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“It breaks my heart to see an 11 year old surrendered from Boko Haram enclave with three children” Borno Commissioner

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“It breaks my heart to see an 11 year old surrendered from Boko Haram enclave with three children” Borno Commissioner

By: Zagazola Makama

At just 11 years old, Fatima (not her real name) has lived through experiences unimaginable to most. With three children in tow, she surrendered from a Boko Haram enclave, carrying the weight of trauma and responsibilities far beyond her years. Her story, shared by Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, spotlighted the urgent plight of vulnerable children and young mothers emerging from the insurgency.

“She’s just a child herself,” Wakilbe said. “To see an 11-year-old with three children is heartbreaking. This reflects the harsh reality of many girls and women caught in the insurgency, particularly in border communities like Bama, Banki, and Gwoza.”

Fatima’s surrender is part of a growing wave of young girls and women being repatriated or rescued, often from neighboring countries like Cameroon. Many, aged between 13 and 15, return with children born in captivity. With limited options, some resort to prostitution to survive, a crisis that the Commissioner attributes to extreme poverty and a lack of viable alternatives.

The Commissioner’s call to action underscores the need for urgent intervention. “Poverty is the driving force behind these vices,” he explained. “We need to establish Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in vulnerable areas. These centers can provide skills and startup packs for young mothers like Fatima, enabling them to rebuild their lives.”

Wakilbe stressed that traditional education systems are ill suited to address the unique needs of conflict affected children and girls. Many have witnessed violence, displacement, and abduction, leaving them in need of tailored rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

Efforts to integrate these children into regular schools have faced significant challenges. Wakilbe cited the example of some Chibok girls who struggled in secondary schools and were eventually transferred to specialized programs like the Second Chance School.

“Without long term planning, we’re failing these children,” Wakilbe said. “Donor agencies often miss the mark, implementing programs that don’t address immediate needs. For instance, teaching local languages in areas dominated by other dialects is less impactful than providing a foundational education in English.”

Despite graduating over 300 women through the Second Chance Program and equipping them with vocational skills, the challenges persist. Underage mothers like Fatima remain some of the most vulnerable.

During a courtesy visit by Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, CEO of the Allamin Foundation for Peace, the Commissioner highlighted the need for collaborative efforts.

Allamin echoed these concerns, sharing insights from her foundation’s work in deradicalizing women and girls.

“Our initiatives, supported by the military and local communities, have helped hundreds of women and girls surrender and reintegrate,” Allamin said. “But the magnitude of the problem requires sustainable, proactive solutions.”

Allamin noted that the challenge extends beyond personal experiences; it calls for urgent action from local authorities, NGOs, and international organizations.

“In our foundation, we have Built vocational education centers and providing tailored programs for rehabilitation which has been helping in addressing the immediate needs of these victims.

“We also Established community awareness programs which foster understanding and acceptance, helping to mitigate the stigma faced by those returning from captivity.

Zagazola Makama understands that the plight of women and girls who fall victim to abduction by Boko Haram presents an alarming reality in Borno State, Nigeria. Many of these victims, after enduring harrowing experiences, return to their communities only to face severe stigmatization and an array of abuses. This issue is compounded by the trauma they have experienced during their captivity, which often includes being forcibly married to militants and bearing children under traumatic circumstances.

Upon returning to their communities, these victims encounter immense societal rejection. A former female member of Boko Haram, who chose to repent and return to her family, poignantly described the painful atmosphere awaiting those who escape the clutches of the insurgency.

She noted, “The Boko Haram tagged Nigeria as the land of sinners. When they come back from the bush, they know they are already living in hell.” This metaphor encapsulates the emotional and social turmoil that victims like her face. Rather than finding solace and support upon their return, many feel further isolated and condemned by their communities.

The stigma attached to being a victim of insurgency extends beyond mere judgment. Victims often experience verbal, physical, and psychological abuse from individuals who view them as tainted or unclean due to their experiences. Such treatment fosters an environment of despair, compelling many to engage in desperate measures to survive.

Prostitution and other nefarious activities have become common among these women, driven by a need for financial stability and, in some cases, by the misguided belief that engaging in these activities may offer them an escape from their grim realities.

The cycles of poverty and violence exacerbate these challenges. Economic hardships and limited access to education and employment opportunities leave few alternatives for victims, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability. While some women resort to these activities as a means of survival, others may find temporary pleasure or a sense of agency in reclaiming control over their lives, despite the risks involved.

Furthermore, the broader societal neglect exacerbates the situation. Many young mothers remain trapped in a system that fails to recognize their unique needs. Efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate these individuals often lack the necessary resources and long-term planning to be effective. For instance, initiatives focusing solely on education without addressing immediate economic needs fall short of providing the comprehensive support required for successful reintegration.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region

“It breaks my heart to see an 11 year old surrendered from Boko Haram enclave with three children” Borno Commissioner

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Northern Christian Professionals Charge EFCC on Monitoring of Local Government Funds

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Northern Christian Professionals Charge EFCC on Monitoring of Local Government Funds

By: Michael Mike

The National Christian Youth Professionals, NCYP, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to strictly monitor the management of funds accruing to local government areas across the country owing to the financial autonomy granted them by the government.

This call was made in Abuja when the Chairman of NCYP, Isaac Abrak led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.

Abrak explained that development at the grassroots level was low and that only prudent management of resources being channeled to local government areas could accelerate growth, reduce poverty and light up the areas.

He said: “We come from the grassroots, we know what’s going on in the local government, we thank the President for giving the local government autonomy. If the local government can achieve 40 percent of what they are supposed to do, we can record a robust development. That is why we came to you, we want proper monitoring of the management of resources ,we want to offer our hand of partnership so that the commonwealth sent to the grassroots is utilized.”

