IHS Nigeria accelerates efforts to nurture tech giants @Ilorin Innovation Hub - ITREALMS

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Leading telecommunications infrastructure provider, IHS Nigeria, has accelerated efforts to nurture technology giants at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, reports ITREALMS.

This, ITREALMS gathered reaffirmed its dedication to transforming the hub into a premier center for technological advancement and talent development in North-Central Nigeria.

Customs lead renewed efforts @securing Nigeria's borders, combat petroleum smuggling - ITREALMS

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A country blessed with abundant natural resources, Nigeria has long grappled with the challenges of securing her borders and preventing the smuggling of petroleum products. 

The nation's strategic location, extensive borders spanning over 4,000 kilometers, and the presence of porous entry points have made it vulnerable to the activities of economic saboteurs and criminal gangs with their devastating networks.

HEDA, UNODC to collaborate, strengthen anti-corruption efforts - ITREALMS

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The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has advanced collaboration with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, reports ITREALMS.

This followed a visit to UNODC office led by HEDA chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, aimed to establish a collaborative effort between the anti-corruption group and UNODC to bolster the fight against corruption.

PHCs: Communities extol SAT's efforts - ITREALMS

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Some host communities of the 15 Community Based Organisations (CBOs) have expressed satisfactions on the proactive steps by the State Advocacy Team (SAT) in Lagos for adequate monitoring, reports ITREALMS.

This, CBOs said came through SAT's follow up in the last quarter to appropriate authorities and stakeholders in monitoring the health care facilities at different five Local Government Areas in Lagos State.

Yobe State: EU, British Council commended for peace efforts - ITREALMS

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The European Union (EU) and the British Council have been commended by stakeholders in Yobe State for their efforts in restoring peace in the region. 

The commendation came as the EU-funded Managing Conflict in North-East Nigeria (MCN) Programme of the British Council rounded off its five-year humanitarian intervention in Yobe. 

Why Ministers donated 50% of March salary to Covid-19 efforts - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Indications have emerged on why Nigeria's 43 cabinet Ministers decided to donate 50 per cent of their March 2020 salaries to support the Federal Government's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, reports ITREALMS.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, ITREALMS gathered, quoted the Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, who coordinated the donation, as saying it was a gesture of solidarity and support for the Federal Government's efforts to tackle the disease.

''This global virus outbreak will require nations, continents and smaller communities to pull together to contribute their resources and support one another. This will facilitate an early resolution of the problem,'' Alhaji Mohammed further quoted Senator Saraki as saying.

The Ministers also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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Minister commends Igbomina on development efforts - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has commended the communal effort of the Igbomina, a sub-national group that cuts across three states, in complementing the efforts of the government in the provision of infrastructure and social services for the community, reports ITREALMS.

The commendation came at the 2019 Igbomina Day celebration in Isanlu Isin, Kwara State, on Saturday.

“I want to most sincerely congratulate the organizers of the 2019 Igbomina Day, especially for making the issue of development the focus of the celebration. I say this because community development projects like this complement the efforts of the Federal and State Governments to bring development to the people. And we can't have enough of them,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed, himself an Igbomina, said the developmental needs of the community motivated him to facilitate the development of infrastructure and provision of social services for the people of the area.

“The rehabilitation of some township roads in Oro and Omu Aran, which I facilitated and where work is either completed or ongoing, is an example of such efforts.

“I am also happy to announce that one of my friends, whom I approached for support, has agreed to provide medical equipment for the Primary Health Centre at Oro as well as educational materials for the University of Ilorin. I am making more contacts which I expect to come to fruition soon, and help bring development to our community,” he said.

The Minister said the community is also a beneficiary of the Federal Government project for the rehabilitation of the Ilorin-Kabba road, which will resume as soon as the rains are over and funds are made available.

He said another huge project coming to Kwara State is the recent award, by the Federal Government, of a N58 billion contract for the construction of the Bida-Sachi-Patigi Road and the Napenko Bridge along that road, which links Kwara with two other States, Niger and Kogi.

Alhaji Mohammed said when completed, the bridge, which is the shortest link between the north and the south, will boost economic activities for people in Kwara, Kogi and Niger States.

The biennial Igbomina Day Celebration is the largest congregation of all members of the socio-cultural group across Kwara, Osun and Oyo States.

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Pix:  President, Sons and Daughters of Ogbomina, Mr. Timothy Niyi Adebayo (left), conferring a Merit Award on the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (right), at the 2019 Igbomina Day in Isanlu-Isin, Kwara State, on Saturday.

‘FG making concerted efforts to free Leah Sharibu, aid workers’ - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government (FG) has assured the families of kidnapped Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu and two abducted aid workers on concerted efforts being made to ensure their release from captivity, reports ITREALMS.

According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who led a three-member Federal Government delegation to Maiduguri in Borno State and Dapchi in Yobe State, which included Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, who also oversees Women Affairs, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajiya Khadija Abba Bukar Ibrahim, met with Mrs Rebecca Sharibu, Mother of Leah, as well as other members of their family at an emotion-laden ceremony.

Speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Mohammed said President Muhammadu Buhari sent the delegation as a follow-up to his phone call to Leah's mother a few days ago, adding that the government will not rest until Leah has been reunited with her family.

Visibly excited students of the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, from where Leah and about 109 of her colleagues were abducted on 19 February 2018, trooped out to welcome the delegation when the chopper that ferried them to Dapchi landed in the school premises.

Earlier, the delegation also met with the families of the three aid workers who were abducted in March 2018.

At the meeting, which was held in the Borno State Government House, Alhaji Mohammed reassured them of the Government's efforts to secure the release of the two that remained in captivity, Alice Loksha and Amina Liman.

He also condoled with the parents of the third aid worker, Saifura Hussaini Ahmed, who was killed by her abductors last month.

The Minister said this is a trying time for the government and people of Borno State, but praised the government's resilience in tackling the challenges arising from the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Deputy Governor of Borno, Alhaji Usman Durkwa, who received the delegation, expressed gratitude to President Buhari for sending the delegation to the state, saying this shows that the President is a true leader.

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PIC: From left: Minister of State Industry, Trade and Investment, overseeing the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Abubakar; Mrs. Rebecca Sharibu; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajia Khadija Abba Ibrahim when a Federal Government delegation visited Mrs. Sharibu, mother of the one of the abducted Dapchi school girls still in captivity in Dapchi, Yobe State, on Friday.

ACCI lauds FG on economic planning, development efforts

ITRealms:

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has lauded the Federal Government over its economic planning, and development efforts, reports ITRealms.

ACCI, ITRealms gathered, particularly commended Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) who is lead proponent on economic matters of this administration, for the conclusions reached at the recent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting saying they are critical first steps towards harmonising economic planning and development among the various levels of government.

The Media & Protocol Officer at ACCI, Mr. Lubem Gena, in a press statement made available to ITRealms, quoted President of the Chamber, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), as describing the new approach by the Vice President and his leadership as "a determined step to create synergy in national economic planning to provide  a common sense of development direction for the country”.

He observed that until now the National Economic Council (NEC) has not fully launched out to initiate and coordinate national economic direction for which it was established by the constitution.

"The ACCI commends the Presidency and particularly the Vice President for finally activating the constitutional authority of the NEC to initiate, integrate, and direct the focus of national economic development so that the various tiers of government will no longer be working at cross purposes, or in silos.

Prince Kayode who was cabinet minister in four capacities, explained that under the 1999 Constitution, the structure for effective political and economic  governance of Nigeria is broadly divided.

The legal luminary noted that, while the President as Chief Executive presides over the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Defence, Security and Police Councils and also chairs the National Council of States (NCS), on the other hand, the Constitution mandates the Vice President to chair the NEC with membership including all state governors, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and others.

“It is thus clear that the constitution intended the Vice President to superintend the economy, of course, under the general direction of Mr. President.  So if the Vice President is enabled to fully implement the authority already given to his office by the constitution then as the focal authority for the management of the national economy along with the state governments, we can easily develop an integrated approach to economic planning and execution.

“The NEC is a potent and veritable platform to ensure a concerted approach towards national economic development, the surest way forward for economic growth and betterment.

“The next stage is now for the NEC to be fully institutionalized with a functioning secretariat through which inter - governmental economic planning can be coordinated with the National Planning Commission (also by law chaired by the Vice President),  the state governments and other government agencies under the leadership of the Vice President", the Organised Private Sector chief said.

“For the economic prosperity, growth, peace and progress of our country, the Vice President must work towards strengthening the National Economic Council so that joint efforts at planning can make a difference in Nigeria's quest for greatness", he concluded.

Doris Minimah/GEE

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Communal efforts pay off as Imode Digital Literacy Center debuts

ITRealms:

The typical Nigerian communal efforts recently paid off as the Imode Community Digital Literacy Center (ICDiLiCe) was launched at Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State, reports ITRealms.

Disclosing this at the commissioning of the centre, powered by solar and equipped with state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, recently, the President, Imode Development Association (IDA), Pastor Joseph Babatunde, said it would assist the education and curiosity of every citizen within and around the community,

The project, which involves a modern Information Technology (IT) centre and a school bus, he said, were to assist the students absorb the IT culture at this digital era.

