NEWS
Regional Stability Tops Lake Chad Governors’ Resolutions in Maiduguri

Regional stability, peace and sustainable development on Friday topped the resolutions adopted at the concluded 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBGF) meeting in Maiduguri.
The resolutions were adopted in a communique signed by Brig.-Gen. Mahamadou Lamme, the Chairman, Draft Communique Committee, and the Governor of Diffa Province in the Republic of Niger in Maiduguri.
The week-long LCBGF’s meeting which had 1,000 delegates in attendance brought together governors from the Republics of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.
“The LCB Governors’ Forum recognised and commended the substantial achievements made under the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience of the Areas-affected by Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin Region (RS SRR) which have significantly contributed to stabilisation, peace, and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin region.
“In the light of the significant progress made in the implementation of the RS SRR, the LCB Governors’ Forum commended the governments of the Lake Chad Basin countries, regional institutions, and international partners for their unwavering commitment to stabilisation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
“The Forum welcomed the efforts of the LCBC and its partners in facilitating the technical validation of the adjusted RS SRR in 2024 and encourages the LCBC Council of Ministers and the AU Peace and Security Council to endorse the revised strategy.
“The Forum also reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, international financial institutions, and regional development banks to mobilise financing for the RS SRR.
“The LCBC Governors also commended the Governors of the eight most affected territories of the Lake Chad Basin (LCB) in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria for their steadfast political leadership, unwavering commitment, and strong support for the effective implementation of the RS SRR in their respective territories.
“The forum also acknowledged the substantial progress achieved in advancing stabilisation, peace, and sustainable development across the LCB region since the inaugural meeting of the Forum in May 2018 in Maiduguri, Nigeria.
“The forum commends the significant contributions and achievements of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the troop-contributing countries of the LCBC—Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Benin—in combating non-state armed groups, notably Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“These efforts have greatly reduced the threat posed by these terrorist groups, enhanced civilian protection, and compelled many members of these groups to surrender.
“The forum further emphasised its commitment to redouble efforts and further strengthen the MNJTF and other efforts to completely eliminate the continued threat posed by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorist groups in the region,” the communique stated.
It recognised the AU’s unwavering commitment to the MNJTF, as reflected in the communiqué of the 97th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council, and commended the role of national and sub-national governments, regional and sub-regional institutions, and partners in addressing the challenges posed by exits from areas controlled by terrorist groups.
The communique commended the technical validation of the Community-Based Reconciliation and Reintegration Policy (CBRR) and encouraged its endorsement at the next LCBC Council of Ministers meeting.
It, however, called on the member states to implement the policy effectively.
The communique also endorsed the recommendation of the 5th Steering Committee of the LCBC to develop a Regional Policy on Transitional Justice for the Lake Chad Basin region.
It underscored the critical need for the rehabilitation and reintegration of former associates of Boko Haram and ISWAP who have left these groups, while calling on LCB states, institutions, and partners to provide the necessary human and material resources to address this challenge effectively.
The communique also acknowledged the progress made in addressing the humanitarian situation in the region, but noted with concern that the effects of by climate change, illiteracy, youth unemployment, severe economic challenges, and frequent natural disasters still persist in the region.
It stressed the disproportionate impact of the security crisis on vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and reaffirmed the need to protect and assist all affected civilians in compliance with humanitarian principles and international law.
It noted with concern the suspension of donor support for Niger’s National Window of the Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF), which could negatively impact progress across the region, and called for a concerted effort to urgently address this challenge.
The communique welcomed the establishment of the Special Multi-Partner Delivery Fund (SMDF) and the Nexus Funding Facility (NFF) as vital mechanisms to support and coordinate stabilisation, recovery, and resilience initiatives across the region.
It also reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to advancing stabilisation, recovery, and resilience in the region while in this regard, the Forum committed itself to ensure member states strengthen strategic support to, and operational capacity of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and invest in transborder security.
The communique resolved to ensure member states effectively occupy the Lake Chad Islands as a means of strengthening transboundary security, with a focus on securing and controlling the waterways as well as ensure that remnant of all Non-State Armed Groups are completely neutralised in all the member states.
