Day: May 10, 2024

Dr Sani Abubakar, National Patron, Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism, Insurgency and Terrorism (BRAVE-IT), says the fight against security challenges in Nigeria will not end with guns and bullets.

Abubakar, a scholar in Military Studies, said this at a Breakfast Meeting on National Security organised by the group on Friday in Abuja.

The theme of the meeting is ‘Exploits of the Armed Forces in Countering Insurgency, Insecurity, and Terrorism in Nigeria Through Non-kinetic Operation’.

He said that the military option alone, using guns and bombs, must be complemented with efforts to address the root causes of the insurgency and other security challenges in the country.

Abubakar identified bad governance, which leads to poverty, deprivation and discontent, as a major cause of insecurity in the country.

He commended the leadership of the military for the successes being recorded through the combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, specially in the North East.

The patron also identified
ignorance, religious extremism, revenge, exclusion as other factors precipitating the security threats.

‘All these are things that we, as civilians, need to begin to speak about. We need to add our own voices so that we could play our own part to make the systems work.

‘We are trying to use this platform to speak to either bandits or Boko Haram or whatever name they call themselves, that we condemn their act, that we. as Nigerians, do not support them and we are not with them.

‘We are calling on them to release people being held in captivity, without condition, without any receptor or transfer of any money in the name of ransom,’ he said.

Abubakar expressed optimism that the military and other security agencies could win the war with the support of the people through timely and accurate information on the criminal elements in their midst

The National Coordinator of BRAVE-IT, Aysha Rabo, said the event was a call to discuss the current security landscape of the nation and to laud the commendable efforts o
f the armed forces.

Rabo said that BRAVEIT had always advocated for the non-kinetic strategy employed by the military in combating insurgency and addressing many security challenges, saying that the strategy had proven to be highly effective.

She urged the military to enhance its non-kinetic operations, adding that the group envisioned a future where people would recognise and value the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, and motivate them to continue such dedication and professionalism.

In his remarks, the Director of Campaign Planning, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Albert Lebo, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, commended BRAVE-IT for the feedback on the military operations across the country.

He said the ideas to include the non-kinetic approach into military operations was borne out of the need to win the hearts and minds of the populace in their areas of operation.

According to him, what military men understand as combatants is go, destroy, eliminate, ann
ihilate and capture.

‘But, as you know, the military has been evolving in operations across the country.

‘To be frank, in the Nigerian Defense Academy, where we were trained, there is no aspect of non-kinetic operations that is in the syllabus.

‘But, because of the challenges that we have had and the gaps that we have identified on the need for non kinetic approach to be exploited, we in the military decided to take it upon ourselves.

‘Accordingly, the Department of Civil Military Cooperation was created in the defence headquarters and also across the services.

‘So, the task is to coordinate or collaborate with the field commanders, the formations and units to carry out some intervention projects.

‘It is just a minor aspect to close up the gap in the field, but the main aspect of what you call non-kinetic aspect is that of the civil authority.

‘I assure you that the chief of defence staff and members of the armed forces will not relent in our effort towards fighting insecurity and insurgency.

‘Also, I
want to assure you that we will continue to collaborate with organisations such as yours, and other well meaning members of the society, to ensure that we stamp out this menace from our society,’ he said.

Deputy Coordinator, BRAVE-IT, Dr AK Peters, announced that the organisation had acknowledged the contribution of the Nigerian Air Force to the fight against insurgency in the country.

Peters said the Air Force was rated high in its activities in combating insurgency, banditry and oil theft with precision in air bombardments of criminal enclaves across the country.

He said that NAF had been awarded the Force of the Year by BRAVE-IT, adding that the award would be presented through the Chief of Defence Staff.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Federal High Court in Abuja has asked the former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to appear in court for his trial.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that even if an arrest warrant issued against him was illegally obtained, the defendant (Bello) should still show up in court.

The judge had, on April 23, fixed May 10 for the ruling on the ex-governor’s application to set aside the arrest warrant against him.

The EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had, on April 17, moved the ex-parte application for the arrest warrant.

But Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, on April 23, prayed the court to set aside the arrest warrant against their client

He said that the arrest warrant had become unnecessary since their lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, had accepted the service of the charge on behalf of the ex-governor.

He argued that the arrest warrant order, having been made before the charge, ought to be set aside suo motu (on its own accord, without any request by the parties involved).

