News

Over 7 million children are on the move in West, Central Africa each year.

Published

7 years ago

July 7, 2017

admin

AS part of a new report, UNICEF has announced that children account for over half of the 12 million West and Central African people on the move each year, with some 75 per cent of them remaining in sub-Saharan Africa, and less than one in five heading to Europe.

In Search of Opportunities: Voices of children on the move in West and Central Africa looks at the main drivers behind regional child migration and displacement, as well as longer-term implications for the region if these large scale population movements intensify as projected with current trends in population growth.

“Children in West and Central Africa are moving in greater numbers than ever before, many in search of safety or a better life,” said UNICEF Regional Director Marie-Pierre Poirier. “Yet the majority of these children are moving within Africa, not to Europe or elsewhere. We must broaden the discussion on migration to encompass the vulnerabilities of all children on the move and expand systems to protect them, in all their intended destinations.”

The report, which is based on a series of interviews with migrants and their families from several countries, reveals a complex set of drivers for migration beyond poverty. It suggests that migration involving children and young people from West and Central Africa is likely to increase due to a confluence of factors including rapid population growth and urbanization, unequitable economic development, persistent conflict, weak governance and limited institutional capacity to support the most vulnerable populations.

ALSO READ Rise Of The Robots: UN tries to tackle ‘mind-blowing’ growth of artificial intelligence

Climate change is also a major factor driving migration in West and Central Africa. The region is projected to experience a three to four degree rise in temperature this century – more than one and a half times higher than anywhere else in the world. Severe flooding and drought is already causing the loss of livelihoods and displacement, while changing climate patterns are making some forms of agriculture increasingly unsustainable. Tensions over access to scarce resources for cattle and livestock are leading to hostilities in some rural areas, pushing greater numbers of people towards cities.

The report finds that the region lacks sufficient protection systems – both within and across borders – to ensure the safety and wellbeing of refugee and migrant children, a gap which will become more pronounced with the projected increase in both national populations and migration. The report recommends that policy makers put children at the centre of any response to migration. This can be done by strengthening the chain of protection for children between countries of origin, transit and destination. The close cooperation of governments, UN, and non-governmental partners is critical in to ensure children’s access to healthcare, education and other essential services, regardless of their migration status.

UNICEF continues to urge all governments, in West and Central Africa, in Europe and elsewhere to adopt the six-point Agenda for Action for the protection of refugee and migrant children:

Protect child refugees and migrants, particularly unaccompanied children, from exploitation and violence;
End the detention of children seeking refugee status or migrating, by introducing a range of practical alternatives;
Keep families together as the best way to protect children and give children legal status;
Keep all refugee and migrant children learning and give them access to health and other quality services;
Press for action on the underlying causes of large scale movements of refugees and migrants;
Promote measures to combat xenophobia, discrimination and marginalization in countries of transit and destination.

ALSO READ #BBNaija: Tacha apologizes to fans, says 'I know I need to work on my emotional health'

In addition to this Agenda for Action, UNICEF has also launched a Campaign urging the public to stand in solidarity with refugee and migrant children uprooted by war, violence and poverty. The “#AChildIsAChild” campaign has so far been supported on social media by more than 2 million people.

News

FG Unveils Unbundling Plan for Electricity Distribution Companies

Published

16 hours ago

April 23, 2024

admin

Screenshot202404232055041 MegaIcon Magazine

In a bid to enhance efficiency within Nigeria’s power sector, the Federal Government has initiated the unbundling process for 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

This move aims to streamline operations and bolster effectiveness within the sector, as highlighted by Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.

Addressing the Senate Committee on Power in Abuja, Minister Adelabu emphasized the necessity of restructuring the DisCos into more manageable entities aligned along state lines.

He stressed the impracticality of current setups, citing examples such as the Ibadan Disco, which spans across seven states, hindering operational efficiency.

Also, Minister Adelabu disclosed the government’s intention to exercise its ownership rights in the DisCos, reclaiming management responsibilities to rectify operational shortcomings. He underscored the imperative of governmental intervention, citing past mismanagement by private sector operators.

