Day: June 21, 2024

The United Nations (UN) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have urged young people not to allow themselves to be used to incite and deepen hatred in Nigeria.

The organisations gave the advice at the commemoration of the third International Day for Countering Hate Speech, jointly organised by NHRC and UN on Friday in Abuja.

The Executive-Secretary of NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, decried the impact of hate speeches in the society.

Ojukwu said hate speech had promoted discrimination; divisions; incited violence; and such impeded voters participation and access to elections.

Ojukwu said that in order to ensure peaceful, prosperous and united nations; Nigerians, particularly young people should reflect on things that would bind compatriots together, rather than separate them.

‘Young people are more invested in the future of Nigeria than any other group in our population, and should not allow themselves to be used as cannon fodders to incite and deepen hatred in the country.

‘Coincidentally, youths for
m the bedrock of our nation and this demographic dividend should at all times be mobilised for the social and economic development of our dear nation.

‘Sensitising and mobilising young people to combat hate speech is crucial in today’s world, where they are not only the target, but also influential voices in their communities,’ he said.

He promised to work closely with the UN system in Nigeria, youth leaders and other stakeholders to create relevant awareness to identify and counter hate speeches.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohammed Fall, said that hate speech contradicted all the values and principles enshrined in international human rights law.

Fall, who was represented by Mr Phillippe Delanghe, added that it undermined efforts to achieve the aim of 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals to leave no one behind.

‘Hate speeches often target the most vulnerable in our societies and minorities, if left unchecked, it can harm peace and development.

‘It lays the foundation f
or conflicts and tensions, undermine social cohesion and contribute to wide scale human rights violations and crime.

‘The devastating effect of hatred is not new. However, new technologies of communication has amplified the scale and impact of hate speech.

‘Social media and the internet are now the most frequent methods for spreading divisive rhetoric and ideologies on a global scale,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The International Labour Organisation has urged journalists to create awareness to combat the menace of child labour in the country.

Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone, said this at a three-day Communication Training Workshop for Media Practitioners on Friday in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop is on elimination of child labour.

The training was organised by ILO, funded by the U.S. Department of Labour through the Action against Child Labour in Agriculture in West Africa (ACLAWA) project, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Phala, represented by Dr Agatha Kolawole, Project Coordinator of ILO’s ACLAWA, said child labour had cast a long shadow across Nigerian communities, particularly within the agricultural sector.

According to her, this is driven by poverty; families often rely on children to contribute to the family’s well-being and survival.

‘Children often have to work under hazardous conditions, sacrif
icing their education, health and childhood for meager wages.

‘This not only violates their fundamental rights but also hinders their potential and perpetuates cycles of vulnerability, ‘she said

She said that the 2021 Global Child Labour report released by ILO and UNICEF, indicated a global increase of child labour prevalence by 8.4 million to reach a staggering 160 million.

She said globally, the agriculture sector accounts for 70 per cent of child labourers.

According to her, nearly 28 per cent of children aged five to 11 years and 35 per cent aged 12 to 14 years in child labour are out of school.

Phala said that the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) launched the Nigeria Child labour survey report conducted in 2022 which corroborates the global trend.

She said the media plays a pivotal role in combating child labour by raising awareness and mobilising public opinion against this pervasive issue.

‘Through investigative journalism, documentaries and news reports, the media sheds light on the often hid
den and harsh realities faced by child labourers around the world.

‘By bringing these stories to the forefront, the media educates the public and policymakers about the scale and severity of child labour, thereby creating a sense of urgency and a call to action.

‘This heightened awareness is crucial for fostering a societal consensus that child labour is unacceptable and must be eradicated,’she said.

She said media coverage can pressure governments and corporations to implement and enforce stricter laws and policies to protect children from exploitation

Phala added that in addition to raising awareness, the media serves as a platform for advocacy and education, empowering communities to take a stand against child labour.

She commended the U.S. Department of Labour for funding the ACLAWA project.

Mrs Tessy Odoh, Head, Child Labour, Forced Labour, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, Inspectorate Department, Ministry of Labour and Employment said the training was apt.

Odoh said that the Federal gov
ernment had put in place some policies to mitigate the menace of child labour.

She said that Nigeria had ratified and domesticated the ILO conventions 182, 138, 29, among others.

Mr Christian Appolos, a journalist with the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, who spoke to NAN, said the training had boosts his knowledge on the issues of child labour.

‘I see the training as a targeted effort to the campaign for the eradication of Child Labour,’he said.

Other journalists who participated in the workshop pledged their continued commitments to doing reports on child labour.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Adekambi Adeyinka, a Masters student at the University of Calabar, has captured stunning footages of the world’s rarest great ape, the Cross River gorillas, in the Afi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Adeyinka of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, disclosed this in Calabar while reacting to the need to protect the rare apes on the list of endangered species due to human activities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the extraordinary sightings marked the first successful photos since three graduate students at UniCal began studying this elusive subspecies in 2023.

