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Food Security: UN Women, WPHF Empower North-East Women With Improved Seedlings

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Food Security: UN Women, WPHF Empower North-East Women With Improved Seedlings

By: Francis Okoye

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women ( UN Women) and Women’s Humanitarian and Philanthropic Foundation ( WHPF ) , in partnership with Iwuese Cooperative, have distributed improved varieties of millet, rice, and maize seedlings to 80 selected women farmers across four local government areas (LGAs) in Taraba and Adamawa States.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Executive Director Iwuese Cooperative, Ritdimwa Orga said the initiative is aimed at boosting food production and empowering women in agriculture, which reflects a commitment to addressing gender disparities in the agricultural sector and promoting sustainable development.

She said the distribution targets 80 women farmers carefully selected from diverse backgrounds in the Taraba and Adamawa States, adding that the initiative seeks to empower women by providing them with the resources and support needed to enhance their roles in agriculture.

Ritdimwa Orga [ED at Iwuese Cooperative, emphasized, “We are proud to be part of this initiative that directly impacts women farmers. Through the distribution of improved seed varieties, we aim to contribute to increased agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods.

” The distributed seedlings include improved varieties of rice and maize. These varieties are selected for their resilience, higher yields, and nutritional value, contributing to the overall improvement of agricultural practices and food security in the region.

“UN WOMEN and WHPF, in collaboration with Iwuese Cooperative, bring together a powerful alliance that leverages expertise, resources, and networks to address the unique challenges faced by women farmers in Taraba and Adamawa states.

“The initiative extends its impact across four Local Government Areas, ensuring a broad reach and contributing to community development. By strengthening the capacities of women in agriculture, the project aims to create sustainable change at the grassroots level.

“The distribution of seedlings aligns with UNWOMEN’s and WHPF’s commitment to advancing gender equality in agriculture. Empowering women farmers not only improves their livelihoods but also contributes to the overall development of their communities.”

Women Leader Mubi North, Anna James in appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries said, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to UNWOMEN and WHPF for their unwavering support in empowering women in Jalingo. The agricultural initiative has not only enhanced our farming practices but has also given us the confidence to actively contribute to the economic growth of our community.”

Similarly, Women Leader Jalingo , Nwuro Lelgi said , “UN Women and WHPF have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the well-being of women in Mubi North. The distribution of improved seed varieties and the focus on knowledge transfer have been instrumental in transforming the lives of women engaged in agriculture. We are truly grateful for this initiative.”

Food Security: UN Women, WPHF Empower North-East Women With Improved Seedlings

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1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

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

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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

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

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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**

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