Lions, United Nations Strengthen Partnership to Advance Sustainable Development and Community Service in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The enduring partnership between the United Nations and Lions Clubs International took centre stage in Abuja on Thursday as stakeholders gathered to celebrate Lions Day with the United Nations, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing humanitarian service, sustainable development, and peace.

The event, held at the United Nations House, brought together Lion leaders, development partners, civil society actors, and representatives of UN agencies to reflect on decades of collaboration and explore ways to deepen partnerships in addressing global and local challenges.

Speaking at the gathering, the Multiple Council Chairperson of Lions in Nigeria, Lion (Dr.) Ibrahim Jide Bello, described the celebration as a powerful symbol of the long-standing relationship between the UN and the global service organisation.

According to him, the partnership dates back to 1945 when Lions leaders contributed to discussions around the formation of the United Nations and the framework for civil society engagement.

He noted that for more than a century, Lions worldwide have remained committed to humanitarian service guided by their motto, “We Serve,” with volunteers supporting initiatives in health, education, food security, environmental protection, disaster response, and youth development.

Bello said community-based organisations such as Lions play a vital role in translating global development commitments into tangible results at the grassroots.

“While the United Nations provides global leadership and frameworks for action, Lions translate those ideals into practical impact within communities where change truly begins,” he said.

He added that collaboration between institutions, civil society, and volunteers remains essential in tackling pressing challenges such as poverty, hunger, health inequalities, and climate change.

Also speaking, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (a.i.) of the United Nations in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described Lions Day with the United Nations as one of the most enduring examples of cooperation between civil society and the global multilateral body.

Attafuah, representing by the Representative of UN Women to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, Beatrice Eyong, noted that Lions Clubs International has maintained consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 1947, enabling the organisation to contribute community perspectives to global policy discussions.

Attafuah said the partnership between Lions and the United Nations reflects a shared mission to promote peace, expand educational opportunities, reduce poverty, strengthen health systems, and support vulnerable communities across the world.

She highlighted that Lions have worked closely with UN agencies including UNICEF, World Health Organization, and UNESCO in implementing humanitarian and development programmes.

According to her, the collaboration remains increasingly important at a time when the world faces complex challenges ranging from climate change and migration to public health crises and rising insecurity.

Attafuah stressed that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is still possible if governments, civil society organisations, and volunteers intensify cooperation and focus on key development priorities.

She explained that the United Nations has identified six major transition pathways to accelerate progress on the goals, including improvements in education, digital connectivity, food systems, energy access and affordability, job creation and social protection, as well as climate and environmental action.

The UN official also emphasised the central role of gender equality, noting that empowering women and ensuring their participation in leadership and decision-making remain critical to achieving sustainable development and building peaceful societies.

“Peace, development, and human rights cannot be fully realised without women leading and shaping solutions,” she said.

Both speakers called for stronger partnerships between international institutions and grassroots organisations, stressing that volunteer-driven initiatives can complement global frameworks and policies by delivering practical solutions in communities.

Participants at the event also highlighted the potential of countries in the Global South, including Nigeria, to drive innovation and locally driven solutions in addressing development challenges.

They noted that volunteers, community leaders, and civil society groups remain key actors in mobilising citizens, promoting social responsibility, and supporting development initiatives that directly improve lives.

The annual Lions Day with the United Nations celebration provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and renewed commitment to humanitarian service, while recognising the critical role of civil society organisations in supporting global development efforts.

Speakers at the event urged individuals and organisations to continue promoting compassion, service, and collective action, stressing that meaningful change often begins with small but deliberate steps taken within communities.

Meanwhile, the keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Hussaini Abdu said women must move from the margins to the centre of peacebuilding and security governance in Nigeria if the country hopes to achieve lasting stability.

He insisted that: “Empowering women to lead in peace and security processes is not only a matter of fairness but a strategic necessity for sustainable peace.”

Abdu who was former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria and Plan International, reflecting on Nigeria’s prolonged security challenges, noted that communities across the country have endured insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts for decades, lamenting that: “These crises have pushed many communities deeper into vulnerability and strained the resilience of institutions,” but: “Yet within these fragile contexts, women have remained central to sustaining communities and building peace.”

He highlighted that everyday the roles played by women in stabilising communities affected by conflict are often overlooked, stating that: “Across different regions, women have mediated disputes, sustained families under extreme conditions, organised grassroots humanitarian responses, and rebuilt trust within fractured communities.”

He stressed that despite their contributions, women remain underrepresented in formal peace and security structures. “Women are invited to the table, but they are rarely placed in positions where they can shape decisions,” she said, adding that meaningful peace requires women to participate not just symbolically but with real influence.

He pointed to structural barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in leadership and governance. “Women are not absent because they lack competence,” she said. “They are excluded because the system was not designed to include them.”

Calling for deeper reforms, he urged stakeholders to rethink power structures in governance and security institutions. “If we are serious about peace, we must be serious about power,” adding that: “A safer Nigeria cannot be built on exclusion or symbolic representation. It must be built on justice, inclusive leadership, and shared responsibility.”

