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CISLAC Hosts Press Briefing on Early Warning and Response Mechanisms in Nigeria

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Abubakar Jimoh CISLAC programme officer addressing the press

 

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in collaboration with Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) held a press briefing on Monday to disseminate policy briefs on early warning and early response mechanisms to enhance the protection of civilians in Nigeria. The event was organized under the aegis of a project titled “Strengthening Capacity, Advocacy, Accountability, and Local Engagement Towards Developing Early Warning and Early Response Mechanisms” and supported by the Open Society Foundations Africa (OSF-Africa).

Addressing the media, Abubakar Jimoh, Programme Officer at CISLAC, emphasized the importance of engaging the media on conflict prediction mechanisms to raise public and policy consciousness. “There is no better time to engage the media on matters of conflict prediction mechanisms to raise public and policy consciousness on the emerging threats to the peace, security, and territorial integrity of our beloved country,” Ajimah stated.

Jimoh said the necessity of the event given the evolving epidemic of multidimensional security threats affecting Nigerians at all levels. “The event is considered necessary, given the evolving epidemic of multidimensional security threats bedeviling Nigerians at all levels,” he noted.

The increase in violent conflicts since the 2000s has raised questions on how violence and its escalation can be prevented. “Conflict prevention mechanisms exist, and Early Warning and Response Systems (EWRS) are prominent avenues to avert socio-political crises,” Ajimah explained. He stressed that prevention of crises or disasters should be initiated at the earliest possible stage.

Ajimah pointed out that early warning and early response systems are vital tools for initiating timely responses to keep the populace safe. “Despite the existing wealth of information and analysis on the issues of natural disasters, climate change, and conflict, there is a need to make early warning and conflict prevention operational at multiple levels of Nigeria’s federal structure,” he said.

Highlighting best practices, Jimoh noted that early warning and early action lead to anticipatory action or forecast-based action that enables decision-makers to take informed steps to protect people before disaster strikes. “To be effective, Early Warning Systems must involve meaningful engagement with communities at risk and decision-makers, including other stakeholders, disaster relief, and security agencies,” he added.

Through previous engagements, CISLAC observed the criticality of initiating Early Warning Early Response systems, especially at community levels, as proactive measures to conflict prevention. “This brought to limelight the ongoing project with a specific focus on Strengthening Capacity, Advocacy, Accountability, and Local Engagement towards Developing Early Warning and Early Response Mechanisms to Enhance Protection of Civilians in Nigeria,” Jimoh  stated.

During the event, CISLAC revealed key observations from their engagements across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These include logistics challenges, poor remuneration of response personnel, lack of institutionalized strategies to protect information secrecy, and the absence of modern technology for accurate information gathering. “Intrinsic logistics challenges and poor remuneration with resultant low morale among response personnel constitute major impediments to efficiency by response institutions,” Ajimah reported.

He is outlined several recommendations to improve early warning and response systems, such as institutionalizing adequate data protection systems, forming well-informed community networks, and conducting massive sensitization on drug abuse. “Adequate resource allocation to response institutions and well-remunerated personnel will foster coordination and efficiency in the response process,” he emphasized.

The CISLAC programme officer also express hope that the policy briefs would be judiciously utilized by relevant stakeholders to improve knowledge and understanding for more collaboration and collective support for early warning and response systems in Nigeria.

 

 

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Bichi rep Reaffirms Commitment to Education as Bichi Nursing College Matriculates students

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The member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and the chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to education.
Bichi stated this at the Maiden Matriculation of Flagship College of Nursing Sciences, Bichi.

He said that his foundation is focusing on education as one of its core pillars of social intervention.

He added that since inception the foundation has been employing and paying salaries to teachers to cover gaps in primary and secondary schools in Bichi Federal Constituency.

Bichi said, “Our Education Committee is working tirelessly to ensure that our teeming youths are given opportunities to excel. In line with our ‘Bichi First’ guiding principle, we will not rest until all eligible sons and daughters of Bichi Federal Constituency have a formal education and are empowered to live a decent life. May Allah SWT guide us!
“Our Foundation, since its inception, has been intervening in all strata of education, ranging from employing and paying salaries to teachers to cover gaps in primary and secondary schools in Bichi Federal Constituency, to providing basic items and stipends to students, thereby easing the pressure on parents. We are also establishing new schools, renovating and equipping the existing ones.

“In the area of sponsorship, our scholarship scheme covers full sponsorship to our students enrolled in Colleges, Polytechnics, and Universities across the nation. We are also sponsoring Postgraduate Students abroad to make them competitive and skilled, with the added advantage of foreign exposure and networking opportunities.

