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FG Promises Harnessing Potential of Aging Population

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FG Promises Harnessing Potential of Aging Population

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has promised harnessing the potential of an aging population, assuring of its commitment to improve the quality of life and well being of Nigerians.

The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, while delivering an address at the International Day of Older Persons ceremony at the UN House in Abuja.

Speaking at the event with the theme: “Fulfilling the promise of the universal declaration of human rights for older persons across generations,” which was organised by the UN and the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Edu commended the establishment of the NSCC by the NSCC Act 2017 to promote mainstreaming of older persons in the delivery of positive outcomes for the aged.

She assured of President Bola Tinubu’s move to reposition the ministry demonstrated the government’s political will to develop mechanisms and achieve the desired goals.

Edu said such would ensure sustainable systems to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of Nigerans, as well as progressively lift 133 million Nigerians out of poverty.

She noted that: “The NSCC remains the veritable agency to consolidate opportunities for the older population, in partnership with the various Ministries, Department and Agencies through multi-sectoral coordination.

Edu promised that: “The present administration will ensure adequate support; persuasion of the state governments to domesticate the NSCC Act , VAPP Act, Persons with Disability Act and National Health Authority Act.

“The present administration will focus on harnessing the potential of an aging population, combat ageism and negative stereotypes and close the gaps and inconsistencies in data.

She added that the administration would focus on research, human capital development and continue to create systems capable of supporting older persons, including age friendly environments, universal health coverage and long term care systems.

On his part, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale, reassured of UN’s support for Nigeria in the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons.

Schmale commended the event for being tailored to provide opportunity for reflection on the impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the protection of the rights of older persons.

He said: “It is my sincere hope that today’s dialogue will allow for reflections on effective promotion and protection of older persons in Nigeria, focusing on their contributions throughout their life, for the knowledge and expertise they can pass on to younger generations.

“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the UN in Nigeria is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts towards enhancing the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons.

“Especially, older persons living in vulnerable situations and making the promise of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights a reality for all Nigerians.”

The Director-General of NSCC, Dr Emem Omokaro, identified universally declared rights of older persons to include right to life, liberty, and security of person, freedom from discrimination, abuse, violence and torture, right to work and education; and right to participate in cultural, social, and political life of their country and right to economic empowerment, access to justice, disability and age friendly environment.

Omokaro said: “Today, we wish to present highlights of IE’s Report and Nigeria’s response, and have a multi-sectoral panel of discussants to make inputs.

“The outcomes we hope will enhance understanding of opportunities and challenges of older persons.

“(To) strengthen partnerships and technical support, increased aging mainstreaming in multi-sector plans, the SDGs, equity and solidarity across generations”

FG Promises Harnessing Potential of Aging Population

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2027: I’ll make Adamawa better with my 10-point agenda- Dr Girei

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2027: I’ll make Adamawa better with my 10-point agenda- Dr Girei

Dr Salihu Girei, a former Director of Research, Development and Centre of Excellence, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund), has formally declared interest to contest the Governorship seat in Adamawa under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Girei made his intention to govern the state known at a press conference in Yola while unveiling a 10-point agenda for the development of the state.

He said if given the mandate he would impact positively in the state especially at the grassroots.

He listed some of the agenda to include: free and quality education at the primary and secondary levels, healthcare service delivery, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, employment opportunities rural development among others.

Girei promised to provide a special salary package for teachers and 100 per cent review of pension for retirees.

He explained that he is presenting himself to the electorate to vote for in order to provide good governance, saying, he has a lot to offer towards improving the wellbeing of citizens of Adamawa State.

According to him, he contributed enormously to the development of the state and country at large for 33 years as a public administrator, and as a policy maker.

“I was Executive Chairman of Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board, where I was privileged to transform the education landscape, especially at the basic education level.

“I built at least 5,500 classrooms record. Were able to recruit at least 17,000 teachers in four years.

“We promoted teachers that were lagging behind in promotion. We trained and retrained teachers. We did a lot in terms of supervision of teachers and schools”, he said.

He said, based on those factors, he knows Adamawa well and its challenges and has the capacity to deliver for the citizens.

“There is no ward in Adamawa that I have not been to. I’ve visited all in my capacity as Chairman of SUBEB and Commissioner for LG Affairs”, he said.

Dr Girei earlier visited the APC Secretariat to formally declare his intentions to the party Executives and congratulated them for their emergence as the new EXCO.

In his remarks, Alhaji Hamza Madagali appreciated the visit and assured the party’s readiness to conduct free, fair and credible primary elections across all political offices.

2027: I’ll make Adamawa better with my 10-point agenda- Dr Girei

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Troops Ambush Terrorist Logistics Suppliers, Recover Items in Borno

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Troops Ambush Terrorist Logistics Suppliers, Recover Items in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled an attempt by suspected terrorist logistics suppliers along the Ngoshe–Ashigashiya road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion, deployed at Ngoshe, laid an ambush at a known crossing point along the route at about 2:20 a.m. on April 24.

The sources said the troops made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers conveying items to terrorist elements and engaged them with disciplined fire.

The suspects were forced to abandon the items and fled in disarray.

Items recovered during exploitation of the area include 10 pairs of women’s slippers, 28 sachets of 500g salt, 39 sachets of powdered milk, a motorcycle tube, a pair of joggers, two pieces of clothing materials measuring 10 yards each, two one-litre containers of engine oil and a black shirt.

The sources said no casualty was recorded on the side of the troops, while casualties on the part of the fleeing suspects could not be immediately ascertained.

They added that the troops returned to base at about 6:00 a.m. after completing the operation.

According to the sources, the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high.

Troops Ambush Terrorist Logistics Suppliers, Recover Items in Borno

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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