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  • Proper Coordination Of Humanitarian Responses Will Reduce Duplication And Improve Results –  Edu

    Proper Coordination Of Humanitarian Responses Will Reduce Duplication And Improve Results –  Edu

     

    The Federal government has reiterated the need for all development partners, including the United Nations agencies providing humanitarian services in Nigeria to be properly coordinated by the government and to make decisions during planning for 2024 based on the priorities of the Government.

    According to the federal government, the era of duplicating humanitarian services and wasting minimal resources in the country was over. We must stop working in silos and pull together to see how we can effectively use the little resources available to solve humanitarian crises in 2024.

    Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu stated this when she received in the audience, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), led by the Deputy Director Operations and Advocacy Division in West and Central Africa from UN Headquarters New York at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.

    The Minister said the Nigerian government will henceforth take the lead in humanitarian situation reviews using dashboards and implementation of operations in the country to provide a coordinated response and durable solutions to humanitarian challenges in the country.

    Said Edu: “We need to make joint decisions, Government must be in the driver’s seat, we don’t want to be informed and communicated but we must plan together and implement together that way we can hold each other accountable for what goes on in the field.

    “The era of duplication of functions and services in the humanitarian space is over. We need to stop working in a silo but integrate and coordinate among all the different development partners in Nigeria”

    According to the Minister, in the last cabinet retreat, performance targets were set for all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government. We must not fail!

    Dr. Edu disclosed that her Ministry will be organizing quarterly meetings with all the development partners and agencies rendering services in the humanitarian space. This will help with proper planning and coordination of activities on the field.

    She explained that there will be a dashboard where the operations of all development partners will be known and seen as well as their impacts on the humanitarian field measured, with a feedback mechanism following proper monitoring and evaluation of programs.

    The Minister who commended the efforts of the UN agencies in Nigeria on Humanitarian response, pointed out that after the first meeting, which is coming soon, she will go to field assessment operations with all the development partners to enable them to see things for themselves, this she said, was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    She again called for immediate deployment of humanitarian services to Benue State, saying the situation there needed urgent attention and immediate action.

    Earlier, the United Nations OCHA Deputy Director Operations and Advocacy Division in West and Central Africa and leader of the delegation, Sofie Gerde Thomie, thanked the Honourable Minister for the work she is doing for Nigerians affected by humanitarian crises.

    Sofie told the Minister that they came to appreciate President Tinubu’s agenda on humanitarian response and Poverty Alleviation and to further ascertain the humanitarian needs in the Bornu, Adamawa, and Yobe(BAY)States in the Northeast.

    “I am here to see the Honourable Minister and to better understand the situation, the latest developments here in Nigeria, and how we work to support the government in addressing humanitarian concerns.

    “We’ve had very good exchanges on the current humanitarian situation and the developments, in particular in the northeast of Nigeria, and the concerns across Nigeria about the many challenges that the humanitarian actors are faced with as well in the efforts that are made to reach people who need assistance and of protection.

    “And we’ve had very good discussions around how these challenges can be addressed and how we can work together to be even more effective in what we do in a joined-up manner.

    Speaking specifically on Benue, Sofie said, ” We had a very good exchange also about Benue and what can be done in the area and potential support that could be provided. “We are, of course, looking at what types of support we can immediately provide to beef up government efforts,” She added.

    On his part, the UN OCHA Head of Office in Nigeria, Troud Jensen, explained that the Agency has been providing support to those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno states.

    Troud noted that despite investing $50 million in nutrition and social services, the IDPs are still in need of humanitarian support.

    He stated that OCHA was willing to provide $440 million in 2024 to alleviate the suffering of those affected by humanitarian crises in the BAY states.

    “We will provide humanitarian assistance and support the country to mobilize resources, we have plans in the Northeast in areas of nutrition, security, climate change, and provision of shelter.”

    He explained that the agency has mapped out funds to support the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund with the intervention of extending the support to other parts of Nigeria.

    “This year, we have reached out to 3.4 million people in terms of provision of nutrition, shelter, and water,” he added.

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair,
    SA on Media & Publicity to HM MHAPA.
    15/11/2023

  • Sunday Musings: They Are Mendacious… BY AGBA JALINGO

    Sunday Musings: They Are Mendacious… BY AGBA JALINGO

    Sunday Musings: They Are Mendacious…

    Anyone who drives in cutting edge bullet proof automobiles with a bevy of gun wielding security and offers you prayer and totems for God’s protection, is mendacious.

    Timid prayerful folks who hand their security over to the God of another tribe who defend themselves with Iron Dome, F16 Jets, Tanks and Phosphorus bombs, are themselves, very mendacious.

    Anyone who invades you, conquers you, enslaves you, assimilates you, steals your GOLD and takes more than six million of you into slave labor, and pretends to show you the road to an eternal GOLD plated paradise, is mendacious.