The
senior lawyer argued that contrary to the submission of the lawyer who appeared for EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, that the ex-governor must be in court first before any application could be entertained as a criminal case.

He said that the anti-graft agency also made an application on April 18 after the warrant arrest was issued to EFCC on April 17 and that the court granted it.

The lawyer submitted that the arrest warrant was issued in favour of the EFCC by the court in violation of fair hearing to their client.

He noted that the complainant made an application for substituted service on April 18, after the arrest warrant had been issued on April 17 and ‘today, my noble lord granted it.’

‘The court must satisfy itself that the defendant (Bello) will not be prejudiced in fairness if the warrant of arrest continues to hang on his neck, having been made before service of the charge contrary to Section 394 of ACJA,’ Adeola argued.

He argued that justice should be a three-way traffic; that is, justice to the pros
ecution, the defendant and the public.

He said for Bello to appear in court, he must have the notion that he would get justice.

Adedipe also argued that the EFCC was an unconstitutional body because its establishment was not ratified by the 36 states of the federation.

He said that for the EFCC to become a constitutional body, the 36 states of the federation must ratify the law establishing it as against the current position, that the EFCC Establishment Act was unilaterally ratified by the Federal Government.

He, therefore, asked the judge to vacate the arrest warrant against the former governor.

But Pinheiro vehemently opposed the application.

The senior lawyer argued that for the arrest warrant to be vacated, the former governor must be arraigned and take his plea in compliance with Section 396 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, the judge agreed with the argument of the EFCC.

He said that the order of the court subsisted until it is set a
side, even if there is irregularity.

The judge said Yahaya Bello’s staying away amounted to disregard to the sanctity of the court.

‘Therefore, the application by the counsel for the defendant cannot be moved unless the defendant is present in court.

‘Bello should come to court on his own, not through EFCC for arraignment on the next adjourn date,’ the judge declared.

Meanwhile, shortly after the ruling, Mohammed, who appeared for the former governor, informed the court of a motion on notice filed on May 9.

He said the motion prayed the court to stay further hearing of the alleged money laundering suit filed against Bello until the Court of Appeal decides a pending case relating to the same matter.

The senior lawyer said the anti-graft agency had, by a motion ex-parte, got an order of the Appeal Court stopping the contempt proceedings filed by the ex-governor against the agency at the High Court sitting in Lokoja.

He said the appellate court had already fixed May 20 to hear the case.

He said it would
be important the Federal High Court, Abuja awaits the outcome before going further with the trial.

But the EFCC’s lawyer, Oyedepo, disagreed with Mohammed’s submission.

In a short ruling, Justice Nwite refused Mohammed’s application.

The judge said that the matter had generated controversy all over the world and was unnecessary.

Reacting, Mohammed responded that the former governor was not afraid to come to court but was only afraid of his life.

Justice Nwite, however, said that Bello should not be misguided but should be advised to come and answer to the alleged charge.

‘It is just a charge. It has not been proven. Counsel, it is your duty to bring him and you prepare yourselves.

‘We thank lordship. We will take your admonition to him because that is just his fear,’ Mohammed said.

He assured that efforts would be made to contact the former governor to appear in court at the next adjourned date.

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until June 13 for arraignment.

Source: News Agency of Ni
geria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Thursday said that the survival of any country depends largely on its ability to confront any security threat.

Musa said this in his remarks at the opening of the 13th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), holding in Abuja.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, Chief of Training and Operations, the CDS noted that in recent times, the global security environment has become more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, requiring more resilience and dynamic approach to address.

He added that the security challenges Nigeria had dealt with over the years have negatively impacted the social, economic and other issues on citizens.

According to him, these challenges include terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, transnational crimes and other social vices.

‘The novelty and dynamic nature of these, underpins the requirement for a comprehensive approach to address them. A c
omprehensive approach begins with collaboration among stakeholders to enable us effectively address a continuously evolving threats within our country.

‘As such, efforts of all forms will be required to address these challenges appropriately.

‘It is also important to mention that the armed forces of Nigeria consider it a priority to secure the territorial integrity of our country by land, sea and air”.

The CDS said priorities would continue to be put in ensuring peace and security of the country.

‘Despite the efforts of the military so far, the security challenges between our borders still persist. This means that notwithstanding the successes already achieved in various sectors of operation, there is still much more to be done.

‘Equally, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has come to appreciate that owing to the complex and unique nature of security threats in contemporary times, there is need for all stakeholders to work together.

‘This is because no single service or agency can effectively address this thr
eats alone.