In tandem with the unbundling initiative, the Federal Government has directed the sale of DisCos currently under the management of banks and the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Four DisCos, including Abuja, Benin, Kaduna, and Kano, are now under bank management due to loan repayment issues, signaling a broader need for industry-wide reform.

The Senate Committee on Power echoed concerns over DisCos’ inefficiencies, advocating for comprehensive overhauls to address longstanding performance deficits. Senator Danjuma Goje decried DisCos’ lackluster contributions to the power sector, labeling them as “complete failures.”

ALSO READ Rise Of The Robots: UN tries to tackle ‘mind-blowing’ growth of artificial intelligence

In response to mounting challenges, Minister Adelabu outlined key strategies to revitalize the sector, including stringent regulatory measures, franchise agreements, and accelerated completion of transmission projects. Additionally, efforts are underway to bridge the metering gap and expand renewable energy capacity to bolster the national grid.

Looking ahead, the Federal Government remains committed to realizing its vision of a robust and sustainable power sector, with plans underway to achieve a target of 6,000MW of power generation by the year’s end. As stakeholders collaborate to address systemic deficiencies, the trajectory of Nigeria’s power sector points towards a future marked by resilience and progress.

News

Nigerian Army Dismisses Two Personnel Over Alleged Theft at Dangote Refinery

Published

20 hours ago

April 23, 2024

admin

The Nigerian Army has swiftly acted on allegations of misconduct within its ranks, as it announces the immediate dismissal of two of its personnel implicated in a reported theft at the Dangote refinery in Lagos.

Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, affirmed this disciplinary action in a statement released on Monday.

Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani have been relieved of their duties and handed over to the police for further investigation.

“As a demonstration of NA’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution,” Nwachukwu stated.

Major General Nwachukwu outlined the charges against the soldiers, citing their abandonment of duty post and unauthorized possession of materials. He noted that they were summarily tried and found guilty in accordance with military laws.

“This decisive action underscores the NA’s resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation,” Nwachukwu added. “The NA reassures the general public of its dedication to upholding integrity, discipline, and accountability at all levels.”

“We remain resolute in our duty to protect and serve the nation with honor and dignity,” he concluded.

ALSO READ COVID-19 in Africa: WHO urges constant vigilance as cases top 200,000

News

Rainstorm plunges forty Ogun communities into darkness

Published

2 days ago

April 22, 2024

admin

tempFileForShare202404220923321768x785 MegaIcon Magazine

Forty communities in Ogun State have been plunged into darkness following a rainstorm on Sunday.

The downpour, which began midday, destroyed electricity facilities in some parts of the state, leading to a blackout.

“Due to broken poles occasioned by the heavy downpour at Ota and Mowe, customers in the following communities: lyana lyesi, Osuke Town, Egan Road, lyana Ilogbo, Ijaba, Ijagba, Itele, Lafenwa, Singer, Joju, Alishiba, Oju Ore, Tollgate, Eledi, Akeja, Abebi, Osi Round About, Ota Town, Ota Industrial Estate, Igberen, lju, Atan, Onipanu, Obasanjo, Lusada, Arigba, Odugbe, Ado-Odo, Igbesa, Owode,” the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) said in a statement late Sunday.

“Olokuta, Hanushi, Bamtish Camp Lufiwape, Eltees Farm, August Engineering, Spark Cear Soap Ayetoro, Amazing Grace Oil, Christopher University, Royal Garden Estate, Pentagon Estate, and environs are experiencing power outages”.

It called on residents of the areas to avoid “contact with the broken poles, saggy wires or any other electrical installation affected by the rain.

“Our technical team is working to clear and replace the broken poles and installations to ensure power supply is restored as soon as possible,” IBEDC said.

A video circulating on social media showed fallen electricity poles on vehicles in a flooded Sango-Ota area of the state.

ALSO READ Rise Of The Robots: UN tries to tackle ‘mind-blowing’ growth of artificial intelligence