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Kogi bandits attack: We’ve arrested some suspects – Ododo

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Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi on Wednesday, disclosed that some suspects in connection with the bandits’ killings at Agojeju-Odo and Abejukolo communities in Omala Local Government Area of the state have been arrested.

The two communities were attacked by suspected herdsmen on April 4, where 25 persons were reportedly killed and several others left injured by the assailants.

Ododo, while speaking with newsmen shortly after observing his prayer at OkeneEid-el Praying Ground, said “some suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings and investigation is ongoing.”

“The crisis in Omala Local Government Area has not just started today but has been there for some years now and we will do our best to make sure that peace is fully restored in the area.

“As I speak with you, some suspected persons have been arrested; investigations are ongoing, and they are giving us useful information.

“As soon as we are done with the investigation, the report will be made public and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.”

The governor commiserated with relatives of those killed in the crisis and restated the government’s commitment to provide support for those injured and others whose houses were destroyed in the attack.

He further urged Muslims in the state to sustain the lessons learnt in the holy month of Ramadan.

“As we mark the end of this Ramadan, I urge each and everyone of us to carry forward the lessons learnt in this month of Ramadan.

“Let us continue to practice kindness, generosity, love and understanding in our daily life,” Ododo said.

Chief David Akpa, District Head and OchalaOnu-Ife BagajiOdo, Omala, Kogi, confirmed to reporters in his palace that the 25 persons killed were buried on Saturday.

He said that those buried included two women and four children.

Akpa described the attack as barbaric and wicked given the way and manner the bandits unleashed mayhem on his people.

He had called on the federal and state governments to come to the aid of the victims, who are taking refuge in various communities for fear of their dear lives.

“We are mourning our loved ones who were killed in cold blood. We have never had any misunderstanding either with bandits or with herdsmen before now,” the traditional ruler said.

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Alake unveils gender strategy for mining, steel sector

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has unveiled a document for Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) strategy document.

Speaking at the event, he described the strategy as a significant mile stone in the sector.

He said that the move was a demonstration of the commitment of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD)` and Ministry of Steel Development in fostering diversity.

He said that the strategy is aimed at promoting gender equality and women`s empowerment, adding that its focused on driving productivity for the nations` sustainable development.

“It also focuses on improving the opportunities for women to benefit from both sectors sustainably in policy, regulatory, operational, and commercial (large scale, medium scale, small scale, and artisanal levels), and value and supply chain roles.

“This strategy is not just a document but a call to action and a blueprint for all stakeholders to create a more inclusive and gender-balanced mining and steel sector.

“It provides a guideline and framework to guide both ministries, their agencies, and stakeholders to integrate gender equality and women’s empowerment priorities in their policies, programmes, and initiatives, “ he said.

He acknowledged the indispensable contributions of women to the success and sustainability of the mining sector, saying that their talents, expertise, and perspectives are critical to the success and growth of the industry.

According to him, Nigeria is not immune from the biases perpetuated against women in these two sectors.

In addressing the situation, he said that the Federal Government has prioritised gender equity and female participation in its “Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Industry.

He said as part of the efforts of MSMD and Ministry of Steel Development to implement the roadmap, the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) engaged a consultancy to develop the gender strategy.

He said that to achieve the objectives of the strategy, its institutional capacity would be strengthened for effective gender mainstreaming.

He added that that women’s participation in leadership and governance roles within the mining sector and communities would be increased.

“Promoting women’s economic empowerment and rights and eliminating all barriers (structural and systemic) that hinder women’s meaningful participation, access and control over mining resources and benefits, “ he said.

The minister added that they were committed to building partnerships across a wide range of stakeholders in achieving the vision of the strategy.

He said that the WIMIN strategy was firmly rooted in the principles of equality, diversity, and empowerment, and  a call to action for  stakeholders mobilisation toward a more inclusive and gender-balanced industry.

Earlier in her remarks, the National President of WIMIN, Dr Janet Adeyemi, described the launch of the strategy as an opportunity to galvanise support and implement actions to address the entrenched gender disparities within the mining and steel sectors.

Represented by the National Secretary, Mrs Emily Ofodile, she said that women within these industries continue to encounter multifaceted barriers that hinder their full participation and advancement.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary of MSMD, Dr Mary Ogbe, urged, women to be change agents at all levels, and urged all organisations to have gender focal persons to help in coordinating all related matters.

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May Day: Culture minister applauds Nigerian creatives

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The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has commended the contributions of all hardworking creatives across the nation to the growth of the entertainment industry.
The minister gave the commendation on Wednesday in a statement through her media aide, Nneka Anibeze, to commemorate the 2024 Workers’ Day.
Musawa noted that through their contributions, the creative industry had been able to provide jobs, encourage tourism and boost revenue to local businesses.
“Today, I join millions of creatives across the nation to commemorate the 2024 Workers’ Day. In celebrating this important day, we recognise and honour your invaluable contributions to our workforce and the economy.
“We toast to the artists of labour, painting their masterpieces with determination and passion.
“Labour studies also show that the value added by arts, culture and entertainment to the Nigerian economy is very significant.
“This year’s Workers’ Day is significant as we acknowledge the tireless efforts of artists, culture bearers and creative workers who continue to enrich our cultural heritage with their talents and dedication.
“As we reflect on the significance of this year’s theme, ‘Workers First’, it is paramount that we appreciate the essential role that these special workers play in bringing diverse entertainment to families and the community and driving prosperity to our economy,” she said.
Musawa reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to create favourable conditions for artists and creative workers generally.
She said this was to ensure the artists receive the recognition and support they rightfully deserve.
“Through continued advocacy and investment, we can foster an environment where our creative workforce can thrive, contribute, and inspire.
“To all the dedicated creatives who strive for excellence every day, going the extra mile to entertain families, I say thank you for your hard work and commitment.
“I enjoin everyone to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our workforce and to express gratitude to all those who contribute to the vibrancy of our arts, culture, and creative economy,” she said.
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Sanwo-Olu to host justice reform summit on May 27, 28

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The Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will host a Justice Reform Summit  with the theme: “Enhancing The Administration of Justice For Economic Growth, Investment Protection And Security in Lagos State,” on May 27 and 28.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Titilayo ShittaBey-Jeje, Solicitor, General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, on Wednesday.

ShittaBey -Jeje said that Sanwo-Olu would be the Chief Host at the summit which would take place at Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

She said the Chief Justice of Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola would be the Chairman, while the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), would be the special guest of honour.

ShittaBey-Jeje said the Lagos State Government had became a pathfinder for justice reform following its various landmark and innovative achievements over the years.

She, however, noted that being the economic nerve centre of the country, there were real and new challenges to address.

ShittaBey-Jeje said the summit would explore diverse perspective towards effective and efficient administration of justice for economic growth and investment protection in the state and Nigeria at large.

She said the ministry had created an avenue for stakeholders and members of the public to express their views, observations and recommendations for the reform in order to gather insights from a wide spectrum of Nigerians.

“Therefore, the stakeholders and members of the public can send their contributions to [email protected], whatsapp no: 07032276146, facebook – @Lagosmoj, twitter- @Lagosmoj and instagram-@Lagosmoj,” she said.

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