Metro
PWDs still Suffer Discrimination, Stigmatisation — Report

The Africa Polling Institute (API), a non-profit research institute, has observed that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country still suffer forms of discrimination and stigmatisation.
In a report entitled: “Sexual and Gender-Based Violence among Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria”, the institute alleged that PWDs could been regarded in the public as worthless, liability and unsuitable for marriage.
The report, carried out by API with the support from Ford Foundation, is a key component of the National Disability Research Project.
The report focuses on developing a reservoir of PWDs in Nigeria.
The findings from the report indicated that many PWDs “are not involved in community meetings, social participation and are denied inheritance rights due to their disability”.
According to the report, many of them are also denied involvement in decisions even those concerning their health.
It added that PWDs are vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual assaults, rape and physical violence, while they have difficulties accessing reproductive health services when needed.
“Although all the PWDs are vulnerable, it is important to note that gender, educational level and geo-political zones become important variables to be considered in any intervention for PWDs as this was found to influence the levels of vulnerability.
“There is an urgent need for government to take proactive measures to achieve the SDGs, especially Goal 16 on inclusive society,” the report read.
The report however recommended that the rights of PWDs first as human beings and as persons with special needs must be protected.
It added that there is need for public enlightenment and sensitisation to correct many of the wrong notions about PWDs across the geo-political zones in the country.
The study report noted that PWDs targeted social and economic empowerment, as well as improved access to reproductive health services of women with disabilities across all the geo-political zones, must be provided.
It says there ought to be urgent need to implement the Nigeria Disability Act, which already has some provisions to mitigate some of the challenges confronting PWDs in the country.(NAN)
Metro
CAN Reaffirms Commitment To Advocating Peace In Violence-Prone Communities

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating peace in the violence-prone communities in Plateau, Benue, and Gombe state.
The Association said this in a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in Abuja on Saturday.
CAN condemned the ongoing violence in some parts of the country, reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the safety, security, and dignity of affected communities.
“This appeal is imperative as violence in the Middle Belt continues to claim lives, with recent attacks in Benue and Plateau, resulting in significant casualties and displacement, further highlighting the urgent need for collective action and dialogue.
”CAN urged Nigerians irrespective of their backgrounds and faiths to support ongoing peace talks and avoid actions or rhetoric that could escalate tensions in the affected states.
The association highlighted its ongoing efforts, including visits to affected areas to provide relief items and solidarity, and emphasised the importance of verified information to prevent further division.
It also encouraged open dialogue among all stakeholders, both local and international, and pointed to platforms like the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council as key to finding sustainable solutions.
“We appeal to all citizens to refrain from spreading unverified information that may deepen divisions.
“The strength of our nation lies in our unity, and it is only through collective effort that we can build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“Let us embrace the teachings of the Holy Bible to love our neighbours, and the pursue peace with all,” it said.
CAN reiterated its dedication to promoting peace, unity, and understanding, calling on all parties to work together for the well-being of every Nigerian, regardless of faith or ethnicity
Metro
Tinubu Committed To Unlock Nigeria’s potential – Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations
Metro
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Providing Enabling Environment for Migrants

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing enabling environments and adequate protection for migrants in the country.
Mr Tijjani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI), said this at the International Migrants Day in Abuja on Wednesday.
Report says that the theme of the celebration was “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting their Rights.
”The Commission organised a walk in commemoration of the day to sensitise Nigerians of the danger of not following the right path when leaving the country.
Ahmed highlighted the invaluable contribution of migrants to Nigeria’s development, including remittances exceeding 23 billion dollars annually, and advancements in technology and agriculture.
He said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to creating a secure and supportive environment for migrants while enhancing migration governance.
“We are here today to celebrate the migrants for their technological transfer.
“We celebrate migrants because of their contributions towards the development of this country.
“We also celebrate them today in order to inform them that the Nigerian government and the people of Nigeria are there for them.
“We do not forget the contribution of our migrants in the diaspora towards the development of Nigeria,” he said.
Ahmed emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to lead migration governance globally through the “Rabat Process” in 2025, showcasing its dedication to migration management and human rights.
“Nigeria is preparing to take over the leadership of the rubber process by 2025.
“We are asking everyone within and outside this country to support Nigeria to succeed in the governance of migration internationally.
“We have at least 10,000 migrants in Nigeria and over 20,000 outside the country that are contributing towards the development of the country, ” he said. (NAN)