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Buhari, UN pledges to reduce humanitarian effect, as 35 aid providers killed

Buhari, UN pledges to reduce humanitarian effect, as 35 aid providers killed
By Olatunji Omirin
President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated government’s commitment to reducing the effect of disasters, climate change, insurgency and challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
He directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and its agencies to address urgent threats posed by explosive remnants in the North East region.
Buhari issued the directive on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day 2022 with theme “IT TAKES A VILLAGE” in Maiduguri on Thursday.
‘‘On this 2022 World Humanitarian Day and every other day, we stand and shall continue to stand in solidarity with humanitarian aid workers and recognize their tremendous service and sacrifice.
”We celebrate their tireless efforts to save lives, preserve human dignity, and alleviate suffering. Their selfless commitment and actions stand as an example to us all.
“I hope to see more of our leaders commitment to humanitarian services, through government at all levels in our efforts to ensure a better life for our people.
On the fight against insurgency, Buhari reiterated his directive to security agencies to take the fight to the hideouts of the criminal elements and ensure ”they are completely eliminated.”
“I therefore implore you, not relent in your efforts to continue to take the fight to their hideout. And ensure they are completely eliminated.
” I implore you to ensure adequate security for farmers in their farming activities; agricultural activities are most needed for settlement and development of rural areas. And this can only be achieved if the farmers are sure of their safery.”he charged.
The president led other guests at the event in Maiduguri to observe a minute of silence in memory of all who lost their lives in disasters and humanitarian workers who died in the line of duty.
The president also thanked the UNDP, the European Union, the government of USA, United Kingdom and Germany, as well as other foreign establishments for their support in complementing the Administration’s effort to stabilize the North East Region.
On her part, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq citing figures from Aid Worker Security Database that since 2016, 35 aid workers lost their lives, 22 wounded and 28 kidnapped.
She added that since the beginning of this year, six aid workers were kidnapped in the country.
On the choice of Borno for this year’s event, the minister explained that it was meant to highlight the humanitarian situation and plight of IDPs in the region and to inspire the much needed change.
“It truly takes a village to provide emergency relief, protection and assistance, to build peace and resilience of affected communities, to promote sustainable development and to lift people out of poverty, especially in complex and protracted humanitarian situation.
“Everyone gathered here today represents that community,” she said.
In his welcome address, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said “the state is enjoying relative peace and stability, thanks to the sacrifices of gallant soldiers, security agencies, local vigilantes and the MNJTF.’’
Also, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Matthias Schmale urged all actors to find more effective ways of working together between the humanitarian and the development villages.
“I am encouraged by the opportunities to make a lasting difference in people’s lives, giving them hope for a better future.
“There are areas void of violence and enjoying a degree of stability in the north-east where longer-term and more durable solutions are possible. These locations offer windows of opportunity to focus on activities that increase resilience and self-reliance for displaced people and host communities.
“Such opportunities would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of local actors. Our ‘village’ includes national and local partners with invaluable insight into the needs, preferences, and concerns of affected people, and their work has been key throughout all aspects of the humanitarian response.” Matthias said.
While in Borno, Buhari inaugurated the Bulunkutu Teachers’ Quarters on Airport road and Molai 500 low-cost housing estate for IDPs constructed by the State Government with support of the Federal Government.
News
Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution

Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), on Monday, called for urgent global action to tackle plastic pollution causing environmental crisis.
APWEN, under its “STEM for All” initiative, North-East zone, made the call, while commemorating the 2025 World Environment Day in Gombe.
Speaking virtually, President of APWEN, Engr. Adebisi Osim, said it is imperative to encourage recycling of plastics, as part of measures to reduce pollution.
Osim noted that the amount of plastics manufactured annually for use had made it necessary for urgent actions to be taken, to ensure a cleaner and safer environment.
“Today’s theme, “End Plastic Pollution” is not just a catchy phrase, It is a wake-up call; a global one and we are answering that call, not with panic, but with STEM-driven solutions and people-centered action.
“According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the world produces over 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, and over two-thirds of that becomes waste.
“Alarmingly, less than 10 per cent is recycled, and the rest clogs our drains, litters our streets, chokes our rivers, and poisons marine life.
“Here in Nigeria, the World Bank estimates that Lagos alone generates 13,000 metric tonnes of waste per day, and 15 per cent of that is plastic.
“We see it daily in pure water sachets lining our gutters, single-use bags littering markets, and microplastics infiltrating our food chains,” she said
.
Osim called on stakeholders to invest more in recycling the plastics towards reducing the need for new plastic production, which will in turn lower greenhouse gas emission.
She assured that state chapters are collaborating with young people, to design plastic alternatives, using local materials, and to build waste-sorting systems using simple robotics.
Osim added that the chapters will also explore the conduct of STEM fairs, which are focused on sustainable innovation.
In the same vein, Chairman of the Gombe chapter of APWEN, Engr. Deborah Danladi, urged stakeholders to invest in plastic waste recycling, to save the environment, as well as create jobs and wealth for youths.
Danladi also underscored the need for more action and sensitisation to ensure collective approach to addressing the menace of plastic pollution.
Women engineers urge intensified action to tackle plastic pollution
News
UN Agencies Drum Support for Adequate Investment in MSMEs

