Senator Yari: creating sustainable livelihoods remains a priority in my Constituency.

Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto), has reiterated his resolve to provide livelihood opportunities for his constituents to curb youth idleness and reduce insecurity. 

This commitment was made in a statement issued to Newsmen in Gusau by the Chairman of the Publicity Committee of Senator Yari’s Political Organization, Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad 

Speaking through the Coordinator of the Zamfara West Senatorial District Zonal Office, Talata Mafara, Alhaji Sha’ayau Yusuf (Ɗanmalikin Mafara), at the Passing Out Parade of the 87th Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, Kaduna State, Senator Yari emphasized the need to engage youths in meaningful activities to deter them from social vices that exacerbate security challenges.  

He urged the 74 recruits from Zamfara West Senatorial District to view their enlistment in the Nigerian Army as a patriotic call to serve the nation. 

Senator Abdul'azeez Yari Abubakar encouraged them to demonstrate bravery and a high sense of responsibility in their duties, especially considering the country’s ongoing security issues.  

The senator also highlighted his efforts to support youth empowerment, referencing the facilitation of the recruitment of 84 youths from the six Local Government Areas in Zamfara West, Talata Mafara, Bakura, Bukkuyum, Anka, Gummi, and Maradun, during the 86th Intake of the Nigerian Army Depot.  

Senator Yari reaffirmed his commitment to addressing youth unemployment, stressing that creating sustainable livelihoods remains a priority in his representation agenda.

PWAN educates journalists on issues related to human rights, the Police Act 2020.

A non governmental organisation Partners West Africa Nigeria PWAN has educated journalists on issues related to human rights, the Police Act 2020 and its impact on police-citizen interactions. 

The PWAN Programme Officer, Hajiya Aisha Yusuf in her wellcome address during media town hall meeting in Kano said it was an important initiative to ensure that, both the public and the media understand their rights and responsibilities under the new law.

Hajiya Aisha Yusuf also explained that, the  meeting was an essential step to strengthening trust, transparency, and accountability between law enforcement agencies and the community.

The town hall meeting was attended by journalists from Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara , Katsina, Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa State and Civil Society Organisations CSOs.

"As part of the project’s objective, PWAN is organising this Media Townhall Meeting on Human Rights, The Police Act 2020 And Regulations. The meeting seeks to educate the public and specifically the media organizations about the Police Act 2020, its impact on police-citizen interactions, and media reporting"

"PWAN  is implementing the project 'Enhancing Police Governance: Deepening Understanding of the Police Act 2020 and Regulations Across Nigeria, specifically in Kano, Plateau, Borno, Edo, Lagos, Enugu states, and the FCT"

"The Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN). PWAN is a non-governmental organization dedicated to enhancing citizens' participation and improving security governance in Nigeria and West Africa broadly, which we achieve through our Rule of Law, Citizens Security, and CSO strengthening Program Areas"

According to her, the town hall meeting served as an opportunity for them to unpack the critical provisions of the Police Act 2020 and its innovations.

"Explore the role of the media in fostering responsible and rights-based reporting on sensitive issues like arrests, stop-and-search, and profiling"

"Discuss actionable strategies to bridge gaps in understanding and implementation of the Act across Nigeria"

Hajiya Aisha Yusuf encouraged all the participants to actively engage in the discussions and share their perspectives, expressed confidence that, the insights and knowledge gained by the participants would empower them to head in the right direction.  

She thanked the founder, the UK Integrated Security Fund of the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), for their partnership and support of the initiative.

In his presentation on the Police Act 2020 and Regulations, Barrier Sani Ammani explained some of the objectives of the Act, which included responsiveness, equity, justice and fairness.

Mr Ammani highlighted that, respect for the dignity of persons, safeguarding the fundamental rights of Nigerians, as well as cooperation and partnership between the police and communities were part of the objectives of the Act.

According to him, one of the police duties was to conduct investigations, make arrest with or without arrest warrant as well as to write statements among others.

He stressed that, it is the responsibility of the Nigerian police to protect lives and property of every person residing in Nigeria.

On her part, Hajiya Maryam Rabi'u, who spoke on the role of the media in promoting awareness of the Nigeria Police Act, said the media can conduct investigative reporting and public awareness to inform citizens about their rights.

She emphasized the need for journalist to facilitate dialogue, monitor implementation of the Act and report success stories of police officers who abide by the new Act and other related issues.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Community Policing, Hajiya Maryam Umar highlighted the concerted effort of the state government, police, and community members in providing security in various communities.

She explained that citizens were now reporting cases of suspected criminals, saying that, it has helped authorities to reduce crime rates in the state.

