NEWS
NGOs Seek More Citizen Participation in Budget Preparation

From Beauty John, Lafia
The Global Peace Development (GPD) with partners, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) and Beacon Youth Initiative (BYI) have called on the Nasarawa State Government to conduct citizens need assessment in budget preparation to prioritize demands of the people for better resource allocation.
Executive Director of GPD, Mr Ebruke Esike made the call during a one-day Policy Dialogue on Accountability with Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Relevant Stakeholders on Public Accountability in Lafia, yesterday.
The dialogue, which had in attendance; Ministry of youth and Sport Development, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ministry of Finance, budget and planning, the state House of Assembly and Civil Society Organisations, observed; In effective youth inclusion in budget and procurement process, limited reflection of youth empowerment initiatives that could address drivers of violent extremism, Inadequate citizen knowledge and awareness of budget process, tracking and monitoring for accountability among others, as some of the lapses in budget preparation in the state.
Ebruke, whom was represented by Fatima Sadiq, the state coordinator of the NGO, while stressing the need for citizen participation in budget preparation, advised that conventional and social media outlets should be vigorously explored as platform for citizen mobilisations, government engagement on budget process and implementation.
In his remark, the Resilience Programme Coordinator for ActionAid Nigeria, Mr Anicetus Atakpu, identified unemployment, perceived marginalisation and illiteracy as some of the drivers of violent extremism.
Atakpu, whom noted that Nasarawa State remains one of state with the highest allocation to education, however decried the high rate of illiteracy.
“It means that a lot needs to be done in the area of sensitisation and awareness creation how we can encourage formal education in Nasarawa State,” he said.
Dr Terfa Abraham, whom presented a paper on the state’s 2021 Budget Analysis and Advocacy Options to Stem Violent Extremism, opined that government should engage with the media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) so that people will know the projects in the budget, who it is meant for, when to be executed and the people that will benefit from it.
“Specifically for the Nasarawa State government, if you look at the 2021 budget, it has a lot of projects targeted at helping young people , women and girls but Information about what government is doing for this category of people is not contained even at the websites of all these ministries.
These information are not provided in details and so you see Government having buses, ICT equipment, generating sets to purchase but because of the inability of the budget document to provide information that can help people know where these projects will be located , it creates mistrust on the part of government,” Abraham added.
Dr Abraham stressed the need for government MDAs to increase the volume of information they post on their websites so that people will know what the government is doing for them.
Also speaking, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Chairman House Committe on Finance and Appropriation, and member representing Wamba constituency Hon Aliyu Mohammed reiterated the commitment of the state legislature to partner with the executives to reduce youth restiveness.
The lawmaker then appealed to the executive to ensure quick release of funds to MDAs for the implementation of budgets so as to improve the welfare of the people of the state.
Some of the recommendations made at the end of the dialogue include; Budget should provide adequate information to be able to guide citizens for proper monitoring, tracking and oversight of projects, Inclusion/adoption of budget reference codes to ease tracking and monitoring of projects, Government should boost investment in agriculture and other sectors to adequately provide job opportunities, create value chain and increase income.
NEWS
DHQ Rebuts Allegation of Internal Sabotage in Benue Massacre

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed the allegation suggesting that internal sabotage within the Nigerian military contributed to the tragic events in Yelwata, Benue.The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Tuesday, said the claims were unfounded and not supported by credible evidence.
Gusau said the Nigerian military had consistently denied any involvement in the massacre. According to him, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has publicly stated that the military was not responsible for the killings in Yelwata.“Furthermore, the Nigerian Military has emphasized its commitment to protecting civilians and upholding the rule of law.“There is no credible evidence to substantiate claims of internal sabotage within the military related to the Yelwata incident.“Investigations by independent bodies, including human rights organizations, have not found any links between the military and the perpetrators of the massacre.“The violence in Yelwata is part of a broader pattern of intercommunal clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, primarily between farmers and herders.“These conflicts are driven by longstanding disputes over land and grazing rights, ethnic tensions, and competition for resources,” he said.Gusau said that while the military had been deployed to maintain peace, the root causes of the violence lied in complex socio-economic and political factors.He added that attributing the Yelwata massacre to internal sabotage within the Nigerian military was misleading and detracts from the real issues at play.According to him, it is essential to focus on addressing the underlying causes of intercommunal violence and to support efforts aimed at fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace in the affected regions.“The CDS has only called for a holistic approach and the need for the cummunities and the security agencies to work closer to address the issue.“He also call on the communities not to hide criminals and also assure them the military ans other security agencies are there to protect lives and properties of law abiding citizens,” he added. (NAN)NEWS
Benue killing: NAF Deploys More Air Assets in Op Whirl Stroke