‘Moreover, these security challenges have become increasingly diverse and unconventional, thus the need for a forum where we will collectively resolve to provide valuable insights and perspectives”, he added.

Musa expressed confidence that the seminar would be fruitful and rewarding, as the forum was aimed at promoting social, intellectual and professional interaction on security issues towards enhancing the security of the country.

‘The expectation is that our collective discussions will generate a common understanding of pressing security challenges and enable the exploration of innovative solutions to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all Nigerians.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar has the theme ‘ Curbing Oil Theft and Illegal Crude Oil Refining In Nigeria’.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has restated its commitment to enhance production of Nigeria’s branded products, technology transfer domestication, commercialisation and stimulation of indigenous socio-economic advancement.

Its Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Khalil Halilu, said this on Thursday while unveiling NASENI’s branded products at the agency’s quarterly media briefing in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new products include car battery, laptop, smartphone and Solar-powered street light.

Halilu said that the feats were recorded in line with the agency’s 2023-2027 strategic launchpad to fit into the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the present administration.

He said the launchpad was to enhance Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, reduce the country’s import bill, reposition the agency to leverage on the comparative advantage of the 36 states.

The NASENI boss disclosed that the agency was working assiduously to bring in more products to create a n
ational brand that every Nigerian would love to see.

He said that the agency embarked upon in its launchpad to improve the livelihood of Nigerians and foster national development.

‘What we are trying to do is to open our doors to people that will contribute to our activities and development of our nation.

Halilu said that the areas of focus of the strategic launchpad were agriculture and food manufacturing, defense and aerospace, sustainable transportation and mobility.

He said others included renewable energy and sustainability, health and biotechnology, information technology and software, construction and smart city.

NASENI boss also presented the agency’s proposal evaluation portal, a website for those who intend to work with the agency.

He said the NASENI Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) would soon be launched for task tracing within the agency.

He said that the agency’s e-procurement portal, an initiative in the launchpad, was to enhance transparency.

According to him, the NASENI youth empower
ment programme consists of schemes with the prospect of creating 18,000 direct jobs.

He said the vehicles to drive the project included skills acquisition centres, trainings, stem box innovation hub and campus.

The EVC said the work of Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) and the Delt-Her initiative programme was geared towards encouraging female participation in the engineering sector.

He added that the agency also trained 20 Nigerian engineers in Indonesia on equipment fabrication under the agency’s full acquisition saputra coal fertilizer project among other ongoing achievements.

NAN recalls that in February, the agency launched three sets of its branded products which were solar powered irrigation system, electric motorcycles and tricycles, and off-grid solar home systems.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Reducing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the Volta Region is a priority for the Volta Regional Committee on the Provision of Essential Services Package (ESP) for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.

The Committee has made a tremendous effort in dealing with the situation in the region by getting doctors to endorse medical forms for the victims pro bono and providing support to survivors of SGBV.

The hard work of the committee has also led to the arrest and prosecution of some of the perpetrators, and this year the committee intends to take further action to reduce the situation to its barest minimum.

At the Committee’s first quarter review meeting, which was supported by ActionAid as part of their Transformative Action for Gender Equality Project, members promised to keep up the good work by giving SGBV victims the essential services they deserved.

The meeting aimed to track trends and work of stakeholders on SGBV for 2023 and the first quarter of the year 2024, discuss challenges associated wi
th the provision of services to survivors of SGBV and provide possible remedies.

It was also to plan for the committee’s advocacy activities for 2024, discuss other pending SGBV cases and seek institutional support to address them.

Mr Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) praised the committee for the significant impact it has had since its inception and asked members to keep up the excellent work to rid the region of sexual and gender-based violence.

He credited the committee’s achievements to the several departments and agencies on the committee working together in strong and effective coordination.

The Director said traditional authorities had a major role to play in reducing the issues, so the committee planned to educate them so they would support the committee in their efforts to reduce the issues by reporting such cases to law enforcement agencies.

He told the Ghana News Agency that sexual harassment and gender-based violence were crimes, so traditional a
uthorities and parents should not shield perpetrators of such crimes.

Mr Awity stated that prosecution and incarceration of those who commit such crimes would serve as a deterrence to those who might consider committing the same crimes.

Madam Eyra Thywill Kpe, Volta Regional Director, Department of Gender, said the committee would keep up its advocacy and sensitisation efforts, particularly in schools and workplaces to lessen SGBV and sexual harassment in these settings.

