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FG to revamp orphanages in FCT

FG to revamp orphanages in FCT
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has announced its plans to revamp orphanages in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), elevating them to international standards.
The Mandate Secretary of FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, stated this at an event in Abuja held to commemorate the International Orphanage Day at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Lord’s Place Parish, in Abuja, entitled; “The Balm in Gilead’.
She said: “In a bid to provide specialised care and support for children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with disabilities, the Secretariat has launched a comprehensive initiative. The project aims to redefine and upscale the services provided by orphanages across the FCT.”
Key components of the initiative include a thorough review of existing orphanages by a ministerial committee, focusing on recertification and adoption processes within the city. A dedicated committee has been tasked with conducting on-site inspections of certified orphanages under the FCT Secretariat.
She said, “The overarching goal of the initiative is to revamp interventions related to child protection and combating violence against children. This includes efforts to align local laws with international standards, particularly those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The initiative seeks to enhance institutional reforms within the FCT administration, prioritizing sectors such as education, health, nutrition, and socioeconomic development. The aim is to establish a new standard of engagement between government entities and NGOs operating in the realm of child welfare”, she explained.
Through these concerted efforts, the FCT aims to provide a more supportive and nurturing environment for orphaned children, ensuring their rights and well-being are safeguarded effectively.
Funke Olorungbami, who was the convener of the event and the founder of Hospital, Orphanage and Prison Evangelism-HOPE Ministry said the event is also targeted at creating awareness for the need for Nigerians to be more deliberate in their show of love to the orphans in the country especially emotionally.
While commending the caregivers and managers of orphanage homes, she urged the government to show more empathy for the children and promote policies that would help upgrade their standard of living.
“Today we have medical awareness, we have a healing therapy for the children and Bible distribution for them because we believe the word of God does a better cleansing”, she said.
The Pastor of the Lord’s Place Parish, RCCG, Wuse 2, Pastor Ola Omosebi, stressed the need to continually project hope to children in orphanages across the country so they could have a sense of belonging.
“Being in those orphanage homes alone is secluded. These children need exposure and it’s okay for us to have gatherings like this where they will socialise”, he added.
In her remarks, the Director and founder of Facado Orphanage, Mrs Ngozi Judge,, lamented poor funding for the orphanage homes. She urged government and charitable Nigerians to help support the welfare of children in orphanage homes.
“People donate food stuff like rice and beans but that’s not enough to make a meal. When we go to the market, the high cost of things makes it very difficult for us to get enough. We need support in their education, feeding and health,” she added.
FG to revamp orphanages in FCT
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Ambassador Mamman hails Buratai’s legacy, urges youth mentorship

Ambassador Mamman hails Buratai’s legacy, urges youth mentorship
By: Zagazola Makama
Ambassador Yusuf Mamman, former Nigerian envoy, has lauded the leadership and reforms of retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, describing him as a “soldier’s soldier” whose tenure transformed the Nigerian Army’s doctrine, structure, and innovation.
Mamman, who chaired the public presentation of the book Life Principles for Greatness from the Life of Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, said he accepted the role without hesitation because the work offered lessons for Nigeria’s youth.

He recalled that Buratai rose from a cadet in the Nigerian Defence Academy to become Chief of Army Staff at a time the country faced the existential threat of Boko Haram insurgency.
“He came at a very challenging and difficult time in our national history, when Boko Haram posed the biggest existential threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity since the civil war,” Mamman said.
According to him, Buratai spearheaded deep and profound changes that reshaped military doctrine, operations, and troop welfare, laying the foundation for the ongoing modernisation of the Nigerian Army.
“He never sought to take credit, but his works were very evident and clear. The master plan for the Army’s modernisation we are following today was driven by his vision,” he added.

Mamman also linked Buratai’s example to the need for youth empowerment, noting that Nigeria’s young people are making significant contributions in technology, media, and the creative industry.
“We must give them the enabling environment to harness their creativity for national greatness. Our future relies on the resilience, creativity, and scholarship of our youth,” he said.
The event, held in Abuja Intercontinental Hotel attracted dignitaries including Senior Military Officers, both serving and retired, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua, Chairman Senate Committee on Army, and other prominent Nigerians.
Ambassador Mamman hails Buratai’s legacy, urges youth mentorship
News
Kachalla Alti kills rival bandit kingpin, Dankarami Usaini in Zamfara community

Kachalla Alti kills rival bandit kingpin, Dankarami Usaini in Zamfara community
By: Zagazola Makama
A feared bandit kingpin, Kachalla Alti, has killed a fellow gang leader in Matsuki village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in what residents described as a deadly supremacy battle.
Zagazola gathered from sources that the incident, which occurred at about 4:45 p.m. on Monday, has left the community tense and largely deserted.
Witnesses said the slain bandit, identified as Dankarami Usaini, 40, a Hausa native of Matsuki, had long operated from the Dangajeru forest, allegedly extorting residents and attacking those who resisted.
According to locals, Dankarami was in the village to collect levies on behalf of Kachalla Alti, the younger brother of notorious armed gang leader, Adamu Alero.
However, discontent had been brewing among residents over the “excessive harassment” by Dankarami. They reportedly reached out to Kachalla Alti to intervene. Kachalla Alti stormed the village with his men and shot Dankarami dead on the spot.
Following the killing, many residents fled to nearby villages, fearing retaliatory attacks from Dankarami’s loyalists.
Local sources said tension remains high, with sporadic gunfire heard in nearby forest routes.
Kachalla Alti kills rival bandit kingpin, Dankarami Usaini in Zamfara community
News
Police, hunters search for kidnapped septuagenarian in Gombe

Police, hunters search for kidnapped septuagenarian in Gombe
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Gombe State, in collaboration with local hunters, have launched a search for a 60-year-old man abducted by gunmen in Funakaye Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 12:30 a.m., when about seven armed men stormed the Ganti area of Abuku village via Ribadu Bajoga and kidnapped one Muhammadu Lawal to an unknown location.
Upon receiving the report from the village head of Bage, a joint team of police operatives and hunters mobilised to comb nearby communities in an effort to rescue the victim unhurt.
The sources said no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report.
Police, hunters search for kidnapped septuagenarian in Gombe
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