“”Therefore, our dear Matriculating students, as you embark on this academic journey, I urge you to remember that nursing is a noble profession that requires dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to caring for others. You are not just students; you are future leaders in the healthcare sector.

“We want you to remember that, in the rural areas and villages, your services are greatly needed. So, please put in your very best effort to acquire the right skills to help reduce infant and maternal mortalities and address the shortage of skilled birth attendants and midwives in our communities.
“In addition, our esteemed students in training, I advise you to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you within this institution. Work hard, be diligent, and strive for excellence in all you do.
“Let me assure you that we, as partners in progress, will continue to collaborate with institutions like yours to ensure that students receive the best possible academic and professional experience.
He congratulated the Management and entire community of the College, especially the founder of the school, Engr. Dr Rabiu Suleiman Bichi.
He said, “The establishment of this institution is a testament to the power of vision and determination of the founding fathers and promoters.
“To the Management and staff, I charge you to provide our students with the best possible education and training. Equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in their chosen profession. I do not doubt that your collective expertise and dedication will make this institution a model of excellence in nursing education.

“I congratulate all matriculating students once again. May this ceremony mark the beginning of a successful and fulfilling academic journey for you.”

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Skyline University Nigeria Marks Eight Years of Academic Excellence, Prepares for 4th Convocation

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The Vice Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), Professor Ajith Kumar V. V, has announced that the institution will hold its 4th Convocation Ceremony, celebrating eight years of academic excellence, innovation, and social impact.

Prof. Ajith made this known during a press briefing held ahead of the ceremony held at the university’s campus in Kano, where he reflected on the university’s remarkable progress since its establishment in 2018. “This event marks another milestone in our journey of delivering quality education, enriching minds, and shaping the future of young Nigerians,” he stated.

According to the Vice Chancellor, Skyline University Nigeria was founded with a mission to provide world-class, value-based education that empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and moral grounding needed to lead in a globalized world. “From our humble beginnings with two schools the School of Science and Information Technology (SSIT) and the School of Arts, Management and Social Sciences (SAMSS) we have now expanded into five schools, including the Schools of Legal Studies, Basic Medical Sciences, and Postgraduate Studies,” he added.

Prof. Ajith explained that the university currently offers a wide range of programs, including degrees in Law, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, and Physiotherapy, as well as Master’s and Ph.D. programs designed to promote professional and academic advancement.

Highlighting the institution’s achievements, the Vice Chancellor emphasized Skyline’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the RMK Empowerment Program, which trained 1,000 teachers under the Teachers’ Empowerment Certification Program, 100 youths and women in hospitality, and 50 entrepreneurs under the Digital Literacy and ICE Program. “We are also partnering with the World Bank’s IDEAS Project to train 1,000 Nigerian youths in ICT, web design, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity,” he revealed.

On international partnerships, Prof. Ajith announced that Skyline University signed four new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the 2024–2025 academic year with prestigious global institutions, including Keele University in the United Kingdom and Sheridan College in Canada. “These collaborations focus on student exchange and joint academic development, reinforcing our commitment to global learning and internationalization,” he said.

He further disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had granted approval for seven new part-time undergraduate programs, including B.Sc. International Relations, Economics, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Mass Communication, and Computer Science & Information Systems. “This expansion provides flexible learning opportunities for professionals seeking advancement without compromising work or family life,” Prof. Ajith explained.

According to him, all programs under the School of Basic and Medical Sciences also received full accreditation during the academic year, reaffirming Skyline University’s status as a fully accredited institution by the NUC.

On student development, Prof. Ajith listed several events organized to enhance learning experiences, including CEO Lecture Series, Guest Lectures, the First Career Fair, and Skyline TEDx, where students showcasedspeaking skills and thought leadership shared stage with invited international guest speakers.

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Just In: Last Surviving Widow of Late President Shehu Shagari, Hajiya Sutura, Passes On at 89

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Late President Shehu Shagari

 

 

The last surviving wife of Nigeria’s first democratically elected President, Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, has passed on.

In a statement signed by Captain Bala Muhammad Shagari, the son of the former President, he announced that the last surviving spouse of late President Shagari passed away today at 3:00 PM.

Captain Bala Shagari described late Hajiya Sutura as a woman of humility and trustworthiness, and a good mother and grandmother.

Nigerian Tracker reports that late President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, who ruled Nigeria from 1979 to 1983, died seven years ago on December 28, 2018, at the age of 93.

 

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