Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has said the state government will launch its own local security outfit that will consist of ten thousand youths before the end of May.

He the outfit will complement the efforts of the other security agencies in tackling security challenges bedeviling the state.

Governor Alia stated this on Tuesday during the Stakeholders Meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, held at Government House, Makurdi.

He appreciated the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies in securing the country and the state.

Gov Alia said the launch of the State owned security outfit will aid in securing Benue communities, enabling farmers to access their farm lands without fear.

He said his administration is already working towards procuring Hilux vans and motorcycles that will be used by the security outfit to access the nooks and crannies of the state.

Gov Alia informed the stakeholders that some enemies of the state had gone to invite unknown gunmen to come into Benue and destabilize its peace, but that the government has been able to push the invaders back to where they came from.

He said his admnistrarion will continue to do so until they are all gone, to enable the farmers return to farm to ensure food security for the state.

Gov Alia further explained that some local government areas, such as Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, Agatu, are still affected by the attacks, but that the state government will not rest on its oars until the state becomes much safer.

President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerian workers that the National Assembly and the Executive will work together toward giving them a living wage and better working conditions.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Eseme Eyiboh the Special adviser on media and publicity to the senate president in Abuja on Wednesday.

He extolled the sterling qualities that stood out the Nigerian worker, saying that a Nigerian worker was noted for his patriotism, hardwork, resilience, and dedication to duty.

“I am happy to be associated with the Nigerian worker as in the last 25 years and I can attest to the fact that everywhere you go, the Nigerian worker’s spirit resonates profoundly.”he said .

Akpabio,assured that the National Assembly under his leadership was more than committed to ensuring the best working conditions for the workers .

“No Nigerian worker will again be allowed to work under inhuman conditions,we will do everything to give you the best because you deserve the best.”

Akpabio said the theme,
“Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” was apt and in tune with international best practices, assuring that Nigeria will never be left behind,”he said.

He said the 10th National Assembly was fully committed toward providing the required laws aimed at protecting the interest of the Nigerian worker by creating a befitting working environment and a reasonable pay that takes them home.

“On behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly and indeed, my family, I wish to join the world in wishing the Nigerian worker a happy International Labour Day” he said.

” We are celebrating patriotism, hardwork, commitment and dedication exhibited by the Nigerian workers.

” I want to assure you that your sacrifices would never be in vain,the tough times will not last forever, in fact, the challenges would soon be over,” Akpabio said.

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.