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Canada backs Democratic Republic of Congo with $97m.

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THE Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Thursday announced $97 million in funding to improve child protection, promote growth that works for all and provide crucial humanitarian assistance in the DRC and the region.

The Minister made this announcement as she concluded a two-day visit to the DRC, as part of Canada’s re-engagement with Africa and its commitment to work together to address issues facing the continent.

The DRC is one of the poorest countries in the world with more than 87% of its population living on less than $1.25 a day. Years of conflict have resulted in more than 3 million internally displaced people. Women and children are particularly vulnerable as they have limited means to support their families, little access to sexual and reproductive health services, and increased risk of experiencing sexual and gender-based violence.

The Minister will now travel to Ghana for a three-day visit to promote and reinforce women’s, girls’ and youth’s empowerment in Africa

In line with Canada’s new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the initiatives announced today will help address some of these challenges and improve the lives of the most vulnerable Congolese, particularly women and children, by:

  • helping to protect the rights of more than 95,000 street children, at-risk youth and children working in and around mines;
  • increasing women’s and girls’ access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health services;
  • providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to over 578,000 conflict-affected people; and
  • empowering women with the skills and financial products they need to support their communities and families, promoting growth that works for all.
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While in the DRC, Minister Bibeau met with a number of women, youth and government officials, as well as development and humanitarian partners, to determine how Canada can best continue to support the advancement of women’s and girls’ rights.

The Minister also stressed the importance of good governance in the DRC. In this context, only a political solution will allow the country to emerge from the crisis. That is why Canada is calling for the implementation of the December 31, 2016, agreement and the holding of presidential elections as soon as possible.

The Minister will now travel to Ghana for a three-day visit to promote and reinforce women’s, girls’ and youth’s empowerment in Africa. For this portion of the trip, the Minister will be accompanied by Right To Play ambassadors Kaylyn Kyle, Olympic bronze medalist for the Canadian soccer team, and Joannie Rochette, Olympic bronze medalist figure skater for Team Canada.

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Your Commitment Reignites Hope – Oyo Rep, Oseni Hails Tinubu at 72

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Oyo state House of Representatives member, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has added his voice to the chorus of well-wishers celebrating the 72nd birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal constituency, in a statement on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, extolled President Tinubu as a committed and visionary leader, whose unwavering dedication has reignited hope among Nigerians.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), lauded Tinubu’s doggedness, leadership acumen, and courageous approach to governance.

He emphasised the pivotal role played by the President in charting a course for national development and fostering unity across diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Reflecting on President Tinubu’s illustrious political career, Oseni highlighted the transformative policies and initiatives spearheaded by the celebrated leader, which have significantly impacted the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria.

“Undoubtedly, your track record speaks volumes about your commitment and visionary leadership. Your unwavering dedication has rekindled hope among Nigerians, positioning you as a pivotal figure in charting the path for national development and fostering unity among diverse ethnic groups.

“Your transformative policies and initiatives are already making a significant impact on the socio-economic landscape of our beloved country”, the statement partly read.

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The APC chieftain applauded President Tinubu’s resilience in the face of challenges, expressing confidence in his ability to steer the nation toward greater prosperity.

As Nigeria confronts multifaceted challenges, Oseni urged Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu’s vision for a brighter future, underscoring the importance of unity, peace, and collective effort in realising the nation’s development aspirations.

The lawmaker added, “I comprehend that as a nation, we confront various challenges, and President Tinubu is confronting these issues directly for the betterment of all. This period, too, shall pass; hence, in such times, let us unite in support of the President and uplift our leaders in prayer.

“Together, we can realise the vision of renewed hope and leave behind a more prosperous Nigeria for the generations to come.”

 

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Kidnappers Must Be Treated As Terrorists – Tinubu Declares

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In a stern address at a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, President Bola Tinubu declared that individuals involved in despicable crimes such as kidnapping must be treated as terrorists.

The President, speaking passionately, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to defeating banditry, labeling those who engage in kidnapping as cowards incapable of confronting the might of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“We must treat kidnappers as terrorists,” President Tinubu asserted, as reported by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. “They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them.”

The President made these remarks during the dinner attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including notable figures such as former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, and Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The event provided a platform for discussions on various issues, including the escalating security challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones.

Nigeria has grappled with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft, with the aforementioned regions experiencing a surge in insurgent and bandit attacks over the last decade.

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President Tinubu’s government has remained steadfast in its stance of not negotiating with bandits, despite the continued abduction of schoolchildren and residents for ransom.

The recent mass abduction of 137 schoolchildren from Kuriga in Kaduna State serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security threats.

The President also addressed the need for judicial reforms and improved welfare for judicial officers.

Recognising the challenges faced by the judiciary, President Tinubu pledged to implement necessary reforms to enhance the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers. He emphasised the importance of fair compensation and support for the judiciary, acknowledging their pivotal role in upholding the respectability of the judicial arm of government.

In response, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to judicial reforms and for hosting the Ramadan dinner in honour of judicial officers.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, also expressed gratitude to the President for forwarding the executive bill aimed at addressing the stagnant state of judges’ salaries and allowances since 2007.

President Tinubu’s declaration underscores the government’s resolve to combat insecurity and hold perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable.

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Abiodun Unveils 50% Discount Rice Scheme to Aid Ogun Residents

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Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said that his administration will commence the sale of rice at half the market price across the state to alleviate the prevailing economic challenges in the country..

Addressing attendees at a special Iftar organised for the League of Imams and Alfas in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun emphasised the importance of alleviating the economic burden on the public, particularly civil servants.

He stated, “We have decided to commence the sale of rice. We will be selling it at the rate of 50% of the actual price.”

Highlighting the significance of restoring the purchasing power of public servants, the governor affirmed that the initiative aims to counter the impact of inflation.

He asserted, “What we are trying to do is put them in the position they were before the inflation.”

The governor disclosed the establishment of a committee to oversee the distribution of rice to residents, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

He emphasised the sustainability of the programme, stating, “If we sell at the price it was sold before it becomes expensive, it will allow us to use the money to buy more and continue to sell.”

Also, the governor pledged free rice distribution to the less privileged segments of society, including the poor, elderly, and vulnerable individuals.

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Encouraging Muslims to uphold virtuous behavior beyond the fasting period, Governor Abiodun urged continuous prayers for the well-being of the state and the nation.

He reiterated his commitment to constructing a modern secretariat for the League of Imams and Alfas, promising a landmark facility that would set a standard for other states.

In recognition of his efforts towards peace and empowerment, Governor Abiodun was honoured with the title of Ambassador of Peace in Islam during the event.

Attendees also offered special prayers for the upcoming 72nd birthday celebration of President Bola Tinubu, scheduled for March 29th.

Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, the Secretary of the League of Imams and Alfas, commended Governor Abiodun for his dedication to empowering Muslim youths and fostering goodwill within the community.

 

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