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Jerry Gana: Our leaders are no longer thinking…”

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Jerry Gana: Our leaders are no longer thinking…”

By: Michael Mike

Former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana has come hard on present leadership of the country, stating that: “Our leaders are no longer thinking. No more initiative. No more programmes.”

Gana, who was the Chairman at the 25th Year Anniversary of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the Commemoration of the 2025 International Peace Day in Abuja on Monday, noted that leadership is very important and should be enlightened and trained, should be about:
 “Compassionate leadership. Leadership full of ideas, since one idea can transform your whole country.”
 
He however lamented that: “But our leaders are no longer thinking. No more initiative. No more programmes.

“Otherwise, a nation like the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a nation full of these kinds of resources in Nigeria, will be having the kind of realities we are facing now.”

He said: “I don’t love going to the market again in Nigeria. Because prices are changing almost every other day. And things are very, very difficult.”
 
He advised leaders to be fair to all in order not to create disputes in the system that could affect peaceful living.

He said: “Always remember that peace delayed is peace denied. Very, very distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, too often we define peace as merely the silence of guns. But lasting peace is far more profound.
 
“To my own understanding, peace is justice in action. Peace is leadership with integrity. Peace is equitable distribution and being fair in a nation.
 
“In fact, at the heart of peace is justice, equity, and fairness. Wherever there is injustice, you wait. There will be conflict.
 
“Therefore, leaders must avoid injustice. In any society where there is injustice, just wait for it. There will be violent, sometimes, reaction.
 
“So we encourage leaders around the world to pursue justice, fairness, equity. Peace is also a promotion of human dignity. If you really see the sanctity of life and human dignity, you will not want to generate conflict.”

On his part, the Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu noted that the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace “Act Now for a Peaceful World” as declared by the United Nations, “calls us to action: to stand for peace, to promote dialogue, and to foster reconciliation. It is a day to reflect on how far we have come in our collective pursuit of harmony and, more importantly, how much further we still have to go.”
 
He noted that “the world today is a complex tapestry of challenges, from geopolitical tensions to internal strife, from economic inequality to climate-induced conflict, from violent extremism to divisive narratives in social media. In the face of these headwinds, the message of peace is not a quiet whisper; it is a powerful, urgent clarion call. It is a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equity, and dignity for all.”
 
He said: “For a quarter of a century, IPCR has been at the forefront of this noble cause. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are not just marking time; we are celebrating a journey of resilience, commitment, and impact. Twenty-five years ago, the IPCR was established with a clear mandate: to be the intellectual and practical nerve center for peace and conflict resolution in our nation and Africa. We have grown from a nascent institution into a formidable force for positive change.”
 
He explained that “our work has spanned the full spectrum of peacebuilding. We have engaged in community-level mediation, facilitated high-level national dialogues, conducted rigorous research to inform policy, and trained a new generation of peacebuilders. We have worked tirelessly with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners including the United Nations Institutions to weave a stronger fabric of peace. Our achievements are not just our own; they are the shared success of every community leader, every young person, every public servant, every civil society organization, every international organization, and every corporate organisation who has partnered with us over the years.”

Jerry Gana: Our leaders are no longer thinking…”

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NGO empower women farmers in Adamawa to strengthen food security

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NGO empower women farmers in Adamawa to strengthen food security

Nuru Nigeria a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has sensitized and supported no fewer than 7,500 women farmers in Adamawa State as part of national efforts to enhance food security.

The initiative, organised in collaboration with financial institutions, policymakers, and other partners, in commemoration of 2025 International Day of Rural Women.

Mrs Amy Gaman, Managing Director, Nuru Nigeria, said, the purpose of the celebration was to encourage and empower women farmers, especially those who are vulnerable in rural communities.

She explained that participants were selected from various local government areas and educated on how to access agricultural loans and financial services to improve their productivity.

She said in line with this year’s World Food Day theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” a lot would be achieved in creating an inclusive and sustainable national food system.

Gaman added that stakeholders from different sectors came together to engage in dialogue on how to protect the food system and ensure rural communities are not left behind.

