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NAPTIP: 1.6 million Nigerians living in modern slavery

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NAPTIP: 1.6 million Nigerians living in modern slavery

By: Michael Mike

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has lamented that 1.6 million Nigerians out of the total number of 50 million people worldwide are living in modern slavery.

Addressing a press conference on activities lined up to celebrate the 20 years of establishment of NAPTIP and this year’s World Day Against Human Trafficking, the Director General of the agency, Prof. Fatima Waziri Azi, said the 2023 global slavery index, which estimated has shown that 50 million individuals are living in modern slavery, with at least 1.6 million Nigerians affected.

She said: “For anyone that have followed the NAPTIP story since inception has visibly seen the agency progressed from its very first command in Benin-Edo State to offices in 32 States, the last 7 offices acquired in the past year and a half.

“In 20 years, we have seen the crime of human trafficking spread like wildfire in terms of the enormity, trends and patterns. It has not been an easy fight to dismantle these networks, but we remain undaunted.

“Only recently did the 2023 Global Slavery Index opine that globally, it is estimated that 50 million people were living in modern slavery on any day in 3021, an increase of 10 million people since 2016. What this narrative indicates is the urgent need for a more strategic and deliberate global response to these problems.”

She however said “Nigeria is better poised to control and tackled human trafficking due to the collaborative efforts of everyone,” insisting that: “The public is better informed about issues of human trafficking, and this is due to the amplified visibility of NAPTIP.”

She said: “Nigerians have become their brother’s keeper, looking out for one another and this has increased reportage of issues of human trafficking and violence against persons (domestic and sexual violence).

Also speaking at the briefing, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo who was represented the Director Humanitarian Affairs, Grema Ali highlighted some of the notable achievements of the agency to include awareness campaigns and sensitization strategically designed to educate people about human trafficking, associating violence, and what drives it, especially at the sub-national levels through- community-centered awareness creation in partnership with traditional, religious and community leaders; survivor’s advocacy campaigns; school campaigns as well as digital and traditional media campaigns.

Also part of the achievements, according to him, include the establishment of secondary school vanguards, rolling out the Trafficking in persons curricula in schools nationwide, Inclusion of Trafficking in Persons issues into the Minimum Standards of Colleges of Education in collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), the establishment of a 24/7 Call Centre and Launch of the ‘627’ short code, are all mechanisms that the Agency has put in place to stem the tide of this heinous crime.

The Permanent Secretary also said other milestones of the agency include: 14,813 cases reported; 10,005 suspected traffickers arrested; 623 Convictions (80 convictions in 2022 and 47 in 2023 for now, including the recent extradition of a high-profile human trafficker to Italy to serve her 13 years jail term); 260 ongoing cases in various courts across the country; the rescue of close to 22,000 victims of human trafficking.

He said: “Knowing that issues of human trafficking happen mostly at the sub-national level, NAPTIP has inaugurated the Task Force against Human Trafficking in 22 states. These task forces have over the years amplified the fight against human trafficking and enhanced collaboration with NAPTIP at the state level.

“Other recent and exciting collaborations NAPTIP has forged is the strategic partnership with Meta (owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) and with the US. National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). These partnerships have further enhanced the capacity of NAPTIP to tackle issues of online child exploitation, child sexual assault materials and sextortion including the launch of the amber alert on Facebook and Instagram in September 2022, placing Nigeria as the second country in Africa and the 29th in the world with an amber alert on Facebook and Instagram programme.”

NAPTIP: 1.6 million Nigerians living in modern slavery

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Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe

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Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

The meeting of unity between the Karai-karai and Ngizimawa tribes of Mamudo constituents (alias Yanki Shida) ended with a promise to continue supporting the APC present administration in the state under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba.

The meeting was held under the leadership of Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye, a leader, stakeholder, and adviser on governmental affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba, at his residence in Potiskum.

Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye calls on the people to shun what is happening in the past and solicit their support and cooperation for Governor Buni’s administration in the state. Adding that, in the past, we know Karai-karai and Ngizim are brothers and sisters; we are moving together; we are doing everything together, but recently some people come and divide us.

“Let us build a solid concrete foundation for our children and our grandchildren, and as we are suffering now, don’t allow our children and our grandchildren to suffer; let us unite ourselves and develop our area.” Chillariye added.

