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Nigeria: Sowing seeds of hope in Wuro Dadi
The sleepy, quiet and slow pace of Wuro Dadi village situated on the banks of the Benue river, north-eastern Nigeria, belies its recent history; one of violence and destruction, when gunfire rent the air and residents fled in panic.
Wuro Dadi lies on the outskirts of Yola, the capital city of Adamawa state, firmly within the region that has been grappling with the decade-long Lake Chad conflict. In recent times, the village has been adversely affected by communal violence. When it was attacked in 2018, the violence left 5 people dead and most of its homes and farm produce destroyed.
Safiratu, a mother of three, recalls the morning she fled into the vast farmlands surrounding her village.
“We escaped with nothing but the children we have.” She said.
Her husband was killed that day, her home set ablaze and all their farm produce destroyed. In all, over 75 homes in Wuro Dadi were destroyed. Since then, the village has struggled to recover and Safiratu lived in the open with her children for seven months under a lean-to which also served as an outdoor sitting area, in front of her destroyed home.
The residents of the village are predominantly farmers and fishermen. They grow grains and vegetables and fish from a nearby fresh water pond which is fed by the annual flood waters of the Benue river. Since the attack, no one has been able to return to their farms.
“Without our seeds, there is nothing to plant” said Dishong, a 60-year old resident of the village. “We survive by fishing the pond and whatever odd jobs we can find but it is not enough. Since we cannot farm, feeding our families has become very difficult.”
For Boyomoso Eli, a father of two, fishing has become the mainstay.
“This is how we survive. Whatever we catch per day we have to sell so that we can earn some money to buy food for that day.”
Despite the intense pressure to overfish the pond, the people of Wuro Dadi practice a simple form of sustainable fishing. The pond is only fished for a few months after the rains and then it is left to fallow for the rest of the year so that it can be replenished by the Benue river. During the fallow period, those who can afford the tools needed, proceed to fish in the river. Those who cannot, have to rely on their farm produce alone.
“We were very self-sufficient here but the fighting changed it all,” said Bitrus Alvadi, a shop owner and the secretary of the village co-operative society. Bitrus’ shop was burned and looted. He was able to repair and re-stock it with support from the village co-operative society.
“Although the co-operative is of great help to us, it has also been affected by this crisis. Loans have not been repaid due to the losses suffered and so there is not enough money for loans this year.”
In April, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) helped to rebuild Safiratu’s home. The first of 77 destroyed shelters scheduled for construction. Local workers and material from the village were used for the project. Safiratu was also involved, she helped the construction team draw water for the project from the village stream.
In addition, over 200 families received maize and rice seeds for planting. Along with cash for the purchase of fertilizer and farming or fishing tools.
The seeds and cash that were distributed to the families in Wuro Dadi is part of the ICRC’s wider agricultural assistance to victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence in Nigeria.
The distribution targeted over 80,000 families in nine states: Borno, Adamawa and Yobe all in the North-East, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Nassarawa, Kaduna in the north-central region and Cross River located in the south.
Now that the planting season is well underway in Nigeria, the people of Wuro Dadi can return to farming their lands as they work towards being self-sufficient again.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has raised concerns over alleged irregularities and corruption in the recently released list of successful candidates for the 2022/23 Police Constables Recruitment Exercise by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was revealed that the list published on the Police Service Commission (PSC) portal includes numerous names of individuals who did not apply for the recruitment exercise and thus did not participate in any phase of it.
“The published list contains several names of candidates who either failed the Computer Based Test (CBT), the physical screening exercise, or both,” the statement noted.
Also, the statement further highlighted that individuals who were deemed medically unfit after standard medical tests and were disqualified from the exercise somehow appeared on the list of successful candidates.
“The most troubling aspect is the allegation of financial dealings and corrupt practices leading to the inclusion of unqualified and untrainable individuals on the list,” it added.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) reportedly expressed objections to the list in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission on June 10, 2024. The objections emphasized the discrepancies and irregularities discovered, underscoring the Police’s concern over the recruitment process.
“While recognizing the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Commission’s authority to recruit for the police, the Police reiterated that this authority does not extend to recruiting unqualified and untrained individuals,” the statement clarified.
The Police Service Commission, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on its recruitment powers, had constituted a Joint Recruitment Board to oversee the process. However, according to the statement, the Board was allegedly hampered and prevented from fulfilling its mandate, culminating in a final list that was not endorsed by the Board itself.
Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has distanced itself from the published list and called for a comprehensive review process that ensures transparency and credibility.
The statement emphasized the Police’s commitment to recruiting qualified, competent, trainable, and productive individuals into the force, aligning with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on police reform.
The recruitment exercise has been fraught with controversy, including the resignation of the former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Musiliu Smith, in 2023 amidst ongoing disputes over recruitment procedures.
The Police Service Commission had advertised the recruitment for constables, prompting conflicting notices from both the Commission and the Police regarding their respective roles in the recruitment process.
In its statement, the Nigeria Police Force urged the public to disregard the Commission’s recruitment notices, asserting that recruitment processes remain solely within the purview of the Police Force.
Zamfara Begins Payment of N30,000 Minimum Wage Ahead of Eid-ul-Adha
The Zamfara State Government has initiated the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage to civil servants in the North-Western state, following a commitment made by Governor Dauda Lawal.
The announcement came after a meeting between Governor Lawal and labour union leaders, where the decision to implement the wage increase startinginm June was confirmed.
According to a statement released on Friday by Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor’s spokesperson, civil servants in Zamfara began receiving their June salaries on the 12th of the month, in preparation for the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.
Previously, employees had been receiving a significantly lower monthly salary of N7,000.
“The Zamfara state government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, has disbursed the June salary to support workers in preparing for the upcoming Eid celebration,” the statement affirmed.
Governor Lawal’s administration has emphasized its commitment to improving the welfare of workers, with efforts including the payment of previously withheld salaries, leave grants, owed gratuities, and ensuring timely salary payments.
The statement further noted the government’s ongoing dedication to reform and revitalize the Zamfara civil service.
“This is in line with the fulfillment of the promise made by the governor last month to implement the N30,000 minimum wage,” the statement reiterated.
High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and former governor of Oyo state has called on Muslims across Nigeria to draw inspiration from the exemplary life of Prophet Ibrahim as they observe Eid-el-Kabir.
In a heartfelt address, High Chief Ladoja underscored the significance of reflecting on Prophet Ibrahim’s teachings and sacrifices during this auspicious occasion.
He emphasized the importance of unity among Muslim faithful and collaboration with adherents of other faiths, emphasizing these as crucial for fostering peace and advancing Nigeria’s progress.
“High Chief Ladoja encourages Muslims to draw inspiration from Prophet Ibrahim’s life and to avoid actions that could undermine national unity,” a statement from his office conveyed.
Highlighting the enduring values of faith and perseverance, High Ladoja likened them to Prophet Ibrahim’s steadfast commitment to his beliefs despite facing numerous challenges.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, let us remember the enduring lessons of sacrifice, love, and piety,” remarked former Governor Ladoja.
He concluded his address by extending warm Eid-el-Kabir wishes to Muslims in Ibadanland, Oyo State, and across Nigeria, urging them to celebrate joyfully and meaningfully.
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