It pledged to intensify efforts to combat illicit trade of arms, and illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse, especially among youth and scale up climate resilient initiatives and environmental protection efforts to support the rehabilitation of the Lake Chad Basin ecosystems and biodiversity.
The communique committed itself to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, especially in facilitating reconciliation and reintegration processes as well as strengthen women and youth engagement in stabilisation, recovery, and resilience initiatives, ensuring their needs and priorities are effectively addressed.
It also agreed to enhance the role of civil society and traditional authorities in designing, implementing, and monitoring regional stabilisation, recovery, and resilience efforts as well work with the LCBC on advocacy and fundraising with partners and donors towards continuation of stabilisation activities in Niger.
The communique promised to facilitate the establishment of “Free trade Zones” in the Lake Chad region, as a means of promoting cross-border trade and economic connectivity while Identifying and investing in the construction and rehabilitation of cross-border roads as a means of promoting transboundary trade and strengthening security.
It announced its readiness to update and facilitate the implementation of the Territorial Action Plans (TAPs) to align with the adjusted RS SRR and strengthen resource mobilisation efforts through the Special Multi-Partner Delivery Fund (SMDF) and the Nexus Funding Facility (NFF), and other regional funding initiatives to drive impactful and sustained progress.
The communique also thanked President Bola Tinubu, the host, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and the people of Nigeria for their hospitality.
It expressed appreciation to the Governor of Hadjer-Lamis, Ildjima Abdraman of the Republic of Chad for her leadership and commitment in steering the forum between 2023 and 2024.
The communique commended the acceptance of the Chairmanship of the LCBGF by its new Chairman, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe. (NAN)
General News
CBN Disowns Fictitious Contact Awards, Warns Public

By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disowned fictitious contacts purportedly awarded by some faceless persons on behalf of the Bank.
The CBN said in a statement by the Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali on Monday that such individuals and groups claim to represent the Apex Bank
The statement further reads, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn once again to the activities of individuals and groups falsely claiming to represent or act on behalf of the CBN.
“These actors continue to circulate fictitious offers of contracts, loans, grants, intervention funds, and other financial benefits allegedly issued or endorsed by the CBN.
“Despite the public advisory issued on November 18, 2024, through the Bank’s official channels and news outlets, these misleading schemes have persisted, targeting unsuspecting members of the public with false and deceptive narratives.
“The CBN wishes to reiterate that it has not authorised, licensed, or appointed any individual, group, or organisation to act as an agent or intermediary in offering contracts, financial grants, or intervention funds to the public.
“The CBN also does not endorse or support such claims in any form.
Members of the public are advised that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not award contracts or disburse funds through unsolicited communications such as emails, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or any social media platform. It also does not request payment of fees in exchange for contracts, grants, or financial interventions, nor does it engage intermediaries or third parties to offer financial services or opportunities to the public.
“If you are approached by individuals or entities making such claims, we strongly advise that you do not engage with them. Instead, such incidents should be reported immediately to the relevant law enforcement agencies or the nearest CBN Branch.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding the financial interests of the Nigerian public and continues to work closely with security agencies to investigate and address fraudulent activities.”
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Education
FG Reaffirms Commitment To Girl-Child, Inclusive Education

By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The federal government on Monday reaffirmed it’s committment to the education of the girl-child in the country.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad gave the assurance in her welcome address at the Validation Workshop on the situational analysis and baseline assessment of the Japan-funded UNESCO-IICBA project titled “Capacity Building of Teachers to Promote Continuous and Inclusive Access to Safe and Quality Education for Girls in West Africa.
” in Abuja.Professor Suwaiba noted that the project aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which prioritizes girl-child education, STEMM, TVET, teacher development, and quality assurance in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Education.
She urged stakeholders to critically examine the consultant’s findings, identify key gaps, and propose strategic and cost-effective interventions to strengthen teacher capacity and female leadership in schools. She appreciated the Government and Embassy of Japan, UNESCO, and development partners for supporting Nigeria’s inclusion in the regional project.
The Minister who officially declared the workshop open thanked all the participants for their commitment to transforming Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Earlier, Dr. Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, described the teaching profession as highly rewarding, drawing from personal experience. He commended teachers as nation-builders whose contributions leave lasting legacies.
