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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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Troops recover 68 livestock after gun battle with terrorists in Sokoto

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Troops recover 68 livestock after gun battle with terrorists in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recovered 68 rustled animals after engaging terrorists in a gun battle at Sauna/Goboro Forest, spanning Illela and Tangaza Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sept. 2 when terrorists attempted to move the livestock through the area.

The source said troops made contact, exchanged fire and forced the terrorists to flee, abandoning the animals.

The recovered livestock were handed over to the Maigari of Sauna village for onward delivery to Tangaza LGA officials.

He added that one military Panhard vehicle developed a mechanical fault during the operation and was undergoing repairs.

Troops recover 68 livestock after gun battle with terrorists in Sokoto

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Two killed, three injured as terrorists attack community in Niger, as troops chased the attackers

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Two killed, three injured as terrorists attack community in Niger, as troops chased the attackers

By: Zagazola Makama

Terrorists have killed two persons and injured three others in an attack on Dappo village, Tungan Wawa Ward of Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, Sub-Sector 1, responded swiftly to the attack with heavy fire power.

According to the source, vigilantes from Utachu village had earlier engaged the terrorists in a firefight before troops reinforced the area.

He said the attackers fled on sighting the troops after inflicting casualties on locals, while troops secured the community to prevent further attacks.

Two killed, three injured as terrorists attack community in Niger, as troops chased the attackers

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Four children die mysteriously in Borno community, parents hospitalised

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Four children die mysteriously in Borno community, parents hospitalised

By: Zagazola Makama

Tragedy struck in Kukurpu village, Kwajaffa District of Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, where four children from the same family were confirmed dead after being found unconscious alongside their parents.

Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred on Thursday morning when neighbours raised alarm after several unanswered phone calls to the family’s head, 35-year-old Muktari Idrisa.

According to sources, a neighbour, Bukar Musa, eventually reached Idrisa’s wife, Maimuna, who revealed that everyone in the house was seriously ill and unable to stand.

The neighbours rushed to the residence and discovered Idrisa, his wife, and their four children lying unconscious.

The children were identified as: Idrisa Muktari, male, Hauwa Muktari, female, 9 years, Binta Muktari, female, 6 years and Saidu Muktari, male, 1 year.

Security forces and medical experts rushed to the scene. Doctors certified all four children dead on arrival, while the parents were admitted and are responding to treatment.

The corpses were deposited at the hospital mortuary before being released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.

Authorities say the cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained, though police say the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Maiduguri has commenced a full investigation.

The tragic development has thrown the quiet farming community of Kukurpu into mourning.

Four children die mysteriously in Borno community, parents hospitalised

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