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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 Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS 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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UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

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UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

By: Michael Mike

A high-level United Kingdom trade mission on education and skills has concluded a week-long skills and schools trade mission to Nigeria, laying a solid foundation for expanded collaboration in education and workforce development between both countries.

The mission, which ran from April 19 to 23 in Abuja and Lagos, brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers and education institutions with Nigerian stakeholders, including policymakers, investors and school operators.

Organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the engagement is part of the UK’s broader International Education Strategy, which identifies Nigeria as one of five priority markets for global education partnerships. The initiative is being championed by Steve Smith, who is expected to return to Nigeria later this year to sustain momentum.

The mission builds on diplomatic and educational engagements during a recent state visit to the United Kingdom in March, further reinforcing the growing importance of education within UK–Nigeria bilateral relations.

At the heart of discussions was the expansion of in-country delivery of British education, including the establishment of internationally recognised UK schools in Nigeria, as well as the development of industry-aligned skills programmes, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

In Abuja, the delegation held high-level talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, securing strong political backing for deeper institutional cooperation. Both sides explored pathways for partnerships that would strengthen Nigeria’s education system while equipping young people with skills tailored to labour market demands.

The delegation also visited several British curriculum schools and colleges in Abuja and Lagos, gaining first-hand insight into teaching standards and operational models already in place within Nigeria.

Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted education as a key pillar of bilateral engagement.

“The UK and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and opportunities in education are one of its most exciting frontiers,” he said, noting that the mission demonstrated “strong appetite on both sides to deepen collaboration.”

He added that connecting UK institutions with Nigerian partners would help build sustainable, in-country education systems, while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for high-quality learning.

Also reflecting on the mission, Sarah Chidgey described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the UK’s education strategy in action.

According to her, progress in UK–Nigeria education collaboration has grown steadily since her first visit in 2022, with the current mission reinforcing mutual commitment to expanding access, quality, and innovation in the sector.

The delegation included representatives from prominent UK institutions such as Harrow International School, The King’s School Canterbury, Whitgift School, Bedford School, and Pearson, among others.

The mission concluded with a robust pipeline of follow-up activities, including one-on-one engagements, memorandum of understanding (MoU) discussions, and agreed next steps aimed at translating dialogue into tangible partnerships.

Analysts say the initiative signals a shift toward more structured and commercially viable education cooperation between both countries, with potential benefits spanning student mobility, local capacity building, and skills development aligned to Nigeria’s economic priorities.

With sustained engagement expected in the months ahead, stakeholders believe the mission could mark a turning point in positioning Nigeria as a major destination for international education investment in Africa.

UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

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