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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
DSS files charges against arrested Ansaru commanders Abu Baraa and Mahmuda
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed multiple charges against two arrested commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Abu Baraa and Mahmuda.
A security source confirmed the development to the Zagazola Makama on Friday.
The source said the suspects, who were recently apprehended in a covert operation, are facing terrorism-related charges under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
The sources explained that the charges border on leadership of terrorist organisation, financing of terrorism, recruitment, and coordinating violent attacks in Nigeria.
According to the sources, the DSS has expedited investigations to ensure speedy prosecution in line with the directive of its Director-General, who emphasised professionalism, justice, and the protection of human rights in handling terrorism cases.
He added that the arraignment of the suspects before the Federal High Court, Abuja, is expected in the coming days.
DSS files charges against arrested Ansaru commanders Abu Baraa and Mahmuda
Troops intercept militia, recover weapon in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under Operation Enduring Peace, have intercepted an armed militia mobilised for an attack on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, acting on a distress call, apprehended the suspect on Sept. 4 at about 1:40 p.m. at Kaskra in Ropp District of the LGA.
The militia, identified as Umar Yakubu, 20, was found in possession of one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Yakubu was allegedly mobilised from Kuka Bakwi Fulani Camp in Barkin Ladi to launch attacks on communities in Nding village.
The suspect is currently in custody undergoing interrogation, while troops have intensified operations to track down other militias and recover their weapons.
Troops intercept militia, recover weapon in Plateau
Gombe PDP chieftain Joins APC, lauds Tinubu, Yahaya’s infrastructure revolution
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Jerry Damara, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging his full support for the administration of Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya.
Damara, well known in Kaltungo Local Government Area for his grassroots and community development projects, announced his defection and presented his membership card to Yahaya alongside some notable PDP stakeholders from Gombe South, including Tha’anda Rubainu, former Deputy Governor of Gombe State.
He commended Governor Yahaya’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and the education sector, which he said have significantly transformed Gombe State.
Damara, who is the Managing Director/CEO of Mesotho Group Limited, explained that his decision to join the APC was inspired by two individuals.
He said ” I was inspired by Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya , it took me a while before I came to Gombe, but when I did, I saw real infrastructure.
“I’m a lover of infrastructure because it’s my business. I ran to his office and said, ‘Your Excellency, what is going on here?’ He laughed, and I told him I would follow him.
“I don’t follow people who make noise, I follow people who take action. And he said, ‘You are welcome.’ That was how we began, and today, the dream has come true.”
“The second person who inspired me was President Bola Tinubu. When I saw him declare the road project from Lagos to Calabar and Sokoto, I said, ‘The messiah has come,’ and I decided I would follow him. That’s how it happened.”
“Today, we have defected along with some notable PDP stakeholders from Gombe South, including Tha’anda Rubainu, former Deputy Governor of Gombe State. We have moved to the APC, and we’ve moved for good,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya welcomed the defectors, describing their move as a significant boost to the APC’s political strength in the state.
He noted that the increasing number of high-profile defections reflects growing public confidence in his administration.
“This is a landmark moment. The strength of the opposition in Gombe is rapidly fading,” he declared.
Gombe PDP chieftain Joins APC, lauds Tinubu, Yahaya’s infrastructure revolution
DSS files charges against arrested Ansaru commanders Abu Baraa and Mahmuda
Troops intercept militia, recover weapon in Plateau
Gombe PDP chieftain Joins APC, lauds Tinubu, Yahaya’s infrastructure revolution
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