Metro
NIPSS alumni association commiserates with military over recent tragedies
The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has commiserated with the Nigerian military over recent tragedies in which some soldiers died during an operation in Niger.
A statement by AANI National Publicity Secretary, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, on Friday in Abuja, expressed the association’s condolences to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and families of the fallen gallant officers and soldiers.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, families, friends, and loved ones of those who have lost their lives or wounded in these unfortunate incidents.
“The recent ambush of Nigerian soldiers and the subsequent air crash in which we lost precious and gallant officers and soldiers have left our nation in shock and sorrow.
“During this challenging time, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the government of Nigeria, the Nigerian military, and the Niger State government.
“We recognise the immense sacrifices our gallant troops and their families made to safeguard our nation’s security and stability. Their dedication and bravery will always be remembered and honoured,” he said.
Usman said that AANI acknowledged the challenges posed by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, secessionists, violent extremists, and other criminal elements across the country.
He said that those incidents underscored the urgent need for a united and multi-sectoral approach to address the disturbing security threats and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and residents in the country.
The association also called for enhanced collaboration between government, security agencies, and local communities to combat the evolving security challenges effectively.
He said the AANI believes that “it is also essential to engage local vigilantes and community leaders who possess valuable insights into the dynamics of their respective geopolitical regions in tackling these security challenges.
“Their involvement can significantly contribute to intelligence gathering and implementing targeted security measures”.
He further said “AANI encourages the government of Nigeria to prioritise a comprehensive and inclusive strategy that encompasses not only military interventions but also socio-economic development, education, and empowerment.
“By addressing the root causes of insecurity, we can work towards creating lasting peace and stability across our nation.
“Our association stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people, offering our support and prayers during these trying times. We remain committed to contributing our expertise and resources to foster a safer, more united, and prosperous Nigeria.
Metro
Jos School Collapse: CWON Holds Trauma Healing Session for Parents, Survivors
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
The Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria (CWON) has organized a trauma healing session for survivors of the Jos Saint Academy School collapse alongside parents who lost their children in the unfortunate incident.The National President of the organization, Dame Mary Gonzum noted that the effort was part of their psychosocial support and counseling services for victims of the school building collapse as a follow-up to the assessment of the condition of the victims during their visit.
Gonzum speaking during a one day trauma session held at the Secretariat of the Justice Development and Peace/Caritas Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Archdiocese located along Zaria Road in Jos the Plateau State capital said the trauma healing session was in continuation of their intervention to students who experienced the building collapsed.”Today, a trauma healing session was flagged off with a seminar on how to go about handling the trauma that victims of the Saint Academy School Busa Buji in Jos are passing through.”We will later select those that are so traumatic and need help to continue with the process of healing because it is not something that will end in a day or two but will need sometime.”The surviving students who experienced the building collapsed, parents of the students are all here because some parents are so traumatic, we have one other woman that lost two children”This trauma became necessary because when we went visiting in the hospitals, we observed that some of them are really traumatic. Like the other boy, his mother said up till today he kept telling his mother that he is seeing dead bodies, and anybody he sees he will say is his classmate.”Some of the affected parents while sharing their encounters after the incident said they hardly sleep in the day or night time. Some manage to sleep for two hours and they’re awake, and from the little lectures we received today it is clear that there is a problem,” She noted.The President calls on the government to ensure that those saddled with the responsibility of approving, inspecting and supervising structures are meant to do their job with all diligence to avert future happenings again.Some of the affected parents including; Hasana Suleman Sale who lost two of her children recalled with pains the unfortunate development that claimed the lives of her two children. She expressed gratitude for the trauma healing session which she said came as a means of consolation and strength for her to overcome the trauma she is passing through.Metro
Catholic Church Welcomes New Apostolic Nuncio
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has welcomed the newly-appointed Apostolic to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty.
Crotty, an Irish, was appointed by the Vatican.
He will oversee the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the church in Nigeria.
The position, an ambassadorial status, advances cohesion in the body of Christ.
In his welcome message for Crotty on Tuesday, the President of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, said that the Church was glad to receive him.
The CBCN president, who is also the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, said,” With joy and gratitude to God, I extend a hearty welcome to Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty on behalf of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, clergy, religious and lay faithful in Nigeria.
“We are thankful to His Holiness, Pope Francis, for appointing Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty as the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria to build on the good works of his predecessor, Archbishop Antonio Filipazzi.
“His appointment is a testament to the strong spiritual bond between our countries,” he said.
He said that although Crotty was the first Apostolic Nuncio from Ireland to serve in Nigeria, many Irish missionaries had played significant roles in spreading the gospel in Nigeria.
“We appreciate Archbishop Crotty’s acceptance of serving in Nigeria and assure him of our full support and cooperation.
“We pray for a fruitful mission and a blessed tenure for our excellency,” he added. (NAN)
Metro
Boundary Commission to Provide Infrastructure Along Disputed Boundary Areas
The National Boundary Commission (NBC), says it has concluded plans to provide infrastructure in flash locations along interstate boundaries to encourage integration and cooperation.
The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this in an interview in Abuja on Wednesday.
Adaji said that the commission would look at flash point areas and provide infrastructures that would encourage cooperation and integration among border communities.
He said that the goal was to see how the commission could bring people in border communities together to share from a common facility.
This, according to him, will douse tension and bring some kind of understanding among border communities.
“The bounder communities will share the facilities, which in the long run will bring the people together and eventually reduce tension and boundary conflicts.
“This is a way of encouraging integration and cooperation by encouraging people to come together, relate with one another and engage in beneficial commercial activities.”
Adaji said that a similar initiative was test runed with a borehole, constructed boundary corridor in Ado Local Government Area of Benue state, where it shared boundary with Ebonyi.
“We have also been able to construct some market stalls in the Ebonyi sector of the boundary between Ebonyi and Cross River,” he added.
“So, our appeal is for people to appreciate, cooperate and understand that boundaries are not barriers.
“The boundary line will not stop somebody from owning properties across and that is what we want to partner with the states to educate people along by the boundary corridors. (NAN)