As part of sustained efforts to restore peace and stability across the North Central region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ejodame said the strategic move had reinforced the NAF’s commitment to enhancing security, supporting ground operations, and reassuring communities affected by banditry, kidnapping, and communal unrest. He said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, conducted a firsthand evaluation of air operations under OPWS, to assess the effectiveness of these expanded efforts.According to him, the visit included a high-level strategic engagement held on Tuesday, at the Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.Ejodame said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; a representative of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira; the Commander of OPWS; and the Maritime and Air Component Commanders, alongside other key stakeholders, were part of the meeting.According to Ejodame, critical updates were provided on the current tempo of joint operations aimed at restoring lasting peace across the region.In his remarks, the CAS revealed that the newly deployed air assets had been successfully integrated into ongoing operations, delivering real-time intelligence and precision targeting support.He stated NAF aircraft had continued to conduct surveillance, armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strike missions with remarkable success.Abubakar noted that the current deployment aligns with the Federal Government’s overarching mission to stabilise the Middle Belt region.He highlighted the impact of recent coordinated air and ground operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, which have led to the dismantling of several militia camps, bandit enclaves, and criminal hideouts.“These outcomes reinforce our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives and supporting national peace-building initiatives.“As long as peace is threatened, our resolve remains unshaken.“The NAF will continue to deliver timely, decisive air support in synergy with sister services, ensuring the protection of lives and properties while advancing our mission of restoring peace to the Middle Belt and beyond,” he said.The Service Chiefs jointly emphasised the importance of synergy among the armed forces and other security agencies, noting that jointness remains a cornerstone for operational success under Operation Whirl Stroke.They reiterated that the ongoing operations are part of a broader goal to create a secure environment where residents can live and conduct their legitimate activities without fear. (NAN)NEWS
Tinubu Reiterates Commitment to Fast-Track Approvals for Viable Projects

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday restated the determination of his administration to fast-track approvals for viable infrastructural projects in the country.Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made this known at the 2025 Nigeria Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Summit on Tuesday in Abuja.
The president therefore urged private sector partner to be focused and more committed. According to him, what matters to the average Nigerian is the availability of basic infrastructure such as power, roads, health facilities and quality schools. He called for a more strengthened public-private sector partnership that emphasises innovation, efficiency, commitment and integrity above mere capital and investments.” We need more than investment. We need innovation, we need efficiency, and above all, we need integrity.” I urge you to look beyond the risks and recognise the immense opportunity to shape a nation that is not just rising, but ready.“The projects that emerge from this summit must not gather dust on paper or linger in bureaucratic limbo.” We will fast-track approvals for viable projects. We will ensure coordination across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to enable swift implementation.“We do this because we know that what matters to the average Nigerian is not promises, but power in their homes, roads to their farms, access to clean water, modern hospitals, and quality schools. We must build.” We must deliver. And we must do it together,” he said.He observed that a 21st-century economy cannot be built on 20th-century infrastructure, pointing out that the “old model of public-only infrastructure funding is no longer sustainable.“Our national aspirations far exceed what public budgets alone can deliver. That is why we must innovate, and why we must work together.” We are not looking for investors to carry burdens. We are offering opportunities to create value.” We seek long-term partners who are ready to help us bridge our infrastructure gap with purpose and precision,” he added.Tinubu recalled that his administration, on assumption of office two years ago, was quite aware “that a functional relationship between the public and private sectors would be the magic wand of transformation.”He reaffirmed that the administration was still fully committed to that very public-private partnership that is passionate about delivering sustainable and inclusive infrastructure.” We have strengthened the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and enhanced its capacity to regulate, superintend, and de-risk PPP transactions.” We are determined to deliver infrastructure that is both sustainable and inclusive. Our economic reforms have laid a stable foundation.” From the removal of unsustainable subsidies to the liberalisation of the foreign exchange regime and the optimisation of government revenues, we have acted boldly and responsibly.“We are streamlining bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving transparency in our project pipelines.” We have aligned our processes with global best practices and investor expectations.”The President urged participants to ensure the event is “remembered not for fine speeches, but for bankable projects, signed deals, and enduring progress.”The Minister of Interior, Mr Tunji Ojo, commended the ICRC for championing game-changing projects across diverse sectors.Ojo noted that with President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima in the saddle, Nigeria is taking its rightful place in the comity of nations.The Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, IFC, Dahlia Khalifa, applauded the ongoing reform in Nigeria’s PPP framework.Khalifa acknowledged IFC’s collaboration with authorities across key sectors to achieve the country’s overall objectives and strengthening the existing relationship between the organisation and Nigeria.She added that Nigeria under President Tinubu has demonstrated strong commitments to timely and transparent resolution of disputes arising from PPP projects.Solomon Quaynor, the Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation at the African Development Bank, said the theme of the summit implies that partnerships are not just optional but are essential.He said the infrastructure deficits “demand that the government and the private sector work together in commercially viable PPPs.”Quaynor added that the bank was working with other partners on the Lagos-Abidjan highway project to boost regional economic integration in West Africa.“PPPs are complex long-term projects. They need to be designed properly and designed to survive different political administrations because by their very nature, they are long-term,” he stated. (NAN)