Author: radmin

The Joint Task Force, North East Operation, Hadin Kai, has inaugurated a solar-powered borehole facility at the Nigeria Police Camp, 333 Artillery Regiment Barracks, Njimtilo, Maiduguri.

Speaking during the inauguration, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander, said the project was a welfare initiative of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

Shuaibu said that the water project would be of immense service to the soldiers, their families and other security agencies.

‘By this project, we have prioritised the welfare of our personnel, the idea is to ensure the availability of potable water in Njimtilo camp.

‘The facility will ease the water need of soldiers and other security agencies within the environment, it’s one of the non-kinetic measures used by the Army,’ he said.

The theatre commander thanked the COAS for ensuring that the well-being of troops was given utmost priority.

Also speaking, the Police Coordinator, Brig.-Gen. O.O Yakubu, said the occasion marked a significant m
ilestone at the Special Forces Mobile Police Camp, Njimtilo.

Yakubu said the was project implemented to complement government’s efforts in resolving the water challenge in the camp and its environs.

‘Water is a fundamental human need, it is essential for life and well-being, this is what informed this project.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker and Azubuike Okeh

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Bill for the establishment of Disability Trust Fund before it.

The Executive Secretary, Dr James Lalu, made the appeal at a two-day sensitisation of stakeholders on Disability Accessibility Regulations, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the NCPWD, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.

Lalu explained that the fund, if established, would enable the commission to implement disability-inclusive programmes and interventions to leave no one behind.

He added that the fund would also enable the commission to support states that were yet to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (prohibition) Act, 2018, to do so.

He also said that the Act, if domesticated across the states, would also make provisions for the Disability Trust Fund at the state level.

This, according to him, will encourage the states to implement their peculiar disabi
lity inclusive programmes, especially the enforcement of disability accessibility regulations.

‘Most of the states have domesticated the disability law. Some even established agencies for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), but ensuring disability inclusion and accessibility for PwDs is capital intensive.

‘In fact, some states have established disability institutions, but our interest in the disability trust fund is to raise funds to support states that are yet to domesticate the Act to do so,’ he said.

In her remarks, Ms Brisca Aaron, the Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for the Disabled Persons, pointed out that the state had already domesticated the disability prohibition act.

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Aaron added that the state government had equally implemented the five percent employment quota for PwDs and commenced enforcement of the accessibility law.

According to her, the law was designed to ensures PwDs’ access to public infrastructure in
the state.

Also speaking, Mr Monu El-Dad, Chairman, Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to advance the course of PwDs in the state.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation(GPF) Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to work collectively towards tackling insecurity.

Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General, lPCR, spoke on Tuesday at one-day High-Level Dialogue Conference with the theme ‘Promoting Collective Responsibility for Peace and Security in Abuja.’

He said that in recent times, citizens had witnessed an alarming escalation in security incidents in Abuja.

Ochogwu said that if the security challenges were not addressed collectively and urgently, they could undermine the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous city.

‘Persistent insecurity can deter socio-economic development, discourage investment and exacerbate poverty and inequality.

‘There is a need for collective responsibility between the government and this entire society to build peace and ensure security for the people in Abuja.

‘We believe that once we are able to build peace a
nd establish some good level of security in this place, it will boost investors’ confidence and encourage trust.’

Ochogwu said that in order to proffer solutions to rising crime, the Institute conducted a study titled ‘Presentation on Spatial Analysis of Crime in Abuja City Centre,’ he said.

According to him, the study is not just an academic exercise; it is a crucial early warning tool that can guide strategies and actions in tackling the security challenges.

Rev. John Hayab, the Country Director, GPF Nigeria, said that sustainable peace could not be easily achieved through a top-down approach but through the active participation of all sections of society.

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‘Both a government official, security personnel, religious leader, community leaders or citizen-all have a vital role to play in building a safer and more secure society for today and future generations,” he said.

Hayab also reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment towards part
nering with the government, security agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders and individuals in the quest for peace and security in Abuja and the country.

In his remarks, Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

‘Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, efforts and strategies are being put in place to combat the various security challenges facing the nation,’Goronyo said.

On his part, Ogundele Ayodeji, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Zone 7, Abuja, pledged police’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, ‘one chance’ robbery and other crimes in FCT.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has introduced the Rural Area Programme on Investment and Development (RAPID), which aims to empower youth and women-led businesses in underserved regions.

RAPID is to provide capital and opportunities to rural communities, in addressing challenges like rural-urban migration.

The Managing Director of BOI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, during the launch in Lagos on Tuesday, said that RAPID was designed to foster economic inclusion by providing rural dwellers with equitable access to capital.

Olusi stated that this access to capital was crucial to enhance commercial and economic activities as well as address the inadequacies in existing intervention programmes, primarily favoured urban areas.

He said that the initiative offered substantial financial support, with potential funding of up to 10 million naira per project.

He added that RAPID targeted existing small businesses seeking expansion capacity and new startups with a focus on youth and women-owned businesses.

According to him, the ter
ms include a three-year repayment plan with a six-month moratorium at a concessionary interest rate of five per cent.

‘As a pilot launch, it is limited to 10 beneficiaries per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) totalling 370 beneficiaries.

‘The grant component is developed to incentivise good repayment and businesses with significant social impact in employment generation for women and youth.

‘To ensure the programme’s accessibility, applications can be submitted via a dedicated online portal or physically at any BOI district office nationwide starting May 15,’ he said.

The Executive Director of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, BOI, Mr Omar Shekarau, said that RAPID, covers all 36 states and the FCT.

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According to him, it will focus on sectors like agriculture, textiles, garment manufacturing, leather goods, and food processing and preservation.

He said this comprehensive coverage would ensure that the benefits of economic
growth were felt across the country, transforming rural areas into burgeoning economic hubs.

Shekarau added that beyond financial support, capacity building was a critical component of the initiative.

He said by empowering entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills, RAPID aimed to ensure sustainable development and long-term self-sufficiency for rural businesses.

‘As RAPID rolls out, the BOI anticipates significant improvements in job creation, financial inclusion, and economic diversification, which are expected to contribute to national prosperity and stem the tide of migration from rural areas to cities.

‘The programme not only represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s rural economies but also serves as a model for future initiatives.

This aims to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development across West Africa,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria