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SADC to Promote Innovation as Key to Unlocking Sustainable Economic Growth of Southern Africa

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SADC to Promote Innovation as Key to Unlocking Sustainable Economic Growth of Southern Africa

By: Michael Mike

As the Southern African Development Community (SADC) begins life under the Chairmanship of President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, the promotion of innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development would be a watchword in the region

This would be a consolidating of the national peace, food and nutritional security, gender development, disaster risk management, and implementing the strategy and roadmap for industrialization which were the crux of the erstwhile chairman, President Joe Manuel Mrosso of Mozambique.

SADC consists of 17 members states that has a rich history of allignment dating back to 1980 when it was formed as the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC).

It was in 1992, it evolved into the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with a renewed commitment to promoting sustainable development, peace, and security in Southern Africa region.

Speaking at the 2024 SADC anniversary in Abuja at the weekend, the outgone Chair of SADC Group in Nigeria, Angola’s Ambassador Bamoquina Jose Zau who handed over to the Ambassador of Zimbabwe, Maxwel Ranga,
while noting that: “SADC has made significant progress in promoting economic growth, social justice, and human development, announced that the anniversary celebration marked the transfer of chairmanship from President Joe Manuel Mrosso of Mozambique to President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.

He said: “We thank President Mrosso for his leadership and commitment to SADC during his tenure, and we welcome President Mnangagwa as he takes the reins to steer our organisation forward.”

“The theme of President Mrosso’s chairmanship was “Promoting Industrialization and Sustainable Economic Growth,” and he made significant strides in promoting human and financial capital development, which are critical drivers of sustainable industrialization.”

“His commitment to consolidating national peace, food and nutritional security, gender development, disaster risk management, and implementing the strategy and roadmap for industrialization will have a lasting impact on our region.”

“As we look to the future, President Mnangagwa’s chairmanship will focus on promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development.”

“This is a critical area of focus, as innovation has the potential to drive economic transformation, create jobs, and improve living standards.”

“We are also proud of the progress we have made in promoting peace and security in our region. The recent summit in Arusha, Tanzania, commended the peace process and mediation efforts between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, and called on the two countries to cease all hostilities.

“We will continue to work towards achieving lasting peace and security in the region, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique.”

“As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of our partnership with other regions and countries.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation we have received from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we look forward to strengthening our ties with other countries, including Russia.”

He added that: “We are proud of our achievements, but we recognize that there is still much work to be done. We must continue to work together to address the challenges facing our region, including poverty, inequality, and climate change.”

“We are committed to creating a better future for the people of Southern Africa. We will continue to work tirelessly to promote sustainable development, peace, and security in our region.”

Meanwhile, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria(VON) Jubrin Ndace, said the media plays a vital role in shaping Africa narratives, noting that Africans cannot expect the world to respect them if they don’t tell their own story.

He said: “We need to be intentional about creating a positive narrative about Africa and Africans. The Voice of Nigeria is a public platform established to consistently create a positive narrative about Nigeria and Nigerians, Africa and Africans.

“We broadcast in eight languages, including four indigenous languages and four international languages, to reach a broader audience.”

“As Director General, I’m committed to deepening our engagement with the international community.”

“I’m currently exploring opportunities to broadcast in Mandarin, courtesy of our partnership with the Chinese government. This collaboration will enable us to reach a vast audience in China and promote cultural exchange between our nations.”

“However, I believe that our efforts should go beyond broadcasting. We need to encourage travel within the African continent.

“We need to promote cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and economic partnerships that foster cooperation and understanding. We need to create opportunities for Africans to experience the beauty and diversity of our continent firsthand.”

“To achieve this, I propose that we establish a partnership between SADC countries and the Voice of Nigeria.

“We can work together to promote positive narratives about our continent, encourage travel, and foster cultural exchange. We can offer our platforms to journalists from SADC countries to share their stories, and vice versa.

“By working together, we can create a unified narrative that showcases the best of Africa. Let’s define ourselves by our strengths, our resilience, and our beauty.

“Let’s celebrate our diversity, our cultures, and our achievements. Let’s take control of our narrative and let the world respect us. We are not defined by our challenges; we are defined by our ability to overcome them.”

“I offer the Voice of Nigeria platform to all SADC countries willing to work with us to consistently tell positive stories about Africa.”

