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Nigeria Needs Development and Peace Building Efforts to Resolve Crises- UN

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Nigeria Needs Development and Peace Building Efforts to Resolve Crises- UN

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations has said the solution to crises across the Nigeria is development and peacebuilding efforts more than humanitarian interventions.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan at the UN House in Abuja, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall lamented that humanitarian assistance continues to reduce worldwide and efficiency is required in managing the fund available.

Fall said: “Following the floods in Maiduguri and across Nigeria, we saw humanitarian and development partners, alongside the private sector pulling together to alleviate people’s suffering.

“Overall, in 2024 the Humanitarian Response Plan for north-east Nigeria received 57 per cent in funding (about $527 million out of the total ask of almost $927 million) to respond to the critical needs of 4.4 million people out of 8.1 million people in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance“

He added that there are humanitarian needs across Nigeria due to a diverse range of causes – from food insecurity to internal displacement due to intercommunal clashes, as well as climate change impacts among other risks, revealing that: “In 2025, food insecurity across Nigeria is projected to affect over 33 million people during the lean season, with alarming levels of acute malnutrition threatening the lives of millions of children. These figures underscore the gravity of the challenges we face.”

Fall however noted that: “But humanitarian interventions are not the solutions for these problems across Nigeria. What is required is development and peacebuilding efforts, combined with humanitarian action, to address the underlying causes of these needs.

He said: “In Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, the 2025 HNRP aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.6 million out of 7.8 million people requiring urgent assistance with a financial requirement of a little over US$ 900 million.The HNRP prioritizes women, children, and persons with disabilities, stressing that: “We cannot ignore the stark reality of declining global funding for humanitarian efforts.

“We have to become more efficient in terms of delivery of humanitarian action. We have to consider carefully who delivers what and how to make sure that scarce resources are put to the best possible use. This may include anticipatory action, acting before disaster strikes to mitigate the impact and directly funding the local partners who often ultimately deliver the assistance.

“Together, we must continue making a difference in the lives of affected people.

“I urge donors to close the funding gap and appeal to the private sector and the Government to play a more significant role in supporting humanitarian action.

“I also reaffirm the United Nations’ unwavering commitment to working hand in hand with the Nigerian Government, partners, and communities to alleviate suffering and reduce affected people’s vulnerability.”

Meanwhile, the federal government has approved a N4 billion allocation for conditional cash transfers to support vulnerable households across Nigeria.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwada made the revelation at the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and outlined that the initiative aimed at addressing the nation’s growing humanitarian challenges.

He noted that the programme will assist at least 10 million displaced households, focusing on the most vulnerable members of society, adding that the cash transfers are scheduled to begin in February and run through April, targeting families affected by displacement, particularly in the Northeast.

Yilwada stated that: “We are prioritising women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women, particularly those facing pregnancy or disability, are especially challenging. We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need.

“The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement.

“In addition to the cash transfer programme, the government has approved N2 billion for interest-free loans to farmers in rural areas to enhance food production and self-sufficiency.

“Additionally, the government has allocated N2 billion to provide interest-free loans to farmers in rural communities.”

Yilwada also noted that: “These loans will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, helping farmers access necessary resources and linking them to market opportunities.”

The Minister further highlighted additional relief measures to include: “A N4 billion provision has been approved to support vulnerable groups through cash transfers, targeting families affected by natural disasters and other crises. These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and provide relief to those in urgent need.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and affected communities nationwide.

Yilwada explained that the HNRP was developed through extensive consultations and designed to address the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected regions, including Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, promising that: “We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities.”

Nigeria Needs Development and Peace Building Efforts to Resolve Crises- UN

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

By: Michael Mike

Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.

The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.

The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.

“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.

“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.

Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.

He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.

Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.

The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.

NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.

She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.

A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.

Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.

Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.

Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.

According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.

Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.

The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.

Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.

The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.

It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.

Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.

“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.

“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.

He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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