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International Day of Education: NHRC Calls for Inclusive Education for All
International Day of Education: NHRC Calls for Inclusive Education for All
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has tasked stakeholders on the need to push for quality, equitable and inclusive education for all.
He gave the message on Wednesday as Nigeria joins the rest of the Global Community to commemorate the International Day of Education, which is marked every 24th of January, with this year’s theme: “Learning For Lasting Peace”.
Speaking on the eve of the commemoration, Ojukwu said Education is the key that facilitates the achievement of other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that: “When people are able to get quality education, they can break the cycle of poverty and there will be peace”.
He observed that Education helps to reduce inequalities and empowers people to live more healthy and sustainable live, stressing that education is also crucial to fostering tolerance between people as it contributes to peaceful societies.
He affirmed the need to deliver on SDG Goal 4 (education financing), advising that it should become a national investment priority.
He stated that measures such as making education free and compulsory, increasing the number of teachers, improving basic school infrastructure and embracing digital transformation are essential towards achieving quality and accessible education.
Ojukwu added that while progress has been made towards the Agenda 2030 education targets set by the United Nations, continued efforts are required to address persistent challenges to ensure that quality education is accessible to all, leaving no one behind.
He further stated that: “Economic constraints, coupled with issues of high learning dropout rates in marginalized areas, underscore the need for continued global commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all”. He added that “low levels of information and communications technology (ICT) skills are also major barriers to achieving universal and meaningful quality education for all”.
He however lamented that Sub-Saharan Africa faces the biggest challenges in providing schools with basic resources. According to him the situation is extreme at the primary and lower secondary levels, where less than half of schools in sub-Saharan Africa have access to drinking water, electricity, computers and the Internet.
Ojukwu decried that women and girls are the most disadvantaged in the enjoyment of rights to education. He noted that studies have revealed that about 40 per cent of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have not achieved gender parity in primary education. These disadvantages in education also translate into lack of access to skills and limited opportunities in the labour market for young women, he lamented.
The Executive Secretary therefore said as a matter of urgency, the government needs to place education as a priority in both policy and practice. “There is a need for governments to make firm commitments to provide more resources and budget for inclusive opportunities for learning” he added.
International Day of Education: NHRC Calls for Inclusive Education for All
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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