She stated that the committee would provide training for the essential service providers and educate parents on the importance of supporting their children, particularly those who have experienced sexual assault.

The Volta Regional Girls’ Education Officer, Madam Millicent Dakeh, reported that to persuade pregnant girls to return to school after giving birth, they had conducted several sensitisation programmes on the Ghana Education Service’s re-entry policy.

The committee was also briefed by Madam Stella Mawutor, Volta Regional Director
of Social Welfare, about the work being done by her department. She said officers of the department were on the ground educating the people about SGBV and other issues paramount to their wellness.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Obstetric fistula, a global affliction disproportionately affecting women in low-resource countries, continues to devastate lives.

According to experts, obstetric fistula, is an abnormal opening between a woman’s genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum.

Primarily striking young, impoverished women lacking adequate medical care, the condition manifests in urinary or faecal incontinence, leading to social isolation and rejection.

The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

While surgical intervention offers hope, research on outcomes remain limited, underscoring the imperative for preventive measures.

For over two decades, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has spearheaded the Global Campaign to End Fistula, operating in 55 countries with a holistic approach encompassing prevention, treatment, survivor reintegration, and advocacy.

Grounded in human rights principles, this initiative strive
s for equality, participation, and accountability.

According to the National Institutes of Health, in sub-regional analysis, West Africa had the highest successful surgical closure rate for obstetric fistula, with 91.74 per cent of the global total, while Central Africa recorded the lowest rate at 84.04 per cent.

Also, the successful surgical closure rate of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) with unknown urinary incontinence status varied widely across African countries, ranging from 63 per cent in Eretria to 100 per cent in Liberia and Nigeria.

The pooled estimated rate of successful closure of VVF with unknown incontinence status from 55 articles is 86.31 per cent.

In spite of the progress, achieving the 2030 goal of eliminating fistula requires intensified efforts.

In Tanzania, obstetric fistula remains a poignant reality, with approximately 3,000 cases annually.

Yet, stories of resilience emerge, exemplified by survivors like Mrs Anastasia Beni-Majasho, at 29 years old, developed obstetric fistula during
a difficult childbirth after losing her second child.

Beni-Majasho faced social stigma and isolation until she discovered the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT), providing holistic fistula treatment and support services.

Through surgical intervention, counseling, rehabilitation, and skills training, she embarked on a journey toward recovery and empowerment, benefiting from a supportive community of healthcare providers and fellow survivors.

Another inspiring story is that of Mrs Sofia Mwema, who sought solace at CCBRT after enduring 19 years of social isolation due to obstetric fistula.

Through comprehensive care, including surgery, counseling, and skills training, she regained physical health, confidence, and purpose, becoming a beacon of hope for her community.

For 70-year-old ‘Mama’, who shares her daily struggle to overcome the suffering caused by injuries sustained during childbirth, the determination is to ensure that no woman is left behind.

She recalled how the only
child she gave birth to caused her severe injuries, resulting in incontinence, and later died.

This left her ostracised by her husband and community. However, surgery provided the only cure that restored her confidence from obstetric fistula.

CCBRT, led by CEO Dr Brenda Msangi, has transitioned from a community-focused NGO to Tanzania’s leading provider of disability and rehabilitation services.

Msangi emphasised safe childbirth as a fundamental right, ensuring CCBRT facilities were accessible and staff are trained to offer compassionate care to all expectant mothers.

Highlighting the distressing statistic of an 85 per cent fatality rate for babies during obstructed labour, she said that CCBRT offered hope by providing free childbirth services to alleviate anxieties.

She dispelled misconceptions surrounding fistula, adding that it is a medical condition, not a curse.

‘Through a comprehensive approach including eye surgery, prosthetic limbs, and physical therapy, CCBRT transforms lives daily.

‘The organ
isation addresses prevalent myths, financial constraints, and cultural barriers hindering women from seeking help for fistula, offering education, free surgery, and transportation assistance through a network of community ambassadors,’ she said.

She commended Tanzania’s progress in maternal healthcare under President Samia Hassan’s leadership, highlighting CCBRT’s community outreach programs like the Mabinti Centre, empowering fistula survivors through skill-building and economic independence.

With continued support, she believed these programmes could significantly enhance the lives of women across Tanzania.

Tanzania’s approach to combating obstetric fistula offers valuable lessons for other countries.

