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Nigeria: There have been around 350,000 direct and indirect deaths linked to the insurgency – Ojukwu
Nigeria: There have been around 350,000 direct and indirect deaths linked to the insurgency – Ojukwu
By Babagana Wakil
The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, has observed that the decade long Boko Haram insurgency has seen some of the worst forms of human rights violations in the history of Nigeria.
Mr. Tony Ojukwu made the observation at the Traditional/Religious Leaders Forum on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in North East Nigeria, which held in Maiduguri the Borno state capital on Monday.
He said for the people in the north-eastern part of Nigeria, this conflict has brought untold physical, emotional and psychological losses on the victims and their families.
“UNDP in a recent report estimates that there have been around 350,000 direct and indirect deaths linked to the insurgency. ” He said
Mr. Tony said, added to this is the over 2 million displaced people in Nigeria and neighbouring countries. “The set back to the economic and social development of the North-eastern states and Nigeria can never be over-quantified in terms of financial and human resources.”
He said the Commission appreciates the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the commitments of the Governments and citizens of the north-eastern states towards reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration of affected communities.
“Distinguished guests, ending the insurgency will require both military and non-military approaches. Indeed, the path to reconciliation, reintegration and reconstruction will only be sustained in an atmosphere of peace, and community process of transitional, restitutive and restorative justice.
“In this regard, it is the view of the Commission that the efforts of both the federal and state governments at deradicalizing Boko Haram insurgents and reintegrating them to communities should be followed with a process of formal and non-formal community-led transitional and restitutive justice anchored on human rights and social inclusion.
“The concept of a Traditional and Religious Leaders Forum on transitional justice and reconciliation has been framed along these lines.
“Honourable Commissoners, Your Royal Highnesses and distinguished guests, the role of traditional and religious institutions in shaping community perceptions and facilitating social cohesion can never be over-emphasised. In many of our communities across Nigeria, traditional and religious leaders are the centrepiece of our civilisation, facilitating and shaping education and socialisation from cradle to grave. In North-Eastern Nigeria, traditional and religious institutions whose roles in advancing social and economic development dating more than five centuries have been recognised.
“It is therefore based on these foundations that the National Human Rights Commission is working with traditional and religious institutions across project states and communities to use their platforms to advocate for peace, reconciliation and justice. We are privileged to be working with some of the most passionate community actors in the region. We are honoured today to be having in our midst, the District Heads of the 7 project communities. It is our hope that working with the Governments of the 3 project states and indeed the region, we can begin an annual convening of this Forum to continue to advocate for the roles of traditional and religious institutions in peace building and social justice.
“As I have often emphasised in various occasions under this project, the path to reconciliation and forgiveness is long and rough. We will be dealing with decade long wounds, grievances and the lust for revenge. We need our traditional and religious leaders and institutions to be champions of the twin concepts of reconciliation and justice. We remain convinced that reconciliation is far cheaper to both the victim and the society than military or formal judicial process.
“Permit me ladies and gentlemen to welcome in a special way, our keynote speaker for this forum, Professor Umara Ibrahim Gudumbali, of the Department of Political Science, University of Maiduguri, who is a distinguished scholar in the fields which have brought us together today.
“On a final note, I want to thank the Governments of the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe for their partnership in this project and for the leadership and resilience they have all shown in tacking these security and development challenges. You have a partner in the National Human Rights Commission, and we pledge our mandate and resources to continuously work with you in addressing these challenges.”
Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume
By: Our Reporter
Former majority leader of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as special adviser on public communications and media.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, a position that places him as Bwala’s Senator, noted that Tinubu has demonstrated that he is a leader with large heart through Bwala’s appointment.
Bwala served as the spokesman of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 President election campaigns.
“I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his special adviser to the President on public communication and media. This gesture deserves serious applause particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in recent past.
“Bwala’s appointment is a rare demonstration of large heartedness in leadership, a quality that is difficult to find in many leaders today,” Ndume stated.
Recall that Bwala is among the recent persons appointed by President Tinubu to serve in the prestigious position of special Adviser to the President on public communication and media.
Ndume advice Bwala to seek forgiveness from the Vice President Kashim Shettima whose appointment made him to leave APC because he is a Muslim and work with him closely to as your second Principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.
You should also learn from Sunday Dare and Ononuga who are long and loyal associates of Tinubu who always defend the policies of Mr President without being abusive and offensive.
You should also learn from the likes of Hadiza Bala and Nuhu Ribadu NSA who defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures.
Finally you should also link up with our people at the grassroots because charity begins from home.
Finally I wish you success in your new assignment.
Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume
DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit
By: Our Reporter
Amb. Usman Aliyu, the Director General of the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall, is representing Nigeria at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
His selection to join the Nigerian negotiation team highlights his exceptional contributions to climate action, following his distinguished performance during a UNFCCC-EU training in Abuja, which earned him sponsorship from the European Union.
Amb. Aliyu’s participation underscores the commitment of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development. His efforts focus on climate finance, large-scale reforestation, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, which are critical to addressing environmental challenges in Borno State and beyond.
“Representing Nigeria at COP29 is an opportunity to advocate for practical solutions to the pressing climate challenges facing our region,” said Amb. Usman Aliyu.
This involvement positions Borno State as a leader in integrating local initiatives with global climate goals, promoting long-term sustainability and resilience for its communities.
DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit
EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”
By: Our Reporter
The Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN) has conferred the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, with an Honorary Fellowship and Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental management and sustainable development.
The award was presented during EMAN’s 2024 Annual Conference and General Meeting held on Wednesday 13 November at Grand Cubana Hotel in Abuja.
Themed “Building Resilience Against Land Degradation and Climate Change in Nigeria,” the event drew prominent personalities, including the National Project Coordinator NEWMAP, Mr. Andy Ayuba Yalak; Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor and Professor Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja Aisha Sani Maikudi represented by the Dean School of Environment and representative of Chairman Senate Committee on Environment.
Governor Zulum’s recognition by EMAN marks the first time the association has presented this prestigious award to a Chief Executive.
The honor underscores Zulum’s commitment to effective environmental management, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
This is the fifth fellowship award conferred on the Governor in the past five years, following recognitions by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, and the National Postgraduate Medical College.
Represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Honourable Umaru Bako, Governor Zulum highlighted key environmental achievements under his administration. These include:
Strengthening the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) through increased funding.
Timely and effective management of recent flood disasters.
Establishing a Directorate of the Great Green Wall to combat desertification.
Full participation in the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program.
Ongoing infrastructure and human development initiatives aimed at fostering a climate-resilient society.
Expressing his gratitude, Governor Zulum stated, “I am extremely delighted with this honor and assure you of my administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and building a resilient future for our society.”
EMAN, as Nigeria’s leading professional body for environmental management, continues to recognize and encourage exemplary contributions towards environmental sustainability.
EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”
Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume
DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit
EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”
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