba’s borders to all who pursue a more equitable world.

Morales Palmero also highlighted Castro’s longstanding connection to Africa, recalling his admiration for countries on the continent and the mutual respect he cultivated with African leaders and liberation movements. According to her, Castro viewed Africa not only as a partner but as a source of resilience and inspiration.

Although Castro died in 2016, the envoy emphasized that his influence persists. She told the audience that Castro’s ideals, consistency, and loyalty to principle continue to serve as a guide for people who remain committed to justice and dignity. “Fidel did not disappear,” she said. “His example endures.”

The programme featured the screening of the documentary “Fidel is Fidel,” which presents key moments from Castro’s life and leadership. Organizers said the film was chosen to give audiences a renewed sense of the personal qualities—discipline, conviction, and humanity—that shaped his decades of public service.

The evening ended with expressions of continued friendship between Cuba and Nigeria, reaffirming shared commitments to solidarity and cooperation—values central to Castro’s worldview.

Cuban Embassy Honours Fidel Castro Nine Years After His Passing

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