NAN reports that the study was part of the Cross River Gorilla initiative.

The Cross River Gorilla, known as Gorilla gorilla diehli, is a critically endangered subspecies of the western gorilla.

It was named a new species in 1904 by Paul Matschie, a mammalian taxonomist working at the Humboldt University Zoological Museum in Berlin, but its populations were not systematically surveyed until 1987.[3][4]

It is the most western and northe
rn form of gorilla, and is restricted to the forested hills and mountains of the Cameroon-Nigeria border region at the headwaters of Cross River.

Estimates from 2014 suggest that fewer than 250 mature Cross River gorillas remain, making them the world’s rarest great ape.

Adeyinka said that the sighting was more than just a visual success and underscored the importance of community involvement and innovative research in conservation.

‘By working closely with local communities, we are not only gathering crucial data but also fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to protect these incredible great apes and their habitat,’ he said.

Dr Joseph Onoja, Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to the realisation of their strategic pillar of saving species in peril.

Onoja said the University of Calabar in 2022 commenced a five Year Community Conservation Graduate Student Scholarship Programme for the Conservation of Cross River Gorilla.

H
e said the initiative was funded by the Wilder Institute – Calgary Zoo and implemented by NCF in partnership with the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), Ghana.

‘The programme which involves supporting graduate research projects in Nigeria, including scholarships for one Ph.D. student and four master’s students in UniCal for five years.

‘This collaborative initiative extends beyond borders to allow an exchange programme for knowledge sharing that creates successful community conservation initiatives,’ he said.

Mr Emmanuel Owan, the Head of NCF Calabar office, disclosed that the foundation was putting in place measures to ensure that the gorillas are put in their natural habitat for their safety and continued existence.

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Prof. Francis Bisong, Secretary, Cross River Gorilla Conservation Project Committee, said Adeyinka’s result was promising as it demonstrated the power of collaboration to save the severely endangered Cross River goril
las.

Bisong said the capture of two silverback gorillas on trial cameras in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary emphasised the need for innovative technology, collaborative and community engagement to safeguard the species and its environment.

‘These findings highlight the sanctuary’s vital role in gorilla protection and the need for more research and collaboration to conserve Cross River gorillas and the region’s rich biodiversity.

‘I urge the scientific community, conservation organisations, and stakeholders at all levels to support and extend this essential effort to protect one of the world’s rarest and most fragile species,’ he said.

Dr Mary Liao, Conservation Manager, Wilder Institute, said the images captured by the camera traps were an incredible glimpse into the life of the elusive and magnificent creatures.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mrs Oghogho Musa, the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), on Friday, pledged continuous support for wives of fallen heroes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Musa said this at the commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day in Abuja.

She said the day was set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness on the plight of widows worldwide and to advocate for their rights and well-being.

Musa said that widows had historically been left unseen, unsupported and unmeasured in many societies, emphasising the need to support them.

She stressed the need to bring widows’ needs to the forefront and ensure their voices are heard.

According to her, the day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by widows and the need to address their unique social, economic, health and legal issues.

‘Widows particularly in developing countries, often experience discrimination, social isolation and economic hardship following the death of their husbands.

‘They may face obstacles in inheriti
ng property, accessing education and healthcare and participating in the workforce.

‘Many widows and their children are trapped in a cycle of poverty, vulnerability and marginalization,” she said.

Musa said that the day was earmarked to honour the strength of women, their resilience and courage.

‘We acknowledge the pain and the loss you have endured, but we also celebrate your determination and your refusal to be defined by grief.

‘We recognise that your journey is not easy, that there are days when the darkness feels overwhelming but we want to remind you that you are not alone.

‘You have your loved ones and you have a global community such as DEPOWA that stands with you in solidarity,’ she said.

The DEPOWA president recalled that the association had over the years, impacted positively on wives of fallen heroes, youths and less privileged through empowerments, sponsorships, donations and trainings.

She said some wives of fallen heroes and youths recently were trained at the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition
Centre, on bag making, ICT, production of household items, hair making, tying of gele, tailoring and culinary.

According to her, the essence of the programmes is to assist them to be financially independent, confident to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

She reiterated the commitment of DEPOWA towards assisting the wives of fallen heroes to ensure they were not marginalised, stigmatised but celebrated and empowered.

Earlier, Dr Juliette Ango, a Consultant, Public Health Physician, said that part of the problems associated with widows included health issues, poverty, violence and finances.

Ango called for empowerment of widows and regular medical screening to check their health status.