“Let’s unite in our efforts to promote a positive narrative about our continent. Let’s celebrate our common future and work towards a brighter tomorrow for all Africans.” He added.
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Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

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Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

By: Our Reporter

Data obtained from daily reports indicates that over 740,000 civilians have been killed across ten Nigerian states between 2015 and 2025, according to an extensive analysis conducted by News Net Global Limited from reported cases in three national newspapers: The Daily Trust, Leadership Newspapers, and Daily Post Nigeria. 

This staggering figure underscores the severity of violence primarily driven by Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and other armed attacks affecting states such as Borno, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina in northeast, north-central, and northwest Nigeria. 

The persistence of these violent activities has not only resulted in a high death toll but also contributed to widespread displacement and socio-economic destabilization within these regions. 

Despite government efforts to curb the violence, criticism remains regarding the effectiveness of security measures implemented during this period.

The complexity of the conflict is further compounded by military actions such as airstrikes that have inadvertently caused civilian casualties, raising questions about operational accountability and humanitarian consequences.

As these challenges persist, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize the protection of civilians and address the root causes of insecurity in affected regions.

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates enhanced intelligence gathering, community engagement, and collaboration with international partners to effectively dismantle the networks of armed groups and restore stability in the regions.

The involvement of local communities in peace-building initiatives has been identified as a crucial element in mitigating violence and fostering long-term stability. The integration of conflict resolution frameworks that emphasize dialogue and reconciliation is essential to bridging the gap between communities and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable peace. 

To effectively address these multifaceted issues, it is imperative for both national and international stakeholders to foster collaborative efforts that enhance security frameworks and prioritize the well-being of affected populations. 

Strengthening governance structures and promoting transparency in military operations are also vital to rebuilding trust between the government and its citizens. 

To address the widespread violence effectively, it is crucial to implement policies that not only enhance military precision and accountability but also focus on socioeconomic development initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and providing education as a means to deter youth from joining armed groups. 

Addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and lack of education, is paramount in curbing the recruitment of youths into armed groups and fostering a more peaceful society. 

Furthermore, the integration of community-based peacebuilding initiatives and grassroots advocacy can play a pivotal role in empowering local populations to actively participate in creating solutions that address their unique security concerns. 

Also, by fostering collaboration between governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, Nigeria can develop a comprehensive strategy that not only addresses immediate security threats but also promotes long-term stability and resilience within affected communities. 

It was observed that investing in education and economic development programs can also provide alternative pathways for youth, reducing the allure of joining armed groups and contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous society. 

Dialogue between conflicting communities and strengthening local governance structures can enhance peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that the root causes of conflict are addressed effectively. 

This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and increased accountability measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of life. 

To effectively address these challenges, it is crucial for the Nigerian government to implement robust security reforms and enhance accountability mechanisms, ensuring that both state and non-state actors are held accountable for their actions.

 Also, bolstering the judicial system to ensure swift and fair trials for those implicated in acts of violence can deter future atrocities and reinforce public trust in the rule of law. Additionally, fostering stronger collaboration with international human rights organizations can help monitor and report on human rights abuses, ensuring that global attention remains focused on these issues and prompting necessary interventions.

Similarly, investing in community-based early warning systems can empower local populations to identify and report potential threats, facilitating timely interventions and potentially saving lives. 

Also, integrating community policing initiatives can foster trust between law enforcement and local communities, creating a more inclusive approach to security that prioritizes the protection of civilians. 

Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

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FG To Invest $220m In Creating Job Opportunities For Young Nigerians

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FG To Invest $220m In Creating Job Opportunities For Young Nigerians

*We’re bridging transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of graduates, says VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

The Nigerian government has concluded plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

The initiative is to be spearheaded in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and mentorship.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who disclosed on Wednesday when he formally flagged off the NJFP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the goal is “to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young Nigerians; graduates who have the education, but not always the opportunity.”

According to him, this will translate the nation’s demographic strength “into productive economic power, proving that when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion.”

The VP noted that while the NJFP is a Nigerian programme shaped by national priorities and guided by the nation’s sense of purpose, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to deepen the ownership by embedding the programme into government’s national planning and budgeting frameworks.

He stated: “This government will do its part — by ensuring that our financial commitment to the programme reflects our belief in its transformative potential. But national ownership must also mean national participation.

“As we launch NJFP 2.0 today, I call on our partners — from the private sector, the development community, and the donor ecosystem — to join us in building the NJFP Basket Fund, a sustainable financing mechanism to secure the programme’s future.

“Our immediate goal is to raise $220 million, not as charity, but as an investment in the nation’s most valuable asset: our young people.”

VP Shettima implored the EU, the UNDP and other partners to consider the flag-off of the programme as an opportunity to prove that “youth employment is not just a policy priority but a shared responsibility.”

