International
UN Laments Increasing Gulf between Government and the Governed in Nigeria
UN Laments Increasing Gulf between Government and the Governed in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations has lamented the gulf in relationship between the government and the governed in Nigeria, insisting that that multidimensional poverty is currently affecting more than 139 million people in the country.
In his remarks at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2023 Watch Party held at the UN House in Abuja, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale said Nigeria has its own share of internal challenges including the insurgency in the Northeast, the limited scope of the social protection system, multidimensional poverty affecting more than 139 million people and a somewhat broken social contract between those who govern and the citizens.
He noted that: “All this has made a significant portion of Nigeria’s young population more vulnerable, as evidence by a 34.9% rate of youth unemployment and 20 million out-of-school children.”
Schmale lamented that: “Your generation has had its educational experiences and job prospects disproportionately hit by global crises such as COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and the resulting downturns in the global economy.
He however told the youths that: “If your generation can triumph, then so will Nigeria and the broader African continent. With a median age of 18, this country has one of the highest populations of young people in the world and will play a critical role in promoting sustainable development and achieving peace and prosperity on a global scale.”
The Resident Coordinator while stating that the theme of this year’s forum: “Accelerating the COVID recovery and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda with and for youth” – is especially relevant to young Nigerians, said: “The resolutions produced at ECOSOC’s Youth Forum will help shape the agenda for the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development being held in July and the SDG Summit being held in September,” noting that: “These events are important stocktaking moments, and will help shape the course of action for rescuing the global development agenda 2030 and the associated SDGs.”
He said: “Today’s dialogues and discussions are an opportunity to make your generation’s voices heard and to surface creative ideas which can contribute to building back better from the devastating pandemic and other challenges.
“Nigeria’s young people must be effectively included in the design, implementation, and monitoring of policies and programmes aimed at addressing the impacts of the pandemic and achieving the SDGs. We must leave no one behind.”
He noted that recently, the UN and the Government of Nigeria together signed a Cooperation Framework which provides a five-year roadmap for UN efforts to accelerate progress towards the SDGs in partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.
He revealed the Cooperation Framework is centred around four pillars – people, planet, prosperity, and peace – and includes a package of key Transformative Initiatives which really move the needle on development across the nation.
He assured that: “The UN is committed to ensuring young people are meaningfully engaged and involved in the Cooperation Framework and its strategies for achieving the SDGs including climate, gender inequality, health, and education.
Meanwhile, the participating youths called on the UN to make more opportunities available to them, and apart from sponsoring educational programmes, assist in vocational training.
UN Laments Increasing Gulf between Government and the Governed in Nigeria
UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom has expressed its commitment to the restoration of peace, stability and sustainable solutions to the troubled Northeast region which has been bedeviled by insurgency.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson made the commitment on Monday when she paid a courtesy call on Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri.
Atkinson who commended Zulum for his commitment to fighting insurgency in Borno, said: “On behalf of the British Government, I recognise the effort of His Excellency, the Governor, in tackling insurgency and supporting the people of Borno State, particularly aiming to secure a prosperous future for the people displaced by insurgency.
“I want to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting peace, stability and sustainable solutions, particularly through the ongoing regional stabilisation facility.”
Responding, the Secretary to Borno State Government who received the Deputy High Commissioner on behalf of Governor Zulum, expressed appreciation to the UK Government for their partnership and support.
He said,: “With the UK Government to start with, we have quite a number of very strong partnerships. His Excellency appreciates it, and he specifically instructed me to convey the special message of appreciation.”
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Environment, Engr Emet Kois, Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Work and Housing, Engr Mustapha Gubio, Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga and Inter-Governmental and Special Duties, Tukur Shani.
Others in attendance include Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Abdullahi Ishaq, the Senior Technical Assistant, Political, to the Governor, Alhaji Tahiru Shettima, Permanent Secretary of political and cabinet, Danjuma Ali, and the Executive Secretary of Borno State Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Response (BOACSDHR), Babakura Mamman Gadai.
UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
A swift response by the Nigerian troops in Kebbi has foiled a bandit attack on Dabai Town, forcing the assailants to flee after a gun battle with security operatives.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 2 a.m. when suspected bandits attempted to invade the town.
“Security forces were immediately dispatched to intercept the assailants and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the source said. “Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned their mission and escaped.”
While no casualties were reported, security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
U.S. Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
The United States Mission in Nigeria has condemned the brutal killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State, describing it as a senseless act of violence.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the U.S. Mission expressed deep distress over the incident and extended condolences to the family, congregation, and community of the late cleric.
“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence. Our thoughts are with them during this time of profound grief,” the statement read.
The mission also called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Father Okechukwu’s killing has sparked outrage and renewed calls for enhanced security measures, especially in regions affected by banditry and violent attacks.
The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but security agencies are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
U.S. Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest in Kaduna
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