The youth leader applauded Olukoyede on his strides as the EFCC’s boss, stressing that his performance has shown that he is living up to the demands of his faith as a Christian, adding that: “We are proud of you. You have represented our faith in a standard manner.”

He also commended the professionalism and diligence of officers of the EFCC in winning the P&ID case for Nigeria in 2023 and expressed satisfaction with the record-breaking achievements of Olukoyede since he assumed duties as the EFCC’s Chairman.

Abrak decried the rising involvement of youths in internet fraud in the Northern part of Nigeria, maintaining that “cyber-crime has encroached into the North and we want the EFCC to intensify its operations in this part of the country”.

Responding, Olukoyede appreciated the group for the visit, urging members of the group to use their platforms to unite Nigerians to do what is right.

“Doing the right thing has nothing to do with whether you are a Christian or a Muslim. Let’s continue to operate as people of integrity irrespective of our faith”, he said.

He agreed with the group on the need for closer monitoring of allocations to the local government, stressing that the Commission will continue to do its job in the overall interests of the nation. “There is need for us to monitor allocations going to the grassroots and we have started that already. We have a department called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control that is closely monitoring and tracking payments, contracts and other releases to ensure that funds are expended on what they are meant for.

Northern Christian Professionals Charge EFCC on Monitoring of Local Government Funds

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Nigeria Launches Contactless Passport in Europe

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Nigeria Launches Contactless Passport in Europe

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has launched its Contactless Passport Renewal System across Europe, after it was successful implementation in Canada few days ago.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said: “Today marks yet another pivotal moment in our commitment to streamline and enhance the efficiency of government services for Nigerians both at home and abroad in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of this administration.

“As with the case in Canada, this innovative system is designed to eliminate the traditional hurdles associated with passport renewals. Now, eligible Nigerians in Europe can renew their passports entirely online from the comfort of their homes and offices.”

He added that: “This initiative not only reduces the inconvenience of travel and long waiting times but also brings the services of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) directly to your digital doorstep.

“The introduction of this system in Europe further underscores our dedication to:

“Efficiency: By allowing passport renewals to be conducted without physical presence. This helps us cut down processing times significantly.

“Accessibility: Ensuring that Nigerians in the diaspora experience government services with ease, regardless of their location.

“Modernization: Embracing technology to meet the contemporary needs of our citizens in line with our pledge to digital transformation of the country as we race towards achieving the 1-trillion dollar economy ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).”

Tunji-Ojo stated that: “The Nigerian diaspora is an integral part of our national fabric, which contributes immensely to our development. Hence, it is our duty to ensure they have access to services that match the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.

“As a government, we will continue to uphold transparency without compromising security in all our operations. This launch is only the beginning; we are poised to expand these reforms by bringing government services closer to all Nigerians.

“We look forward to a future where every Nigerian, whether at home or abroad, benefits from our efforts to modernize and humanize government services.”

Nigeria Launches Contactless Passport in Europe

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Yobe State Delegation Visits World’s Largest Fertilizer Plant in Morocco

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Yobe State Delegation Visits World’s Largest Fertilizer Plant in Morocco

By: Michael Mike

Yobe state government has advance a team to Morocco on a visit to the World’s largest fertilizer company, OCP/Jorf Lasfar fertilizer complex to help in formulating strategies for the resuscitate of the Yobe state fertilizer blending plant.

The team led by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, had the commissioners of Agriculture Hon. Mustapha Goniri, Higher Education Prof. Bello Kawuwa, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Adamu Jajere, and the Chairman of Damaturu Local government council Hon. Bukar Adamu.

The Facility Information Officer of the complex, Amine Jamaleddine, who conducted the delegation around the facility on Thursday, said “the OCP/Jorf Lasfar fertilizer complex is the biggest fertilizer company in the world with an all year round production caoacity.”

She explained that “lt has a production capacity of 15 million tones of fertilizer annually.

“The complex has about 20,000 staff with the company producing fertilizer supplying all parts of the World.”

She expressed the readiness of the company to partner with the Yobe state government to resuscitate the state-owned fertilizer factory.

The state team leader, Baba Malam Wali, expressed satisfaction with the commitment of OCP/Jorf Lasfar fertilizer factory and the consultants, to partner the state government to resuscitate the Yobe fertilizer company.

He said: “The Governor Buni administration has strong commitment to revive the factory to meet the fertilizer needs of farmers in the state, generate employment and export to improve revenue of the state.

Similarly, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Mustapha Goniri, said the revival of the fertilizer factory would boost the on-going agricultural revolution in the state by the Buni administration.

“Last year the state government launched a massive agricultural empowerment programme with 100 tractors, solar pumps, irrigation facilities, other farm Implements, fertilizer, improved seeds, herbicides and pesticides among others, and distributed to farmers free of charge.

“Again, last month, additional 40 tractors were procured by the state government to boost crop production to enhance food security and for exports to improve the revenue of the state” Goniri said.

African Network center, the consulting firm, expressed optimism that the partnership would be beneficial to the two parties.

“The government and people of Yobe state would benefit immensely from this partnership which would ensure food sufficiency and security.

“l have seen the great commitment by His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, to improve agriculture in Yobe state, and we are putting everything in the right place to make this partnership succeed, and for Yobe state government to succeed” he said.

According to a statement by the spokesman of the governor, Mamman Mohammed, Buni is expected to arrive Morocco for partnership in other areas including Education and direct investments in local government areas.

Yobe State Delegation Visits World’s Largest Fertilizer Plant in Morocco

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