He observed that when resources are pooled and intentions are aligned in the course of building together, a multiplier effect is created that benefits the nation’s economy.

The Vice President acknowledged the contributions of the EU and the UNDP, noting that their belief in Nigeria’s youth has demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration.

He said it was now time for Nigeria, through its public institutions, private sector champions, and philanthropic community to lead from the front, even as he maintained that inclusivity is key to driving the process.

His words: “As we scale NJFP 2.0, inclusivity remains at the heart of our design. We recognise that our young people are not a single story. They live in different realities, across regions, genders, and social backgrounds.

“Therefore, this next phase will intentionally reach every corner of the country, aligning placements with the sectors that will define our economic future: agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries.”

Senator Shettima expressed hope that the second phase of the NJFP would turn out to be a success story “of how Nigeria turned its demographic advantage into a generation of productive citizens — creating jobs, building enterprises, and shaping the future of our great nation.

“The task before us is both serious and inspiring. The young Nigerians we seek to serve are not asking for handouts — only for a fair system that recognises effort, rewards merit, and provides opportunity. They are ready to build if we are ready to back them,” he added.

For his part, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the NJFP 2.0 as a continuation of the federal government’s success in youth empowerment.

He noted that since the programme began in 2021, it has helped over 13,000 youths to gain skills, assuring that the initiative will build on its progress and achieve its long-term goal of placing 100,000 youths in jobs within five years.

In her welcome address, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, said the generous funding from the European Union and implementation support from the UNDP, over the years, are aimed at connecting potential to opportunity.

She noted that the vision behind the NJFP has come to light, resulting in over 40,000 Nigerians being placed in various economic sectors.

She stressed that millions of Nigerians need the NJFP platform to thrive in today’s economy.

Also, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, said the EU was looking forward to seeing the NJFP 2.0 programme integrated into Nigeria’s governance agenda to ensure its sustainability.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Building a National Workforce for the Future,” the CEO of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, emphasized that millions of Nigerians can perform the jobs currently being outsourced to foreign companies if they are given the right opportunities, such as those provided under the NJFP programme.

He urged relevant authorities and stakeholders not to ignore the millions of Nigerians who, without support, may never transition from graduates to gainful employment.

FG To Invest $220m In Creating Job Opportunities For Young Nigerians

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CAIDOV Calls on NBA to Take Action Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Over Professional Misconduct

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CAIDOV Calls on NBA to Take Action Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Over Professional Misconduct

By: Michael Mike

The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take immediate disciplinary action against Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for alleged professional misconduct relating to his participation in the recent “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the group’s Executive Director, Comrade Gbenga Soloki, CAIDOV condemned the lawyer’s appearance and participation at the protest ground, describing it as a clear breach of professional ethics and a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for Legal Practitioners 2023, particularly Rule 33, which deals with sub judice statements.

Soloki said, according to the rule: “A lawyer or law firm engaged in or associated with the prosecution or defence of a criminal matter, or associated with a civil action shall not, while litigation is anticipated or pending in the matter, make or participate in making any extra-judicial statement that is calculated to prejudice or interfere with, or is reasonably capable of prejudicing or interfering with, the fair trial of the matter or the judgment or sentence.”

He stated that by joining a public protest concerning a case he is directly handling, Ejimakor acted in a manner that could influence public perception and potentially compromise the impartiality of the court.

“The law expects that lawyers argue their cases in court, not on the streets, in protest grounds, or on media platforms. Mr. Ejimakor’s participation in the protest is tantamount to trying to sway public opinion and, by extension, the court’s view on a matter still under adjudication,” he said in the statement.

He further emphasised that the legal profession demands discipline, restraint, and respect for judicial processes, warning that “emotions must never override ethics.”

“This act by Mr. Ejimakor amounts to professional misconduct. The law is not emotional, and every lawyer is bound by its standards, regardless of who their client is,” he added.

CAIDOV therefore urged the law enforcement agencies to investigate the lawyer’s actions to determine if his involvement in the protest constituted a breach of national security or contempt of court.

Similarly, the group called on the Nigerian Bar Association’s Disciplinary Committee to review Ejimakor’s conduct and impose appropriate sanctions to preserve the integrity and credibility of the legal profession.

“Mr. Ejimakor made a very big mistake by publicly protesting for a client in a case he is handling. The NBA must take swift disciplinary measures to send a clear message that professional ethics cannot be compromised,” the group said.

CAIDOV Calls on NBA to Take Action Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Over Professional Misconduct

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