According to her, it is so sad to say that women are known to take care of others and do forget to take care of themselves, especially their blood pressure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured medical outreach for widows and empowerment lectures on health, finance and manag
ing widowhood.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The C-Circle Research Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, an NGO, has conducted an inter-school debate competition to promote environmental sustainability and awareness among young people.

The founder of the NGO, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa, stated that the event was part of activities commemorating the 2024 World Environment Day, themed ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.’

The event, which held in Abuja on Thursday was in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and other partners.

Ohajinwa, an Environmental Toxicologist and a Public Health Expert, said that 10 schools participated, engaging in discussions on climate change, environmental impacts, policy solutions, and sustainable practices.

According to her, the debate competition is a way to broaden children’s knowledge about the environment, climate change, and their impacts.

‘The debate also aims to improve public speaking and critical thinking skills in the students.

‘The competition is planned to be held t
hree times a year, with other topics organised for debate.

‘From the presentations, tree planting is used to control erosion, prevent deforestation, and mitigate other natural disasters.’

Dr Ohajinwa explained that the second discussion concluded that both infrastructure and public awareness were important for effective waste management.

She further said that the event would educate participants, raise awareness, and inspire proactive measures among the younger generation.

On his part, Oritsejolomi Ayomike, the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, said Rotary is a humanitarian organisation that collaborates with the government and educational institutions.

According to him, the club works to create public awareness about harmful environmental practices and their health implications, such as open defecation and deforestation.

Ayomike emphasised that the goal was not to determine the best school but to raise awareness and educate students about environmental maintenance and its health implications
.

‘Our focus areas are the environment and basic education, which led to bringing students from different schools to debate environmental issues,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 schools were invited, but nine participated in the competition.

The debate topics were ‘Tree Planting Improves Restoration and Reduces Desertification’ and ‘Is the biggest challenge to effective waste management in Nigeria as a result of lack of infrastructure or lack of Public Awareness’.

Regina Pacis College Garki, Abuja won first place, followed by Government Secondary School, Gwagwa, in second place.

Bristol Academy, Karu, took third place, and Government Secondary School, Life-Camp, secured fourth place.

The schools received drought-resistance trees donated by Ecosmart Climate Action Initiatives.

The trees would be planted in the schools to commemorate World Environment Day 2024.

It would be monitored by C-Circle Research, a sister organisation to C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and E
nvironment.

NAN also reports that World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, encourages awareness and action for environmental protection.

It is supported by numerous non-governmental organisations, businesses, and government entities and represents the primary United Nations outreach day for the environment.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Stakeholders in law enforcement and criminal justice for child sexual abuse survivors have called for the adoption of the ‘Child Forensic Interview Protocol’ to ensure that justice is served.

The stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government, the Police and non-governmental organisations, made the call at a workshop on Thursday in Lagos.

The workshop was tagged ‘3rd Installment of the Consultative Workshop for the Development and Implementation of a Child Abuse Investigation and Interview Protocol’.

Mrs Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, Chief Operations Officer of CeceYara, an NGO, said the numbers of child sexual abuses were staggering, as one out of every four girls and one in eight boys was abused before they turned 18 years.

‘Forensic Interview is a structured conversation to elicit evidential information from the child in an age-appropriate and developmental manner,’ she said.

Ajayi-Kayode noted that child sexual abuses were not easily detected because of challenges, which included poor interviewing skills,
delays in disclosure and reporting and lack of physical and supportive evidence.

Others are crude, duplicative and fragmented ways of questioning children; use of legal, verbose language that could scare or confuse children; pleas of not guilty and appeals more common than in other offences.

On his part, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, said forensic interview was a cornerstone in the quest to deliver justice, particularly in cases involving children.

‘It will also guide justice for all and exonerate the innocent,’ he said.

Pedro urged all stakeholders to be committed to the process.

Also, Ladi Ajomale, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Petition, and Human Rights at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said child protection was a responsibility and a moral obligation of society.

Ajomale, who was represented by Mrs Titilola Vivor-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), said the protocol would strengthen the mu
lti-disciplinary, critical in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence.

‘The child forensic interview is a game changer in ensuring successful prosecution of these heinous crimes.

‘This form of interview enhances the child’s ability to communicate, lessening the traumatisation that can occur during controversial questioning methods,’ he said.

Also, Mrs Oyindamola James-Ododo, a Forensic Interviewer, recommended that the interview be done immediately after the abuse occurred to avoid the evidence being contaminated with threats or lack of adequate information.

Mrs Aderonke Oyelakin, State Coordinator, Child Protection Network, however, cautioned against retraumatisating the victim through repeated interrogations.

‘It is important that once a child says his or her story once, that child shouldn’t be subjected to go through the process again,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria