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Nigeria: CERF releases US$10 million to save 1.7 million children under five in Northeast

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Nigeria: CERF releases US$10 million to save 1.7 million children under five in Northeast

Nigeria: CERF releases US$10 million to save 1.7 million children under five in Northeast

By: James Bwala

As the people of north-east Nigeria struggle to endure a devastating food and nutrition crisis, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has released a US$10 million allocation to help save lives and get urgent aid to those who need it most. 

A statement by UN OCHA said approximately 1.74 million children under the age of five is expected to suffer from acute malnutrition across the north-east in 2022. 

“With a 34 per cent increase so far from last year the north-east recorded the highest burden of acute malnutrition since 2016, and, over 300,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition.” The statement said.

According to OCHA, the consequences of inaction are a matter of life and death. If immediate action is not taken, more than five thousand children are expected to die. Those who survive will potentially face lifelong disabilities. Malnutrition puts children at greater risk of dying from common infections, increases the frequency and severity of such infections, delays recovery and causes development stagnation.

“This CERF allocation will enable accelerated action to increase treatment capacity and early identification of acute malnutrition. The funding will be used for integrated prevention and treatment, including proven local solutions to improve availability, affordability and/or accessibility to nutritious foods that protect women and children from repeated episodes of acute malnutrition.

Also Read: UNDP trains INEC staff ahead of 2023 general elections

“This CERF allocation is the latest in a concerted effort to address the food and nutrition crisis. In May 2022 CERF allocated $15 million to support the catastrophic food insecurity and nutrition response. In September, the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF) provided two allocations of $2.5 million and $1 million to enable humanitarian actors to provide urgent nutrition support in line with the interagency US$ 351 million multisector plan to address the desperate food and nutrition situation.

“These funds are being disbursed in the midst of an alarming lean season in which 4.1 million people across the north-east are facing the pain of hunger according to the Cadre Harmonisé food security and nutrition assessment.

“Despite these efforts, there remains a massive funding gap. The Nutrition Sector has a lean season funding gap of $39 million, or 57 per cent. According to Mr. Matthias Schmale, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, “We urgently need to close the funding gap to rapidly scale-up the response and implement immediate life-saving measures. For the thousands of children trying to survive, additional funding is needed today, not tomorrow.” The statement reads.

Nigeria: CERF releases US$10 million to save 1.7 million children under five in Northeast

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Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

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Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

By: Zagazola Makama

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the release of Usman Daina, the Secretary of Munya Local Government Council, who was abducted by armed bandits.

Daina was freed unhurt following a sustained pursuit operation by security forces. However, authorities have stated that efforts are still ongoing to rescue other victims who remain in captivity and to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.

Zagazola Makama had reported that On Feb. 21, 2025, heavily armed bandits launched an attack on Munya Local Government Area, abducting several residents, including the council secretary.

It was gathered that that the assailants moved from Chibani forest through the Shakwata axis before striking various communities, including the Dandaudu area of Munya LGA.

The attackers invaded homes, looted food supplies, and forcefully took away multiple victims.

Following the abduction, the Nigerian Army troops, police tactical teams, vigilantes, and other security forces were deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers.

Their aggressive pursuit led to the successful release of Daina, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining captives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.

Sources said that the security forces are currently conducting aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and ground raids on identified bandit hideouts in the region.

Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

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Minister Uba Maigari Continues Inspection of NEDC Projects in Maiduguri, Emphasizes Renewed Hope in Regional Development

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Minister Uba Maigari Continues Inspection of NEDC Projects in Maiduguri, Emphasizes Renewed Hope in Regional Development

By: Our Reporter

The Pioneer Minister for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu , has continued his inspection of key projects undertaken by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Maiduguri. On the third day of his visit, the minister assessed both completed and ongoing initiatives, emphasizing that the projects align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for regional development and improved livelihoods.

The inspection was led by the Managing Director and CEO of NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali, who guided the minister through various project sites, alongside other top officials of the commission.

Among the projects inspected were:

1000 Housing Units in Ggwom, Mafa

Jere Bowl Road Network

Construction of the Faculty of Engineering at Borno State University

Construction of ten bed Capacity clinic at DSS office

NEDC Scholarship Program for Students at Command Science Secondary School Auno (Boys)

E-Vechile Charging Points

Construction of the NEDC Headquarters

During his visit, Alhaji Maigari commended the NEDC for its dedication to delivering impactful projects that align with President Tinubu’s vision for sustainable development in the North East. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of ongoing projects while sustaining and maintaining those already completed.

The minister concluded his visit with a high-level meeting with NEDC officials.

Minister Uba Maigari Continues Inspection of NEDC Projects in Maiduguri, Emphasizes Renewed Hope in Regional Development

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NFGN: Zulum to Receive Iconic Award in Germany

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NFGN: Zulum to Receive Iconic Award in Germany

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has been nominated by the NGO Founders Global Network (NFGN) to receive the 2025 iconic award this coming April in Bayern, Germany.

The NGO Founders Global Network is the official and largest umbrella body of non-governmental and non-profit organisations networking across all countries to propagate and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for the good of humanity and society.

Zulum’s nomination was conveyed in a letter signed by Nigeria’s Consul General, Amb. Yakubu A. Dadi, on Friday.

Besides being nominated for the award, Governor Zulum was also selected to serve as the special guest of honour at the event scheduled for April 11, 2025.

In the letter titled: Executive Invitation As a Special Guest of Honour/Panelist and Iconic Award Recipient, Amb. Dadi was quoted as saying “I most respectfully extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency for being nominated amongst selected esteemed Governors and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across Nigeria to receive an iconic award at the NGO Founders Global Network (NFGN) event scheduled to take place on April 11, 2025.”

“This well-deserved recognition of your outstanding leadership further solidifies your reputation as a leader whose influence transcends Nigeria’s borders”, he added.

NFGN: Zulum to Receive Iconic Award in Germany

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