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IOM, Yobe Govt Push for Education that Will Enable Almajiris Fulfill Full Potential

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IOM, Yobe Govt Push for Education that Will Enable Almajiris Fulfill Full Potential

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Yobe State Government and Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI) have pushed for official and regularized education of Almajiris to enable them fit into modern needs of a society and subsequently achieve their full potential.

This was the crux of discussion at a roundtable meeting: “achieving durable solutions and sustainable impact for protecting vulnerable street and migrant children in Nigeria.”

The event organised by organised by IOM, Yobe government and ACRI which commenced on Monday and run through Wednesday, also featured workshop session on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Trafficking in Persons (TiP) to commemorate the International Day for the Almajiri child.

The IOM Chief of Mission Laurent De Boeck said the organisation will uphold the principles of on-discrimination, best interest of the child, right to life and safeguarding their dignity.

He explained the roundtable will foster dialogue among key stakeholders and promote response to child trafficking, and strengthen partnerships on ways to ensure child protection.

He noted that this will ensure every Almajiris realize their full potential and lead a life of dignity and opportunity. He said: “I will like to celebrate with you the International Day of the Child.

“I believe that all of us are children to someone and also as parent the concern gives us the value of childhood and the right that every child in the world should have access to.

“It is the reason I am happy to be with to celebrate and engage in ensuring the children in the world, particularly in Nigeria have the rights they truly deserve.

“It is particularly interesting to discuss what can be gained in the protection of vulnerable children in the streets in Nigeria.

“Therefore, one of the national efforts to bring together all the partners from different sectors to the board.”

On his part, Yobe State Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Ethical Orientation, Alhaji Yusuf Umar, commended organisation of the event, stating that it was apt and would proffers solution to issues that border on Almajiris.

He described Almajiri as a long standing Islamic education system that unfortunately faced numerous challenges in the country lately.

He noted that these challenges include inability to access formal education, healthcare and social services, which has left most children particularly Almajiris marginalised.

Umar said, “This event will not have come at a better time intended to facilitate response to child trafficking, promote dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, to tackle challenges faced by this category of children.

“Yobe under the purposeful leadership of Gov. Mai Mala Buni, accords priority to the welfare of Almajiri among other children, particularly bearing in mind they are mostly affected in states ravaged Boko Haram.”

The ACRI Board Chair, Fati Murtala-Ibrahim disclosed that the event marked the fourth edition since the establishment of the initiative.

She said: “This roundtable serves as a vital advocacy structure by ACRI to continuously bring issues about Almajiris to the forefront of discussion.

“In past years, our national advocacy campaign has successfully increased, in terms of public concern and engagement.”

Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, emphasised the need for review of Almajiri education system to ensure protection of children without exploitation.

Waziri-Azi, who was represented by Director Research and Programme Development, NAPTIP, Mr Josiah Emerole, said: “The protection of children in the Almajiri system and the fight against trafficking are not just legal obligations, but moral imperatives.

“As we commence this roundtable and subsequent training, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rights and future of all children.

“Through collaborative efforts, strengthened legislation and relentless advocacy, we can create a safer, more just society where every child is free from exploitation and able to realize their full potential.

IOM, Yobe Govt Push for Education that Will Enable Almajiris Fulfill Full Potential

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Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

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Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

By Zagazola Makama

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and gun-running, following the arrest of a fleeing gang member and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

According to police sources, the operation was a follow-up to the earlier apprehension of Mohammed Bello, a notorious kidnapper and arms dealer.

Acting on intelligence obtained from Bello’s confession, the police extended their investigation to Rivers State, where they tracked down and arrested one Chedeye Mohamed.

Mohamed, a native of Kogi State, had been hiding in the Trailer Park Area of Onne, Port Harcourt. Upon interrogation, he led detectives to a bush near the trailer park, where an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of live ammunition was recovered.

The suspect confessed to carrying out kidnappings and armed robberies in Ughelli, Agbarho, and other parts of Delta State before retreating to Port Harcourt for cover after each operation.

Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

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Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

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Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

By: Zagazola Makama

A 21-year-old man, Victor Lorjaal, has been arrested for allegedly macheting his mother and elder sister to death at Aba Ele Camp, Itaji Ekiti.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on March 25, 2025.

