Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

By: Ladi Dapson

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns of alarming rate of acute malnutrition among children due to lack of access for humanitarian workers in Marte local government area of Borno state.

According to the United Nations agency, said protracted conflict has continued to impact on the ability of households to produce food on their farmlands and this has resulted in increased food insecurity.

UNICEF Emergency Manager, Andrea Malatesta stated shortly after field mission to Marte LGA Borno State at weekend.

He said military escorts which could take 3-5 days before its available disrupt planned activities, hinder humanitarian operations, and compromise the safety of residents and personnel in the area

“Children in northeast Nigeria are battling escalating levels of malnutrition and they need immediate, and wholistic response to address this.

“Insecurity remains the number one challenge. Access to New Marte is only possible by road and humanitarian operations rely heavily on military escort to transport personnel, supplies and other critical resources to support the local population affected by conflict.

“Being an area with security concerns, military escorts or safety sweep are required for the safe movement of individuals and goods. However, the availability of such escorts is often inconsistent or unreliable, leading to potential risks and vulnerabilities,”he worried.

Mr Andrea maintained that many households do not always get nutritious food that they need, and many adopt coping strategies like skipping meals.

“With the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), we are making sure that the therapeutic food, supplements and medications that children with SAM need are available.

“As a result, children and pregnant and lactating mothers do not have nutritious food crucial to their survival and development, hence the high cases of MAM and SAM.

“Over 460,000 children were treated for acute malnutrition across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in 2023.

“So far this year, 8,605 children between the ages of 6-59 months have been screened for malnutrition. During these screening exercises, 2,156 malnourished children were identified, admitted into the nutrition programme and they fully recovered. (1,358 severe acute malnutrition, 798 moderate acute malnutrition).” Andrea explained.

He noted that UNICEF and partner, Monclub International is using the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) programme to ensure that no child dies of malnutrition, cholera or water borne diseases in New Marte.

Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

Senator Lawan commiserates with Tikau Emirate over the demise of Emir Abubakar.

By: Yahaya Wakili

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON, Sardaunan Bade. Yobe North Senatorial District was today at the palace of the Emir of Tikau in the Nangere local government area of Yobe State to extend his heartfelt condolences over the passing of the late Emir on Friday.

The loss of such a revered and esteemed monarch has deeply saddened the entire people of Yobe State and myself.

“The Emir of Tikau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn Grema, was a first-class cheif and paramount piller of the Karai-karai people.” Senator Lawan said.

He was installed on July 25, 2001, and spent 23 years on the throne before his death.

The late monarch was a piller of strength and wisdom, and he dedicated his reign to serving the Tikau emirate and upholding our traditional values as a people of Yobe state origin.

During his visit, the President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, expressed his deepest sympathies to the Emir’s family and loved ones and assured them that the people of Yobe North Senatorial District stand in solidarity with them during this period of mourning.

Senator Lawan maintained that “the Emir’s passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill, but I am confident that together we can honor his memory by celebrating his legacies and living by the values he exemplified while alive.

May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the soul of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn Grema, rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen. Senator Ahmed Lawan prayed.

Senator Lawan commiserates with Tikau Emirate over the demise of Emir Abubakar.

Despite Massive Fund on Security, Borno Remains Committed to Welfare of Citizens- Pensioners

By: Michael Mike

The National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Borno State chapter has said despite the massive fund expended on security in the state, the governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has remained focused and committed to the welfare of citizens, particularly in the prompt payment of pensions, salaries, and gratuities.

The commendation was given by the Chairman of the NUP in the state, Comrade Musa Alhaji Bukar, during a meeting in Maiduguri with executives from 30 branches, including those from the 27 local government areas.

Comrade Bukar noted that the governor’s directive to increase the monthly fund for outstanding gratuities for state retirees from one hundred million (N100 million) to two hundred million (N200 million) has significantly improved the lives and families of many, contributing to economic development.

The NUP Chairman also mentioned that Governor Zulum had paid 50% pension arrears to 1,115 state retirees for the years 2021 to 2022 last year, in addition to clearing pension outstanding arrears of 534 retirees across the 27 local government areas.

He highlighted that the payment of 25% gratuity to 500 Primary School Teachers, the settlement of gratuities for Local Government Retirees, the continuous payment of monthly pensions without delay, the resolution of 25% payments to late cases in the state, and the clearance of 399 outstanding pension arrears to the primary school board represent significant progress. He applauded the swift approval and release of billions of naira and encouraged the government to continue its support by reviewing pensions to help retirees cope with the rising cost of goods and services in the state.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank you all for honoring this invitation. It is an occasion for us to meet and discuss our achievements and the way forward,” said Comrade Bukar. “On behalf of the NUP in Borno, I commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his dedication to improving the retirees’ plight through prompt payment of pensions and gratuities.”

He added that: “We greatly appreciate Governor Zulum for the increased payments of outstanding gratuities to our state retirees, which has transformed many lives and families towards economic development.”

Bukar urged the government to not rest on its laurels but to come to the aid of pensioners by adjusting pensions to help those with minimal funds withstand the inflation of goods and services in the state.

Meanwhile, among the communiqués issued at the end of the NUP meeting was a strong call on other state governors to emulate Zulum in addressing the plight of the citizenry, particularly retired and serving civil servants, and to foster unity among its members.

Despite Massive Fund on Security, Borno Remains Committed to Welfare of Citizens- Pensioners