Israel is preparing for the release of the U.S.-Israeli hostage, Edan Alexander, held by the Palestinian Hamas militant group in Gaza, around midday (0900 GMT).

This is according to the media reports on Monday.

The Israeli news portal ynet cited an Israeli official as saying that preparations for his reception on Israeli territory had been completed.

The Israeli army woud facilitate a safe passage from the embattled Gaza Strip to Israel.

They are in contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which would receive the young man from Hamas, as in previous hostage handovers.

The Red Cross vehicles would travel from the handover point in Gaza and take him from there to meet representatives of the Israeli army.

Alexander would then be taken to the Reim military base on the edge of the Gaza Strip to meet his family and likely from there to hospital.

Hamas said previously that it had been in contact with U.S. officials about the release of Alexander, an Israeli soldier abducted along with around 250 others during the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks. (dpa/NAN)

The United Nations (UN) Women and other stakeholders on Monday,  called on Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri to assent to the bill promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Adamawa.

Mrs Amina Bello, the National Programme Officer, UN Women, made the call during a policy dialogue on Enhancing Inclusion of Women with Disabilities (WWDs) in peace and security decision-making, in Yola.

The programme sponsored by the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF) had in attendance disability rights advocates, PWDs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), government agencies, among others.

Bello emphasised that the rights of PWDs are human rights and stressed the need for robust measures, policies, and legislation to protect those rights.

“Adamawa is in the process of passing a bill to re-enact the PWD Commission into law.

” The bill has been passed by the State House of Assembly and is currently awaiting the governor’s assent.

“All stakeholders must continue to advocate for a comprehensive legal framework that guarantees the rights of PWDs.

“This will ensure their meaningful inclusion in all aspects of society and enable them to access social, economic, and political opportunities without hindrance,” she said.

Bello noted that the policy dialogue created a unique platform for WWDs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive discussion.

“Participants developed a Joint Action Plan that identified key challenges and proposed actionable solutions.

“The meeting also integrated WWDs into women-led peace structures such as the Mixed Observation Team and the Women Mediation Network,” she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Rukaiyatu Tahir, Principal Welfare Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said peacebuilding among WWDs was a core mandate of the ministry.

“The rehabilitation department ensures the inclusion of WWDs in peacebuilding processes.

“We work to protect their rights and shield them from discrimination and stigmatisation.

“The ministry also empowers them to be independent and productive, reducing their reliance on street begging,” Tahir added.

In her remarks, Mrs Jamila Babuba, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), said the organisation continues to strengthen advocacy efforts for WWDs.

According to her, “FIDA provides accessible legal aid through pro bono services and ensures legal support considering mobility and communication challenges.

“We also advocate for inclusive legal frameworks that incorporate disability rights into post-conflict legal reforms,” Babuba said.

She stressed the importance of the unique needs of WWDs be reflected in new laws and policies that guarantees their rights.

NAN reports that on March 27, the Adamawa  House of Assembly  passed a bill to prohibit all forms of discrimination against Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.

The bill, which repeals the Adamawa Disability Rights Commission Law No. 14 of 2016 and enacts the Adamawa State Persons with Disability Law Commission, aims to ensure the full integration of PWDs into society.

NAN reports that the bill, sponsored by Hon. Yohanna Jauro, the representative of Mubi South Constituency, was one of four crucial legislations passed by the house.

It seeks to create a legal framework that guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities and mandates their protection from any form of discrimination, exclusion, or unfair treatment.

Disability rights activists have long called for stronger legal protections and more effective implementation of policies to ensure accessibility and full participation of PWDs in various sectors, including education, employment, politics, and public services.(NAN)

By David Torough, Abuja

The All Progressive Congress (APC), Tiv Community, Abuja chapter has commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of Barr. Cosmos Akighir and Engr. Abraham Atotse as Chairman, governing board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) and Engr.

Abraham Atotse as board member of the commission.

Lader of the group, Hon.

Thomas Terzungwe Iangen, in a statement also commended the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) and leader of the North Central region, Sen. George Akume for facilitating the key federal appointments for Benue State indigenes.

Describing the appointments as a testament to the competence, dedication and expertise of the newly appointed personalities, the group expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tunubu for finding appointees worthy of service.

He noted that the appointments were a confirmation of President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to good governance and genuine effort to tame the rising wave of insecurity in the North Central geo-political zone.

The group promised continued support to the policies and programmes of President Tunubu administration.

Iangen also called on the leadership of the All Progress Congress (APC) to organize a free and fair primary election next month in FCT.
“I want to congratulate Barr. Cosmos Akighir on his appointment as Chairman governing board North Central Development commission ( NCDC) and Engr. Abraham Atotse as board member of the commission on their appintment,” Hon. Iangen said.