Also speaking, Hon. Saidu Arjale said in the past we know Karai-karai and Ngizimawa are one thing; nobody will separate them; they are doing everything together; they are moving together, but some people, because of their selfish interest, come and divide us.

He calls on the members to be straightforward; don’t be afraid, put fear aside, face the reality, unite ourselves, and live a good legacy for our children and our grandchildren in the future.

Also contributing, Mallam Ibrahim Bogocho said we are claiming that we are good politicians, but from us some people will come and use us to achieve their political aim, noting that since we wake up from sleeping, let us unite ourselves because without unity, nothing will go normal.

In his own contribution, the former chairman of the Nangere local government area, Alhaji Adamu Yahaya (alias Adamu Alabura), revealed that today I am very happy as I saw Karai-karai and Ngizimawa meeting to unite themselves and move together in politics.

He said you can’t differentiate between Karai-karai and Ngizim; they are one entity, and politics is a game of choice. Let us forget about being afraid since we come out with these good initiatives. Now that we have a credible leader who can lead us, please let us give him maximum support to achieve our goal.

Earlier speaking at the meeting, the state chairman of Mayina Kara, Alhaji Sha’aibu Shamshi, said, Since we got crises among us, but now we are ready to resolve it by the grace of God.

“My message to Karai-karai and Ngizimawa people is to unite ourselves and support the government; let us always be loyal to the government and support our leader, Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye. I know him for quite a long time; he is a straightforward person; he doesn’t want to lie.

Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe

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Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision

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Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision

By: Amb. Musa Tsoken

It could be recalled that on the 13th of March, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR had raised concerns regarding the devastating hunger that had bedeviled Nigeria and the world at large. However, it was a global threat that needed to be tackled to leverage the negative trend to save humanity.

The vision and mission of Senator Abubakar Kyari in his political sojourn was that of humanity first, which tallies with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

No wonder Kyari, who sees his ministry as a savior and a place of succor to Nigeria, did not relent in putting up his best to ensure that the declaration of a state of emergency on food security yields positive results as a major critical area of concern for the nation’s development in terms of providing efficient and essential food for local consumption and generating substantial revenue for both individuals and government.

Agricultural growth is definitely a channel of countering insecurity by providing job opportunities as well as increasing the GDP of Nigeria. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in reforming the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm. This publication highlights the government’s efforts to address food security challenges, as emphasized by the President and reinforced by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

In response to the growing concerns about food insecurity, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, underscoring the need for urgent action. This declaration has been reinforced by the circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Dr. George Akume, which emphasizes the importance of focusing on critical areas of the economy, including agriculture.

Under the leadership of Hon. Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, the ministry has embarked on several reform initiatives, including:

Increasing funding and inputs for farmers to enhance productivity and ensure food security.

Revitalizing Agriculture: Implement policies to increase agricultural production, reduce insecurity, and promote sustainable development.

Food Security as a National Priority: Recognizing food security as an integral component of national security, the administration is working tirelessly to ensure every Nigerian has access to nutritious food.

The government is committed to collaborating with local and international partners to achieve its food security goals. This includes working with the private sector, development organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage expertise, resources, and funding.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to transforming the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for all Nigerians. With the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is driving reforms and initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the country’s food security landscape. Kudos to Sen. Kyari for his tireless effort to ensure transformation, innovation, and advanced technology in agricultural development in Nigeria.

Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision. 

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Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others

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Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have attacked several villages in Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas of Niger State, killing one person, kidnapping several others, and rustling an unconfirmed number of cattle.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack in Shiroro LGA occurred at about 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 22, when bandits on motorcycles invaded Kutako Makera and Galadiman-Kogo villages.

The assailants shot dead a 75-year-old resident, Bansi Kutako, before abducting multiple villagers and stealing cattle.

In a separate incident, bandits stormed Hayin-Dogo village in Munya LGA around 3:50 a.m. on Feb. 23, kidnapping five residents, including two women.

The victims have been identified as: Adamu Danfulani, Umar Sanda, Murtala Tailor, Aisha Rabiu, and Ramatu Murtala, 26

Joint security forces, including the military, police, vigilantes, and DSS special hunters, have been deployed to track the criminals, rescue the abducted persons, and recover stolen livestock.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.

Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others

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