Connect with us

News

FG to revamp orphanages in FCT

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

Published

on

1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

By: Michael Mike

A thousand youth from across northern states of the country are to be trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of efforts at empowering youth from the region.

The training is part of efforts of United States (US) based organisation, Zumunta Association USA Inc. which planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The association which was formed in New York, US in 1991 has since its inception given scholarships to over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria in the value of above N100 million.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President of the Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said apart from the ICT Training, a medical outreach would be organised between June 14-23 at the Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State to provide top medical care for members of the public.

Bitrus, while disclosing that the association is non-partisan and non-religious organisation dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria, while also promoting a positive image of the country globally through the impactful actions of its members, said Zumunta Association remains committed to serving the needs of members, partnering with host communities and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.

He noted that: “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of
over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than
810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.

“We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.

“In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enroll vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package
programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”

He noted that during the Convention apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament; Tennis Tournament, Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and Housing; Gala, Awards and Fundraiser; Engagement with Traditional Rukers and Stakeholders.

Earlier, the Chairman/CEO, (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of the organisation towards development of the country.

Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi said the scholarships to 5,000 students was highly commendable and that NIDCOM would want to collaborate with the association in more areas.
End

Continue Reading

News

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

Published

on

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

By: Zagazola Makama

A police patrol team was ambushed on Sunday morning by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State, resulting in the death of one officer and the disappearance of another.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. near Umuaka in Okigwe while the team was on routine patrol duties.

According to security sources, the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire without provocation.

Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.

The team leader, Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing. He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

A massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.

Security reinforcements comprising tactical teams from Owerri, the military, local vigilantes, and hunters have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and restore order.

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

Continue Reading

News

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

Published

on

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

By: Zagazola Makama

A recently released video showing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji expressing interest in surrendering and accepting peace has left many Nigerians speculating whether the once-feared warlord has finally developed a conscience.

However, contrary to popular assumptions, Turji’s decision appears less about remorse and more about reality. The video, which went viral over the weekend, is not the result of a moral awakening but rather a product of desperation.

“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened.”

Three days before the video surfaced, Zagazola reported that Turji was actively seeking surrender following the killing of his operational commander, Danbokolo, who was the true engine behind Turji’s terror enterprise.

Danbokolo was reportedly neutralized during a joint operation coordinated by the State Services and the Hybrid Forces, a local security team made up of Civilian JTF.

“Let’s be honest, Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting — the ambushes, raids, and executions,” the source said. “Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger.”

The once-fire-spitting Turji now finds himself walking a tightrope, stripped of influence and hunted by the very people he once terrorized.

While the circumstances surrounding his potential disarmament are still being delicately managed, insiders confirm that the collapse of his network has been swift and decisive.

It is believed this recent development points to the impact of sustained, intelligence-driven offensives against high-value targets in the region.

Now, the question remains: will the government accept Turji’s amnesty after the atrocities he committed against peaceful communities in the Northwest? That remains uncertain.

Will his surrender end banditry in the Northwest? CERTAINLY NOT.

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights