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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
Usman Takes Over as Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary, Seeks Stronger Collaboration
By: Michael Mike
The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Salihu Aminu Usman, has officially assumed duty, pledging to strengthen collaboration within the ministry and across the nation’s environmental sector.
Usman made the call during a brief handover ceremony, where he urged staff, agencies and stakeholders to work together to advance environmental policies and programmes aimed at sustainable national development.
He stressed that the ministry’s mandate cannot be effectively achieved without collective commitment and teamwork, noting that cooperation among all actors in the sector is critical to delivering meaningful results.
The new Permanent Secretary assured staff that he would build on the achievements and institutional structures established by his predecessor, while focusing on staff development, professionalism and improved welfare.
According to him, strengthening the capacity and motivation of workers in the ministry will remain central to achieving the ministry’s environmental protection and sustainability goals.
In his remarks, the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, described the Federal Ministry of Environment as an institution blessed with experienced and dedicated personnel.
He thanked the management and staff for the support and cooperation he received during his tenure and encouraged them to extend the same level of commitment to the incoming Permanent Secretary.
Kambari expressed confidence in Usman’s leadership ability, describing him as a professional with strong credentials and an amiable personality capable of sustaining the progress made in the ministry.
He also commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, describing him as an inspiring leader and mentor whose guidance contributed to the successes recorded during his time in office.
Speaking on behalf of the ministry’s management and staff, the Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Adenopo, expressed appreciation to Kambari for his leadership and contributions to the ministry.
She noted that his tenure witnessed important achievements that strengthened the ministry’s profile and institutional capacity.
Adenopo welcomed Usman to the ministry and assured him of the unwavering support and cooperation of the workforce.
She expressed confidence that his leadership would consolidate existing gains and guide the ministry toward greater progress in addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges.
Usman Takes Over as Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary, Seeks Stronger Collaboration
Joint security forces arrest two suspected gunmen during clearance operation in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army and other joint security agencies have continued clearance operations in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, resulting in the arrest of mysuspected gunmen.
Security sources said the operation was carried out through a joint effort involving the army, the Nigeria Police Force, forest guards and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The coordinated security operation was conducted in Mansur and Gwana areas of the local government area as part of ongoing efforts to clear criminal elements from communities in the area.
According to the sources, the joint security team raided suspected hideouts during the operation and successfully apprehended at least two suspected armed criminals.
Residents of nearby communities, including Duguri town in Alkaleri LGA, commended the security forces for their sustained efforts in restoring peace and protecting lives and property.
Community members also praised the sacrifices of Nigerian security personnel who operate in difficult and dangerous environments to safeguard communities and ensure stability.
They prayed for continued protection and strength for the troops and other security operatives as they carry out their duties in defence of the nation.
Joint security forces arrest two suspected gunmen during clearance operation in Bauchi
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Usman Takes Over as Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary, Seeks Stronger Collaboration
Joint security forces arrest two suspected gunmen during clearance operation in Bauchi
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