The emphasis on community-based rehabilitation and holistic care, as demonstrated by CCBRT, highlights the importance of addressing not only the medical aspects of fistula but also the social, psychological, and economic dimensions.

By providing comprehensive support services, including counseling, skills
training, and reintegration support, Tanzania demonstrates how a multi-dimensional approach can enhance the well-being and dignity of fistula survivors.

Furthermore, Tanzania’s commitment to promoting safe childbirth as a human right, as advocated by Msangi, underscores the importance of ensuring universal access to quality maternal and obstetric care.

By prioritising accessibility, equity, and compassion in healthcare delivery, Tanzania sets a precedent for other countries striving to improve maternal health outcomes and prevent obstetric fistula.

Meanwhile, Nigeria grapples with a significant burden of obstetric fistula, with an estimated 400,000 to 800,000 affected women and inadequate surgical capacity exacerbating the backlog of untreated cases.

According to Dr Fatima Ahmed, an obstetrician, addressing this challenge demands a comprehensive response, encompassing political commitment, evidence-based policies, preventive initiatives, and robust healthcare infrastructure,

Ahmed said that Nigeria’s eff
orts to end obstetric fistula included implementing a National Strategic Framework for elimination, capacity building for healthcare workers, community outreach programmes , collaboration with NGOs, and legislation and policy reforms targeting factors contributing to fistula.

She said that by investing in healthcare infrastructure, engaging communities, and advocating for women’s rights, Nigeria aimed to prevent fistula and improve maternal healthcare nationwide.

She added that other African countries can learn from Nigeria’s experiences by adopting national strategies tailored to their contexts, investing in healthcare infrastructure, and engaging communities through awareness campaigns.

The obstetrician recommended educational programmes, enacting and enforcing laws and policies to protect women’s rights, and fostering partnerships and collaboration between governments, NGOs, and international agencies.

In spite of the notable rate of successful closure of obstetric fistula in Africa, a considerable pro
portion of women still experience residual or persistent incontinence.

Experts say successful surgical closure rate of combined VVF and RVF still falls significantly below the recommendation set by WHO.

Dr Na’ima Idris, a Kano-based reproductive health expert, said that implementing a comprehensive package of fistula care through a dedicated fistula facility or a mobile surgical outreach programmes , holds promise in addressing this issue on the continent .

Addressing this challenge will help Africa in its efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal No 3 which entails ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Idris said that ensuring increased access to timely and high-quality fistula treatment, along with comprehensive post-operative care, was essential for achieving high success rates and reducing residual incontinence among women with fistulas in Africa.

As the world unites in the fight against obstetric fistula, the voices of survivors like Mama, whose resilience embodies hope, ech
o with resilience and determination.

Through collective action, advocacy, and investment in healthcare systems, the African continent can pave the way for a future where no woman suffers the indignity of obstetric fistula, where every childbirth is safe, and where every woman receives the care and support she deserves

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Data gathered by the Births and Deaths Registry has revealed that 88.2 per cent of reported births in 2022 occurred in health care facilities.

They included hospitals, polyclinics, health centres, clinics, and CHPS compounds.

The information was in the 2022 Births and Deaths Registration Statistical Report, launched by the Registry in Accra on Thursday.

The report also indicated that in six regions, over 90 per cent of registered births occurred in health facilities.

These regions are Upper East (98.5%), Greater Accra (96.1%), Ashanti (95.6%), Upper West (95.2%), Ahafo (95.1%), and Bono East (91.5%).

In six other regions, over 80 per cent of registered births took place in healthcare facilities.

These were the Eastern region (89.3%), Central (87.1%), Western (85.5%), Bono (84.1%), Western North (83.9%), and Volta region (82.6%).

The remaining four regions were North East, Northern, Oti, and Savannah, where birth rates at health institutions were less than 75 per cent.

For example, 72.4 per cent of bi
rths occurred at health facilities in the North East, compared to 72.2 per cent in the North. The Oti region recorded 71.3 per cent, while Savannah recorded 70.7 per cent.

Despite the considerable progress, the Registry expressed concern about the 11.8 per cent of births that occurred outside of healthcare facilities, such as homes and other places.

As a result, the Registry has urged stakeholders and development partners to help reduce the gap and ensure that every birth in the country takes place in a health institution.

The Births and Deaths statistical report, the first issued by the Registry since its founding in 1888, will be an annual compilation of Registry’s statistical activity, including the number of births and deaths reported during the year.

It is a compilation of data from registries in 261 districts of the 16 administrative regions in Ghana.

