NIMC Sets to Commence Ward NIN Enrollment at Ward Level Nationwide

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that all is ready for the commencement of enrollment into the National Identification Numbers (NINs) at ward level across the country.

This is in furtherance of NIMC’s plan, which has registered no fewer than 120 million Nigerians and given NINs to them, to get all Nigerians enrolled before the end of this year, 2025.

The Commission in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke on Monday, said: “NIMC is set to commence ward-level enrollment across the country, a key component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen the National Identity System.
 
NIMC DG/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has emphasized that the Commission aims to work with strategic partners to enrol and issue NINs to all Nigerians and legal residents in every ward, ensuring no one is left out.
 
Meanwhile, the Commission has successfully enrolled and issued National Identification Numbers (NINs) to 59,786 inmates across correctional centres in the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to ensure inclusivity.
 
Adegoke said, “This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to enrol all Nigerians and legal residents.”
 
He noted that: “To date, 74% of inmates have been enrolled and issued NINs, with the remaining inmates to be enrolled in the ongoing inmate enrollment. NIMC appreciates the support of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Comptroller-General, Mr. Nwakuche Ndidi, and the NCoS management and staff.”

NIMC Sets to Commence Ward NIN Enrollment at Ward Level Nationwide

Mokwa Flood: Relief Efforts Not Meeting Urgent Needs of Victims- ActionAid Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has decried that the current relief efforts for victims of Mokwa flood are not meeting the urgent needs of displaced persons, especially women and children.

AAN, in a statement on Monday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, expressed grave concern over the devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State, which have destroyed vast hectares of farmland, homes, and businesses.

Mamedu said: “We are now reliably informed that the death toll has risen to 224. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and residents who have suffered loss, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the state government and all partners in responding to this humanitarian crisis.

He said: “While we commend the efforts of humanitarian actors on the ground and donors who have contributed to government coffers, the scale of devastation in Mokwa is heartbreaking. The current relief efforts are not meeting the urgent needs of displaced persons, especially women and children.

“Although humanitarian organisations are present and providing limited support, the camps remain poorly organised and lack essential services. Many affected persons, particularly women, are reluctant to stay overnight in these camps due to the absence of basic amenities such as toilets, running water, and secure shelter. Consequently, many choose to sleep in destroyed homes or on open pavements, exposing themselves to further hardship. It is also concerning that the local emergency management committee lacks meaningful representation of women, which is vital to ensuring that gender-specific needs are effectively addressed during relief efforts.”

He added that: “ActionAid Nigeria’s team on the ground observed that, as of Sunday, 8th June, the state government had yet to commence any form of intervention, opting instead to wait until after Sallah to begin aid delivery. This delay risks further suffering for thousands who are already vulnerable, especially pregnant women, nursing and lactating mothers, children, and persons with disabilities.”

Meanwhile, ActionAid Nigeria recommended that: “The Niger State Government immediately commence the distribution of aid without further delay, prioritizing food, non-food items, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, temporary family tents, and improved camp infrastructure.

“The Niger State Government and the local emergency management committee must also ensure meaningful representation of women in relief coordination committees to better address gender-specific needs, including the provision of gender-sensitive toilets, which will encourage displaced persons to remain in safer shelters.

“The development partners and civil society organisations increase support for comprehensive humanitarian interventions, particularly cash transfer programmes that enable affected households to quickly access essential supplies.

“All humanitarian actors ensure a coordinated, transparent, and culturally sensitive community-focused assessment to identify and respond to the evolving needs of affected persons.

“Niger State Government must urgently implement proactive, climate-resilient measures to mitigate further devastation, especially as the rainy season continues. The risk of additional flooding remains high, and urgent action is required.”

It added that: “While we acknowledge the Federal Government’s delivery of grain and the N2 billion support package, more comprehensive and sustained action is needed by the Niger State Government and the Federal Government. An open public accountability mechanism to track how every contribution is used should be put in place, to ensure that no one benefits from the suffering of survivors. Every resource must go to those most in need.”

Mokwa Flood: Relief Efforts Not Meeting Urgent Needs of Victims- ActionAid Nigeria

Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Recent reports claiming that former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), narrowly escaped death in an alleged Boko Haram ambush in Borno State are categorically false and misleading.

Zagazola Makama can confirm that there was never any attack on the retired general, contrary to statements made by Senator Ali Ndume and recklessly amplified by several media outlets without a shred of verification.

What actually happened was a coordinated three-pronged attack by ISWAP terrorists on military facilities in Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area, on Friday. The assault targeted the Battalion Headquarters, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Command Secondary School – not Lt.-Gen. Buratai or any convoy associated with him.

Let us be clear:
Lt.-Gen. Buratai was nowhere near the ambush, and at no point was his life in danger. This is not a matter of semantics, it’s a matter of truth versus dangerous misinformation.

Zagazola Makama, has previously reported how the ground troops, with critical support from Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano jets, repelled the attackers decisively.

During the encounter, two ISWAP gun trucks were destroyed, while a third was recovered during follow-up operations. Several terrorists were killed, including over 20 in airstrikes during their retreat through Mangari.

So how did this snowball into a national headline falsely claiming a “near-death” experience for the former army chief?
Because some politicians spoke irresponsibly, and certain media platforms ran with the story without basic verification, an unforgivable dereliction of journalistic duty, especially in a region as sensitive as the North East.

The media owes the public and the Armed Forces of Nigeria the duty of responsible reporting, not alarmist fiction wrapped in sensational headlines. The security situation in Buratai is under control, and troops continue to dominate the area to prevent any further attacks.

Let this stand as a final and factual rebuttal:
There was NO attack on Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai. Period. Stop twisting the truth for cheap headlines.

Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno