The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Second Chance Programme in Kano State has successfully enrolled 5,000 out-of-school girls back into the educational system. This was announced by Dr. Auwal Halilu, Technical Assistant for the AGILE Second Chance Programme, during a one-day training session for enumerators on the enrollment and validation of out-of-school girls held at the Centre for Reading, Bayero University, Kano.

Dr. Halilu explained that the training session served as a refresher for enumerators who have been instrumental in identifying out-of-school girls aged 15 to 25. “We have done a lot of work in November and early December, during which we identified 5,000 young girls. Some of the girls are above fifteen and they are all enrolled in young adult learning classes,” Dr. Halilu stated.

Cross section of enumerators during the session

He emphasized the importance of the refresher training, noting that it aligns with the objectives and ideals of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to see education prosper in Kano State. “We felt that our enumerators need to refresh their memory by 2025 in line with the objective and ideals of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to see that education prospers in Kano State. In AGILE Second Chance, we see the need to set a target, and by 2025, we aim to have young girls aged 15 to 25 returned to school,” he added.

The training focused on introducing enumerators to modern techniques, respecting clients, and cultural sensitivity. Dr. Halilu expressed the ambitious goal of returning ten thousand out-of-school girls to school each quarter, aiming to have at least 40,000 girls back in school by the end of 2025.

Hajiya Jamila Ibrahim addressing news men

Hajiya Jamila Ibrahim, another key figure in the programme, highlighted the importance of the refresher training for the enumerators. “We want our enumerators to put in more effort. We want to encourage them and show them the government’s interest in what they are doing and motivate them,” she said.

The enumerators shared their experiences and the impact of the training. Enumerator Ahmad Sani Saye expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We are very glad and the training has refreshed our minds.” Hadiza Ibrahim, who works at a private and voluntary institution board, emphasized the significance of the programme, saying, “Second Chance is a great opportunity to support the girl child. We are ready and understand what is supposed to be done.”

The AGILE Second Chance Programme aims to provide educational opportunities for out-of-school girls, enhancing their chances of a brighter future and contributing to the overall development of the region.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.

In a press release issued on Thursday, December 26, 2024, the Nigerian government described these claims as baseless and existing solely in the realm of imagination. The statement emphasized that Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership by keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

The Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighboring country.

The press release further stated that neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. Additionally, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic. The government reiterated its full support for senior Nigerian officials’ untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between Nigeria and Niger and their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.

Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil, demonstrating its commitment to national independence and regional leadership.

The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture was also dismissed as unfounded and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.

The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, were also refuted. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, code-named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out. The government questioned how it could be accused of harboring the same group it is actively fighting against. These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.

The public was urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the military leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.

In conclusion, the press release stated that President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. The government urged Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.

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Gwale Old Boys Association (GOBA) Announces Annual General Meeting and Election of National Executives

The National President of the Gwale Old Boys Association (GOBA), Engr. Hassan Abdulkadir, on behalf of the national officials, has cordially invited members to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the General Election of the National Executives Council. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM prompt at the Murtala Mahd Hall, GGSS Gwale.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Bashir Habib Yahya, the association emphasized the importance of the AGM and the election in shaping the future of GOBA. The meeting will provide an opportunity for members to engage in discussions, review the association’s activities, and elect new leaders who will steer the association towards achieving its goals.

The AGM is expected to attract a large turnout of members, including former students of Government Unity College, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, one of the renowned secondary schools in Northern Nigeria. The event will serve as a platform for networking, sharing experiences, and fostering a sense of community among the alumni.

Members are encouraged to attend the meeting promptly and participate actively in the proceedings. The election of the new national executives is a critical aspect of the AGM, as it will determine the leadership that will guide the association in the coming years.