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Planned Okada ban: ActionAid calls for safety net to alleviate deepening poverty 

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Planned Okada ban: ActionAid calls for safety net to alleviate deepening poverty 

Planned Okada ban: ActionAid calls for safety net to alleviate deepening poverty 

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has urged the Federal Government to consider an alternative safety net to buffer the impact of the planned ban ‘Okada’ on the affected population before taking such action.

This is contained in a statement by Lola Ayanda, Communications coordinator for ActionAid Nigeria in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on July 21, the federal government said it was considering a nationwide ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, as well as mining activities in a bid to stem the rising insecurity across the country.

Malam Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation, made this known after a national security council meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja.

The NGO said that the ban on Okada and illegal mining activities by the Federal Government as hinted by Malami, will stem the rising insecurity across the country but it will undoubtedly further deepen the national multi-dimensional poverty index if measures are not taken to address the population involved.

As a way out, the NGO urged the government to encourage investments and job creation to engage those that will lose their livelihoods.

“ActionAid Nigeria agrees that placing a ban on the use of motorcycles and mining activities may cut the supply of logistics and source of funds for the purchase of arms to the terrorists, but while this is being contemplated in the national interest to combat insecurity, there must be well thought-out alternatives to lessen the effects of the attendant loss of livelihoods on the people that will be affected.”

The NGO noted that the ban must be implemented in a way that it must be implemented in a way that will not further worsen the country’s dire economic situation.”

According to the NGO, the number of people using Okada represents a significant segment of the population whose condition will be worsened as a result of food inflation, rising unemployment, the rising cost of living among other economic challenges, and other issues that are responsible for why more people are falling into the poverty net.

The AAN also emphasized the need for government to invest in the agriculture value-chain, especially girl child education.

It also urged the government to prioritise the healthcare of its citizenry and enhance economic opportunities while embracing technology to improve economic productivity and opportunities for the citizens.

AAN also expressed willingness to join other development partners available to work with the government at all levels to create a sustainable alternative for this population.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Sept. 15, 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari said 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households, comprising more than eight million individuals were currently benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, while N300 billion has been disbursed to farmers.

Speaking virtually at the opening ceremony of the 14th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the President said the National Social Register of Poor and Vulnerable Nigerians had 32.6 million persons from seven million poor and vulnerable households identified.

”From this number, 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households, comprising more than eight million individuals are currently benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer program, which pays a bi-monthly stipend of N10, 000 per household,” he said.

Buhari said the National Social Investment Programme is the biggest in Sub-Saharan Africa and one of the largest in the world. 

Planned Okada ban: ActionAid calls for safety net to alleviate deepening poverty 

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Kidnap victim rescued with machete wounds in Suleja

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Kidnap victim rescued with machete wounds in Suleja

By: Zagazola Makama

A 45-year-old man, identified as Samuel John, has been rescued by a joint team of police and vigilantes after being abducted and severely injured by suspected kidnappers in the Polosa area of Suleja, Niger State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 27, when hoodlums reportedly stormed the community and whisked the victim away from his residence.

According to the sources, a vigilante member, raised the alarm, prompting an immediate response from security operatives attached to the ‘B’ Division Suleja and members of the local vigilante group.

The combined team pursued the kidnappers into the surrounding bush. On sighting the advancing security team, the assailants attacked the victim with machetes, inflicting deep cuts on his head and both hands before abandoning him and fleeing the scene.

The victim was quickly rescued and rushed to the General Hospital Suleja, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

Kidnap victim rescued with machete wounds in Suleja

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Abducted Sharia Court judge escapes from kidnappers in Zamfara

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Abducted Sharia Court judge escapes from kidnappers in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Alkali Usman, a Sharia Court judge attached to the Higher Sharia Court in Birnin Tudu, Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, has escaped from captivity after being abducted by unknown gunmen.

Zagazola Makama learnt from reliable sources that Usman, who was reported kidnapped on June 26, returned home safely on Friday morning, June 27, at about 10:00 a.m., according to local sources.

Upon his return, the judge was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he received medical attention and was subsequently discharged.

He was later debriefed by security operatives and reunited with his family.

Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding his escape.

Abducted Sharia Court judge escapes from kidnappers in Zamfara

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Soldier handed over to police for allegedly stabbing ex-colleague to death in Borno

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Soldier handed over to police for allegedly stabbing ex-colleague to death in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

A serving soldier has been handed over to the police in Maiduguri for allegedly stabbing a dismissed military personnel to death during an argument in the Kasuwan Fara area of the Borno State capital.

Zagazola Makama report that the suspect, identified a Lance Corporal of the 7 Division, was brought to the police by a senior officer on June 27.

Sources said that the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on June 26, when Suleiman allegedly stabbed the victim, Musa Adamu, a dismissed soldier, in the chest with a jackknife following a heated disagreement.

The victim was rushed to the Borno State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

The police have transferred the case and the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation and possible prosecution.

Soldier handed over to police for allegedly stabbing ex-colleague to death in Borno

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