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Gaza War: 212 Schools Hit By Israeli Bombings – UN Report

No fewer than 212 schools have been affected by the intense Israeli bombardment of Gaza in response to Hamas-led attacks in Israel, UN-partnered analysis indicated on Wednesday,Daily Trust reports.

Satellite imagery pointed to at least 53 schools totally destroyed since conflict erupted on Oct. 7, 2023.

There has been a near nine per cent increase in attacks on school premises since mid-February, according to a report by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and NGOs, the Education Cluster and Save The Children.

“The high trend of attacks on school facilities has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza amid intense Israeli bombardment from air, land, and sea across much of the Gaza Strip,” the report’s authors noted.

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  • Of the 563 school buildings in Gaza, 165 of the 212 that received a direct hit are in areas designated for evacuation by the Israeli military.
  • Data indicate that 62 schools were directly targeted in southern Khan Younis governorate, 14 in the Middle Area governorate, 94 in Gaza governorate, and 42 in North Gaza governorate – which is the most severely affected area to date, with 86.2 per cent of school buildings either directly hit or damaged.
  • More than one in two school premises run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA have also been hit (57 per cent) since Oct. 7, 2023, according to the report, along with government buildings targeted by Israeli shelling or during the ground operation.
  • “No education is happening in Gaza at all for nearly six months,” UNRWA said on Wednesday, upon publication of the UN-partnered report, which pointed to more than 625,00 students and 22,000 teachers attending school before Oct. 7, 2023.
  • The UN-backed report also noted that more than 320 school buildings have been used by displaced people as shelters since the Oct. 7, 2023 escalation. Of these facilities, 188 have been either directly hit (90) or damaged (98).
  • Once conflict ends, at least 67 per cent of schools in Gaza “will either need full reconstruction or major rehabilitation work to be functional again” the report’s authors maintained. (NAN)

Google Blocks 5.5bn Adverts, Suspends 12.7m Accounts

Google has said that it has blocked over 5.5 billion adverts and suspended 12.7 million others for violating its policies,Daily Trust reports.

The search engine giant also said in a statement on Wednesday that it had removed adverts from over 2.1 billion pages.

“Billions of people around the world rely on Google products to provide relevant and trustworthy information, including ads. That’s why we have thousands of people working around the clock to safeguard the digital advertising ecosystem. Today, we are releasing our annual Ads Safety Report to share the progress we’ve made in enforcing our advertiser and publisher policies and to hold ourselves accountable in our work of maintaining a healthy ad-supported internet,” it said.

ALSO READ: Labour Party Lampoons Obaseki Over Kidnap Of PDP Chairman

In 2023, it said scams and fraud across all online platforms were on the rise.

It added: “Bad actors are constantly evolving their tactics to manipulate digital advertising in order to scam people and legitimate businesses alike. To counter these ever-shifting threats, we quickly updated policies, deployed rapid-response enforcement teams and sharpened our detection techniques.”

Labour Party Lampoons Obaseki Over Kidnap Of PDP Chairman

The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) pointed fingers at Governor Godwin Obaseki’s security apparatus for its failure to prevent the abduction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who spent 11 days in captivity before his recent release,leadership reports.

In a press release issued by Comrade Sam Uroupa, the Edo State publicity secretary of the Labour Party, the party expressed relief over Aziegbemi’s safe return but raised serious concerns about the government’s inability to safeguard its own members, questioning its capability to ensure the safety of all citizens.

The incident, according to the statement, highlights the deteriorating security situation under the PDP-led government in Edo State. The party firmly asserts that a government unable to protect its top officials cannot be relied upon to safeguard the general populace.

ALSO READ: Tears As Slain Military Personnel Buried In Abuja

The Labour Party reiterated its commitment, under the leadership of its candidate, Olamide Akpata, to prioritize the welfare and security of all individuals regardless of their status. It emphasized that the lives and properties of both ordinary citizens and high-ranking officials are equally important and must be adequately protected. If elected into power on September 21st, 2024, the LP vows not to play politics with the lives of the people of Edo State but will instead advocate for a safe and secure environment for all residents.

One of the LP’s gubernatorial agendas includes focusing on improving security measures and promoting the welfare of the people of Edo State. This agenda reflects the party’s firm stance against security deficiencies and its advocacy for a government that prioritizes the safety of its citizens above all else. The party’s unwavering dedication to tackling security challenges and safeguarding the welfare of the people underscores its vision for a secure and prosperous Edo State.

