National News
Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage
Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage
By: Michael Mike
The Majority Leader of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Ridwan Barade has called for the outlaw and criminalization of marriage of male or female under the age of 18.
Speaking at a National Roundtable Dialogue with High-Level Policy Makers in commemoration of of the Day of the African Child 2025 organised by the African Youth and Adolescent Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN) Nigeria and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Abuja, Barade said: “A child who is not yet done with education, who doesn’t even have the intellect of herself, is already in a house giving birth to children, which is very wrong, and if we don’t change that narrative, then we won’t be able to move forward as a country.”
He added that: “The normal age for an adult is 18, so I believe if we can have a rule that you can’t marry before 18, then I believe we’re going to have what we’re looking for,” stressing that “the government should make a rule that no parent should give their child out before 18.”
He noted that if we can be able to penalise people that are doing such things, then we’re going to be great country.
He revealed his readiness to work with other members of the Nigerian and other stakeholders to prepare the legal framework for outlawing marriage of minors, people below 18 years.
On her part, the Nigeria National Coordinator of AfriYAN, Adek Bassey has called for the involvement of more youth in governance. She said: “We should be on the roundtable where decisions are taken.”
She also advocated for transparency of programme initiated for youth by government, noting that as at now there are dearth of programmes for youth in the country.
She added that governments in the country should embark on programmes centered around youth and release funds to build youth in the country.
Bassey while commending UN and its agencies for funding programmes meant to advance the course of youth in Nigeria, said the youth will be happy when the major funds for them are from Nigerian government.
She said: “So that when we see a call from our own pool of funds from the government, all of us will be excited that this funding, we are funded by the Nigerian government. No, we are always funded by UNFPA, we are always funded by UN Women’s Agency. We want to be funded by our own Nigerian pool fund for young people, you know, let it be that accessible.
“Put your criteria for us to meet, which we are definitely going to meet and we have track records of our work. So that is what we want to see. Every year, annual call from the government, youth apply for this fund and get to do programmes and you have a tracking system to see that this funding is actually being used for this issue.”
Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage
NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft have carried out a precision strike on a notorious bandit hideout in Kunti, within Sohon Gaya community of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Zagazola learnt that the operation followed credible intelligence reports of heightened bandit activities in the axis, with the criminals reportedly wielding sophisticated weapons, including assault rifles and heavy-calibre arms.
Sources confirmed that at about 1200hrs, two NAF helicopters were sighted conducting the successful strike on the location, which had been a source of terror to the surrounding communities.
In the aftermath of the air interdiction, friendly ground troops arrived the target area in Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to secure the location, assess battle damage and mop up fleeing elements of the bandits.
The timely synergy between air and ground components ensured effective neutralisation of the threats while also restoring confidence among residents of Sohon Gaya community.
NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna
Hilda Baci Concludes GWR Jollof Rice Attempt, Awaits Confirmation
By Halima Abdulkadiri
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci on Saturday successfully wrapped up her ambitious bid to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the largest pot of jollof rice.
The reports gathered that Baci cooked approximately 200 bags of rice in a massive 22,619-litre pot, which measured six metres in both width and height. The cooking process lasted about nine hours.
She now awaits official confirmation from Guinness World Records on whether her feat will be certified as a new world record.
Bold Strategy to Revolutionize Women’s Health Launched
By: Michael Mike
A bold, data-driven, tech-enabled, and financially intelligent strategy designed to revolutionize women’s health across Nigeria has been launched.
The project RenewHER (Renew Health Equity and Reform) is a Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative, led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health (OSSAP-WH) and championed by Dr. Adanna Steinacker.
The launching was held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja on Thursday evening with the Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu.
At the Gala, the Women’s Health Digital Media and Communications Hub, a national advocacy and story telling platform was unveiled, which is dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, spotlighting innovations, and driving conversations across six national priority areas: Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Sexual and Reproductive Health; Adolescent Health and Menstrual Equity; Nutrition and Preventive Care; Healthcare Workforce and Access; and Coalition Building.
The evening also featured a Presidential Keynote Address, the premiere of the RenewHER campaign film, a cultural showcase, the Health Innovator Awards and a National Pledge Moment to mobilize long-term support for the initiative.
Speaking on the project, the SSA to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, said: “RenewHER is more than an initiative, it is a national call to action to redefine the future of women’s health and economic equity in Nigeria. Through the Women’s Health Nigeria Hub and Magazine, we a creating a movement that transforms policy, empowers communities, and inspires a new generation of champions for women’s health.”
Key strategic partners of the initiative include the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF), the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), and the Women in Healthcare Network (WIHCN), all supporting RenewHER to deliver measurable health outcomes, while creating economic opportunities for women through financial incentives, digital wallets, microgrants, skills training, and women-led health innovations.
Bold Strategy to Revolutionize Women’s Health Launched
Troops recover rifle, ammunition during a raid on the hideout of a notorious gunrunner in Plateau
Army troops intercept suspected drug dealers in Taraba
Bandits kill woman, injured several others, rustle cattle in katsina community
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