The report highlights key demographic indicators from birth and death events, such as birthplace, cause of birth or death, and age at birth or death,
among others.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Apostle Dr Kadmiel E.H. Agbalenyo, the Founder and Leader of the Seventh Day Theocracy World Congregation, has urged church leaders to preach the true gospel to the youth so their lives will be transformed for the better.

He said it is only the true gospel that could help the youth to avoid vices such as alcoholism, intake of tramadol, smoking of Indian hemp and tobacco, homosexualism, and lesbianism that could also ruin their future.

‘There is the need for Christian leaders to preach the truth to the young ones for them to grow in Christianity and become good future leaders,’ Apostle Dr Agbalenyo advised.

Apostle Dr Agbalenyo, made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency when the Congregation ended their Pentecost Day celebration at Shallom -Otiakrom, near Aburi in the Eastern Region.

He charged his congregants and other Christians to abide by the ‘ten commandments,’ which was handed down to Moses, the Prophet on Mount Sinai as accounted by the Bible in Exodus 20:1-11, saying the commandment
s stood as a spiritual guide for mankind to live a righteous life for God’s spirit to lead them to the promise land.

He admonished Ghanaians to be wary of politicians who would entice them with money and promises to win their votes, as the general elections drew closer.

‘Do not allow these (politicians) who had already booked their flights to leave the country in any event of mayhem, to lure you with their promises,’ he said.

Apostle Dr Agbalenyo used the occasion to lunch his newspaper; the ‘Voice of Theocracy’ (VOT), which would publish scriptural activities and distributed across the country.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Okofo Katakyi Nyakoh Eku X, the Omanhene of Nyakrom Traditional Area has admonished chiefs and people of Agona Swedru to eschew litigation and allow peace to prevail in the area to ensure transformation of lives.

He said it was time for chiefs and heads of family to live in peace to help bring the needed infrastructural, and economic transformation to the Area.

Agitations and acrimony among the people, Okofo Nyarkoh Eku noted had sent bad signal about Swedru to the entire country, and therefore called for reconciliation for absolute peace and tranquillity to prevail.

The Omanhene made the remarks when he led divisional chiefs, traditional priests and Swedruman council of chiefs to perform rituals to officially open a palace in honour of the late Nana Kobena Botwe II, former chief of Swedru three years after his demise.

The Omanhene, by the powers vested in him as customs and tradition demanded, directed Nana Kobena Donkoh II, Gyasehene of Nyakrom Traditional Area who is also the Swedru Mahodwehene as car
etaker of the palace until a substantive chief was installed.

He said the Nyakrom Traditional Council’s standing committee had also asked Nana Kweku Esieni V, Nifahene of Swedru to maintain his position as regent of Agona Swedru.

The Omanhene said Agona Swedru was one of the peaceful towns in the area as far as chieftaincy matters were concerned and appealed to them to maintain the integrity and dignity of the area.

Nana Dr Ampim Darko V, Kyidomhene of Nyakrom Traditional Area, and chief of Agona Kwanyako admonished the chiefs and heads of family to respect chieftaincy rules and regulations which was the only way to ensure peace and harmony.

He, therefore, suggested to the chiefs and people in the Agona Nyakrom Traditional Area to revisit the celebration of Akwambokese festival, which was marked some years ago and called for revival of the festival to preserve the rich culture of Agona Swedru.

Nana Kweku Esieni Nifahene and Regent of Agona Swedru expressed appreciation and gratitude to Okofo Nyarkoh Eku
and his Divisional chiefs for the amicable solution of the impasse between Swedru Asafo Company and Swedruman council of Chiefs.

The Regent, gave the assurance that the chiefs and people have learnt lessons from the impasse and will give peace a chance.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr Nii Amu Darko, the Presidential aspirant of the First Alliance of Independent Reformers (FAIR) in the upcoming 2024 elections, has urged parents to make the education of their children a priority.

He said: ‘Parents should understand that they have a responsibility towards their children’s right to education and development. Don’t allow them (the children) to fend for themselves,’ adding that; ‘children’s failure is parents’ failure.’

‘Life is not easy, but parents must make it a point to push their children into education,’ he said.

Dr Nii Darko who is also the President of the African Reform Movement gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday.

He reminded the youth that their destiny was in their hands, but not in any political party and that they should avail themselves of skills development for employable jobs to avoid ending up as future destitute.

Source: Ghana News Agency