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ECOWAS Advocates Stronger Protection of Child Rights
ECOWAS Advocates Stronger Protection of Child Rights
By: Michael Mike
The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has advocated for stronger protection of child rights in Nigeria and across the West Africa subregion.
This was the advocacy at a stakeholder interaction initiative to drive effort on strengthening delivery on child rights across the entire ECOWAS institution and the sub-region held in Lagos between 10-13 October, 2023.
The Lagos Retreat major thrust aimed at the Development and Validation of an ECOWAS Child Rights Inter-sectoral Strategic Plan and Methodological Guidelines for Mainstreaming Child Rights into ECOWAS Programming.
ECOWAS described the inter-sectoral strategic plan critical for the promotion and protection of Child Rights, including in relation to the rights of the child in a time of conflict, fragility and violence as an important move for different dimensions of Child Rights protection.
These dimensions include situations of emergency, children affected by armed conflict, child safeguarding, generally. Survival and development of the child also involves issues related to nutrition, education, human capital development, etcetera.
Programme Officer, Trafficking in Persons within the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, Olatunde Olayemi, said it doesn’t have to be a non-international conflict such as a civil war but also in situations of fragility for example in a time of elections.
He said: “Elections, sometimes if mis-handled, breed violence which could also affect children. We have disasters such as mudslides, landslides, economic downturns and others issues such as COVID-19, Ebola.
“Also inclusive is the early warning system with regional and national level centers in member states to ensure they anticipate challenges challenges to the rights of children and respond in a timely and effective manner.”
The SDGs comprise 17 Goals and 169 targets to be delivered by 2030 of which 48 targets are directly relevant to children, while 47 are somewhat relevant. Goals One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six are of direct consequence to children, while Goals Eight, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen and Sixteen have targets directly or closely linked to the realisation of child rights’.
It may be recalled that the ECOWAS Commission has reviewed and adopted a new ECOWAS Child Policy and Plan of Action (2019-2030) covering not only child protection but survival, development and participation. This sets a new tone for programming for the entire Commission and will require better coordination between various Departments and Directorates of the Commission.
Despite the foregoing, ECOWAS identified clear weaknesses in the the integrated implementation of Child Rights instruments in the ECOWAS.
These gaps have been glaring within the context of issue and events including: (1) Weak integration of child rights in pandemic preparedness and response i.e. Ebola Virus Disease and COVID 19 pandemic etc.; as borne out in the reports by UNICEF and Save the Children (2.) Weak integration of child rights in Security Sector initiatives i.e. ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Plan of Action etc.; in relation to Children affected by Armed Conflicts, Preventing Violent Extremism and Countering Violent Extremism and well as Deradicalization etc. Also, a clear need to mainstream child protection into Peace and Security frameworks overall.
Drawing from the ECOWAS Human Rights List of Indicators, required from Member States, certain actions must be integrated into ECOWAS Programming on: Measures/legislations for preventing violence against women and girls; Security forces and gender policy versus traditional and native practices; availability of special laws against child trafficking child labour and prostitution.
To this effect, the Olayemi’s Division that leads on the Rights of the Child, under the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, headed by Dr. Sintikiti Tarfa Ugbe, which is a part of the Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, headed by the Commissioner, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, said the ECOWAS Child Rights Inter-sectoral Strategic Plan follows through with the broad mandate of its dedicated programme area.
ECOWAS Advocates Stronger Protection of Child Rights
Boko Haram: Zulum Donates N30m for Purchase of House to Family of Slain Army Officer
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has donated N30 million cash to the family of the late Army Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Alari, who recently lost his life in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle.
The donation, which was made personally to the wife of the late officer by the Governor on Saturday in Maiduguri, is to enable the family buy a house
The governor while extending his condolences to the family of the late soldier and all others who lost their lives fighting to restore peace in Borno State, said: “Yesterday, we sent a high-level state government delegation to the funeral. However, I felt the need to personally extend my condolences on behalf of the government and people of the state.”
He added: “Let me also extend my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the cause of the fight against terrorism in Borno and all parts of the northeast.”
“We are also presenting a token donation of N30m for his immediate family to purchase a house because I was told that Lt Col Alari doesn’t own a personal house. I want to assure you that apart from this, we will continue to offer support to you and the families of our fallen heroes who have put their lives in defence of our country.” Zulum stated.
The presentation was made in the presence of the Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, Sector 2 Commander, and Major General Chieiebere Ejike. Also present are Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and House of Representatives members Engr Bukar Talba and Ahmed Jaha.
Other State Government officials who attended the presentation include the Deputy Chief of Staff, Engr. Babagana Malumbe; Commissioners; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma; Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Brigadier Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq (Rtd); and Chairman of Damboa Local Government, Ali Kauji among other senior officers.
Boko Haram: Zulum Donates N30m for Purchase of House to Family of Slain Army Officer
Buni elected chairman of the Lake Chad governor’s forum.
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, was elected as chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum to run the affairs for two years.
The election of Governor Buni comes shortly after the end of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum meeting held at Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for providing leadership to the country and region at a very difficult time.
The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum meeting was hosted by the Yobe state government and was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his leadership and commitment to peace, security, and development of the Lake Chad Basin region, Governor Buni said.
He appreciated his colleagues, the governors of the Lake Chad Basin region, delegates, and all other stakeholders for attending and contributing to the success of the meeting.
“Therefore, we look forward to a more robust partnership, support, and the needed resource allocation for us to individually and collectively actualize our shared ambition of building a better and prosperous region for our citizens.
“I wish to, on behalf of myself, the government, and the people of Yobe State, commend and appreciate the decision of my colleagues for endorsing me as the new chairman of the forum.
According to Buni, it is gratifying that as we celebrate the successful end of this meeting, my colleagues have found me worthy of chairing the forum for the next two years.
Buni elected chairman of the Lake Chad governor’s forum.
Mustapha Rufau Appointed as Kangiwa of Adamawa Emirate
By: Michael Mike
In a significant development for the Adamawa Emirate, Mustapha Rufau, a distinguished businessman from a prestigious family, has been appointed as the Kangiwa of the Adamawa Emirate.
The appointment underscores his exemplary contributions to business, leadership, and community development.
Mustapha Rufau is renowned for his sharp business acumen and success in diverse ventures, which have cemented his reputation as an astute entrepreneur.
His visionary leadership and commitment to societal growth have earned him admiration both in the corporate world and among community stakeholders.
The title of Kangiwa is one of great honor and responsibility, symbolizing leadership, trust, and service to the emirate. With his deep-rooted values and dedication to progress, Mustapha Rufau is expected to play a pivotal role in preserving the emirate’s cultural heritage while driving unity and development across the region.
This appointment also reflects the enduring influence of the Rufau family, known for their legacy of service and excellence.
As Kangiwa, Mustapha Rufau’s leadership is anticipated to leave a lasting impact on the Adamawa Emirate and beyond.
Mustapha Rufau Appointed as Kangiwa of Adamawa Emirate
Boko Haram: Zulum Donates N30m for Purchase of House to Family of Slain Army Officer
Buni elected chairman of the Lake Chad governor’s forum.
Mustapha Rufau Appointed as Kangiwa of Adamawa Emirate
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