Tears As Slain Military Personnel Buried In Abuja

Relatives wept as the bodies of the 17 soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army, slain by angry youths in Okuama Community of Delta State on March 14, 2024, arrived in Abuja for burial,Daily Trust reports.

The tragedy unfolded when troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi, Delta State, were attacked while on a peacekeeping mission to Okuama, responding to a distress call amid a communal crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities.

The fallen soldiers’ remains reached the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, at approximately 2:26 pm on Wednesday.

Among those killed were: Lieutenant Colonel AH Ali, Major SD Shafa, Major DE Obi, Captain U. Zakari, Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Yahaya Danbaba, Corporal Kabiru Bashir, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, Lance Corporal Bello Anas, Lance Corporal Hamman Peter, Lance Corporal Ibrahim Abdullahi, Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Ibrahim Adamu, and Private Adamu Ibrahim.

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President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by all service chiefs led by Gen. Christopher Musa and top military brass from various formations nationwide, paid their respects to the fallen heroes.

Also present were dignitaries such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and several state governors including Abba Yusuf (Kano), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa).

Distraught family members expressed their grief, with some describing the loss as “shocking and irreparable.” Theresa Ukem, mother of late Major Obi, lamented the void left by her son, emphasizing the government’s support in facilitating the burial.

Similarly, Hanatu Hamman, mother of late Lance Corporal Peter Hamman, mourned the untimely death of her son, who was preparing for his wedding. She acknowledged her reliance on him for financial support and sought solace in God.

Ahmed Abdul, elder brother to Lance Corporal Ibrahim, spoke of the family’s devastation, highlighting his brother’s peaceful nature and calling for justice for the perpetrators.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, revealed that the deceased left behind ten widows, including three pregnant women, and 21 orphans. He assured support for the families and honored the fallen soldiers with national honors and scholarships for their children.

President Tinubu, recognizing the sacrifice of the fallen heroes, offered condolences to their families and pledged government support, including housing and scholarships. He commended their bravery and urged continued efforts towards peace and security in the nation.

Dangote, Elumelu, Others Make Tinubu’s New Economic Team

In a strategic maneuver aimed at fortifying the nation’s economic governance frameworks and ensuring vigorous and coordinated economic planning and execution, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sanctioned the establishment of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) and the inception of the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET),leadership reports.

The president has enlisted prominent figures from the private sector into the economic team, ostensibly to facilitate a fusion of diverse perspectives and ideas.

Among the private sector luminaries in the team are business magnate Aliko Dangote, banking tycoon Tony Elumelu, business icon Abdulsamad Rabiu, along with Ms. Amina Maina Begun Ajayi-Kadir, Funke Okpeke, Doyin Salami, Patrick Okigbo, Kola Adesina, Segun Agbaje, Chidi Ajaere, Abdulkadir Aliu, and Rasheed Sarumi.

ALSO READ: UNICEF Assists 3,000 Nigerian Schools In 5 Years

According to a statement by Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, the PECC comprises esteemed leaders and key government officials, including the President of Nigeria as Chairman, the Vice-President as Vice-Chairman and NEC Chairman, the Senate President, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, among others.

Additionally, Ngelale disclosed that the PECC will include key representatives from the organized private sector, including Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Ms. Amina Maina Begun Ajayi-Kadir, Funke Okpeke, Doyin Salami, Patrick Okigbo, Kola Adesina, Segun Agbaje, Chidi Ajaere, Abdulkadir Aliu, and Rasheed Sarumi, for a term not exceeding one year, subject to the President’s directives.

Furthermore, in a bid to address immediate economic challenges and ensure efficient execution of economic strategies, President Bola Tinubu has established the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET) with a mandate to devise and implement a consolidated emergency economic plan.

Comprising government officials and industry leaders, the EET aims to submit a comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024 to the PECC within two weeks of its inauguration, covering the next six months.

The EET, chaired by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, will convene twice weekly and includes members such as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Power, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and other key stakeholders.

Ngelale emphasized that the PECC, EET, and EMT, collectively formed under the President’s leadership, signify a cohesive strategy to enhance Nigeria’s economic management architecture, complementing existing structures such as the National Economic Council (NEC).

He concluded that over the next six months, the EET will prioritize swift implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of crucial initiatives, reinforcing the Tinubu-led administration’s collaborative approach towards advancing Nigeria’s economic objectives.

