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UNODC, NAPTIP, EU, ECOWAS to Collaborate on a Framework to Combat Human Trafficking in Nigeria

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UNODC, NAPTIP, EU, ECOWAS to Collaborate on a Framework to Combat Human Trafficking in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pledged to work together to combat human trafficking in Nigeria by ensuring that a framework that would boost stringent implementation of enabling anti-trafficking laws are put in place.

The commitment was given on Monday in Abuja by the organisations and other stakeholders who gathered for the 1st policy-level meeting on human trafficking in Nigeria.

The gathering is part of the project “From Policy to Action: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022-2026),” funded by the Swiss government and jointly executed by NAPTIP and UNODC.

Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello described the current spate of human trafficking as a grave violation of human rights, which is threatening the very fabric of Nigerian society.

She noted that combating the scourge requires a coordinated response that brings together all arms of government, law enforcement agencies, international partners, civil society organisations and the general public.

Bello said: “We will ensure that our coordination remains robust and adaptive to the evolving nature of trafficking crimes,” adding that: “Collection, analysis and reporting of reliable, sufficient and up-to-date data is needed to better prevent and combat this crime and its complex and ever-evolving dynamics.”

The NAPTIP DG said her office is now adopting a bottom-up approach to identify and track traffickers at the grassroots for effective prevention and prosecution, revealing that NAPTIP is now engaging the 774 local government areas.

She noted that the conference was organized to review reports on counter-human trafficking efforts from government agencies, identify priority actions for 2025, and engage in interactive sessions to gather valuable feedback.

On his part, the Deputy Country Representative of UNODC Nigeria, Danilo Campiso who said a human trafficking-free Nigeria is possible, stressed the need for collaboration for effective implementation.

He said: “I want to emphasize that the success of this project and the full implementation of the NAP depend on strong coordination, commitment, and the collaborative spirit that unites us today. Together, we can make significant strides toward eradicating human trafficking in Nigeria and safeguarding the rights and dignity of every individual.”

The Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, Mr Tunde Olayemi (ECOWAS) said effective coordination is critical to achieving Africa without child trafficking. He said all hands must be on deck for a safe continent for women and children to live and achieve their potential.

On its part, Miss Ojoma Ali, who represented the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria said “Nigeria free from human trafficking is our ultimate goal, and we also stand by that Switzerland front this project.” The Swiss government commended NAPTIP for its consistent action on the prevention and prosecution of human trafficking crimes and suspects.

The representative of the Ambassador of United States, Mr Micheal Berenton said it is critically important that the different organisations and agencies, look at the complex system of human trafficking and” look at where we can make a meaningful impact. So when we move from policy to action, those actions are influencing this complex system in a positive way that meets all of our shared goals.”

UNODC, NAPTIP, EU, ECOWAS to Collaborate on a Framework to Combat Human Trafficking in Nigeria

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Gombe ACReSAL distributes clean stoves to communities

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Gombe ACReSAL distributes clean stoves to communities

The Gombe State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has distributed energy-efficient cooking stoves to communities around the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe.

The beneficiary communities are those where erosion control projects had earlier been implemented.

Speaking during the distribution exercise on Wednesday in Gombe, the ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Dr Sani Jauro, said the initiative was part of efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Jauro explained that the stoves would help reduce dependence on traditional, inefficient cooking methods, which contribute to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

He added that the stoves were designed to use less fuel and emit fewer pollutants, thereby reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental conditions in the affected communities.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the commitment of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe to tackle deforestation and promote a holistic approach to addressing climate change.

“We have supported each of the nine communities with 100 pieces each and included some poultry houses and fish ponds owners with a total of 975 stoves.

“We are doing this to support the communities around FCE and also sensitise them against tree felling and on climate change issues,” the coordinator said.

Jauro said the tree planting campaign under ACReSAL had recorded great success, with millions of trees planted across the state.

He noted that the distribution of energy-efficient stoves was part of efforts to protect the planted trees and preserve the environment.

He urged residents to support the administration of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya by planting trees during the wet season as part of collective efforts to fight climate change.

According to him, ACReSAL is currently providing free tree seedlings to communities willing to engage in tree planting.

Earlier, the Shamakin Gombe, Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo, commended ACReSAL for the intervention, saying the stoves would benefit residents of the nine target communities and help reduce carbon emissions.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Sa’adatu Nuhu, a resident of Arawa community in Gombe Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the support.

She said the energy-efficient stove would help her save money and protect her health from the harmful smoke associated with firewood use.

“Many of us are poor and cannot buy this stove, but today here we are being given without paying anything; this will save our money, since it is energy-efficient and saves cost of cooking.

“It will also reduce our reliance on fire-woods and protect our eyes from smokes, which usually, was beginning to pose health risk for us,” she said.

Gombe ACReSAL distributes clean stoves to communities

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Xi Condoles Nigeria on Passing of BuhariSays Buhari’s Death “A Lost of a Dear Friend to Chinese People.”

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Xi Condoles Nigeria on Passing of Buhari
Says Buhari’s Death “A Lost of a Dear Friend to Chinese People.”

By: Michael Mike

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent on a message of condolence to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Xi in a message on Wednesday on behalf of the Chinese government and people, expressed deep condolences and extended sincere sympathy to the family of Buhari, Nigerian government and people.

He noted that Buhari was an important leader of Nigeria, saying that he dedicated himself to exploring a development path suited to his country’s national conditions, made outstanding contributions to national unity and progress, and was highly respected in the international community.

He also noted that the deceased leader steadfastly upheld friendship with China, actively promoted the Nigeria-China friendship and China-Africa cooperation, adding that his passing represents a tremendous loss to the Nigerian people and the loss of a dear friend to the Chinese people.

He said China highly values the development of its relations with Nigeria and is willing to work with the Nigerian side to consistently move forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi Condoles Nigeria on Passing of Buhari
Says Buhari’s Death “A Lost of a Dear Friend to Chinese People.”

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Why I can’t forget former President Buhari – Ex-EFCC Chairman, Farida Waziri

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Why I can’t forget former President Buhari – Ex-EFCC Chairman, Farida Waziri

By: Michael Mike

Former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri has paid glowing tributes to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing why she can never forget the role he played in her life.

According to her, “The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has touched the hearts of millions across our nation. It is a solemn reminder that no matter the trials and complexities of life, a man will be remembered, indeed, by the values he steadfastly upheld.

“In President Buhari, Nigeria witnessed a man whose life was shaped by discipline, defined by incorruptibility, and anchored in an unwavering commitment to truth.
From his early days as a military ruler to his democratic tenure as President, his devotion to the fight against corruption remained undimmed. He was resolute in his pursuit of integrity in public service, even when it meant walking a lonely road. His personal conduct spoke louder than rhetoric: he lived modestly, acted justly, and held himself to a higher standard.

“I pay tribute to him not only as a public servant but as one whose principled actions touched my own life. In a system where justice is often elusive, President Buhari stood firm for what was right. It was under his leadership that the injustice done to me, by the denial of my rightful retirement rank as Assistant Inspector General of Police, was rectified. That act alone spoke volumes of his character: he recognised truth, and he acted on it.

“President Buhari may have departed this world, but his legacy of moral strength and relentless anti-corruption crusade will echo through generations. May history remember him kindly—as a soldier, a statesman, and above all, a man of integrity. May his soul find peaceful repose.”

Why I can’t forget former President Buhari – Ex-EFCC Chairman, Farida Waziri

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