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Covid-19: U-Report Nigeria rated trusted platform for sharing lifesaving information says UNICEF

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Covid-19: U-Report Nigeria rated trusted platform for sharing lifesaving information says UNICEF

Covid-19: U-Report Nigeria rated trusted platform for sharing lifesaving information says UNICEF

By: James Bwala

In the face of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the U-Report Nigeria was rated a trusted platform for sharing lifesaving information about the disease to mitigate the spread of the virus, and in mobilizing young people to fight vaccine hesitancy. 

UNICEF revealed this on Friday, stating that the innovative free digital platform has registered four million Nigerian responders, known as U -Reporters. 

“This places U-Report Nigeria at the top followed by Côte d’Ivoire and India. The U-Report platform through the U-Reporters provides young people the opportunity to air their views on healthcare, education, youth unemployment, diseases outbreaks and other pertinent issues affecting the lives of young people through short message service (SMS) polls. 

“The results of these polls are often shared with their communities, government, and decision makers for action. 

“Since April 2014 when the first U-Report poll was sent out in Nigeria, millions of young people provided valuable information by reporting issues emerging from their communities to help find solutions and improve the lives of their families and friends.” UNICEF said.

According to UNICEF, the  #Covid19innovation online challenge powered by U-Report Nigeria, at the onset of the Covid-19 lockdowns, called for innovative solutions on how to manage the pandemic and/or mitigate the spread of the virus, was participated by over 80,000 young people. 

“With the fourth wave of the pandemic, still distressing our daily lives, U-Report Nigeria is currently driving the #sleevesup challenge to reduce vaccine hesitancy amongst young people in Nigeria through peer-to-peer groups. The challenge is engaging students of tertiary institutions with the aim of having at least 200 Covid-19 vaccine champions in every institution of learning in the country. “UNICEF added.

Also Read: Buhari Appoints New Acting Comptroller General For Federal…

Also speaking, Rushnan Murtaza, OIC, Representative, UNICEF Nigeria said  “The success of the U-Report Nigeria aptly represents the active participation of young people in decision making and in finding solutions.

“We are proud to have reached four million responders, the highest number of young people reached through this platform, globally. I thank the boys and girls and the vibrant young adults of Nigeria for speaking their minds and communicating their views on issues affecting women and children. 

“They are the advocates and the change agents for improvement of basic services and well-being of people in our communities”. He said.

UNICEF also stated that U-Report relies on volunteer community members serving as U-Reporters. 

“It allows citizens to voice their opinions on issues, provides forums for exchanges and to amplify those views, concerns and solutions to the local media and to bring it to the attention of key stakeholders for information and action as needed.” UNiCEF said. 

Covid-19: U-Report Nigeria rated trusted platform for sharing lifesaving information says UNICEF

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NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad

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NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad

By: Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on Monday conducted a precision air interdiction mission at a terrorist enclave in Kollaram, within the Marte axis of the Lake Chad region.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the l airstrike, which was executed at approximately 0610 hours, followed credible intelligence and surveillance reports indicating the presence of terrorist elements and their logistical infrastructure in the area.

The sources said that the post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), shows that the air interdiction resulted in the destruction of key terrorist structures and critical logistics, in the Lake Chad corridor.

A senior military source, who confirmed the operation disclosed that the strike was part of ongoing efforts to maintain aerial dominance and sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North East theatre of operations.

“The operation was carried out with precision munitions tp ensure the neutralisation of only hostile targets. The destruction of these facilities significantly hampers the enemy’s ability to regroup or launch coordinated attacks in the region,” the source said.

He said that preliminary intelligence suggests panic and disarray within the terrorist ranks, with reports of survivors fleeing towards nearby islands for cover.

The source added that further reconnaissance is ongoing to track fleeing elements and prevent any regrouping attempts.

NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad

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Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter

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Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Friday, 18th and Monday, 21st April 2025 as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter Celebration.

The Easter festival comes after the 40 days fasting (Lent), with a holy weekend starting with Good Friday, Sunday (the day of Resurrection of Christ) and Easter Monday, all showcasing the virtues of sacrifice and resurrection.

Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo while making the holidays declaration on Tuesday on behalf of the Federal Government, extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on the joyous occasion.

He emphasized the importance of the holidays to Christians, which embody the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister also called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.
He reassured citizens of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.

He encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity, wishing
all Christians a blissful Easter celebration, while extending warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.

Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter

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ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence

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ActionAid, Stakeholders Recommends Ways to Improve Journalism

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has condemned the massacre in Plateau State that left over 40 persons dead, describing it as yet another chapter in the shameful cycle of violence.

AAN, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu said it
is “outraged by the savage attack on Zike community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left over 40 innocent Nigerians dead in a single night. This cold-blooded massacre, carried out in the early hours of Monday, April 14, is yet another chapter in the shameful cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State.”

It insisted that: “This was not a sudden or unpredictable tragedy. Community members, raised alarms ahead of the attack. They warned of threats. They called for help. But once again, they were ignored. The attackers stormed Zike around midnight and operated for nearly two hours- killing, burning and destroying- while security forces were nowhere to be found.”

The statement further read that: “ActionAid Nigeria condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible terms and holds the Nigerian government accountable for its continued failure to protect lives of Nigerians in Plateau state and across the country.

“We stand in total and unshakable solidarity with the people of Zike and every community across Bassa, Bokkos, and Mangu that has suffered these atrocities. These are not numbers; these are human beings, families, farmers, and children. Nigerians who deserve to live in peace and dignity.

“ActionAid Nigeria demands immediate and concrete action from both the Federal and Plateau State Governments. These include:

“A thorough, independent investigation into the Zike massacre- followed by prosecutions.

“The urgent deployment of well-equipped and accountable security personnel to protect high-risk communities.

“Direct humanitarian intervention for survivors: shelter, food, trauma care, and medical support.

“A clear and time-bound strategy to end impunity and prevent further violence, with full community participation.

“Structural peace building measures to address the root causes of the crisis- land disputes, ethnic tension, state neglect, and militarised impunity.

The statement further added that: “ActionAid Nigeria also calls on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff to go take action. Condemnations after each attack mean nothing if they are not followed by action.

“ActionAid Nigeria will continue to stand with the affected Nigerians, and amplify their voices.”

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence

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