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UN, FG Reiterate Importance of Data in Decision Making
UN, FG Reiterate Importance of Data in Decision Making
By: Michael Mike
The need to prioritise data visualization in decision making processes has been reiterated by the United Nations (UN), Federal Government and the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The organisations expressed the imperative of data in decision making process at the official launch of “Nigeria Visualised Project” on Monday night in Abuja.
The programme was put together by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the NBS.
Speaking at the Launch, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale, noted the project has become important towards full implementation of government policies and programmes in Nigeria.
Schmale, who was represented by Development Coordination Officer/Economist of UN, Nonso Obikili, said: “To meet the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development requires that we continue to track key indicator of progress that we need around the world.
“Where we have fallen and need acceleration. The UN through instrument of SDG framework is committed to supporting government, in reporting trajectory on SDGs.”
He added that: “Too often data gets lost on the shelves and on countless basis that is why this platform is important, to put human face and help relate with data.“
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu on his part, said the project would no doubt give more access and information to Nigerians.
He said: “Sometimes, we present them in a way people know, with different opportunities and development challenges and sometimes mutual suspicion.
“Visualisation can give you full view about your country or developmental challenges, cultural opportunities in the landscape.
“When we are dealing with issues, particularly climate change, many people cannot relate to the challenges of others, because they do not know.”
He noted that: @This project will be important tool of knowing Nigeria better both by Nigerians and non Nigerians.”
The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, who also spoke, commended UNDP and NBS for commitment to harness data and advance visualisation techniques.
She said the project with more than 40 visualisations, would transform the space and provide for data need in the country, and change the narrative that has been there for ages.
She said: “The Nigeria visualized web-platform is a beacon of progress offering rich visual story about our nation and its diverse population.
“The area of focus being geography, climate, economy, demography among other things underscores commitment to tackle socioeconomic, culture and ecological dynamics.
“The objective of democratizing access to data aligns seamlessly with our shared vision for informed decision-making and sustainable progress.”
The Statistician General/CEO of NBS, Mr Semiu Adeniran on his part, said collaboration with UNDP and the ministry marked new turn in collective data gathering.
He said: “It resonates our present drive to enhance data reporting and visualization capacity, for better understanding and assimilation of data among our users.”
Meanwhile, the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Mohamed Yahya, said the initiative was designed to boost understanding on data visualization.
He said: “Having data visualised in an accessible manner allows everybody understand what they are seeing and to make decisions based on them.”
UN, FG Reiterate Importance of Data in Decision Making
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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