    Those who flood your continent with millions of small arms and turn around to fund NGOs and MDAs’ campaigns to mop up the small arms they dumped on you, are mendacious.

    Those who told you God is male and are now working to make the same God gender neutral, never knew God in the first place. They are mendacious!

    Those who told you God created us male and female and are now creating all manner of additional genders, are mendacious.

    Those who condemned your tradition, called it vindictive and taught you to turn the other cheek when you are smacked but are now returning an eye for an eye, are mendacious.

    Those who taught you to discard the iron teeth of chastisement of your gods that preserved your communality, and embrace their papyrus of inanities, which has enlivened us, are mendacious.

    But in contemporary times, mendacity has become a well thought out model and a near best practice. So, even giving a thought to some of what I have adduced here may be viewed as mendacious. The world has incrementally grown to bedding comfort with mendacity and has adorned a garland on the same. The perquisites of stardom now lavishly include the rich garnishing of mendacious recipes with tows of applause. But in the beam of lies, it takes only a ray of illumination to pierce through the veil and vanquish the cast.

    I wish you a happy Sunday and God’s blessings.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo and  does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • General Władysław Franciszek Jabłonowski Played Prominent Roles And Contributed To The Development Of European Countries BY CHIEF OBONO OBLA

    General Władysław Franciszek Jabłonowski Played Prominent Roles And Contributed To The Development Of European Countries BY CHIEF OBONO OBLA

    General Władysław Franciszek Jabłonowski: Polish General of African Descent-
    It is known that a lot of people of African ancestry played prominent roles and indeed contributed to the development of European countries in variegated ways.

    One such personage was Brigadier General Wladyslaw Franciszek Jablonowski (25 October 1769-29 September 1802).

    His origin was shrouded.
    He was the child of Maria Dralise, an English aristocrat and a known African man.

    However, he was adopted by a Polish Nobleman, Konstenty Jablonowski who gave him his family name.
    He attended a military academy and was commissioned as an officer in the Polish Army.

    In 1799 he was made General of the Brigade of the Polish legions.
    He fought in the Napoleonic wars.

    He fought along the French Legionaries in Haiti deployed to fight enslaved Africans who were revolting against French oppression, enslavement, and colonialism.

    General Jabolowski died on 29 September 1809 of dengue fever.
    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are clearly that of the author, Chief OBONO OBLA and does not represent TheLumineNews or it’s agent.

     

  • TAF Frowns Discrimination Against PWD, Advocates Inclusion

    TAF Frowns Discrimination Against PWD, Advocates Inclusion

    By Sylvia Akpan, CrossRiverWatch 

    The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa has carried out a sensitization exercise frowning against discrimination against Persons With Disabilities in public, private sector and in governance in Cross River State.

    In an event held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, facilitated by Dr. Owoade Philip Adeleke, the Foundation also sued for equal inclusion of PWD in the State.

    He noted that discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, and accommodation among others are now criminal offenses; clinging to Disabilities act, 2019, and Disability Rights Law.

    In his presentation, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Jake Epele said the foundation is passionate about Cross River State because of the establishment of a project that speaks with inclusivity in a very important area which the State has done well by embracing the project.

    “We’ve developed the guidelines for inclusive election and we are working with the office of the Secretary to the Government and para adventure, we would also work directly with the Governor. He has shown tremendous interest in what we are doing and at the end of the day, we would push and break the seal for inclusivity using this State as a role model.

    “When it comes to implementation, the government can produce a framework to implement a particular law. It is the critical stakeholders that implement and that’s why we are walking directly with critical stakeholders and robbing minds with them, exposing them to the best practice when it comes to implementation.”

    The State Coordinator, Advocacy for Women With Disability Initiative, Cross River State, Iquo Mkpang, expressed optimism that the government of Governor Bassey Otu will work with people with disability; first by implementing the Disability Bill passed into law by former Governor Ben Ayade.

    The interactive session had questions and answers as well as group work presentations by participants

  • Six Youths Arrested For Booing APC Governor Over Burial Dispute

    Six Youths Arrested For Booing APC Governor Over Burial Dispute

    Culled From Ejesgist

    Angry youths in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA of Benue State, reportedly attacked the convoy of the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday.

    The protest erupted over plans to bury the proprietor of Vaatia College, Engr Michael Vaatia, within the school premises located in their community.

    The youths from Ugondu community pelted the governor’s convoy with stones, expressing their opposition to the burial within the school premises.

    Six of the protesting youths were subsequently arrested by the police for their actions.
    Governor Alia had visited Vaatia College to assess the preparations for the burial of Engr Vaatia, who recently passed on. The deceased, who was the proprietor of the college, was scheduled to be buried within the school premises on Thursday.

