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IOM Says Plans Underway to Encourage Skilled Nigerians to Stay Back to Develop Their Homeland

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IOM Says Plans Underway to Encourage Skilled Nigerians to Stay Back to Develop Their Homeland

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has promised to continue deepening cooperation with Nigeria to tackle issues about irregular migration, stating that plans are underway to encourage people with skills to stay in the country and assist in its development instead of taking a walk out in search of the Golden Fleece.

The IOM Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boeck, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during the “End of Year” media briefing of the organisation.

The event, according to him, was designed to commemorate the International Migrant Day with the theme:”Act today for better future.”

He noted that the briefing has become important to promote discussion on issues about migration management, crisis response, internal-displacement, counter-trafficking, climate change and trending topics in specialised areas of humanitarian intervention.

De Boeck said: “We are reinforcing our cooperation with the Federal and the State levels, for answering characteristics of migration level and for achieving good reception in the country.

“Thanks to the fact that the country is in global compact on migration.

“There is a network on migration among various ministries, which will help us to comprehensively promote involvement of different MDAS on the team of migration.

“This is key for us to ensure that the Federal level and State level have the response level aligned to the national policies and frameworks.”

He said although the organisation currently operate in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, it would expand its frontiers to tackle issues about displaced population.

The IOM Head disclosed that measures had been put in place to help displaced population and affected communities, as well as to establish peace and reconciliation processes there.

De Boeck said the year 2023 has witnessed unprecedented increases in global migration, propelled by factors such as climate change, conflict, and economic disparities.

He said: “In the face of this complex landscape, our responsibility to respond critically and compassionately is more crucial than ever, particularly for the individuals directly affected.”

He added that: “In the realm of Migration Health, our efforts in 2023 have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to comprehensive healthcare. We conducted over 260,000 Pre-Departure Medical Health Assessments (PDMHAs), diagnosed and referred 166 migrants with TB, administered 15,000 vaccine doses, and renovated three public hospitals. This reflects our dedication to ensuring the well-being of those undertaking the journey of migration.

“Through collaborating closely with the Federal Government of Nigeria, IOM facilitated the voluntary return of 4,431 Nigerians, with 2,909 finding accommodation at the Migrant Transit Centre. Since 2017, a total of 34,158 migrants have returned, and 2,853 have received reintegration assistance, contributing to a grand total of 21,713 reintegrated since 2017. Our support extends beyond mere return, with the establishment of reintegration hubs and the implementation of community-based reintegration projects, providing crucial assistance to returnees and their communities.”

He equally added that: “IOM’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services have been instrumental in reaching 106,947 individuals in 2023.

“These services offer material assistance, psychosocial support, and referral services to victims of trafficking, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable households, underscoring our commitment to holistic support.
In our unwavering dedication to protection, IOM identified and supported 682 victims of trafficking in 2023. Our focus on vulnerable groups, including survivors of gender-based violence, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied and separated children, is reflected in the development of policy documents such as Family Tracing SOPs and BIP guidelines.”

He advised that: “On this International Migrants Day, let us work hand in hand to harness the power of migration, recognizing that every person can make a difference and be an agent of positive change. Our collective actions today will shape a brighter and more inclusive future.”

IOM Says Plans Underway to Encourage Skilled Nigerians to Stay Back to Develop Their Homeland

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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.
End

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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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