Groups Forge Alliance to Boost Agriculture, Peacebuilding Across Nigeria, Sahel

By: Michael Mike

In a move aimed at addressing food insecurity, farmer-herder conflicts and economic challenges across Nigeria and the Sahel region, the WANILTU Academy, National Association of Farmers in Nigeria (NADFAN), LAS Family Network Nigeria and Paradigm News have entered into a strategic partnership to promote sustainable agriculture, peacebuilding and community development.

The alliance, announced in a joint statement, seeks to leverage the expertise and networks of the four organisations to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, foster social cohesion and create economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.

The initiative comes at a time when many parts of Nigeria and the wider Sahel continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, insecurity, displacement, unemployment and declining agricultural output, all of which have contributed to rising poverty and food shortages.

Under the arrangement, WANILTU Academy will spearhead capacity-building programmes targeted at farmers, pastoralists, women and young people. The academy will provide training in agribusiness development, value-chain management, entrepreneurship, livestock production and self-reliance skills, while also deploying experts to underserved communities to support productivity and social cohesion initiatives.

The National Association of Farmers in Nigeria, led by Nuruddeen Nyako, will serve as the coordinating platform for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The association is expected to mobilise farming communities, facilitate engagement with government agencies and development partners, promote sustainable agricultural practices and help farmers access funding opportunities.

As part of the partnership, LAS Family Network Nigeria, headed by Sani Jada, will act as the strategic coordinating institution. The organisation will strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, academic institutions, development agencies and community stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the programme.

The network will also coordinate activities across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, facilitate collaboration among partners and support the development of strategic alliances needed to sustain the initiative over the long term.

On the communications front, Paradigm News, led by Raymond Enoch, will oversee media engagement and public awareness activities. These will include news coverage, documentaries, radio and television programmes, public advocacy campaigns and digital outreach designed to amplify the impact of the partnership and highlight success stories from participating communities.

According to the partners, the collaboration is built on the conviction that sustainable development and lasting peace can only be achieved through collective action that empowers communities, strengthens relationships between farmers and pastoralists, and expands access to education, skills, information and economic opportunities.

To achieve its objectives, the partnership plans to organise training workshops, agricultural exhibitions, stakeholder conferences, entrepreneurship programmes, community peace dialogues, development forums and town hall meetings.

Particular emphasis will be placed on climate-smart agriculture, conflict prevention and resolution, youth engagement, women’s empowerment and community resilience.

The partners said the expected outcomes include improved cooperation between farmers and herders, increased agricultural productivity, greater participation in agribusiness, enhanced livelihoods and stronger community resilience against economic and environmental shocks.

They also expressed optimism that the initiative would help reduce conflicts that have hindered development in many communities while serving as a bridge linking rural populations with governments, development institutions, investors and private-sector actors.

The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance peace, food security, economic empowerment and sustainable development across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, describing the partnership as a practical response to some of the region’s most pressing socio-economic and security challenges.

Groups Forge Alliance to Boost Agriculture, Peacebuilding Across Nigeria, Sahel

Borno commissioner inaugurates Borno one health technical working group

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Borno State commissioner of health, Prof Baba Mallam Gana, has inaugurated the Borno State One Health Technical Working Group (TWG).

The group was equally
launched with the One Health Strategic Plan (2025–2029) at the State Ministry of Health Thursday afternoon.

The Commissioner, represented by his Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shettima Mohammed, performed the inauguration in the presence of senior health managers in the state.

Speaking during the inauguration, the commissioner commended all the members of the TWG even as he described the inauguration as timely, given the urgent need for strengthened collaboration and coordinated response to general public health threats in the state.

The development of the One Health Strategic Plan was supported by LAFIYA UK to enhance health security and build capacity for effective response to public health emergencies.

Members of the One Health TWG team included the representatives from the Ministries of Health, Livestock Development, Environment, and other relevant line ministries and agencies respectively.

The Committee will equally be chaired by the Director of Public Health of the ministry
with the Director of Veterinary Services as Co-Chair and the Director of Emergency Response serving as Secretary.

Supporting partners present during the occasion included LAFIYA UK, Core Group, Save the Children International (SCI), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The Commissioner speaking further urged all the members to work collaboratively to ensure the successful implementation of the strategic plan for the benefit of public health in the State.

Borno commissioner inaugurates Borno one health technical working group

NHRC Demands Immediate Rescue of Abducted Schoolchildren, Calls for Justice and Safer Schools

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently secure the release of all abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State and other parts of the country, while ensuring that those responsible for such crimes are brought to justice.

The appeal was made by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, as Nigeria joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 2026 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression on June 4.

Condemning the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, Ojukwu described the incidents as serious violations of children’s rights and an assault on their rights to education, safety and human dignity.

He noted that abductions, sexual violence, trafficking, child labour, recruitment of children by armed groups and corporal punishment contravene Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, as well as the Child Rights Act, 2003.

“Every child has the right to life, dignity, protection and education. Attacks on schools and children constitute a breach of these rights, and the NHRC demands zero tolerance for attacks and violence against schoolchildren,” Ojukwu said.

The NHRC chief called for the full implementation of the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative through adequate funding for security infrastructure, deployment of trained personnel, provision of safe transit routes and establishment of community-based protection systems.

He also urged the Senate to expedite passage of the Safe Schools Bill proposed by the NHRC and other stakeholders, describing it as a critical step towards strengthening the protection of children in educational institutions.

According to him, effective enforcement of the Child Rights Act, 2003, across all states and proper implementation of the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, would help reduce children’s vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring, investigating and seeking redress for violations against children, while advocating increased psychosocial support services and the creation of safe learning environments free from fear, violence and neglect.

“As we mark this day, we reaffirm that no child should be left behind. Rescue the abducted, prosecute the perpetrators and protect every Nigerian child,” he stated.

The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed annually on June 4 to raise awareness about the suffering of children affected by violence, conflict and other forms of aggression worldwide.

NHRC Demands Immediate Rescue of Abducted Schoolchildren, Calls for Justice and Safer Schools