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Financing social protection interventions key to reducing poverty, EU Tells FG, State Governments
Financing social protection interventions key to reducing poverty, EU Tells FG, State Governments
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) has called on the federal and state governments to increase financing for social protection interventions, insisting that it is critical to reducing poverty across the country.
The Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Massimo De Luca, made this call on Friday, during the 3rd edition of the Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit (SPECS) in Abuja.
He described social protection as a fundamental pillar supporting the most vulnerable and poor households, providing not only a safety net, but also a beacon of hope for poor and vulnerable individuals and communities.
The Summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Social Protection Development Partner Group (DPG), with the theme: “Social Protection Towards Human Capital Development.”
According to De Luca, social protection plays a critical role in human capital development by providing safety nets that ensure access to essential services such as education, health, and nutrition, including contributing to economic stability, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, laying a strong foundation for the overall development of the country.
De Luca while citing the World Bank’s report, which put Nigeria’s poor at 104 million or 46 per cent in 2023, said: “Investing in social protection means investing in our collective future, fostering resilience, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the society despite background, location or uncertainties.”
He reiterated the commitment of the EU to collaborating with the Federal Government towards addressing issues around poverty in the country.
He said the EU is supporting Nigeria’s social protection sector to the tune of €46 million in its 2021 to 2027 programming, with an aim to support system strengthening and design of social safety nets programmes.
He said: “Already we are finalising processes with UNICEF and GIZ to implement the project in the focal states.”
De Luca also said the intervention would support the strengthening of social protection system, “which looks at interoperability of related database, and ensuring functional shock responsive social register, while supporting three states in the North East with safety nets programme that targets climate change affected communities.”
Financing social protection interventions key to reducing poverty, EU Tells FG, State Governments
Malians Youth Gang Violent Clashes Claims Life in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
An 18-year-old youth, identified as Bakura Muhammed, was fatally stabbed on April 4, 2025, during a violent clash between rival youth groups in Maiduguri.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the altercation occurred at about 4:30 PM in the Ajari and Tashan Lara areas, where youths from both sides engaged in a free-for-all fight.
The victim was fatally stabbed on the stomach. He was immediately transported to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, by the security personnel from Maiduguri Borno police command, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
A police sources said that seven individuals, aged between 15 and 24, have been arrested in connection with the incident. They include Ba’abba Kyari (20), Ali Alhaji GoniAli (20), Muhammed Audu (18), Ali Isa (15), Adam Sabir (15), Mohammed Tujja (17), and Usman Kasim (24).
Authorities are still searching for other members of the gang who fled the scene.
The victim’s body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and was later released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Malians Youth Gang Violent Clashes Claims Life in Maiduguri
Remnant IED Explosion Injures One in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion occurred in Meleri Village, Damboa Local Government Area, on April 4, 2025, leaving one person injured.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that one Alhaji Sanda, a resident of Hansari IDP Camp, and Bulama Zarayye, aged 40, were collecting baobab tree seeds when Zarayye accidentally stepped on an IED.
The device, believed to have been planted by ISWAP, exploded, causing injuries to Zarayye’s buttock, right hand, and lap.
A combined security team, including the Military and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit, was promptly dispatched to the scene.
The area was cordoned off, and a search for additional explosive devices was conducted, but no further devices were found.
Zarayye was taken to the General Hospital in Damboa, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Remnant IED Explosion Injures One in Borno
Suspect Dies After Torture in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident has been reported in Tudun Nupawa, Kaduna, following the death of 21-year-old Abba Bello.
It was gathered that on April 2, 2025, Bello was arrested by a security guard at Old Panteka on suspicion of theft.
Abdullahi Usman, a suspected commander of the group, allegedly supervised the torture of Bello, leaving him unconscious.
Bello was initially taken to Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital for treatment but was later transferred to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. Despite receiving medical care, he succumbed to his injuries on April 4, 2025, around 5:00 AM.
The deceased’s family has declined a post-mortem examination, and his body was released for burial as per their request.
Efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.
Suspect Dies After Torture in Kaduna
Malians Youth Gang Violent Clashes Claims Life in Maiduguri
Remnant IED Explosion Injures One in Borno
Suspect Dies After Torture in Kaduna
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