    The angry youths reportedly invaded the school and damaged the grave. They disrupted proceedings as security escorts attempted to prevent them from accessing the school. The governor’s entourage was also reportedly trapped outside.

    Responding to the situation, the police special unit, Operation Zenda, was called in, resulting in the arrest of several of the protesting youths.

    The governor, addressed leaders of the Ugondu community, and cautioned against actions that could create chaos and disunity in the state.

    Governor Alia stated, “I have come to correct some misgivings that happened in the rulership of your son as governor. I sent both the Tiv, Idoma, and other tribes overseas for training without discrimination. I want to believe you, the traditional and community leaders, denying involvement in what has happened. Surely, some youths arrested will make confessions, and if they mention your name, be ready to go and answer.”

    He highlighted the peaceful burials of individuals from different tribes in Makurdi town over the past week and called for calm. The governor assured students of safety during and after the burial, directing the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to ensure peace prevails during the wake-keep and burial scheduled for Thursday.

    As of the time of this report, reconstruction of the damaged grave by the irate Ugondu youths was underway ahead of the interment of the deceased proprietor.

     

  • Humanitarian Response: Gov Alia, Tor Markudi Commend President Tinubu For Fulfilling Promises Made To Benue State

    Humanitarian Response: Gov Alia, Tor Markudi Commend President Tinubu For Fulfilling Promises Made To Benue State

     

    Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling some of the promises made to the people of the state during his electioneering campaign.

    The Governor spoke during a state dinner organized in honor of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Betta Edu and her team at the Banquet Hall, Government House Makurdi.

    The Minister was in Benue to perform the ground-breaking ceremony of the Renewed Hope Shelter for poor and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as the distribution of food and non-food items to the IDPs in eight local government areas of the state.

    According to Father Alia, President Tinubu has matched words with action by committing to ameliorating the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the state, by addressing humanitarian challenges facing them.

    He said the people of Benue state have started benefiting from the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, saying Benue people will never forget that the President made a promise and fulfilled the promise on record time.

    The Governor commended President Tinubu for appointing Dr Edu as Minister in charge of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, describing her as a perfect match for the job.

    “Honourable Minister, please convey my appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Benue state to Mr President for fulfilling the Promise made to provide permanent homes for IDPs in Benue State and provide for their livelihood.

    “We are happy as a people and we appreciate Mr President for this gesture. I also thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing a quintessentially young and vibrant Minister to take charge of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, she’s doing extremely well and we commend her and her team for a good job.

    On his part, the first Class Traditional Ruler in Benue State, His Royal Highness, Chief Vincent Awure,Tor Markudi III, was full of effusive praises for President Tinubu for giving the people of the state a new lease of life.

    The Monarch who spoke on behalf of Benue royal fathers said that before the coming of President Tinubu, several communities in the state, including Tatyo and Kyo in Markudi North local government area never knew a day would come when life would be brought back to the communities devastated by herders and bandits attacks.

    Recounting the indignities his people have passed through, the Tor Markudi lamented that they have lost many lives and livelihoods, a development that rendered over millions of households homeless, hence their present status as IDPs.

    The Monarch stressed that with life now brought back to the communities by the federal and Benue state governments, is phenomenal and they were willing to donate more land for developmental projects.

    He however pleaded with the government for more security around the riverine communities.

    “On behalf of my kingdom, we appreciate President Tinubu for this gesture and also thank the Honourable Minister, my daughter, Dr Betta Edu for her vision to address humanitarian challenges In Nigeria.

    “I have been watching her and her passion for humanitarian response from a distance; she is simply unmatched”

    Earlier, Dr Edu commended Governor Alia,the traditional rulers and the people of Benue for the warm reception and hospitality given to her and her team during her two-day working visit to the State.

    The Minister assured that her Ministry will collaborate with the state government to provide livelihood for those who have lost their means of survival. While providing transit learning areas for children through the alternate school program

    “We want to be able to provide durable solutions to those who have already been affected by this humanitarian crises.

    “Beyond this, we have already picked some markets within Benue state where we will be carrying out the markets money scheme, this scheme is a soft loan, a zero-interest loan to market women.

    “The market women will be registered right there in the markets and the loans provided for them there to support their businesses. We believe it will help the local economy to thrive.

    “There are several other government interventions including the end hunger program, the Code Nigeria program, the YESSO 2.0 program for young people, several interventions that we would be bringing to Benue State.

    “The essence is to see that we can first pull those who are in poverty out of poverty and prevent those who are at the borderline, just at the edge of it from falling into poverty.

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair
    SA Media & Publicity to HM
    MHAPA

  • 10 Lessons From Philippa Perry’s Book ‘The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read’ (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)

    10 Lessons From Philippa Perry’s Book ‘The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read’ (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)

     

    1. Children are not adults in training. They are their own people with their own thoughts, feelings, and needs. Treat them with respect and listen to them.

