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NGO empowers 100 vulnerable women with grinding machines in FCT, Nasarawa
NGO empowers 100 vulnerable women with grinding machines in FCT, Nasarawa
Citizens Health Education and Development Initiative (CHEDI), an NGO, on Thursday, empowered 100 vulnerable women and girls with grinding machines, as part of its strategy to end poverty in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa.
The Executive Director of the NGO, Mrs Selina Enyiola, while presenting the machines to the beneficiaries at the Government Secondary School, Wuse, Zone III, Abuja, said the empowerment would reduce the negative impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable women.
“I welcome you all to this important event for the economic empowerment of 100 special women and girls from the FCT and Nasarawa State.
“I call them special because it is not easy to fish out these 100 people from among millions of women and girls that required assistance in Nigeria today.
“About this time last year, we also empowered 60 vulnerable women from the six FCT Area Councils from funds provided by some World Bank staff.
“We all know that with the economic situation we face in the country now, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and worsened by insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, rape and other vices, everyone is now in need and qualifies for some form of empowerment,” she said.
Enyiola said that based on the community needs assessment conducted by the NGO in some of the communities in the area councils, most of the women interviewed requested to be empowered with grinding machines which they could operate at home or close to their homes.
“They said many of them were scared of venturing to their farms for fear of being kidnapped, raped or at times, killed.
“Some of them, who are the breadwinners of their families, could no longer afford to feed their children, send them to school or pay hospital bills, hence they needed an alternative means of livelihood.
“Similarly, in the course of monitoring our previous projects in the communities, more women requested to be empowered with petrol-operated grinding machines mainly for the same reasons.
“Consequently, we put their requests to our sponsors and pleaded if they could have their kindness extended to Nasarawa State, which they graciously approved and today we are empowering 49 vulnerable women from Nasarawa State and 51 from the FCT,” she said.
The executive director expressed gratitude to the NGO, the World Bank staff, for accepting the idea of empowering vulnerable women with petrol-operated grinding machines.
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“To the women beneficiaries, we have spoken to you about collective savings (Esusu), which will help you to make some savings to ensure that you maintain the grinding machines and have some leftovers for other needs,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms Comfort Egemonu, thanked the organisation for empowering them with a means of livelihood.
“We are extremely happy with the gesture extended to us by the Citizens Health Education and Development Initiative (CHEDI). It will go a long way to provide us with sustainable means of livelihood,“ she said. (NAN)
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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