News
Tinubu restates commitment to Protection of Children’s Rights
President Bola Tinubu has restated its commitment to the protection of the rights of children, especially the ‘Almajiri’ child in the country from all forms of molestation and abuses.
Dr Muhammed Idris, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, delivered the President’s commitment when he visited a 13 -year- old boy (name withheld) who was molested in Dala Hospital in Kano.
“These have been happening for many years. Some consider the almajiri children to be children of the masses. They think that these children are not protected.
“Henceforth anybody, who molests any Nigeria child, be it almajiri children or anyone, will have to contend with the government.
“The long-arm of the law will catch up with anyone caught in that respect,”he said.
The president said that the commission has taken measures to revatalise education and make sure each child lives a life of dignity.
“We will also embark on a serious advocacy visit to sensitive communities, to let teachers and parents know how important these children are.
“The commission will also let their parents know that they are God’s gift and need to be protected.
Idris thanked security operatives for taking bold step of justice by arresting the culprit and further assured the parents of the victim of proper and adequate care.
Speaking earlier, the mother of the molested boy, Yahanasu Auwal, pleaded with government to get justice for her son and also ensure that the culprit faces the law to serve as deterrent to others.
Auwal said that her son was working as an errand boy for the culprit’s wife when the incident occurred.(NAN)
By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) Agencies with DRC Monay launched three Initiatives worth €60 Million in Sokoto with the aim of enhancing social protection, access to health and resilience-building in the state.
The launch officially done by Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu had 9 EU Ambassadors from Member States in attendance and also witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar 111, traditional leaders as well as government functionaries.
The initiative, SUSI, SARAH, and SPADS,
with funding from European Union (EU), the Government of Nigeria and in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), is to be implemented over a four-year period (2024–2027)
Registering his appreciation onbehalf of the government and people of Sokoto state, the governor represented by his deputy, Mohammed Idris Gobir said the initiative is in line with their administration’s 9 point smart agenda, hence promising comprehensive support for the success of the Initiative even as he assured of the establishment of a social protection department in the state.
“Our administration prioritizes the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations. These EU-funded initiatives—SUSI, SARAH, and Durable Solutions—will not only improve access to critical services but also build long-term resilience and sustainable systems. Sokoto is proud to champion these efforts.”
Earlier in his speech, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria who led the delegation, Gautier Mignot, said they are desirous to invest in the future of Nigeria.
With this, the EU’s principle of equity and inclusion is giving birth to programmes that, ,””leave no one behind whether it is better healthcare, livelihood support, or social protection”.
Continuing, the EU Ambasaador said the three initiatives launched in Sokoto are part of “”their commitment to long-term, people-centered development and enhanced support, particularly in the North-West of Nigeria.
Giving a breakdown of the projects, to be implemented also in Benue, Oyo and Sokoto States, Mr Mignot, said they include,
“‘Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), jointly implemented by UNICEF and ILO, SUSI aims to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection infrastructure by improving the National Social Register, enhancing management information systems, building institutional capacity, and reinforcing legal and policy frameworks.
“‘Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH), implemented by UNICEF and UNFPA, aims to improve access to high-quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition services that are sensitive to gender and the needs of young people, including support for those affected by gender-based violence, in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara States. The project is expected to reach over 45 million children, adolescents, and women over four years.
“”Support for Protection, Assistance & Durable Solutions (SPADS), led by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with partners Pro-Health International (PHI) and Joint IDP Profiling Service (JIPS), this project supports community-led local action plans to promote long-term solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. It provides livelihoods support, boosts local employment, and strengthens resilience using a climate-smart and inclusive approach””.
On her part, UNICEF Represnstive in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said poverty, and inclusivity can only be reduced through social protection which was why UNICEF through SARAH, is improving healthcare access for girls and mothers in Nigeria.
“‘Together with the EU, ILO, UNFPA, and DRC, we are helping Nigeria build strong systems that protec
The Federal Government has formally ratified and adopted a road map for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) by approving the National Integrated Electricity Policy( NIEP).
The policy which had been ready since December 2024 and submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ratified on Monday at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The policy is a comprehensive framework designed to transform Nigeria’s electricity sector in alignment with National development objectives and international best practices as mandated by Section 3(3) of the revised Electricity Act 2023.
