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UNIC Highlights Peace, Security, Human Rights, Information Integrity as Critical Focus Areas in Nigeria

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UNIC Highlights Peace, Security, Human Rights, Information Integrity as Critical Focus Areas in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria has highlighted peace and security, human rights, information integrity, as its critical focus areas in the country this year

UNIC in advancing partnership towards advocacy and sensitization of policy makers and the public on the United Nations themes and mandates, convened a partners’ briefing engagement in Abuja.

The engagement, which took place on Thursday online and focused on the 2025 priorities of UNIC, was presided over by the UNIC Director, Ronald Kayanja, and attended by 106 partners organisations from across the country.

The Director informed the audience of the year 2025 being the 80th anniversary of the United Nations; 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; the 10th year of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); COP 30 and the 10th year since the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change; and the Pact for the Future.

The Pact, he said further, committed Member States and the UN system to mobilise around actions for youth and
future generations.

Kayanja highlighted peace and security, human rights, information integrity, as critical focus areas for UNIC this year.

He explained that: “We will work with partners to address challenges to the integrity of the information ecosystem, implementing the Global Principles for Information Integrity and relevant aspects of the Global Digital Compact. It is important to address the dangers caused by mis – and disinformation and hate speech to societies, especially in the wake of AI.”

The participants were also briefed on the UN International Days, and the need for collaboration with other stakeholders and UNIC for their observance.

Participants thanked the leadership of UNIC for bringing so many NGOs to the table to discuss the UN priorities for the year.

The President of the Nigeria Environmental Society, Efe Okobia, requested for more involvement of UNIC in the activities of CSOs across Nigeria.

The Executive Director of Mind The Gap Initiative, Tayo Olosunde, advocated for increased use of technology by CSOs to ensure inclusive and more participation of diverse people.

In their interventions, Foluke Ademokun of Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation; Doyin Ogunye of Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment (RESWAYE) called for more collaborations and strategic alliance between and amongst NGOs with focus and values.

A similar engagement is planned with journalists in both print and electronic media as well as those operating with online channels.

UNIC Highlights Peace, Security, Human Rights, Information Integrity as Critical Focus Areas in Nigeria

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SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar

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SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar

By: Our Reporter

The Secretary to Borno State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijjani, and the Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, led a government delegation to observe the two raka’at Eid prayers at Ramat Square Eid ground.

This was in accordance with the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is currently in Mecca for a spiritual exercise.

The Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur was unable to attend as he is in mourning following the passing of his elder brother, Mai Aliyu Usman Kadafur, in Biu town.

The Eid prayer marks the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to spiritual blessings and devotion.

Accompanying the SSG and the senator were former deputy governor, Hon Usman Mamman Ndurkwa, the State Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Aminu Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers, heads of government agencies, stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), heads of security agencies, and members of the business community.

His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, also led members of Borno Emirate Council to attend the prayers.

In a sermon shortly after the prayers, the Imam Idaini of Borno, Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, urged Muslim faithful to apply the lessons learned during the Ramadan fast to foster harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among diverse groups across the country.

He further described Eid al-Fitr as a period of self-reflection and reassessment of the values inculcated during the holy month.

The Imam encouraged Muslims to give alms to the needy, known as Zakatul Fitr, and to observe six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal to earn Allah’s blessings and rewards.

Delivering the governor’s message shortly after the eid prayers at the Government House, Hon. Bukar Tijjani expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for witnessing a hitch free sallah celebration.

He called on people of the state to continue to support Zulum’s administration, stressing the need for a peaceful and harmonious relationship.

In a remark, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan said the governor is in Saudi Arabia to offer special prayers for peace and prosperity to continue to reign in the state and the country at large.

He extended Governor Zulum’s Sallah message, who directed them to take part in all activities lined up for the eid celebration.

The delegation later proceeded to the Shehu of Borno’s palace, where the royal father staged a durbar, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the people of Borno and a sign that peace has returned to the state

In a message, Shehu Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi lauded governor Zulum for his relentless effort towards the restoration of peace in the state.

He commended the federal government for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau dam and called for prayers to avert the reoccurrence of last year’s flood disaster and for restoration of sustainable peace in the state.

SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar

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Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity

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Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has asked Nigerians to embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that the of Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan, represents.

The Minister, in his message to commemorate the festival, said: “On this joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, I extend my warmest greetings to all Nigerians, both at home and abroad. As we mark the completion of the holy month of Ramadan, let us embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that this sacred period represents.

“Eid is a time of gratitude and reflection, a moment to strengthen our bonds as a nation and reaffirm our commitment to love, kindness, and generosity toward one another. It is also an opportunity to pray for continued progress, stability, and prosperity in our beloved country.

“To our fellow Nigerians living abroad, we recognize your contributions to our nation’s development and appreciate your role in fostering the good image of Nigeria globally. May this Eid bring you renewed hope, joy, and a deeper connection to home.

“As we celebrate, let us also remember those facing hardship and conflict, both within and beyond our borders. In the spirit of Eid, let us extend our prayers and support to those in need, reaffirming our collective resolve for peace and harmony worldwide.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Eid. May this celebration usher in a period of renewed strength, prosperity, and unity for our great nation.”

Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity

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Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured

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Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured

By: Zagazola Makama

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle and three others for allegedly attacking Hisba officials and causing severe injuries during a late-night enforcement operation at Kofar Kaura Quarters, Katsina.

According to sources from the CPS Katsina, the Operations Officer of the Katsina State Hisba Board, Nafi’u Aliyu Akilu, reported that at about 2:30 a.m. on March 29, Hisba officials were dispatched to stop a group of youths playing football near a mosque where Tahajjud (night prayers) were ongoing.

However, upon arrival, the youths resisted and chased the Hisba officials away. During the confrontation, Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle allegedly fired multiple shots from a locally made cut-to-size gun, injuring five Hisba officials: Aminu Musa Yari, Muhammad Ibrahim, Yau Musa Ingawa, Kabir Abdullahi and Mustapha Isa

In addition, a Peugeot 206 (blue) and a Mercedes C180, which were parked at the scene, were severely damaged.

Police later mobilized to the scene, arrested the suspect and three accomplices, and recovered the firearm used in the attack.

The injured victims were rushed to General Hospital Katsina and later referred to Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Katsina for further treatment.

Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured

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