National News
Boko Haram: 2,200 families received N84m to in Borno
Boko Haram: 2,200 families received N84m to in Borno
By: James Bwala
Two thousand and two hundred families (2,200), who returned from Cameroon after fleeing Boko Haram in the country have received a booster from the Borno state government and humanitarian partners to enable them settle down while other preparations are being made for their return.
A total sum of N84 million was distributed to them yesterday when governor Babagana Umara Zulum alongside some major stakeholders in the humanitarian circle visited the returnees in Banki town of Bama local government area of Borno state in North-east Nigeria.
Banki town is bordering the Cameroonian republic and house thousands of internally displaced persons and refugees located in central Borno and about 130km from Maiduguri the Borno state capital
The funds distributed was to enable the families engage in trading for their livelihoods, and to contribute towards reviving Banki’s economy.
The Borno state governor and the humanitarian actors also commissioned offices for security agencies which included Immigration, Customs, and Police posts towards restoration of civil authorities in the town of Banki.
The livelihood support and municipal office projects were executed by the Borno State Government through the UNDP’s regional stabilization facility (RSF).
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Some of the stakeholders who are their with the Borno state governor includes the UNDP’s resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Yahaya, UN resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, Director General for Africa at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Heike Thiele, Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Lein Eliiv, among other humanitarian partners.
The visit to Banki town was informed after a multi stakeholder meeting attended by eight Governors within the Lake Chad, officials of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, multi national forces, among others, which was held in Yaounde, with focus on security cooperation, stability, and economic recovery in the Lake Chad region.
It could be recalled that Banki town, a commercial hub in Bama Local Government Area of Borno state was sacked by Boko Haram in 2014 and the people fled to Cameroon where they hibernated for almost seven years before some of them decided to return home this year. But this however was not without the conviction by the state governor Zulum who had been there at different times making efforts to resuscitate the town with hundreds of shelters now built for returnees.
Each of the 2,200 returnee-families received 40,000 naira to stimulate their local businesses.
Speaking at a brief ceremony, Zulum noted that the support was to help many residents who have completely lost their means of livelihood. He expressed delight that normalcy was fast returning to Banki town.
“We are here this afternoon to support the communities of Banki through the regional stabilization facility. People of Banki have completely lost their means of livelihood. Few months back, Banki was a ghost town” the Governor said.
Governor Zulum said the support aims to indirectly impact on not less than 10,000 dependants of beneficiaries.
Zulum recalled that the first phase of the cash for livelihood support program was flagged off two months ago, during which each of the beneficiaries went home with N40,000 each.
The UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP’s regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa commissioned buildings for Customs and Immigration services, and a reconstructed police station and barracks to enhance the restoration of the civil authorities in Banki.
Ms. Ahunna said, restoration of livelihoods and commercial activities across the border communities gives her joy, and assured their support to the Borno State Government towards bringing peace.
The UN Assistant Secretary General commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his leadership and commitment in efforts to restore normalcy.
“I see hope in the faces of the people who are here. I see hope rekindled, I see energy and interest, and motivation to restart their lives. This gives me a lot of joy, because development does not come from outside, it comes from within. I want to salute the Governor here for his leadership in supporting the restoration of hope and livelihood for this community.
“We are very proud to be supporting and coming behind the Governor to make life better and bring back hope to this community. We look forward to the next stage of the stabilization programme, and hope that we will really help end insurgency and bring peace to Borno State.” Ms. Ahunna said.
Also speaking, the Director General for Africa at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Heike Thiele said, “we have witnessed good progress towards stabilization today. The interventions under the Regional Stabilization Facility have not only contributed to the restoration of safety but have also helped strengthen the economy by enabling cross-border trade and movement”.
Boko Haram: 2,200 families received N84m to in Borno
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force(NPA) Lagos Command has arrested three suspects involved in an alleged human trafficking operation and successfully rescued two teenage girls who were being trafficked to Libya for prostitution.
Police sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that at 8:20 AM on March 7, officers of a tactical team based in Amuwo-Odofin received credible intelligence about the illegal movement of two underage girls via Kano State.
Acting on the tip-off, a team of special operatives intercepted the traffickers at Bokori Park, Kano State, where the victims, Ikimot Moruf (17 years old) and Rodiot Jelili (15 years old), were rescued unharmed.
Following the interception, three suspects were tracked and arrested in their hideout at No. 12/22 Akintunde Street, Alakuko, Lagos. The suspects were identified as: Yakubu Arise, Kalimot Moruf and Musilyat Balogun 54 years old.
The victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
National News
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
By: Michael Mike
In a major stride toward fostering innovation and collaboration, the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.
The launch of this Working Group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creatives industries leaders which took place in London on Tuesday, represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border
creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth and development. Both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.
A statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria, said: “By prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries.”
It revealed that a Terms of Reference and joint workplan for 2025 were also agreed upon to guide the Group’s focus and efforts.
Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, remarked: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group. Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film,fashion, and arts.
“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries. By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and in Nigeria.”
Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, Mr. Obi Asika,, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators. From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations: “The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”
Also speaking on behalf of the music industry, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs Adedayo Ayoade, said:“The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”
The launch of the Working Group and match-making event which took the form of a series of in person dialogues attended by officials from the UK and Nigerian
governments as well as creatives and served as an institutional framework for deliberations and actions.
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
National News
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representative committee on Public Petitions has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi for numerous achievements made by the NSCDC in ensuring a crime-free mining environment.
The lawmakers expressed their delight in the operational plan of the NSCDC Mining Marshals and the relentless onslaught against economic saboteurs within the mining sector.
“We are impressed with the Mining Marshals’effort to salvage the nation from the hands of thieves and infiltrators”.
While charging the Corps to keep up the good work, the House Committee further requested the Marshals to provide the activity schedule of operations within four weeks.
Representing the NSCDC Commandant General; the Mining Marshals Commander; ACC John Onoja Attah made the presentation and assured the committee of a thorough judicial process and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the every case is prosecuted diligently and justly at the closure of a thorough investigation.
ACC Attah hinted that the Corps under the Audi led administration had reinvigorated and repositioned the NSCDC to prosecute it’s statutory mandates with due diligence and loyalty.
He said there are no daunting challenges that could outweigh the deliberate commitment made by the Corps to ensure sanctity within the Mining industry.
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
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