According to her, the Organisation has reached over 40,000 people through its women’s empowerment initiatives in the local government areas where it operates.

In his remarks, Professor David Jato, Adamawa Commissioner for Agriculture commended the Fintiri administration for creating an enabling environment for agricultural development.

According to him, several policies have been implemented by the state government to support rural farmers, especially women, and praised organizations like Nuru Nigeria for complementing government efforts.

Martha Igu, who spoke on behalf of the participants shared testimonials about how Nuru Nigeria has improved their farming practices.

She said their intervention has positively impacted their lives through access to resources, training, and financial support among others.

NGO empower women farmers in Adamawa to strengthen food security

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Scores of Boko Haram terrorists killed in Borno ambush

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Scores of Boko Haram terrorists killed in Borno ambush

…… As security forces also sustained casualties

By: Ndahi Marama

Dozens of Terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram/ISWAP have been killed in an ambush on troops of 21 Armoured Brigade along Bama-Kashimri village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The troops according to Credible Military Source revealed that they were on clearance operations around the Kashimri general area when the incident took place last Friday (Yesterday).

The Source said, troops of the Joint Task Force North East ‘ Operation Hadin Kai’ responded swiftly with firepower, as over 30 terrorists were neutralized, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

He said, unfortunately, the Officer who led the clearance operation (Names withheld), with some soldiers, two members of Civilian Joint Task Force and two Vigilantes paid the supreme price during the encounter.

“Yes, out troops came under Boko Haram ambush along Bama- Kashimri village last Friday while on clearance operations.

“Troops responded swiftly and nuetralized dozens of the terrorists, as scores fled with gunshot wounds.

” Unfortunately, the Officer who led the clearance operation (Names withheld), with some soldiers, two members of Civilian Joint Task Force and two Vigilantes paid the supreme price during the encounter”. The Military Source revealed.

He however said, the troops have sustained high spirit, as further operations are ongoing in all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.

Scores of Boko Haram terrorists killed in Borno ambush

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Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

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Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised several bandits in a coordinated air interdiction operation conducted along the Mariga axis of Niger State, following credible intelligence and surveillance reports of armed groups on the move with stolen cattle.

The precision airstrikes, carried out under the ongoing intensive counter-banditry campaign, targeted bandits’ movements around Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, Kumbashi, and extending towards Kakihum, within Mariga Local Government Area.

According to verified local accounts, the operation struck a large convoy of armed bandits who were attempting to move with a herd of stolen cattle from Ragada and neighbouring villages. The air interdiction neutralised several of the criminals, while others fled in disarray into the surrounding forests.

A resident of Ragada, who narrowly escaped from the bandits during the strike, narrated his ordeal. “When the jet began bombing, God saved me; that was how I escaped from their hands,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for the timely intervention.

Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed hearing several explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke and sporadic gunfire, as surviving bandits scattered in confusion. They described the operation as swift, precise, and highly coordinated.

Ground troops of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Rijau, Warari and Gulbin Boka, were reported to have provided complementary support by blocking possible escape routes and securing nearby communities hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Residents of the affected communities hailed the success of the operation, describing it as the “most decisive response” to recent attacks by bandit elements in the area.

One of the local leaders, Mallam Musa Ali from Kumbashi, commended the military for its professionalism and courage. “We have not slept in peace for months, but this operation has brought us hope. The Air Force and soldiers have shown that the government is serious about ending banditry,” he said.

Further intelligence from reliable sources revealed that another armed group, moving with stolen cattle from Magama Local Government, was sighted advancing towards the Kakihum–Kumbashi axis, suggesting that additional operations may be imminent.

The operation was part of ongoing coordinated air and ground efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across the North Central region.

Local sources disclosed that at least seven separate bandit groups have been operating within the Mariga, Rijau and Magama corridor in recent weeks. However, with the latest air interdictions, several of their movements and attack plans have been effectively disrupted.

Residents across Yabawa, Awallah, and Dankolo expressed optimism that the sustained operations would lead to the restoration of peace and the return of displaced persons to their homes.

Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

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