UNICEF Assists 3,000 Nigerian Schools In 5 Years

The United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Federal Government, has provided assistance to about 3,000 schools in Nigeria in the last five years,leadership reports.

UNICEF Chief of WASH, Dr Jane Bevan, disclosed this when she paid a courtesy visit to the minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, in Abuja.

She gave insights into the Federal Government and UNICEF WASH programmes in Nigeria from 2018 to date, noting that the direct and indirect impact of the FGN-UNICEF WASH programme, spans over 250 LGAs directly and approximately 400 LGAs indirectly across 26 States.

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She recalled that since 2018, notable achievements in the country included the construction and rehabilitation of over 1,700 solar-powered motorised boreholes, over 10,000 hand pump boreholes, support for ODF local government areas, and providing access to safe drinking water sources for an estimated 12 million people.

Additionally, over 24 million people have gained access to basic sanitation services, with approximately 2,000 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and 3,000 schools equipped with complete WASH facilities.

Responding, the Minister of Water Resources reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to continuing its partnership with UNICEF to enhance the implementation of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) policies at the grassroots levels nationwide.

He highlighted ongoing consultations with state governments and investors to leverage the WASH sector’s value chain, emphasising the need for robust collaboration with UNICEF to expand projects to grassroots communities.

He underscored the crucial significance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 targets for WASH projects across Nigeria and ensuring maximum benefits for the populace.

The minister disclosed that preparations were underway for the WASH Sustainability Check meeting to develop a WASH Action Plan with the 36 States and FCT commissioners in charge of Water Resources and Sanitation.

Prof. Utsev also maintained that efforts were in top gear for the implementation of WASHNORM IV Survey and urged all relevant stakeholders and supervising directors to hasten the process with the National Bureau of Statistics.

Present at the meeting were permanent secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi; Jonathan Ekhator of UNICEF as well as directors in the ministry.


18-yr-old Stabs Friend, 25, To Death In Bauchi

An 18-year-old resident of Magama-Gumau in Toro LGA of Bauchi State, Usman Ibrahim, fatally stabbed his 25-year-old friend, Khalid Ibrahim, following a dispute between them on Tuesday,leadership reports.

According to reports gathered by LEADERSHIP, a heated argument erupted among a group of young men, including the deceased, which escalated into a physical altercation between the two individuals.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, Ahmed Muhammed Wakil Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Bauchi State Command, disclosed that the suspect used a sharp knife to inflict a fatal wound on the victim’s chest.

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“On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at approximately 8:00 PM, the Command received a report of culpable homicide from Gumau outstation involving Khalid Ibrahim, aged 25, and Usman Ibrahim, aged 18, both residents of Magama-Gumau town in Toro LGA of Bauchi State,” stated the PPRO.

“During their altercation, Usman Ibrahim wielded a sharp knife, causing a severe injury to Khalid Ibrahim. Upon receiving the report, the Command swiftly responded under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, instructing the DPO of Toro Division to promptly investigate the scene.”

“The victim was swiftly transported to General Hospital, Toro for urgent medical attention, in accordance with legal protocols and global standards. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival by a medical practitioner. Subsequently, his remains were released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic customs.”

“The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, has directed the DPO of Toro Division to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. The findings of the investigation will be disclosed to the public,” added the PPRO.

Amidst Hardship, Gombe Approves N43bn For Gov’s Residence, High Court, Assembly Complexes

The Gombe State Executive Council on Tuesday approved the sum of N43.130 billion for the construction of a new ultra-modern governor’s residence, High Court and House of Assembly complexes,Daily Trust reports.

The decision was made during the 37th SEC meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, held at the executive chamber of the Government House.

Our correspondent reports that since 2003 when former Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu vacated the residence after his defeat, all the subsequent governors of the state, Danjuma Goje, Ibrahim Dankwambo did not stay at the official governor’s residence located at the Government House, despite several renovations to the edifice.

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Governor Yahaya is also staying at his private residence located at the New GRA.

Briefing journalists shortly after the meeting, Commissioner for Information, Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, said the council after scrutiny had approved the total sum of N43.130bn for an ultra-modern governor’s residence and befitting High Court and House of Assembly Complexes.

He added that the council had also approved the sum of N10bn for the construction of roads in four local government areas of the state, and construction of Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps (GOSTEC) office accommodations.

