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OCCEN Empowers Youths with Pro-Democracy and Human Rights Training in Northwest Nigeria

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In an effort to boost and encourage democratic practices and rights activism in Nigeria, Organization for community civic engagement (OCCEN) has trained human rights activists and pro-democracy campaigners in Northwest Nigeria.

The training which involves participants from Kano, Katsina, Kaduna Zamfara and Jigawa states is aimed at building their capacity and equip them with modern ways of practice.

OCCEN Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Alkali said, the aim of the one day sensitization seminar for democracy and human rights activists in northwest Nigeria is to sensitize the participants on how best to go about their activities in the region.

He said, the purpose is to strengthen the capacity of young activists on how to demand good governance and political accountability in society.

“The main objective of the seminar was to equipped the participants with knowledge and skills that will help them do their work safely amidst increasing harassment and intimidation from power holders”

The project which is supported by National endowment for democracy (NDA) will continue to coach the youth in how to claim and demand their rights on political Arena and political accountability in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina , Zamfara and Jigawa states.

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Josephine Omajari, OCCEN Project senior officer lamented over failure of authorities prioritize and meet the needs of citizens in these states.
She said, youth continue to suffer from democratic deficits despite concerted efforts by civil society and donor communitie to enhance youth political participation during recent elections.

“”Youth continue to suffer disproportionately from these democratic deficits. Despite concerted efforts by civil society and the donor community to enhance youth’s political participation during the recent elections, they remain largely absent from leadership ranks of the government, parties, and traditional structures that wield authority”

“OCCEN will design and broadcast civic engagement radio programs to educate local youth and citizens on political processes, government policies and legislation, accountability and transparency to enable them to participate in political discourse as informed members of society.

“”Approximately ten episodes of the radio program will be aired. Panels of experts will be drawn from civil society, academia, and political parties for each episode to provide citizens with a varied perspective on political processes and government performance. OCCEN will also design and produce information, education, and communication (IEC) materials that will stimulate discussion with clear messages aimed at empowering citizens to build movements in their struggle for good governance in Nigeria.

These materials will be distributed during major public events as part of the sensitization effort.

On his part, a humar right lawyer Barrister Abba Hikima said, the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of Assembly are fundamental human rights that play a central role in the functioning of democratic societies.

He said, these rights enable individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions without interference or punishment from the government and to gather in groups for a common cause or purpose.

“While these rights are enshrined in international human rights frameworks and national constitutions, their precise definitions can vary across legal systems and scholars.

He said, the right to freedom of speech refers to the right of individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, opinions, and beliefs without undue government interference.

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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EFCC Reopens Atiku’s Alleged Financial Crimes Probe

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

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The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

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