Babatunde, in the company of his vice, Rev. Sunday Folayan, and Onimode of Imode, Oba Joseph Dada, recalled with joy that the idea of provision of a modern IT Centre for the school came to him, a couple of years ago when one of his children did the post-JAMB exam in University of Ilorin (Unilorin).

“The students were all given computers to do the exams. While she breezed through the exams, most of the other children were just starring at the device until the time was over. I felt challenged there and then, to give every child that needed opportunity,” he revealed.

In addition, Babatunde said, IDA has done the little it could by providing the facilities, stressing that “We want to see the impact through improved performances in all the exams of our students/pupils.”

Equally speaking, IDA Vice President, Reverend Sunday Folayan, noted that the Imode ICT Vision encompasses bringing the community, the resident and especially the students closer to attaining a digitally smart community.

“This will be achieved by reliance on technology, carefully backed up with traditional methods that are functional. A significant number of indigenes will continue to live outside the community or the country, and their needs and requirements to stay connected to their roots will continue to inform the community’s development policies,” he said.

Folayan expounded that ICT will be used to solve practical problems, such as educational deficiency as well as the security of lives and properties.

“Most aspects of the Community engagement activities will be conducted electronically towards widening access and participation especially with its citizens in the diaspora, using appropriate technologies,” he said.

Members of the Imode community, he further said, will come to accept a high standard of up-to-date facilities, ease-of-use and reliability, richness of information, integrated services and excellent support”, he explained.

Folayan pointed out that the Centre will serve as a launch-pad for making the community an ICT model in the state as well as the country by developing local software and systems that preserves the language and culture of Imode people providing technical support for the repair and maintenance of communications equipment such as phones, tablets and computers within Imode community and providing Internet access for both DiLiCe and the community.

ITRealms gathered that the Paradigm Initiative (PI) is working with IDA for training and capacity building, while the equipment in the centre were sourced entirely online through Konga.

As said by the Executive Director at Paradigm Initiative and content partners on the project, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, said the initiative will be of huge impact if well managed.

Represented by Programme Manager at PI, Mr. Tosin Abolaji,  the Executive Director said, the facility is primarily setup for the youth in the community, assuring they would not be denied the use of it.

“We will encourage the Association (IDA) to have a committee that will look into the management of the facility, design a program that will ensure that the youth are regularly/constantly trained, even use the facility as a source of generating fund for the school and community by making it a resource centre. Neighboring communities can subscribe to the usage of the facility and pay stipends. The list of possibilities goes on and on but what is very important is a strong management,” he said.

Uj. N. Dominic/ED, Ops

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Pix: (L-r): President, Imode Development Association (IDA), Pastor Joseph Babatunde; IDA’s Vice President, Reverend Sunday Folayan observing as the royal father, Onimode of Imode, Oba Joseph Dada, cuts the tape to commission the Digital Literacy Centre donated by Imode Development Association to the Community’s Secondary School, Oke-Ero L.G.A, Kwara State on Saturday, September 30, 2017… 

FG blames ‘NaySayers’ for misinformation on govt efforts

ITRealms:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has blamed the alleged misinformation of Nigerians to the propensity by naysayers, reports ITRealms.

Mohammed who made this accusation in Lagos at the weekend, noted that the suspected naysayers, had deliberately spread false information via the social media which negatively impacted on the federal government's efforts to keep Nigerians informed of its activities.

''Everyday, this group of people deliberately distort our messages while also suffusing the atmosphere with their own version of information,'' the Minister said in a speech at a Colloquium organized by the National Coalition of Apostolic Leaders in Lagos on Friday.

He said that in order to ensure that Nigerians get undiluted and correct information, the government has resorted to taking its messages directly to the people using the Town Hall Meeting format.

''What we have done is to counter them using what we call Town Hall Meetings that allow us to speak with Nigerians directly, while also getting the necessary feedback. We have held such Town Hall Meetings here in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Uyo, Enugu and Abuja, during which Ministers interacted directly with a cross section of Nigerians. 

Having realized its effectiveness, we have lined up more Town Hall Meetings across the country,'' Alhaji Mohammed said.

He also said that in order to carry Nigerians along, the Federal Government has embarked on sensitization campaigns on what it is doing in its three broad priority areas - Tacking corruption, fighting insurgency and revamping the economy to create jobs and wealth.

''We are aware that it is not just enough to do something, you must be seen to be doing it. In other words, the activities of government are as important as communicating them. That is why this Administration places much premium on communicating with the people.