    2. It’s okay to have big feelings. Children may have big tantrums or meltdowns from time to time. This is normal and healthy. Help them to express their feelings in a safe and healthy way.

    3. Praise effort, not ability. When you praise a child’s ability, you are sending the message that they are only good if they are successful. Instead, praise their effort and hard work. This will help them to develop a growth mindset.

    4. Don’t compare children to each other. Every child is different and develops at their own pace. Comparing children to each other will only damage their self-esteem.

    5. Set boundaries, but be loving and supportive. Children need to know where the boundaries are, but they also need to feel loved and supported by their parents.

    6. Be a role model for your children. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. Be the kind of person you want your children to be.

    7. Don’t be afraid to apologize to your children. If you make a mistake, apologize to your children. This will teach them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that everyone is imperfect.

    8. Spend time with your children. The most important thing you can give your children is your time. Make time to play with them, talk to them, and simply be with them.

    9. Enjoy your children. They grow up so fast! Savor every moment and be grateful for the time you have with them.

    10. Remember that parenting is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just do your best and learn from your mistakes.

    A guide to parenting. It offers a practical advice on how to raise a happy home.

  • Avoid Cooking Beans With These Two Ingredients, They Destroy The Liver

    Avoid Cooking Beans With These Two Ingredients, They Destroy The Liver

     

    Everybody knows that cooking beans take quite a long time than other foods like rice, yam, potatoes, etc. This has made most Africans look for alternative means of cooking beans so it will get done quickly without wasting their energy and fuel. Some people don’t understand that some of these techniques of cooking beans are very harmful to the body and can damage vital organs of the human body.

    Most of these ingredients are very dangerous and can cause us several health conditions. It is very easy to avoid this, all you need to is to be patients while cooking your beans. You should adhere to the normal method of cooking beans. This will help in maintaining a good dieting habit.

    I have observed that many Nigerians prepare their meal with paracetamol and potash just to help them save time and fuel while cooking. My dear, if you are among the group of people doing this you need to stop now.
    Potash and Paracetamol are mostly used by Nigerians in cooking their meal. This can damage your liver which is one of the vital organs of the body.

    These wrong methods of cooking have caused many people to lose their lives, and some are having one medical problem or the other. To avoid this, you should use a pressure pot in cooking your meal. This makes it cook faster and saves your energy and time. For those who can’t afford a pressure cooker, you should wait for your food to be done properly without adding any dangerous ingredients that put your life at risk.

    My dear, ignorant kills, you should not risk your life and don’t say most we stop eating everything. Life is too short and you should live the best out of it. Stay alive and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

  • Endurance Ogri, Founder of His Ordeal Invites You To Join ‘A Honest Conversation’ On November 19th 2023

    Endurance Ogri, Founder of His Ordeal Invites You To Join ‘A Honest Conversation’ On November 19th 2023

    By Elijah Ugani 

    As parts of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Men’s
    Day, which comes up on November 19th, 2023, the founder of His Ordeal has put together A Honest Conversation which seeks to address some of the challenges faced by the boy child in the society. Some of these challenges includes: Parental alienation, sexual abuse, suicide, violence and gender discrimination towards the boy child.

    The conversation aimed to proffer solutions to some of these challenges, as well as commence advocacy for His Ordeal in gender mainstreaming, seemed to be the most recent engagements that particularly advances the rights of the boy child.

    His ordeal, is a non-governmental and non-profit organization, aimed at creating a convenient and conducive environment for the boy child, devoid of gender discrimination.

    The theme of this maiden edition “The place of the boy child in the society, and how the society has neglect the affairs of the boy child, endangering the life of the boy child” was carefully chosen to reawaken those silent area and very necessary areas that the society has downplayed over the years as the relate to the boy child.

    According to the release signed by the Founder and Host, Endurance Anne Ogri, the event will be hosted on Sunday November 19th, 2023 between 8pm and 9pm.

    The release further indicates that the conversation promises to be educative and engaging as great personalities are billed to share their thoughts on the topic.

    A popular right activist and prisoner of conscience as declared by Amnesty International, Agba Jalingo, a legal practitioner, First Baba Isa Esq, and a Medical practitioner, Dr Hilkia Isong, are the discussants.

    To join the conversation, you will need to visit the Founder and host on her verified Facebook page, Endurance Anne Ogri as she will go live. Your questions and contributions are welcome.

  • NLC, TUC Shifts Grounds, Suspends Nationwide Strike

    NLC, TUC Shifts Grounds, Suspends Nationwide Strike

    The Nigerian Labour congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended the indefinite nationwide strike which commenced yesterday.

    This decision was made after meeting with the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.