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Zulum distributes N250m to 25,000 widows, vulnerable women in Gwoza

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Zulum distributes N250m to 25,000 widows, vulnerable women in Gwoza

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum supervised the distribution of N250 million to over 25,000 widows and vulnerable women through the Borno Renaissance Microfinance Bank in Gwoza Local Government Area on Wednesday.

The distribution took place in four centres, including Central Stadium, Mega Primary School, Government Secondary School and Government Day Secondary School, all in Gwoza town.

The distribution, according to Zulum, was to support women who were victims of the Boko Haram insurgents, some of whom has lost their husbands due to the crisis.

“About 25,000 women benefited from today’s distribution exercise; each of them received N10,000 through the microfinance Bank; we have facilitated the opening of Bank accounts to them to drive financial inclusion,” Zulum said.

He added, “Gradually, we intend to cover all the 27 Local Government Areas and ensure that a sizable number of the population have bank accounts.”

.. Inspects nursing school, approves high Islamic college

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum paid an inspection visit to assess the level and quality of work at the ongoing construction of the school of Nursing in Gwoza.

Zulum, who expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work, directed that the project be completed and put to use in six months.

He explained that his administration decided to establish two new schools of nursing, one in southern Borno and another in Borno north, to address the healthcare needs of Borno’s increasing population.

“The Borno State Government has decided to establish two additional schools of nursing in the state, one in Gwoza and the other in Monguno. This bridges the manpower gap in the health sector, especially in terms of nursing services.

“You have seen the progress, and in sha Allah, this project will be completed in six months. We will ensure hostels are constructed and teachers recruited and, most importantly, enhance the capacity of the General Hospital, Gwoza, to provide a learning environment for the student nurses,” he said.

Before leaving for Maiduguri, Governor Zulum announced a plan to construct a new high Islamic college in Gwoza town that aims to streamline the formal and informal education sectors.

Zulum noted that by establishing the high Islamic college, the government intends to impart proper Islamic comprehension, thereby combating violent extremism among young people.

The governor visited the proposed site for the high Islamic College, which was donated to the Borno State Government by the late Alhaji Muhammad Lawan Buba.

Zulum distributes N250m to 25,000 widows, vulnerable women in Gwoza

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NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

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NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

By: Michael Mike

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.

Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.

According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.

He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.

The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.

Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

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Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

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Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

By: Michael Mike

The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.

He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
 
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.

In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.

Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
 
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
 
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.

The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.

Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

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Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

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Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.

According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.

Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.

“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

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