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

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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.

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:

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

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.

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‘Today, we celebrate Olubadan Ladoja’s wisdom, service at 82’ – Oseni

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Oyo South Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on his 82nd birthday.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, in a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Friday, described Oba Ladoja as an elder statesman whose years in public service had left a mark on Oyo State.

According to the lawmaker, Olubadan ‘s birthday is an opportunity to celebrate his long years of service and his contributions to the development of Ibadan and the state.

He said, “I warmly congratulate Kabiyesi, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on his 82nd birthday. Eighty-two years is no small achievement. Beyond the celebration, it is a time to appreciate a life of service, experience and commitment to the people.

“Kabiyesi has served in different capacities and has remained an important figure in the history of Oyo State. Today, we celebrate his wisdom, experience and contributions to Ibadanland.”

The APC chieftain said the monarch ascension to the throne of Olubadan had added another dimension to his years of service to the people.

He said the traditional institution remained central to the history and identity of Ibadanland.

“Leadership comes with responsibility, and Kabiyesi has taken on this responsibility at a very important stage of his life.

“As he clocks 82, I pray that God will continue to give him good health, wisdom and the strength to serve his people. I wish Kabiyesi many more years in good health and peace. May his reign continue to bring unity and progress to Ibadanland,” Oseni said.

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Oyebanji gives security agencies 100 vehicles for state police take-off

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The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday handed over 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state to strengthen patrols, improve response to distress calls and support the eventual take-off of the state police.

The vehicles were presented to the heads of the various security agencies at a ceremony held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti.

Oyebanji said the intervention was part of his administration’s sustained efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture and protect the lives and property of residents.

According to him, the vehicles are expected to enhance the mobility of security personnel, increase visibility across communities and improve their ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.

The governor said the latest intervention was coming about two years after his administration distributed patrol vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, bulletproof vests, helmets and other security equipment to security agencies in the state.

He said, “Lined up here are 100 units of security vehicles, primarily for operations and mobility of your personnel and the eventual take-off of the state police outfit.”

Oyebanji added that the state government would continue to provide financial and logistical support to security agencies, including its regular monthly assistance and efforts to strengthen state-owned security institutions.

The governor charged the security agencies to make effective use of the vehicles, warning against poor maintenance and unprofessional conduct.

He said the additional vehicles should translate into more frequent patrols, greater security presence, faster response to distress calls and improved operational efficiency.

Oyebanji also urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and make better use of surveillance technology available in the state.

He stressed the need for closer cooperation among the agencies, saying no security formation could effectively tackle emerging threats by operating in isolation.

The governor said the security agencies must remain vigilant as the state moves into a period of increased political activities and preparations for the 2027 elections.

“As we move towards our inauguration ceremony next month and elections in another four months to come, all hands must be on deck to ensure that Ekiti State continues to remain safe and secure,” he said.

Oyebanji commended the security agencies for their sacrifices and collaboration, which he said had contributed to the peace being enjoyed in the state.

He said his administration remained committed to ensuring that Ekiti retained its reputation as one of the country’s safest states.

The governor also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information and cooperating with them to safeguard their communities.

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Oseni celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, hails commitment to Nigeria

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Oyo South Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and  lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as a woman whose years in public service have been defined by compassion and commitment to the Nigerian people.

Oseni, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Monday and made available to journalists said the birthday was an opportunity to recognise the First Lady’s contribution to public life and her efforts to improve the lives of women, children and other vulnerable Nigerians.

The lawmaker said Tinubu’s experience in public service, spanning her years as First Lady of Lagos State, her tenure in the Senate and her present role as First Lady of Nigeria, had placed her in a position to understand the needs of people at different levels of society.

He noted that the demands of public office went beyond occupying a position, stressing that the real test was the ability to use such a position to make a difference in the lives of the people.

The APC chieftain said this was particularly important in Nigeria, where the challenges confronting families and communities required leaders to remain close to the people and responsive to their needs.

“Today is more than a celebration of age. It is also an opportunity to appreciate a life that has been devoted, in different capacities, to public service and the wellbeing of others.

“Senator Oluremi Tinubu has spent many years in public service, and I believe her commitment to women, children and vulnerable Nigerians deserves recognition.

“As we celebrate her at 66, I pray that God will continue to grant her the wisdom, strength and good health required to keep contributing to the development of our country,” Oseni said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA also commended the First Lady’s interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative, particularly programmes focused on education, healthcare, social welfare and economic empowerment.

He said initiatives aimed at supporting ordinary Nigerians were important to the country’s development, adding that government at every level must continue to look beyond policies and programmes to their actual impact on people’s lives.

Oseni stressed the need for Nigerians to put the interest of the country above ethnic, religious and political differences.

According to him, national development can only be sustained when citizens and leaders alike recognise their shared responsibility to build a country where every Nigerian has a sense of belonging.

“Whatever our differences may be, Nigeria remains our common home. We must continue to promote those things that bring us together and give hope to our people.

“The responsibility of building a better Nigeria belongs to all of us. Government has its role, but citizens, community leaders and other stakeholders also have important roles to play,” he said.

The lawmaker prayed for the continued good health and wellbeing of the First Lady, wishing her more years of service, fulfilment and impact.

He also expressed hope that her birthday would mark the beginning of another productive chapter in her life and public service.

“On behalf of my family, my constituents and the people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I wish our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a happy 66th birthday.

“May God continue to preserve her and grant her many more years in good health and peace. May her service to humanity and Nigeria continue to yield positive results,” Oseni added.

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