UN Agencies Drum Support for Adequate Investment in MSMEs
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations (UN) agencies in Nigeria have hammered on the need for adequate investment in the development of Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to advance economic growth in the country.
The agencies disclosed this during the commemoration ceremony of the 2025 MSMEs Day on Monday in Abuja.
The event was jointly organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Director, UNIDO Sub-regional Office, Abuja, Mr. Philbert Johnson, who was represented by National Programme Officer at UNIDO, Mr. Reuben Bamidele,, said that MSMEs role in nation building cannot be underestimated, therefore the need for adequate investment to ensure their sustainable growth is of uppermost importance.
Johnson said: “We are gathered together today to discuss proper ways to promote innovation and growth within the MSMEs sector.
“In Nigeria, as we know not less than 40million MSMEs are making huge contribution to the economic growth of the country, by providing employment and serving as means of livelihood for people.
“MSMEs, thereby, contribute to the growth of Gross Domestic Products across sectors of the country’s economy. We gathered to dissect the challenges MSMEs face and also, to work closely together towards achieving sustainable growth.”
The ILO Country Representative, Dr Vanessa Phala, stressed the need for strategic measures to be taken to bolster MSMEs impact on the nation’s economy.
Phala, who was represented by ILO’s National Project Coordinator for the Social Dimension of Ecological Transition, Stephen Agugua, said: “We look at how MSMEs can drive the future of the economy through job creation and employment. When you think of job creation and employment that is where ILO comes in.
“MSMEs are key to the growth of every economic sphere: Through this dialogue platform ILO will know the challenges MSMEs are facing and look at pathways for ensuring sustainable solutions collectively.”
The UNDP Deputy-Director, Ms Varsha Redkar-Palepu, represented the National Programme Specialist and Trade Focal Point at UNDP by Claire Henshaw,, described MSMEs as pivotal to nation building.
She noted that MSMEs form the foundation of inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria, “MSMEs are vital engines for job creation, innovation and social mobilisation, particularly for women and youths. While operating on margins of formal economic systems, we need to put MSMEs at the centre of our development.
“In Nigeria and across Africa, MSMEs holds the key to transforming economic opportunities to meaningful development and the ambition into tangible outcomes,” Phala said.
On his part, Managing-Director of Prohealth, a private organisation, Dr Chinedu Nnabuihe who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), commended the UN agencies for putting the event together.
According to him, the event is dedicated to the invaluable role MSMEs play in advancing innovation, creating jobs, increasing inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the country.
“In Nigeria, MSMEs are the engine of our economy, driving local production, supporting livelihood and contributing significantly to national GDPs. This is amidst challenges posed by economic situation, limited access to finance and infrastructure.
“Nigeria MSMEs have continued to demonstrate resilience, creativity and determination. At NECA we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an enabling environment in supporting MSMEs development,” Nnabuihe said.
The event attracted stakeholders from Small and Medium Enterprises Development (SMEDAN), Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigeria Association of of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Others include, National Insurance Commission (NICOM), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
Highpoint of the event was visit by the stakeholders to the exhibition stand of MSMEs, overview of UNDP engagement with MSMEs, government agencies’ engagement with MSMEs and WIP-intellectual property for MSMEs.
End
News
NDLEA is Central to Africa’s Action Plan on Drug Control, Crime Prevention- AU Commission

NDLEA is Central to Africa’s Action Plan on Drug Control, Crime Prevention- AU Commission
By: Michael Mike
The Commission of the African Union has said the formulation of new action plan on drug control and crime prevention on the African continent would not be complete without inputs from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) because of its central role in law enforcement on the continent.

The AU Commission stated this on Monday during an assessment visit to the NDLEA’s National Headquarters in Abuja by a three-member delegation including the team lead Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention; Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer; and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.
The visit was to evaluate the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019-2025).
Akinola said: “We are here to understand the status of implementation of this continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention. We are in the process of re-evaluating and starting another continental action plan that will take us from 2026 to 2030. So, we have identified a few countries to understand how this action plan was actually implemented in the member states. And if there are gaps and the new and current emerging trends that we can include.
“So, we understand very well the work of NDLEA and we believe that the formulation of the new action plan will not be finalized and concluded until we have inputs from NDLEA Nigeria, because you are basically on the forefront when it comes to law enforcement on the entire continent.”
The AU Commission delegation commended the NDLEA for its sustained provision of critical and policy-relevant data, which has significantly informed and shaped the work of the Commission over the years. The visit, according to the delegation, aimed to obtain a comprehensive update on the current status of implementation of national drug control strategies, identify operational and institutional gaps, and explor#####eiiii#ehue#pp7l#######el#e7l77#e7l7#wlAfrican##wle potential areas for technical assistance, particularly in relation to capacity development, forensic science capabilities, canine detection units, and other strategic enablers of drug control efforts.
Welcoming the delegation, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), emphasized the importance of the mission, stating that he considered it imperative to receive the team personally due to the strategic relevance of their engagement.

He said: “We are particularly pleased that the African Union is giving due weight to the implementation of the continental action plan, not merely as a theoretical exercise, but by undertaking direct field consultations with national counterparts. This grounded, evidence-informed approach will undoubtedly result in a more pragmatic and responsive framework for implementation.”
Marwa highlighted the urgency of addressing the continent’s growing drug challenge, adding that while global projections estimate a 10–11% rise in drug use prevalence, Africa is expected to experience a surge of up to 40%. “This disparity signals a looming crisis that demands coordinated and accelerated action. We deeply appreciate the AU’s leadership in this space and commend your proactive efforts,” he added.
NDLEA is Central to Africa’s Action Plan on Drug Control, Crime Prevention- AU Commission
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