NEWS
Abbas, Nwifuru, Others Speak on Waging War Against FGM, GBV in Ebonyi

By Godwin Okeh, Abakaliki
The Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru and wives of governors of Imo, Ogun and Cross River States have cautioned against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gender Base Violence (GBV) in the state.
Abbas, Nwifuru, wives of the governors of Imo, Ogun, Rivers states, including the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi made this known during the launch of the pet project of the wife of Ebonyi State, Governor, Mrs.
Mary-Maudlin Nwifuru, that took place at the ecumenical centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.The pet project christened “Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation(BERWO), was launched by many National Assembly members and other personalities in the country.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by Hon. Amaobi Ogar, said the pet project will end GBV that has been on the increase in the state.
He commended Mrs. Nwifuru for the pet project which according to him will touch lives and save lives.
On his part, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi congratulated the Ebonyi First lady for the project and described it as very apt.
“The choice of your pet project is very apt because God sends people to meet the needs of your people from time to time. We need health in our state, we need to take care of the child, the woman and to protect them and you are also protecting the men”, he stated.
Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru who unveiled the pet project said the event was germane considering that it will create impact on the lives of the people especially women, children and the less privileged who are in dire need of care and support.
“It important to note that this laudable initiative of Her Excellency the mother of our dear state will serve as a flagship to promote a virile future for the state by addressing the key issues such as health for our rural women, campaign against GBV, Rural Health Emergency Response and most importantly women empowerment”, he stated.
The event was also used to launch the Gender Based Violence(GBV) Centre which the wife of Ebonyi State Governor is planning to build for rehabilitation, reintegration and empowerment of GBV survivors (victims).
Earlier in her speech, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru commended the eminent Nigerians for supporting her pet project.
“It is a collective effort of ours that will actually help me to actualize this my mission of stopping Gender Based Violence.
“The first thing I started immediately was stopping child trafficking, child labour, women abuse and men abuse because I am not first lady for women, I am equally first lady for all. So, I am for men and women”, she stated
The first lady expressed dismay that most of the women have lost their family values and their homes by being independent and urged women to return the past glory of their values.
She called for collective effort to end GBV in the state through the pet project.
Responding, the Wife of Cross River State Governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu commended Mrs. Nwifuru for the pet project which she said will undoubtedly serve as beckon of hope, offering support and opportunity to those who need it most.
She described the Ebonyi First Lady as a role model and advocate for positive change, adding that her dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality in the state was very commendable.
“You compassion and empathy has touched the lives of many and we are grateful for your wavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and development.
“We the people of Cross River State, stand in solidarity with you and share your vision of a better society filled with equal opportunities and prosperous future for all.
“The unveiling of BERWO is not just an event but a milestone in our collective pursuit of social harmony and progress” she stated.
NEWS
Police Reunite 35 Rescued Kidnapped Victims with Families

The Police Command in Niger, says it has reunited 35 rescued kidnapped victims and survivors with their families in Niger.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement the rescued victims consist of 16 women and 19 children.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger, Adamu Elleman, represented by the DCP investigation, Ibrahim Adamu, said the victims were from Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.
According to the CP, the victims had been in custody for some period for counselling and deradicalisation processes before handed over to their Council Chairman of Rafi LGA and relatives.
He appealed to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing actionable information on criminal activities.
NEWS
Turkish Embassy Pledges Partnership with Asset Media Group

By Donald Andoor, Abuja
The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has pledged a working relationship with the Asset Media Group and Nigeria’s media in general to further boost long lasting diplomatic and trade relations existing between the two countries.
Head of Political Office, Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, Muzaiffer Hakan Tok who was exchanging views with the management team of Asset Media Group in Abuja, yesterday recalled the robust diplomatic, trade and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkiye.
While stressing the cordial relationship existing between the two nations over time, he said there was need for media practitioners to be further enlightened about those things that were common and binding between the two nations.
He applauded the people of Nigeria and the government for the hospitality accorded Turkish nationals in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Proprietor of Asset Media Group, owners of the Daily Asset Newspaper and Asset Television, said the visit was to explore ways of media partnership with the embassy.
He appealed to the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria to initiate avenues for exchange of visits between journalists of the two countries to enable them to enlighten and educate the public about opportunities that abound in the country.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations started when Turkey opened an embassy in Lagos in 1962. The embassy was moved to Abuja in 2001 after Nigeria’s proclamation of Abuja as the new capital.
On the other hand, Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the two countries are members of a group of eight developing nations, code named D-8.
The delegation of the Daily Asset Group included Donald Andoor, Chairman Editorial Board and General Manager of Asset Television, Ayami Sunny Ayami.
NEWS
NCS Cautions Nigerians against Breach of US Visa Terms

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.
The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.
It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.
S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.
Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.