News
British High Commission Laments Low Attendance in School of Children with Disabilities
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
News
Troops restore calm after communal clash in Nasarawa
Troops restore calm after communal clash in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 177 Guards Battalion have restored order following a communal clash in Aso Pada Riverside Community, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources said that at about 9:00 a.m. on March 25, troops deployed at Gurku Patrol Base responded to reports of violence in the community.
On arrival, they discovered that some houses and properties had been set ablaze by youths of Fulani extraction.
Investigations revealed that the incident began when a vigilante from the community shot a Fulani youth with a dane gun over a dispute, claiming the youth’s cow had eaten his mango. Two other Fulani youths were also shot dead, triggering reprisal attacks that led to the deaths of two additional individuals and injuries to five others.
The corpses and injured victims were evacuated to a hospital for medical attention, while the vigilante is currently in police custody. Troops maintained a dominating presence in the area, calming the situation and restoring normalcy.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to convene an expanded meeting with both parties to qfurther investigate the clash and apprehend other perpetrators.
Troops restore calm after communal clash in Nasarawa
News
Troops conduct offensive, recover arms in Zamfara
Troops conduct offensive, recover arms in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade, Operation FANSAN YANMA in coordination with troops of Sector 2, have carried out an offensive operation to clear a terrorist group from Dutsi village in Moriki District, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said that at about 2:15 p.m. on March 25, troops engaged the terrorists in the village, forcing them to flee.
During exploitation of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The operation was subsequently extended to Gandu village within the same district, where troops engaged fleeing terrorist positions on high ground, compelling them to withdraw.
Troops maintained aggressive posture to deny terrorists freedom of action and continue patrols to ensure the security of communities in the area.
Troops conduct offensive, recover arms in Zamfara
News
Troops respond irrigation farms destroyed in Rinyan, Riyom LGA, Plateau
Troops respond irrigation farms destroyed in Rinyan, Riyom LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have responded to the destruction of irrigation farms at Rinyan village in Riyom Local Government Area.
Security sources said that at about 8:30 a.m. on March 25, troops of Sector 6 reacted to a report of the destruction of farms belonging to Mr.

David Samuel Dada and six other farmers. On arrival, troops observed that cabbage and pepper crops had been completely destroyed by unidentified persons.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators, the sources added.
Troops respond irrigation farms destroyed in Rinyan, Riyom LGA, Plateau
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