Lions, United Nations Strengthen Partnership to Advance Sustainable Development and Community Service in Nigeria

Court orders arrest of Tanimu Turaki For Giving False Information To Police …fixes April 22 for arraignment

By: Michael Mike

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the self-appointed factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, (SAN).

Justice Peter Kekemeke issued the arrest warrant on Thursday after Turaki failed to attend court for the purpose of his being arraigned on a one count criminal charge brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in which he is accused of, among others, giving false information to the police.

When the case was called on Thursday, lawyer to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu said the business of the court for the day was for Turaki to enter his plea to the charge.

The count in the charge, marked: CR/647/2026 reads:
That you Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, (SAN), male, No: 37 T. Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja on or about 5th October, 2022 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court you gave false information to the Inspector-General of Police via petition dated 5th October, 2022 and signed by you on your letter head paper against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara with intent to use the lawful power of Inspector-General of Police to the injury or annoyance of the said Muhammed Mainasara and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.

Turaki’s lawyer, Rabiu noted that the defendant was absent in court despite being served with the charge and also served with a hearing notice by the court, informing him about the day’s proceedings.

The lawyer to the prosecution then invoked the provision of Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 to urge the court to issue an arrest warrant for the defendant to be produced before the court for the purpose of his arraignment.

Rabiu faulted the reference by the defence lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN) to a motion he filed for the defendant, seeking that the charge be quashed.

He argued that the defence could only challenge the validity of the charge only after the plea of the defendant has been taken.

Ibrahim argued otherwise and urged the court to give him five more days to file written addresses to convince the court that the defendant’s presence was not required until the motion was determined.

Ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that despite being aware of the day’s proceedings having been served with hearing notice and the charge, it was wrong for Turaki to fail to attend court without providing any reason.

The judge noted that the defence lawyer did not deny that his client was served with hearing notice of Thursday’s proceedings, but failed to provide any reason why the defendant was not in court.

Justice Kekemeke held that by the provision of Section 396(2) ACJA 2015 where a defendant, who is aware that a charge is pending against him in court but chose to stay away, the proper order to be made is for bench warrant to ensure the production of the defendant to answer to the charge.

The judge held that the motion filed by the defendant seeking the quashing of the charge was not ripe for hearing, adding that such a motion could only be heard after the defendant’s plea had been taken.

He proceeded to issue a bench warrant for Turaki’s arrest to compel the defendant to attend court to answer to the pending charge and adjourned till April 22 for his arraignment.

Court orders arrest of Tanimu Turaki For Giving False Information To Police …fixes April 22 for arraignment

Tinubu Tasks Traditional Rulers on Security, Unity at Falae’s Book Launch

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s traditional rulers to step up their involvement in addressing the country’s security challenges and promoting unity across diverse communities.

He emphasised that beyond their ceremonial roles, royal fathers must serve as stabilising forces within their domains, leveraging their influence to encourage peaceful coexistence and strengthen social cohesion.

President Tinubu stated this on Thursday in Lagos at the launch of the autobiography of His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr) Samuel Oluyemisi Olu Falae.

Speaking through his Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, President Tinubu said the country’s royal fathers must rise to the demands of the moment by serving as frontline agents of peacebuilding and grassroots stability.

“Peace and security are not solely the responsibility of government; they are collective duties,” the president said, calling on monarchs to promote dialogue, discourage violence, and strengthen cohesion within their domains.

The event, which drew political leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic community, was framed by Tinubu as more than a ceremonial book launch, but a reflection on leadership, service, and national values embodied by Oba Falae.

Describing the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation as “a bridge between tradition and modern governance,” the President praised his legacy in public service, economic management, and cultural leadership.

He noted that Falae’s career, from his stewardship as finance minister to his current role as the Olu-Abo of Ilu-Abo in Ondo State, represented a rare blend of technocratic discipline and traditional authority.

Tinubu highlighted Falae’s tenure in government as one marked by fiscal prudence and policy clarity, adding that his contributions helped shape Nigeria’s economic framework during critical periods, even as he acknowledged his leadership role within Afenifere, where he has served as chairman of the National Executive Committee since 2025.

The President stressed that traditional institutions remain indispensable to governance, particularly at a time of heightened security challenges and social fragmentation.

“Our royal fathers are the closest link between government and the grassroots,” Tinubu said. “Your palaces must remain centres of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and moral guidance.”

He assured that his administration would continue to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions, pledging more engagement in efforts to enhance security, social harmony, and grassroots development.

Tinubu also underscored the symbolic weight of Falae’s autobiography, describing it as both a personal chronicle and a mirror of Nigeria’s journey through trials and resilience. He said the book offers valuable lessons for younger generations on perseverance, patriotism, and integrity.

The President congratulated the monarch on the publication, expressing hope that his legacy would continue to inspire future leaders.

Tinubu Tasks Traditional Rulers on Security, Unity at Falae’s Book Launch