The suspect’s brother, David Ioyzain, reported to the police that Victor attacked their mother, Mrs. Victoria Lorjaal, and their sister, Brenda Lorjaal, while they were picking charcoal on the farm.

David stated that he heard his mother screaming for help and rushed to the scene, only to find both victims lying lifeless with deep machete wounds. After the attack, the suspect fled but was later found at home with blood stains on his forehead, nose, and legs.

The community members apprehended Victor and handed him over to the police. Officers visited the crime scene, documented evidence, and recovered the bodies, which were deposited at General Hospital, Ayede.

Police sources said that the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation.

Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

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Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

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Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

By: Michael Mike

The Afro-Caribbean Investment Summit, have marked a significant step in strengthening the ties between the two regions; Africa and the Caribbean, with a focus on sustainability, economic diversification, and collaboration for shared prosperity.

The historical event which took place in Abuja Nigeria, was organised by Aquarian Consult, in partnership with the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, with theme, ‘bridging continents: Africa and the Caribbean, a partnership for prosperity.’

The event brought together political, business, and academic leaders from both Africa and the Caribbean to discuss the potential for deeper economic partnerships and long-term development.

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrence Michael Drew while delivering his keynote address highlighted the deep-rooted connection between Africa and the Caribbean.

He described Africa not just as a distant relative to the Caribbean but as the “mother” of the region.

He called for a shift from occasional discussions to a more structured, sustained collaboration in economic, cultural, political, and spiritual areas.

Drew emphasized that both regions must chart a course toward greater cooperation, recognizing their shared stories, challenges, and potential.

He highlighted the importance of addressing climate change, noting that the Caribbean, like many parts of Africa, has already felt the devastating effects of global warming.

Drew presented the geothermal energy project in Nevis as a model for sustainable energy, aiming to reduce the region’s dependency on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy solutions. He proposed that this effort could serve as a model for both African nations and small island developing states across the globe.

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, especially in the food sector. In response, St. Kitts and Nevis has been investing in modernizing its agricultural systems with a focus on climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming techniques.

“We call on Africa’s agricultural expertise to partner in these efforts, joint research, farm exchanges, and technology partnerships could revolutionize food production for both regions.

“We need reform in our financial systems to support innovation and economic growth. Young entrepreneurs, women, and small businesses often struggle to access the capital needed to bring their ideas to life. It is importance we create innovative financial instruments, such as diaspora bonds and microfinance programs, which could foster economic independence and growth across the Afro-Caribbean bloc.”

Former President of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, also emphasized on the structural challenges facing Africa. She noted that while Africa is home to vast natural resources and a growing youthful population, it accounts for a disproportionately small share of global trade and GDP.

Gurib-Fakim highlighted the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical step toward creating a unified market that could unlock Africa’s manufacturing potential.

However, she warned that Africa’s economic transformation would only be possible if the continent invests in science and technology and addresses its skills gap in order to meet the demands of the modern economy.

Gurib-Fakim also stressed the importance of education reform to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. She criticized the continent’s educational systems, which she argued “limits the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in knowledge-based economies.”

For her part, Ms. Aisha Maina, General Managing Director of Aquarian Consult, emphasized the concept of a “Global Africa,” referring to the shared identity and common heritage of people of African descent around the world.

She declared that the time has come for the Global South to invest in itself, reject externally imposed development metrics, and create its own standards for growth.

Maina called for greater collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean, not just in trade but in innovation and entrepreneurship.

She stressed that “both regions must come together, leveraging their collective strengths, to overcome historical divisions and forge a path toward mutual prosperity.”

Also, Prof. Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, President of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank), reinforced the need for institutionalized cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.

He highlighted the shared history of colonization and displacement, but also the immense potential for the two regions to collaborate on a global scale.

Oramah emphasized the role of Afreximbank in facilitating trade and investment, urging both regions to harness their natural resources and intellectual capital to build industries that can compete on the global stage.

Oramah concluded by stating that the unity of Africa and the Caribbean could form one of the world’s most powerful political and economic blocs, with the capacity to shape global affairs.

The summit, he said, “was a step toward creating a structured, organized framework for Afro-Caribbean collaboration, with the goal of increasing trade, innovation, and sustainable development.”

Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

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