European Union, International IDEA Launch Project to Strengthen Civil Society in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The European Union (EU) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) have launched the CSO Strengthening Bridge (EU CSO-Bridge) Project, an initiative designed to enhance the credibility of civil society organisations (CSOs), improve regulatory and operational environment in Nigeria.

Funded by the EU and implemented by International IDEA, the project will run for 36 months and builds on the gains of the recently concluded EU-funded Agents for Citizen-driven Transformation (ACT) Programme.

The project launched on Monday, in Abuja aim to create a more enabling environment for CSOs to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda, particularly in governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

At the launch, Mr. Reuben Alba Aguilera, Head of the Governance, Peace, and Migration Section at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reaffirmed the EU’s longstanding commitment to supporting Nigeria’s civil society.

He described the EU CSO-Bridge Project as a continuation of the EU’s efforts to build a sustainable civic space where CSOs can effectively contribute to democracy and national development.

According to him, “civil society is essential for any society that hopes to thrive, and their empowerment ensures that governance is inclusive and accountable.”

On his part, Mr. Danladi Plang, Head of Programme at International IDEA, said the project is about connecting key stakeholders, regulators, CSOs, sub-national actors, and citizens in a collaborative framework aimed at reform and mutual accountability.

He stressed that beyond improving the external regulatory landscape, there is also a strong emphasis on building the internal capacities of CSOs, including their coordination, transparency, and self-regulation.

He highlighted existing regulatory challenges such as duplication of registration processes at federal and state levels, and inconsistencies in compliance expectations across government agencies, noting that harmonisation is a key goal of the project.

During the launch, the inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting was also convened, bringing together representatives from government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. The PSC is expected to provide strategic oversight and advocacy for necessary reforms that will strengthen the CSO operational environment across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Senator Anthony Yaro, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, emphasized the importance of improving the integrity and public perception of CSOs.

He noted that many CSOs face societal distrust and operational difficulties, which the new initiative seeks to address by providing structural and legislative support.

He further disclosed that the 10th National Assembly has taken proactive steps by establishing a dedicated interface office to maintain constant communication with CSOs and promptly respond to policy or legal issues affecting them.

Yaro also reiterated the significance of coordination mechanisms to amplify the collective voice of CSOs and ensure they can engage constructively with government and other stakeholders. He acknowledged the increasingly complex global regulatory landscape and emphasized the need for clarity and mutual understanding between regulators and civil society.

He commended the EU on the project to invest nearly four million euros(€4000,000,) equivalent to over 6 billion naira at current exchange rates—in what he described as a “massive investment” in Nigeria’s democratic infrastructure.

While thanking the EU for its continued support, despite global trends of shrinking development funding, Aguilera underscored the importance of CSOs not only as development actors but as custodians of democratic integrity and agents of social progress. He called on all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the EU CSO-Bridge Project, which he described as “the beginning of a journey” toward a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable Nigeria.

The EU CSO-Bridge Project is expected to deliver three main outcomes: the establishment of functioning coordination mechanisms at national and state levels, improved CSO capacity for compliance and self-regulation, and a harmonised regulatory framework that facilitates CSO registration and operations.

European Union, International IDEA Launch Project to Strengthen Civil Society in Nigeria

Troops of operation fansan yanma repel bandit attack in katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the police, have successfully repelled an attempted abduction by suspected bandits along the Funtua–Gusau Road in Katsina State.

Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. near Kwankiro Junction in Kanon Haki, Faskari Local Government Area, when the assailants ambushed four vehicles.

The targeted vehicles included a dark yellow Mercedes tipper, a green-yellow 18-seater Toyota bus belonging to Kano Line, a white Toyota Hilux, and an ash-coloured Sharon bus.

The prompt response of troops from Operation FANSAN YANMA led to an exchange of gunfire, forcing the bandits to flee without abducting any passengers.

“All passengers were accounted for, although 13 persons sustained various injuries and were immediately taken to the General Hospital, Funtua, for medical attention,” said sources.

The operation, which has significantly strengthened security along major highways in the state, has boosted commuters’ confidence, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated responses between military and law enforcement agencies in combating banditry.

Authorities assured that efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

Troops of operation fansan yanma repel bandit attack in katsina

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday to Mark Eid-Ul-Mawlid

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Friday, 5th September 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate the celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, extended warm felicitations to Muslims Umah in Nigeria and across the world on this occasion

Tunji-Ojo enjoined the Muslim faithful to reflect on the virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stressing that these values remain essential in building a united, prosperous, and progressive nation.

He further called on Nigerians, regardless of their religious beliefs, to use the occasion to pray for the peace, security, and stability of the country, while supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in fostering national harmony and sustainable development.

He said: “The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity.”

The Minister also urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security conscious, and supportive of government policies aimed at ensuring the collective well-being of all Nigerians, while wishing all Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday to Mark Eid-Ul-Mawlid