''Mixing the traditional means of communication with the modern ones, we are reaching out to the people through radio, television, newspapers and the all-powerful Social Media to keep them abreast of developments in these three broad areas,'' the Minister said.

He said the government is also aware that feedback is one of the essential elements of good communication, adding: ''It is not enough for a government to talk to the people, the government must also hear from them.''

Alhaji Mohammed thanked the Nigeria Coalition of Apostolic Leaders for organizing the State of the Nation Colloquium, but urged them to sustain it.

''It is impressive, and indeed highly commendable, that rather than sit back and complain endlessly, thus becoming a part of the problem, the Nigeria Coalition of Apostolic Leaders has opted to be a part of the solution. It is however important that this Colloquium be sustained,'' he said.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Chibok girls release: Lai Mohammed outlines efforts by PMB

ITRealms:

The Federal Government has outlined efforts made by the President Mohammadu Buhari administration to secure the release of the Chibok girls, who were abducted from their school in April 2014 by Boko Haram, reports ITRealms.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave this outlines on Friday while briefing press on the efforts which included swap arrangements dating back to July 2015, however, failed for various reasons, including last-minute issuance of a new set of demands by Boko Haram elements.

Special Assistant to Hon Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Segun Adeyemi quoted him as saying that in spite of the failure of the past swap agreements, the government and the security agencies have not relented in the bid to ensure that the Chibok girls are released safely, in line with the mandate given by the President who, upon the assumption of office, directed security agencies to urgently fashion out strategies to trace, locate and ensure the safe and successful release of the Chibok girls.

Giving details of the first swap agreement, which was the most promising, Alhaji Mohammed said it failed in the last minute because Boko Haram decided to make a new set of demands, even after all arrangements had been made to exchange some Boko Haram fighters for the girls.

''Precisely on 17th July, 2015, the DSS opened negotiations process with the group holding the Chibok girls. However, in return for the release of some of these girls, the group also made some demands. These included the release of some of their fighters arrested including some involved in major terrorist actions, resulting in several fatalities, and others who were experts in manufacture of locally assembled explosives. This was difficult to accept, but appropriate security agencies had to again inform Mr. President of these demands, and its viewed implications. Again Mr. President gave his assent believing that the overall release of these girls remains paramount and sacrosanct.

''Meanwhile, following the above development, Government and the security agencies had sufficient leverage to work out the modalities of the swap. These included creating the safe haven, or necessary place of swap and working out the logistic details. Based on this, the DSS availed other critical sister agencies of this new situation. Immediately, the Nigerian Army and the Air Force sent some specialists to commence a detailed arrangement for the swap. This was during the last week of July 2015 and 1st week of August 2015. The officers representing the various agencies worked out the logistic details, such as the number of persons to be swapped i.e. number of girls and detainees to be exchanged, the vehicles and aircraft, as well as safeguards, i.e. safety of the persons, including the location of the swap.

''When it was finally agreed by all parties, Mr. President was again informed that the preparations were concluded, and the  first step for the swap would commence on 1st August, 2015. Mr. President robustly gave his approval. On 4th August, 2015, the persons who were to be part of the swap arrangements and all others involved in the operation were transported to Maiduguri, Borno State. This team, with the lead facilitator, continued the contact with the group holding the Chibok girls. The Service was able to further prove to the group its sincerity, as it established communication contact between it and its detained members.

''All things were in place for the swap which was mutually agreed. Expectations were high. Unfortunately, after more than two (2) weeks of negotiation and bargains, the group, just at the dying moments, issued new set of demands, never bargained for or discussed by the group before the movement to Maiduguri. All this while, the security agencies waited patiently. This development stalled what would have been the first release process of the Chibok girls,'' he said.

The Minister also gave the details of two more swap attempts that were made following the failure of the first agreement.

''By the month of November, precisely 13th November, 2015, another fresh negotiation process with the group was initiated. This time, there was the need to discuss a fresh component in other to avoid issues that had stalled the former arrangement. There were however some problems that many may not discern, but should be expected in this kind of situation. Some critical persons within the group who played such vital role in August, 2015 were discovered to be dead during combat action or as a result of the emerging rift amongst members of the group then. These two factors delayed the process.

''By 30th November, 2015 it was becoming glaring that the division amongst the group was more profound. This affected the swap process. By 10th December, 2015, another negotiation process was in place, but this failed to achieve results because of the varying demands by the group,'' he said, assuring that in spite of the failures, negotiation continued on new modalities to secure the release of the girls.

