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Safeguarding Human Rights: Graduates of CPOC Course 37 Prepare to Face Challenges in Conflict Zones

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Safeguarding Human Rights: Graduates of CPOC Course 37 Prepare to Face Challenges in Conflict Zones

By Lawrence Audu

The Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) has successfully concluded the Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course (CPOC) 37 of 2024, with a resounding call to action for participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in their respective services, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and organizations.

In his keynote address, Major General AT Adedoja, Commandant of MLAILPKC, emphasized the importance of translating theoretical knowledge into practical action, stating, “The true test of your mettle lies not in the certificates you hold, but in the positive impact you make in the lives of others.” He urged participants to uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, and to strive to make a difference in their respective services, MDAs, and organizations.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, marked a significant milestone in the journey to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict zones across the globe. Major General Adedoja commended the participants for their hard work, discipline, and commitment throughout the two-week training, expressing confidence that they would apply their knowledge to make a positive impact.

Major General OT Ethan (Rtd), Special Guest of Honour, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting civilians, quoting Romeo Dallaire, “To prevent genocide, we must become the voice for those who have none.” He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the course in their various formations, units, and organizations and to be good ambassadors of the Centre. He reminded them that they are the frontline defenders who will shield civilians from the ravages of conflict, prioritize their safety, security, and champion the promotion of human rights and dignity in the most challenging of environments.

General Ethan reminded the participants that they are the vanguard of human rights protection and urged them to uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and dignity, even in the face of adversity.

The Japanese Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were appreciated for their significant commitment towards the successful hosting of the course. The Government of Japan, through the UNDP, sponsored the course, which aimed to develop human capacity to handle challenges in protecting civilians in conflict zones.

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, represented by Hiromi Otsuki, Deputy Head of Mission, commended the participants for their dedication and hard work in completing the course, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa through human resource development, border control support, and assistance for building judicial and administrative systems.

Veronica Reuter, Director of the International Development and Organization, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, UNDP, and MLAILPKC for organizing the course, which she described as transformative and comprehensive. She praised the facilitators for their exceptional dedication and expertise and the participants for their commitment to protecting civilians.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to the participants, who were declared certified Comprehensive Protection of Civilians experts. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (NAM), and the DG NARC, who welcomed the participants and appreciated their efforts in completing the course.

The Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 37 of 2024 has empowered participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact in protecting civilians in conflict zones. As they graduate and return to their respective destinations, they are reminded of their collective responsibility to prioritize the safety, security, and dignity of civilians and to uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and dignity, even in the face of adversity.

Safeguarding Human Rights: Graduates of CPOC Course 37 Prepare to Face Challenges in Conflict Zones

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Jos DisCo urges Gombe customers to reciprocate improved power supply

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Jos DisCo urges Gombe customers to reciprocate improved power supply

The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED), on Wednesday, appealed to its customers in Gombe State to pay their electricity bills as a way of reciprocating the improved power supply in the state and its franchise.

Mr Abdu Mohammed, the managing director of JED, made the call while speaking at a customer consultative forum held in Gombe.

Mohammed decried the non-payment of electricity bills by consumers in the state, noting that the attitude of energy users in that regard was posing a big challenge to the company.

Represented by Mr Yerima Baba, the manager of Doma regional office, Mr Mohammed said the customers had a duty to pay for services that they have enjoyed.

According to him, this will enable JED sustain the improvement towards guaranteeing customers’ satisfaction across its franchise.

He stated that in the month of August, the energy bill for the state was N1.3 billion and only about 15.4 per cent of the total bills charged had been paid by customers.

“The electricity business is changing gradually and drastically. It is well known that Jos electricity is giving out the total volume of energy.

“There are feeders we give up to 100 per cent energy; this means that if translated to money, our monthly energy increases as well as the bill.

“But unfortunately, the response from the customers is appalling, so bad that if it continues like that, it would be difficult to sustain the business.

“We are consuming the total energy that is worth over N2 billion yet, the income generated from the two regions in Gombe State as at Tuesday September 17 is less than N200 million.

“We were billed over N1.3 billion for the month of August for the whole of Gombe and Doma,” he said.

Mohammed said there was high level of apathy in terms of payment of electricity bills, lamenting that people were paying just what they like.

“We are calling on customers to reciprocate now that energy is stable and availability is increasing; we are out to serve you please help us to serve you better,” he said.

Mohammed also decried the high rate of energy theft and vandalism which he said was affecting the company.

Also speaking, Mr Saad Abubakar, the manager of Gombe regional office said JED was working to improve on its metering, adding that improvements and customers’ satisfaction remained a critical component of the organisation.

Abubakar commended the customers for turning out to engage with JED on how to improve service delivery while assuring them that all genuine concerns raised would be addressed.

Our correspondent reports that customers during the engagement lauded JED for improved power supply in the state.

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Tito Jackson, Michael Jackson’s Brother and Jackson 5 Member, Dies at 70; Nigerians Pay Tribute

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Tito Jackson, Michael Jackson’s Brother and Jackson 5 Member, Dies at 70; Nigerians Pay Tribute

Tito Jackson, renowned as a member of the iconic Jackson 5 and the older brother of Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70. His death has sparked a wave of mourning among fans in Nigeria and around the world.

Tito’s contributions to music and his role in the Jackson 5, a group that revolutionized pop music, are being remembered fondly.

Tributes are pouring in as fans and fellow musicians celebrate his legacy and the significant impact he had on the music industry.

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Yobe Govt Donates N100m to Support Borno Flood Victims

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Yobe Govt Donates N100m to Support Borno Flood Victims

Yobe Govt Donates N100m to Support Borno Flood Victims

Yobe State Governor, His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, has extended a N100 million donation to the Borno State Government to aid victims of the recent Maiduguri floods. The announcement was made during a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri on Saturday.

In addition to the state donation, Governor Buni also pledged a personal contribution of food items worth N50 million to assist those affected by the floods. He described the humanitarian crisis as devastating and urged everyone to come forward with support.

“Yobe and Borno states are like twins, sharing similar hardships. We must stand by each other in times of need,” Buni stated.

The Yobe Governor also expressed condolences for those who lost their lives in the disaster and wished a quick recovery for the injured.

Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to Governor Buni and the people of Yobe State for their generosity and solidarity. He highlighted the strong bond between the two states, noting that Buni’s administration has further strengthened the unity between Borno and Yobe.

“The people of Yobe and Borno are one family, and this support reinforces that connection. We deeply appreciate the gesture,” Zulum said.

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