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FG to Prioritize Adolescents’Health, Well-being

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FG to Prioritize Adolescents’
Health, Well-being

By: Michael Mike

Federal government has assured that it will give special attention to health and economic challenges facing the country’s adolescent and young population.

It said that adolescents persons between the ages 10-19 years constitute 22 percent of Nigeria’s population while young people of age 10-24 years constitute about a third of the country’s population (32 percent).

According to Globally, there are about 1.8 billion adolescents and young people (ages 10-24), this subpopulation constitutes a chunk of productive
demography.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Daju Kacholom, speaking at the opening of the Global Forum for adolescents held in Abuja on Thursday, disclosed that government has identified social and health challenges confronting young persons in the country and is determined to addressed them.

She alao said: “In addition, Nigeria prioritizes the special challenges of adolescent health and well-being. Projected population of Nigeria states that adolescents (10-19 years) constitute 22% of Nigeria’s population while young people (age 10-24 years) constitute about a third (32%).

Daju Kacholom who was represented by her Special Assistant, Jummai Abdullahi
said: “It is a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations of good health.
We are gathered here today to mark the Nigeria national event
because Nigeria recognizes the unique place of adolescents in our demographic composition.”

She noted that: “In addition, Nigeria prioritizes the special challenges of adolescent health and well-being. Projected population of Nigeria states that adolescents (10-19 years) constitute 22% of Nigeria’s population while young people (age 10-24 years) constitute about a third (32%),” she said.

According to Kacholom,
the 202 1-2025 National policy on adolescent and young people, states that young people in Nigeria are diverse and heterogeneous in terms of socio demographic characteristics, health needs, social and health vulnerabilities hence the need for special attention to thIs demography.

“It is on this basis that the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with youth-led organizations such as Education as a Vaccine (EVA) and PLAN International organized this national event which is being live streamed on various social media platform,” she said.

Kacholom said the major aim of
the Global Forum for Adolescents was to increase awareness on issues of adolescent and to sustain financial commitment for Adolescent friendly services towards achieving Sustainable
Development Goals.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Dr Gifty Addico, said: “Adolescents and young people under 25 years which make up about 63% of our nation’s population are a key focus group for UNFPA mandate areas. This cuts across our three transformative goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning and zero tolerance for gender-based violence and other harmful practices.”

Addico, who was represented by Gender/FGM Analyst, Ms. Karima Bungudu said: “I keenly anticipate the commitment pledges from the Government and our esteemed partners today. This isn’t mere rhetoric but a heartfelt promise to our Nigerian youths, underlining our collective commitment to their aspirations.
 
“UNFPA is committed to advocating for the rights of young people, empowering them with knowledge and skills to protect themselves and make informed decisions so they can realize their full potential and contribute to economic and social transformation.”

FG to Prioritize Adolescents’
Health, Well-being

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NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

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NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

By: Michael Mike

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.

Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.

According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.

He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.

The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.

Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

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Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

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Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

By: Michael Mike

The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.

He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
 
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.

In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.

Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
 
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
 
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.

The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.

Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

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Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

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Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.

According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.

Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.

“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

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