The Minister said since the beginning of 2016, the security agencies have not only remained committed but have also taken the lead to resolve the Chibok girls’ issue, in spite of the current division among members of the terrorist group, which has seriously affected the efforts

He commended the security agencies whom, he said, have sacrificed their time and energy, with some even paying the supreme price while fighting for the safe release of the girls, disclosing that many friendly countries and organizations have equally been very forthcoming in providing their human and technological resources to assist in the process.

Addressing the parents and relatives of the Chibok girls, Alhaji Mohammed said: ''We are with you; we feel your pains and shall not relent until we succeed in bringing home our girls and every other citizen abducted by the group.''

He also appealed to ''all those who have shown concern in resolving this matter'' to continue to trust the efforts of Government to deal with the situation.

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Pix: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, flanked by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ayo Adesugba, Special Assistants Segun Adeyemi and Williams Adeleye and Director in the Ministry Peter Dama, at a press conference addressed by the Minister in Abuja on Friday

FG making genuine efforts to correct lapses – President Buhari

ITRealms:

The President, Muhammadu Buhari has assured that lapses that have characterized Nigeria as a nation would be corrected, reports ITRealms.

Receiving a team led by Dr. Seth Berkley, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi and the Global Fund in State House, Abuja, last Thursday, President Buhari said he was impressed with the patience and steadfastness of leading supporters of health care in Nigeria, despite the country’s shortcomings.

"We are making genuine efforts to correct the lapses. We are very serious about people behaving themselves, and being accountable," he said.

Buhari also commended the visiting team for deciding to re-engage with the country, despite noticeable inefficiencies.

“You decided to be here, not minding our shortcomings. There are other countries that would bring less problems. We appreciate your commitment, and we will do our best to put ourselves in the best shape to help us," President Buhari said.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina quoted Dr Berkley as noting that the three focal points of the Buhari administration; security, economic development, and anti-corruption were critical to the future of Nigeria, stressing that these points have raised issues over the way donor funds for health care were utilized in the past.

He said Gavi and the Global Fund were disappointed when forensic audit revealed systemic weaknesses and corruption in the utilization of funds given in the past, adding that there is now a "breath of fresh air" under President Buhari’s leadership and fight against corruption and they were willing to "close the books of the past, and look into future support."

Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, who was also at the event, disclosed that those indicted in the audit of the donor funds in the past, which was done between 2010 and 2015, had already been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and would be arraigned in court soon.

Nkem Nweke/GEE

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Right activists call for renew efforts to end violence against children

ITRealms:

As the world marks the 2016 Children's Day celebration, human right activists are calling for renewed efforts to end violence against children, reports ITRealms.

They noted that with the theme of this year’s Children’s Day, “Protect the rights of the child in the face of violence and insecurity: End child marriage” helps to shed a much needed light on the unprecedented levels of violence against children in Nigeria in the recent past and present.

In the North East, they acknowledged witnessing and continued to witness grave violations of children’s rights - killings, abductions, sexual violence and use in suicide bombings by Boko Haram. More than 1.2 million children have been displaced - more than half of them below the age of 5.

"However, children living away from the crisis in the northeast are also at risk of violence," UNICEF in a press statement said.

The  Nigeria  Violence Against Children Survey (carried out by the National Population Commission, with the support of UNICEF and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), launched by Government of Nigeria in September 2015, highlighted the  prevalence of sexual, physical, and emotional violence suffered by  children in Nigeria. The survey estimates that half of all children in Nigeria experience physical violence, one in four girls and one in ten boys experience sexual violence and one in six girls and one in five boys experience emotional violence before they reach the age of 18 years.  Less than 4% get the help they need to recover.

In response, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the Year of Action to End Violence Against Children on 15 September 2015, in conjunction with the National Priority Actions, which not only set out the key actions of national Ministries and Agencies, but also of NGOs, religious groups and the media. He called upon all States to launch their own campaigns and every Nigerian to play their part in ending violence against children.

Progress has been made. Lagos was the first State to heed the President’s call, launching their own campaign and priority actions in February 2016. Cross River will be the second in June 2016. Bayelsa State domesticated the Child Rights Act. Nine States, with funding from USAID and the European Union, have joined together to develop a model child protection system in order to translate this essential Act into reality. 12 States will hold #iMarch4Children marches today to raise societal awareness on the prevalence and impact of violence against children.

“This year’s Children’s Day offers the opportunity to highlight the significant pledges made  by the Federal Government, NGOs, religious groups and the media last September to join hands to end violence against children, and call for renewed efforts by all stakeholders to turn the commitments they made into action for children”, said Jean Gough, Representative UNICEF Nigeria. 

There is no better time than today to take action. Together, let’s end violence against children.

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