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Japan donates over US $1,468,000 to Mine Action in South Sudan

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The Government of Japan has contributed US $1,468,374 to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), for the mine action project “Enabling Humanitarian Operations and Enhancing National Institutional Capacity for Sustainable Mine Action in South Sudan.” Since 2011, Japan has contributed more than US $15 million to mine action operations in South Sudan, enabling the clearance of over 3.2 million sqm of land (equivalent to approximately 458 football pitches with the potential to produce an estimated 350 tonnes of maize annually), the removal of 20,626 items of explosive ordnance, 341,608 bullets, and the delivery of Mine Risk Education to 213,148 people, including 136,349 children.

The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution on the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signals a new era in South Sudan, however, the humanitarian crisis remains dire as an estimated 7.1 million people are reportedly in need of emergency and life-saving assistance. Currently 361 separate and distinct sites across the country are thought to be contaminated by landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive hazards, threatening the safety and security of civilians, including nearly 1.9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees. Explosive hazards pose a direct threat to the physical safety of the South Sudanese and erode people’s coping mechanisms by restricting access to basic infrastructure, social services, and livelihood activities, as well as hindering socioeconomic development. However, with the enhanced capacity of national mine action institutions, it is now realistic to envisage a transfer of responsibility from UNMAS to the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) in the next three to five years.

Continued funding from the people of Japan will support two Mine Action Teams (MATs) to mitigate the impact of explosive hazards, through survey and clearance as well as the provision of Mine Risk Education for conflict-affected populations, while simultaneously enhancing national institutional capacity for sustainable mine action through the provision of a series of capacity building trainings and support for the NMAA in generating advocacy opportunities.

The Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan, H.E. Mr. Seiji Okada stated, “The Government of Japan has been supporting UNMAS as one of the largest donors, because of the importance of its work. In South Sudan, assuming the successful implementation of the Peace Process and with the expectation that many refugees and IDPs will go back to their own villages, the UNMAS project is very timely. UNMAS ensures safety for returnees from refugee camps, POCs and collective centers to their own villages, and also clears land nearby the villages for agriculture sites. This is one of the important preconditions for returns to happen.

Mr. Richard Boulter, the Programme Manager of UNMAS in South Sudan, stressed the importance of the support from the Government of Japan, saying, “UNMAS appreciates Japan’s strong initiative as a steady, reliable, and encouraging partner for humanitarian mine action in South Sudan. Japan has continued to support risk mitigation of explosive hazards through survey, clearance, and risk education, and enabling UNMAS to work with the Government of South Sudan, through the NMAA.  This year’s increased support will maintain mine action as a critical enabler of humanitarian aid and a strong promoter of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

The US $8.298 million contribution from the people of Japan to UNMAS for this year will benefit mine action programmes in six countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria as well as South Sudan.

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Tinubu at 73: FERMA House Committee Chair, Oseni Hails President’s Leadership

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Says Tinubu’s policies shaping Nigeria’s future

 

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a transformative leader whose commitment to national development remains unwavering.

In a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised Tinubu for his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s progress. According to him, the President’s political trajectory and governance philosophy have laid the foundation for a more prosperous nation.

“President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic development are unparalleled. His leadership has inspired a new era of governance rooted in progressive ideals and economic transformation,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker highlighted the President’s role in fostering democratic growth, strengthening institutions, and implementing key economic reforms aimed at stabilising the nation. He added that Tinubu’s policies, particularly in infrastructure and road rehabilitation, are crucial to Nigeria’s long-term development.

Oseni commended Tinubu for prioritising road infrastructure, stating that a well-maintained road network is essential for economic expansion and national cohesion. He pledged his committee’s continued support in ensuring that FERMA’s projects align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Beyond infrastructure, the lawmaker lauded Tinubu’s economic policies, including efforts to attract foreign investments and promote industrialisation. He expressed optimism that the government’s initiatives would yield tangible results, urging Nigerians to remain patient as reforms take shape.

“As a nation, we must rally behind the President’s agenda for economic recovery. Nation-building is a collective effort, and we must support policies that drive growth, stability, and prosperity,” he stated.

Oseni prayed for the President’s good health and strength, urging leaders across the country to emulate Tinubu’s resilience, strategic foresight, and inclusive governance.

 

 

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Olugbon, Olori Mourn Abisola Kola-Daisi, Commiserate with Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families

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The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, alongside his wife, Olori Olushola Adedoyin Alao, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Mrs. Abisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi.

In a jointly signed condolence message, the royal couple described the news as heartbreaking, especially coming just five years after the demise of the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

They extended their sympathies to Mr. Idris Kolapo Kola-Daisi, Abisola’s husband, their children, as well as Chief Kola Daisi and the entire Kola-Daisi family, urging them to find strength in this difficult time.

“This tragic loss has brought sorrow to the hearts of friends, relations, and well-wishers of the esteemed Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families. Bisola’s warm smile brightened the lives of those around her, and she carried herself with grace, nobility, and kindness,” the statement read.

Praying for divine comfort and fortitude for the bereaved families, the Olugbon and Olori noted that though Abisola’s life was brief, it was impactful and meaningful.

“We urge the family to take solace in the remarkable life she lived. A short but impactful life is truly valuable. May Almighty Allah grant her Aljanna Firdaus,” they added.

The royal couple also prayed that God would grant Chief (Mrs.) Ajimobi, her children, and the entire Kola-Daisi family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

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Rep. Oseni Condoles Late Gov. Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families Over Bisola’s Passing

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The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, described Bisola’s death as a tragic loss not only to her family but also to the wider Oyo State community.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker sympathised with the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, praying for divine strength and comfort in their time of grief.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi. My heart goes out to the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, especially, our late leader’s widow, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi during this painful period. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain urged the late governor’s wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi and other members of the bereaved families to find solace in Bisola’s impactful life. He emphasised that, beyond being the daughter of a respected former governor, she distinguished herself as a businesswoman and philanthropist, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

“Bisola was a woman of substance who made significant contributions to society. Her kindness, dedication, and commitment to excellence will always be remembered,” Oseni added.

The lawmaker also extended his condolences to Bisola’s husband, Mr Idris Kola-Daisi, acknowledging the immense pain he must be experiencing. He prayed for divine strength for him and the entire Kola-Daisi family as they navigate this difficult time.

Oseni further called on the public to keep the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers. He prayed that Almighty God grants Bisola eternal rest and gives her loved ones the resilience to endure the painful loss.

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