Dr. Sununu also praised the ongoing partnership with UNESCO IICBA and the Government of Japan, highlighting the significance of investing in human capital, particularly through girl-child education, as a catalyst for national development and societal progress.
In her remarks, Dr. Uchenna C. Uba, Director of Colleges of Education and Chairperson of the Project Technical Working Group, highlighted girl-child education as a national priority and fundamental human right.
She noted that the validation workshop was designed to review the findings of the situational analysis, gather stakeholder input, and refine strategies for empowering teachers with inclusive, ICT-driven, and gender-responsive tools. She appreciated the Government of Japan and all development partners, and encouraged participants to contribute actively to ensuring the project’s success and sustainability.
Speaking on behalf of the Embassy of Japan, the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Kozaki Hitoshi, reaffirmed Japan’s strong commitment to promoting inclusive, safe, and quality education. He underscored the role of empowered teachers in driving access to education for girls and highlighted Japan’s broader contributions through the TICAD framework, including a $5 billion pledge for peace and development in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.
Mr. Hitoshi praised the efforts of UNESCO IICBA, the African Union, and the Federal Ministry of Education, urging all stakeholders to invest boldly in teachers and girls’ education to achieve lasting transformation.
Also speaking, Dr. Quentin Wodon, Director at UNESCO IICBA, emphasized the importance of the project in strengthening pre-service education for girls in Nigeria. While acknowledging that the project is relatively small in scale, he noted its potential for far-reaching impact.
He commended the collaborative efforts of the project team, especially with AU/CIEFFA and the KIX initiative. Dr. Wodon also spoke about upcoming opportunities, including a new e-learning initiative funded by the Japanese government to support female school leadership.
He was hopeful that Nigeria would continue to participate in such proposals and stressed the value of planning and empirical discussions during the workshop to benefit teachers and girls alike.
In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folashade Boriowo, “The Federal Ministry of Education is committed to sustaining partnerships that drive inclusive and equitable education, and we look forward to continued collaboration with our valued partners, including the Government of Japan, UNESCO IICBA, AU/CIEFFA, and all stakeholders, in empowering Nigerian girls for a brighter future”.
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General News
FRSC Intensifies Enforcement On Use of Crash Helmet

The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) in Oyo State says the command will deploy its operational energies to enforce the use of crash helmets by passengers and motorcyclists.
Mrs Rosemary Alo, the FRSC Sector Commander said this at a news conference organized by the command in commemoration of the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week on Monday in Ibadan.
The global road safety week, scheduled for May 12 to May 18, provides an opportunity to spur action at national and local levels to make walking and cycling safe.
The theme for the 2025 global road safety week is “Street for Life, #Make Walking Safe, Make Cycling Safe”.
Alo said that the week aims to highlight concrete and specific interventions that could be undertaken by various stakeholders like governments, international agencies, civil society, businesses and schools, to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
She said road users, particularly vulnerable groups like pedestrians and street children, faced higher risks of road traffic injuries and deaths due to poor road infrastructure, unsafe road conditions and inadequate safety measures.
According to her, the use of a helmet reduces damage to sensitive parts of the body, including eyes, skull, brain and nose.
“Pedestrians, especially the elderly and street children often involved in commercial activities on roadsides, are particularly vulnerable to injuries from traffic.
”Motorcyclists in the same way, as pedestrians, are still a significant road user group that faces high risks of injury.
“As Oyo sector commander, I am proud to lead efforts that prioritise the safety of our road users.
“The command remains committed to reducing road crashes and promoting a culture of safety on our roads, “she said.
She further noted that the week long event would feature sensitisation rally, distribution of flyers and media broadcast awareness to road users.
Alo revealed that the command had planned strategic visits to selected schools for road safety talk, advocacy visit to fleet operators and orphanage home, as well as commemorative church and mosque service.
“These initiatives aim to educate and remind road users of their roles in preventing road crashes.
“We urge all stakeholders, including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to join us in this crusade.
“Together, we can make our roads safer and reduce the incidence of road crashes, especially those involving pedestrians and cyclists, “she said. (NAN)