The participants who spoke with Radio Nigeria commended the PWAN for organising the worshop, saying that it would go along way in improve their work.

Environmentalists Forum Urges Immediate Action to Address Climate Change and Ecological Threats

Environmentalists, scientists, and various community leaders have called for urgent and collective action to protect the ecosystem, highlighting the pressing need to tackle climate change and environmental degradation. 

This call was made during the latest “Climate Hangout” discussion, a monthly forum that brings together experts, civil society groups, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) religious leaders and traditional titled holders to address critical environmental challenges affecting human being and other living things .

The event was organized by the Desk for Climate Change and Environmental Issues at the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC) in Kaduna, in collaboration with African Climate Reporters (ACR).

 It served as a platform for experts and local leaders to explore solutions to environmental issues such as natural disasters, pollution, and unsustainable resource use.

Revren Michael Ijah Ikpa, Head of Early Warning and Early Response at IMC, opened the discussion, underscoring the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders. 

He emphasized that such forums are essential for finding practical solutions to climate change and ecological degradation, both of which are having a severe impact on public health.

Key Topics Raised During the Discussion:

Harmattan Hazards: The spread of harmful particles during the Harmattan season, which pose significant health risks, particularly in the form of respiratory issues.

Threats to Wildlife: The extinction of endangered species in Northern Nigeria due to the contamination of waterways with toxic chemicals and pollutants.

Deforestation: The increasing demand for charcoal, firewood, and timber, which is leading to the destruction of forests and threatening biodiversity.

"Pollinator Decline: The adverse effects of extreme weather patterns on pollinators, which are essential for food security and the availability of herbal medicines.

Risks to Indigenous Communities: Environmental degradation and unsustainable resource extraction are putting indigenous communities in Northern Nigeria at risk of losing their way of life"

Comrade Yahaya Muhammed, Controller General of the Safety Awareness and Support Initiative, also spoke at the event. 

He stressed the need for a unified approach to combating man-made environmental disasters.

 He called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to safeguard the environment. 

He also warned of the dangers to aquatic life, pointing out the widespread pollution of rivers and oceans due to improper waste disposal.

Mallam Abdullahi Argungun, representing the National Orientation Agency, thanked the organizers and expressed his belief that such discussions are crucial in addressing the growing environmental challenges. 

He highlighted the efforts of his agency in raising public awareness on environmental issues.

Mallam Rabi'u Abubakar, founder and CEO of the Ozone Layer NGO, also spoke at the forum, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the role of civil society organizations in environmental protection. 

He called on both state governments and other stakeholders to increase their efforts in combating environmental degradation, addressing climate change, and protecting indigenous communities in Northern Nigeria's forests.

Mallam Shehu Muhammad , a member of the Kaduna State Fishermen Association, also applauded the initiative and urged citizens to stop polluting marine environments.

 He noted that many aquatic species are facing extinction due to human activities such as overfishing and pollution, stressing the need for collective action to protect marine life.

The discussion concluded with a renewed call for ongoing dialogue and joint efforts to tackle the interconnected challenges of climate change, environmental conservation, and public health.

Zulum shares Tinibu’s 100 trucks of grains in Borno community

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has commenced the distribution of about 100 trucks of food items donated to the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ngala local government area.

The distribution took place on Monday at designated centres for residents of Gamboru, Ngala, and other communities, where food supplies were cut off in the last four months due to heavy rain and flooding.

The grains, which include maize, sorghum and millet, have been distributed to households prioritising the most vulnerable.

Speaking to journalists after flagging off the distribution, Zulum explained the choice of Ngala. He said, “This morning, we flagged off the distribution of 100 trucks of assorted grain to communities in Ngala local government.”

He added, “This town was completely cut off from the rest of the country for about four months due to heavy rainfall and flooding. The movement of food items to Ngala has been cut off. This informed our visit today to provide relief to cushion the hardships faced by the people.”

Zulum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all relevant federal government agencies for supporting the state government in ensuring that those most in need received adequate supplies.

“All of the food items we shared today were donated to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President has given us 100 trucks of assorted grains, including maize, millet and sorghum. In addition, the federal government has provided 100 trucks of rice for the victims of the Maiduguri flood disaster,” Zulum said.

The governor also stated, “Let me use this opportunity to commend the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting our people in the time of their needs.”

Governor Zulum, however, explained that his administration is gradually discontinuing the distribution of food items and supporting residents through the establishment of irrigation activities in resettled communities.

He said, “The state government has put in place medium—and longer-term sustainable solutions that will ensure people cultivate their lands all year round. We are establishing many irrigation structures, particularly in Ngala local government.”