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TAJ Foundation donates 18 trucks of 10,800 assorted bags of rice to Borno, other north east states

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TAJ Foundation donates 18 trucks of 10,800 assorted bags of rice to Borno, other north east states

TAJ Foundation donates 18 trucks of 10,800 assorted bags of rice to Borno, other north east states

By: James Bwala, Maiduguri

TAJ Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has donated 18 trucks of 10,800 50kg bags of rice for distribution to Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa and Gombe North Eastern states.

Flagging of the presentation of the consignment at the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Central Store in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustee of TAJ Foundation, Dr. Mairo Mandara said, “each of the six states in the zone will receive 3 trucks of 50kg bags of rice for onward distribution to the vulnerable groups especially Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs.”

While handing over letter of delivery of the food items to Borno State Governor, ably represented by the Director General of SEMA, Hajiya Yabawa Kolo, Mandara said, the Foundation which got its funding from all interest generated by TAJBank is writing the letter as confirmation of the donation and delivery of 1,800 bags of (3 trucks) of rice as part of the Foundation’s support to reduce the sufferings of IDPs in Borno.

“We hope this sincere donation has been received in good faith and will effect change and further assist the State Government’s pre-existing efforts in battling the effects of poverty through support to the needy and vulnerable groups in the society.” She said,

TAJBank according to Mandara is an Islamic Bank which is Sharia compliance; meaning that, all the monies generated as interest are completely accrued to the Foundation for supporting the vulnerable ones in the society.

“TAJBank Foundation is a wholly not-for-profit organization aimed at empowering disadvantaged Nigerians from all walks of life and also ensuring human resources development to ensure IDPs regain their means of livelihood.” She stated.

Responding, Hajiya Kolo thanked the Foundation for such a huge donation, as it would assist the Government in its Resettlement and Stabilization process.

Also Read: A NEWSPAPER FULL OF QUERIES: My EXPERIENCE WITH SUNRISE…

She assured for judicious distribution of the items donated for the purpose intended.

Meanwhile, the DG SEMA and her team were at the Borno State House of Assembly to defend the 2022 Budget of about N1.058,335,000 billion compared to that of  over N510 million last year 2020 budgeted.

In her defence before the Chairman House Committee on Governor’s Office, Boards and Parastatals, Hon Aji-Kolo Khadi and his team, the DG said, the slight increase for the 2022 SEMA’s budget was to enable the agency continue with the Resettlement and Stabilization exercise, even as huge amount would be needed for closure of all resettlement camps in Jere and Maiduguri metropolis before the end of December this year, stressing that, SEMA will also focus more on Research and Human Development in the 2022 fiscal year or after closure of officials camps to mitigate artificial and natural disaster occurrences..

She thanked the Committee for giving SEMA the opportunity and mandate to successfully implement the 2021 budget for upto 80%.

Hon Khadi appreciated SEMA, especially in partnering with the Borno State Government for the resettlement of about 115,000 IDPs back to their ancestral homes, in addition to the provision of life-support and palliatives. 

He said with the enormous tasks ahead, SEMA is at leverage to demand more budget for the 2022 fiscal year through supplementary or retirement, if the need arises, as according to him, his committee is ever ready to support SEMA achieve its core mandates. 

TAJ Foundation donates 18 trucks of 10,800 assorted bags of rice to Borno, other north east states

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UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

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UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

By: Michael Mike

In a significant step toward advancing gender equality and inclusive development, UN Women Nigeria Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, was hosted by the Royal Iwere Foundation under the gracious leadership of Their Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, and Olori Atuwatse III.
 
The high-level engagement, held in Warri, focused on strengthening partnerships between UN Women and the Warri Kingdom to promote women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and community development. 

According to a statement on Tuesday, discussions with the traditional leaders explored ongoing initiatives within the Kingdom that empower women and girls, particularly in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to deepening collaboration and scaling up interventions that create sustainable opportunities for women and young people.
 
“Traditional institutions are powerful drivers of social transformation,” said Ms. Eyong. “UN Women is committed to working closely with Their Majesties and the Royal Iwere Foundation to amplify the remarkable efforts already underway in Warri Kingdom and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.”
 
