NEWS
FIDA to Partner Niger Police Command for Enforcement of VAPP Law

From Dan Amasingha, Minna
The international Federation of women lawyers are seeking partnership with the Niger State Police Command for the enforcement of the law against Violence Against Persons and Prohibition (VAPP) Act.State Chairperson of FIDA, Bonlale Jibogun made the call during an advocacy visit to Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman at the command headquarters in Minna.
Jibogun, while formally welcoming the newly posted CP to the advocated for synergy between FIDA and the Police to wage war against violence against vulnerable persons. She noted that, “FIDA protects, preserves and promotes rights of women and children, as well as offering free legal services to vulnerable persons in court.According to her, the sensitisation visit was aimed at creating awareness against GBV as one of the priorities of FIDA.”We are doing this advocacy for sensitisation as an instrument to curb the menace of GBV as Penal Code does not adequately take care of the struggle”She informed the Commissioner of Police of the domestication of VAPP (Violence against Person and Prohibition Act) Law in Niger State, and encouraged the Police to enforce and prosecute rape and other violent cases under this Act, to ensure that their struggles are not in vain.She pointed out that to send a wife away from home, beat and even withdraw a child from school are offenses under the VAPP Law.The State FIDA Chairperson who also doubles as the Niger State coordinator of the Legal aid council of Nigeria requested for training and sensitisation on the Law, noting that it is not limited to women and children alone but persons generally, as the Law prohibits violence against persons, both males and females.The Commissioner of Police appreciated the FIDA executives for their efforts on GBV matters, noting that he was part of GBV Board members of NPF and narrated some incidents that were investigated and prosecuted.He noted that the Law is meant to ensure improvement on prosecution in various Courts because it’s comprehensive enough and assured of Police enforcement immediately.He directed Area Commanders and DPOs to ensure enforcement and prosecution of relevant cases under the VAPP Law.Foreign News
Trump Tells Iran to Make Nuclear Deal ‘Before it is too Late’

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)