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British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities

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British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities

By: Michael Mike

The British High Commission has lamented the low attendance of children with disabilities in school in Nigeria.

The Acting British High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson gave the lamentation while hosting a gathering of members of Nigeria’s disability rights community and their advocates as well as representatives of the diplomatic community in Abuja.

He said: “It is particularly shocking that it is estimated that only 12% of children with disabilities are in education. I know from my own experience that people with disabilities can and do make a full contribution to society – I hope that by speaking out I can help make a positive impact in Nigeria.

The envoy added that: “As I prepare to leave Nigeria, it was a priority for me that the final event I host should be one that brings the spotlight onto the challenges faced by the disabled community in Nigeria. I live with a disability myself and I know that, even with a good employer and a strong legal framework, it can be extremely challenging for people with disabilities to fulfil their capabilities and potential.”

He said: “While legal developments are part of the necessary change, it is also vital that this is mirrored by culture and attitude changes too.”

The theme for the event was the progressing the SDGs with and for persons with disabilities – aligning with International Day’s theme this year. Attendees were treated to panel discussions which included key reflections from Mr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Mr Jake Epelle, CEO to TAF Africa alongside a performance by the Deaf Can Dance group.

The forum was also an opportunity to spotlight women leaders in the disability space, and to learn about the particular Health and Social are challenges faced by women living with disabilities in Nigeria which is especially relevant during 16 Days of Activism.

It is no secret that there are no accurate figures on disability in Nigeria, but millions of people have disabilities. It is estimated that unemployment rates are over 60% against a national rate of 21.5% and that only 12% of children are in education compared with 57% for those without disabilities.

Women with disabilities are also up to four times more likely than other women to experience violence. The Government of Nigeria has ratified the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities UNCRPD and passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018. In 2015, the Government also passed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.

British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities

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NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality

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NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality

The Group Chairman Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga has restated the NGX’s commitment to gender equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation.

Kwairanga stated this in Lagos on Tuesday while delivering his welcome address on the occasion of the closing ceremony in honour of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who visited the floor of the Nigerian Exchange.

He stated that the Nigerian Exchange Group as an organisation remained committed to inclusiveness that drive growth and development at all levels of the NGX’s dealings.

He stated that through such inclusive representation, the NGX has achieved near parity at the board levels of the organisation and was working to improve the representation of female employees down the line.

“As an institution committed to sustainable growth and practices, we recognise the important qualities and values that women bring to the workplace and know that they perform just as well, if not better than men.

“It is a tradition in finance and investment that can be traced to the origins of the banking, finance and investment professions when most of the trade guilds that evolved into those professions were largely composed of men.

“The tradition has persisted for hundreds of years but despite that nomenclature, let me assure you that the investment and securities sector is very welcoming to and open to city gentlemen who are female.

“Women are very well represented at all levels of our industry and I can confide in you that the next President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers is going to be a woman,” he said.

Kwairanga stated that the NGX would partner with the Ministry to accelerate progress for women’s rights and improve the lot of female gender across the country.

He commended Sulaiman-Ibrahim for her several bold and innovative initiatives that would have positive impact on women and the country as a whole.

NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality

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Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA

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Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1 Operation Wirld Stroke deployed at FOB Bilawa-Jor conducted a fighting patrol within Mbapa and Mbabuande general areas on March 23, 2026.

During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists, neutralizing one suspect while others fled.

Following a pursuit, four additional suspects were apprehended and are currently in the custody of security forces for further investigation and prosecution.

In a similar development the troops
recovered a vehicle carrying two cows abandoned by suspected cattle rustlers in Uhemba.

The incident occurred at about 0348hrs on March 24, 2026, when the troops responded to intelligence reports of rustling activities in the area.

Upon the arrival of troops, the suspects fled, leaving behind the vehicle and livestock.

The recovered vehicle and cows are now in the custody of the troops for further investigation and legal action.

Military continue to urge the public to provide timely information on criminal activities to support ongoing security efforts.

Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA

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Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA

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Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 12 Brigade have neutralized a suspected terrorist during a fighting patrol at Odoape–Adankolo Forest in Kabba/Bunu LGA.

The encounter occurred at about 1400hrs on March 23, 2026, when the patrol team made contact with the fleeing suspect.

Preliminary investigation identified the neutralized individual as a notorious terrorist involved in providing intelligence and targets for kidnappings, as well as participating in cattle rustling and supplying logs to terrorist groups.

The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols and intelligence-led operations to curb criminal activities and protect residents in the area.

Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA

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