Their Majesties reaffirmed their support for partnerships that promote women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, and community resilience, noting that the Kingdom’s development vision aligns with global aspirations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
This mission underscores UN Women’s commitment to local partnerships that advance gender equality and inclusive development across Nigeria. By engaging traditional and community leaders, UN Women continues to bridge global frameworks with local realities, ensuring that women’s voices, leadership, and economic participation remain central to achieving sustainable progress.

UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

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NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

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NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday launched a digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of the agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) in Abuja, where the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the anti-narcotics agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) declared that the symbolic launch signifies “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”

Marwa, who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna said in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the scourge of illicit substances, with focus on two critical fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.

He said: “For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterized by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles. This manual process was no doubt prone to human interference, delays, and a host of other issues.

“With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks. The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies.

“It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the agency as accredited centres for Drug Integrity Test. The system brings efficiency, flexibility and convenience to the process. Following this ceremony, applicants for Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home and choose any preferred location and book a date convenient and available for both applicant and the desk officer of the NDLEA without having to go and wait the whole day at the NDLEA office.

“With the E-Certification and Verification system, it also eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsifications and establishes the reliability and transparency of the process with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations and at the headquarters.

“The extension of the service to students of tertiary institutions, and others is to significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without any attempt to stigmatize any student or anyone, while our rehabilitation and counselling centres are open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.”

Speaking further on the essence of the platform, the NDLEA boss explained that “the portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels. This is a commitment to the Nigerian citizen: a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.

“All applicants need to do is logon to the portal (www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng), create an account and apply from anywhere and book appointment at any available centre for either Drug Integrity Test or Visa Clearance, while the system generates drug test certificates on the spot as the desk officer completes the testing process and reports the result, with the Visa Clearance process completed within three days or maximum a week in peculiar circumstances.”

He noted that the agency’s primary mission is to save lives, hence its advocacy for the Drug Integrity Test founded on a principle of prevention, rather than punishment, adding that it is an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances, giving them an opportunity for intervention and treatment before dependence sets in.

“This new digital portal allows institutions, organizations, and individuals—including parents and prospective couples—to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardized, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for Demand Reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force. This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign—proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.

“This initiative is a proof that the NDLEA is committed to leveraging the power of technology to combat the evolving complexities of drug trafficking and abuse. It is part of a broader strategy to digitize all our operations, ensuring our processes are modern, secure, and world-class. The war against drug abuse is one we must win for the sake of our youth, our families, and the future of our nation. With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before,” he said.

He urged all stakeholders to embrace the new change and utilize the new platform fully because its success is a shared responsibility.

NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

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Tinubu, listen to the masses, and release Nnamdi Kanu- FCT Igbo Community

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Tinubu, listen to the masses, and release Nnamdi Kanu- FCT Igbo Community

By: Michael Mike

Igbo Community in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to listen to the voices of the masses and release detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The President General, Igbo Community Association FCT, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, in a letter on Tuesday, said: “Mr. President the time has come for you to sit back and take a reflective rethink over the unending cries of the masses of Nigerians, not just the Igbo speaking people.

“The cries for the release of the freedom fighter, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has begun to reach feverish pitch – and may begin to pose a distraction to your administration if you fail to act timely.

“Nnamdi Kanu may become your Achilles heel if this unfolding “free Nnamdi Kanu” protests is not addressed properly in a democratic manner.

“The masses of Nigeria have come to the realization that holding a Nnamdi Kanu for over 4 years for no crime that he has been found guilty of, is injustice. They also remember how he was abducted from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria by agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“We call on you to use your executive powers and influence to solve this growing problem before it grows out of control.

“You are a clever and wise politician. No doubt about that. But you must also be a clever and wise President. Continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not wise or clever.

“A true democratic leader listens to his people. The people want Nnamdi Kanu to be freed. He deserves justice.

“We believe it is not illegal for a people to agitate for their rights. Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
End

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