News
United States in Four Years Trains 215 CSOs and BMOs, Supports Over 1,000 Organisations in Policy Reforms
United States in Four Years Trains 215 CSOs and BMOs, Supports Over 1,000 Organisations in Policy Reforms
By: Michael Mike
Over the past four years, the United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has improved the organisational and advocacy capacities of local civil society organisations (CSOs) and business membership organisations (BMOs) in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
USAID, through the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) activity in Nigeria, trained 215 CSOs and BMOs and supported more than 1,000 organisations to drive policy reforms addressing development challenges: poverty, education, healthcare, corruption, service delivery, citizen participation in governance, and gender equality.
At the SCALE closeout event on Wednesday, USAID Nigeria Peace, Democracy and Governance Office Director, Angela Martin said: “USAID remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive and democratic society.”
USAID supported its CSO partners through training, mentoring, and coaching, enhancing their sustainability. This support led to over $8.4 million in grants won by SCALE partners from donor agencies, improving their resource diversification.
Launched in October 2020 and implemented by Palladium, the SCALE activity achieved more than 81 policy actions across sectors at federal, state, and local levels.
Other achievements include: Support for a nationwide CSO self-regulation consultation, resulting in a CSO self-regulation council. This initiative identified six regulatory frameworks, addressing issues of corruption, money laundering, and terrorist financing. Over 400 organizations have adopted these frameworks; Integration of perspectives from women, youth, and people with disabilities into civic space dialogues with the government; Engagement with security agencies, traditional, religious, and community leaders to address trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and child marriage. The project supported local efforts to identify and report cases, leading to 28 investigated trafficking cases; and launch of four postgraduate programmes on organisational development and advocacy at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
According to a statement, the SCALE activity’s achievements aim to guide future initiatives for strengthening civil society and development in Nigeria.
United States in Four Years Trains 215 CSOs and BMOs, Supports Over 1,000 Organisations in Policy Reforms
Man Stabbed to Death During Funeral Mass in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
A man identified as Gideon Gabriel Eyoh Nwosu, an indigene of Enugu State, was stabbed to death during a farewell mass held in honor of the late Chief Maurice Ibok at Ikot Etim Bott Community in Akpabuyo Town, Cross River State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident, which occurred on March 7, 2025, at about 9:10 AM, involved one Efio Effiong, a suspect of no fixed address, who allegedly stabbed the victim in the throat before fleeing the scene.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown. However, upon receiving a distress call, police operatives from the Sting Unit Robot were deployed to the scene. The victim’s body was evacuated and deposited at the State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
Meanwhile, police authorities have launched an investigation and intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspect.
Man Stabbed to Death During Funeral Mass in Cross River
News
Bandits Abduct Son of Ishyaka Rabiu, Demand Ransom Amid Military Onslaught on Bello Turji’s Faction
Bandits Abduct Son of Ishyaka Rabiu, Demand Ransom Amid Military Onslaught on Bello Turji’s Faction
By: Zagazola Makama
A gang of bandits loyal to the Bello Faction has abducted a man who identified himself in a viral video as the son of Ishyaka Rabiu, pleading for his family to pay ransom to secure his release.
The video, which surfaced on social media, showed the victim in distress, urging his relatives to meet the captors’ demands. Security sources confirm that the abduction is part of ongoing criminal activities by remnants of Bello Turji’s network, which has been significantly weakened by sustained military operations in Zamfara and neighboring states.
Meanwhile, Bello Turji has reportedly gone into hiding following a deadly military offensive targeting his strongholds. Intelligence sources indicate that Turji and his close ally, Dan Isuhu, narrowly escaped a major attack by Nigerian forces. Unlike his usual practice of boasting on social media, Turji has remained silent, signaling growing pressure from intensified military operations aimed at capturing or eliminating him.
Security operatives have demolished several of Turji’s camps in Shinkafi and other forest hideouts, while dozens of his foot soldiers have been arrested. Military sources affirm that the operation will continue until the insurgents are completely neutralized.
Bandits Abduct Son of Ishyaka Rabiu, Demand Ransom Amid Military Onslaught on Bello Turji’s Faction
Gunmen Abduct NDDC Aide in Bayelsa as Security Agencies Launch Manhunt
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted Mr. Loveday Akari, a Senior Special Assistant to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 7, 2025.
The sources said that the abductors escaped using a boat, which was later found abandoned a short distance from the scene of the crime.
“In response, security forces activated blocking positions to restrict the hoodlums’ movement while electronic surveillance assets were deployed to locate their hideout,” the source added.
A Joint Services team, including the Nigerian Navy, Tactical and Marine Units, has been deployed to secure Onuebum and Ayakoro communities, where law enforcement is conducting an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, search-and-rescue operations are ongoing to secure Akari’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Gunmen Abduct NDDC Aide in Bayelsa as Security Agencies Launch Manhunt
Invest in Her, Invest in Progress: Wildan Care Foundation Marks International Women’s Day 2025
Man Stabbed to Death During Funeral Mass in Cross River
Bandits Abduct Son of Ishyaka Rabiu, Demand Ransom Amid Military Onslaught on Bello Turji’s Faction
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