According to a statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, quoting the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the policy implementation has already started and will now gain momentum with the President’s approval while the impact would soon be felt adding that the Electricity Act 2023 requires the Federal Government through the Ministry of Power to initiate the process for the preparation and publication in the Federal Government ‘s gazette, an integrated National Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan, within one year of the commencement of the Electricity Act.
According to the Minister, “ the road map Policy addresses critical challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector through comprehensive framework for sector transformation with clear guidelines for sustainable power generation, transmission distribution as well as integration of renewable energy sources, its promotion , energy efficiency and enhancement of sector governance”,.
He described the passage of the Electricity Act 2023 as a pivotal moment for the Electricity sector as it signals a transformative change which has laid the foundation for NESI, thus enabling exponential socio-economic growth.
“This National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (NIEP) is a comprehensive roadmap developed to guide all stakeholders – the Federal and State Governments, market participants, investors, and indeed all Nigerians, through this transition”.
Adelabu said the preparation of the policy represents the collective efforts of the Ministry in collaboration with a wide cross-section of stakeholders across the public and private sectors at national and State levels, civil society organizations, academic institutions, captains of industry, donor partners, development institutions, private sector participants and consumer advocacy groups, to address the complex challenges faced by NESI, from infrastructure deficits, inadequate capital to regulatory inefficiencies.
“The NIEP is a very significant evolution from the National Electric Power Policy of 2001, which has been long overdue for replacement. The Policy outlines various initiatives to aid the growth and development of State Electricity Markets (SEMs). It fosters a decentralised but collaborative approach to energy management and resource planning. This policy is a living document that will evolve with the Industry’s needs and challenges. It underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to consumer protection and engagement”.
The Policy is structured across eight chapters which comprehensively address the historical perspective of the Nigeria Electricity Sector, focus on key features of the Electricity Act 2023, Nigeria’s electricity Policy objectives, electricity market design, value chain analysis, stakeholders roles and responsibilities, climate change and low carbon economy initiatives, gender equality and social inclusion, local content development including research and development, commercial , legal and regulatory frameworks.
The Federal High Court in Lagos will on July 18 hear a suit by Sterling Bank and its subsidiaries challenging the House of Representatives’ authority to investigate the management of funds in the accounts of two of its customers – Dr. Innocent Usoro and Miden Systems Limited.
The plaintiffs – Sterling Bank, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, and senior executives Yemi Odubiyi, Abubakar Suleiman, Lekan Olakunle, and Dele Faseemo – are seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the House and its Public Petitions Committee Chairman, Michael Etaba, from acting on a police report that alleged financial misconduct involving the customers’ accounts.
Also joined in the suit are Dr. Innocent Usoro, Miden Systems Limited, and the Inspector- General of Police.
Filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), the plaintiffs contend that the National Assembly lacks the constitutional power to conduct investigations into the bank’s internal dealings with its customers or revisit a consent judgment previously delivered by the Federal High Court in 2021.
Citing sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, the plaintiffs pray that the court declare that the House cannot summon their executives or staff members, or take actions based on the findings of the police report, which they alleged, is being used to relitigate issues already settled by the court.
The defendants, through their counsel Rowland Uzoechi, claim the suit is a calculated attempt to obstruct justice and avoid scrutiny.
They argued that the questions raised by the plaintiffs are academic and hypothetical, insisting that the court lacks jurisdiction.
In a 40-paragraph counter-affidavit, Dr. Usoro (third defendant) alleged falsification of documents to suggest a $30 million loan transaction that never occurred.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police’s January 2025 investigation report revealed suspicious inflows totalling over $122 million into Miden Systems’ accounts, with significant sums unaccounted for and withdrawn under questionable narrations.
Usoro contends that the court was deceived into granting the Mareva injunction.
The plaintiffs denied these claims and maintained that the accounts in question were lawfully managed under a commercial loan agreement linked to a 2010 Shell contract executed by Miden Systems Limited.
The outcome of the case, which touches on issues of constitutional law, banking oversight, and public accountability, could have significant implications for the powers of legislative oversight and the credibility of financial institutions in Nigeria.