Shedding more light on the projects, Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Dr Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, said the ultra modern high court complex would be constructed at N14bn, while N14.23bn and N14.9bn would be earmarked for the House of Assembly Complex and the ultra-modern governor’s residence.

He said following the approval, contractors would be mobilised to site and work would commence in earnest.

The commissioner added that the council also approved N10.4bn for construction of 77 kilometres roads in Kwami, Funakaye Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state.

Daily Trust reports that the projects, especially the ultra modern governor’s residence and the complexes, were approved amidst the current economic hardship occasioned by removal of fuel subsidy.

Our correspondent reports that workers under the local government service in the state are yet to start receiving the new minimum wage, being enjoyed by the state civil servants since 2020.

However, following the removal of the subsidy, Governor Yahaya had introduced N10,000 as palliative for both the state and local government employees.

Pensioners were left out in the ‘palliative,’ as some retirees still collect the sum of N7,000 as their monthly pension.

However, after much outcry, Governor Yahaya had on Tuesday launched the distribution of foodstuffs as palliatives to the underprivileged and physically challenged residents of the state.

The food items consists of a 5kg bag of rice, maize and sugar each and carton of spaghetti.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Education, Dr Aishatu Umar Maigari, said the council had approved N549m for payment of registration fees for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (MBAIS) for 19,840 indigent students.

She said the students were in 151 senior secondary schools in the state, including those on exchange programmes.

The commissioner added that 19,000 out of the 23,000 students passed a mock examination conducted by the ministry.

Maigari said, “In 2019 when Governor Inuwa Yahaya assumed office, only 22 per cent of students were getting five credits and above. In 2023, we had had 67.8 percent who passed with five credits, including Mathematics and English.”

N6.8m Hajj Fare: Intending Pilgrims Demand Refund

Daily Trust reported yesterday that following the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) decision to increase the 2024 hajj fare by N1.9 million, many intending pilgrims have requested refunds from state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards,Daily Trust reports.

Simultaneously, prominent civil society organizations and stakeholders urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to prevent the potential failure of this year’s hajj.

NAHCON announced on Sunday the fare increase for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91, setting a deadline of March 28, 2024. This decision came as a surprise to many intending pilgrims who had already paid a deposit of N4.9 million, based on an earlier announcement in December 2023.

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Intending pilgrims were advised to pay the additional amount by the deadline, with NAHCON stating that no further payments would be accepted after March 29.

However, many intending pilgrims were shocked by the announcement and have approached pilgrim boards across the country to seek refunds as they cannot afford the additional N1.9 million.

In Kano, uncertainty prevails among intending pilgrims regarding the actual fare for the 2024 hajj. The Kano State Pilgrims’ Board is yet to decide on the matter, with discussions ongoing to reach an agreement.

Similarly, in Kwara State, sources at the pilgrims’ board reported numerous requests for refunds from intending pilgrims who stated they could not raise the balance.

In Lagos, a mixture of intending pilgrims sought refunds, citing their inability to make the additional payment, while others attempted to complete the payment.

Civil society organization Independent Hajj Reporters called on the federal and state governments to intervene to prevent a potential decline in Nigerian hajj participation, warning that Nigerian pilgrims might miss the opportunity to perform this year’s hajj.

Furthermore, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) cautioned hajj operators against charging intending pilgrims above the current exchange rate, urging a reduction in the exchange rate to ensure fairness.

Former Commissioner for Home Affairs in Lagos State, Mohammed Oyinlomo Danmole, also appealed to the president to address the high cost of hajj.

Former National Commissioner with NAHCON, Prof. Lanre Badmus, advised intending pilgrims against taking loans to complete the hajj fare, suggesting that those unable to afford the additional amount should hold onto their deposit for a future opportunity.

Climate Change: UNDP Seeks Urgent Awareness, Launches Weather Kids Campaign

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has issued a call for immediate climate change awareness initiatives as part of proactive steps to address climate-related challenges worldwide,Daily Trust reports.

Achim Steiner, the UNDP Administrator, emphasized this need in a statement released in Abuja following the launch of UNDP’s Weather Kids Climate Change Awareness Campaign project. This campaign, Steiner explained, is a collaborative effort with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Weather Channel.

Steiner highlighted that the Weather Kids campaign aims to stimulate public discourse and mobilize action on climate change in anticipation of the COP30 climate negotiations scheduled for Brazil in 2025. He emphasized that the campaign aims to raise awareness about climate change impacts and rally global citizens to take action to protect future generations.

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He stated, “Weather Kids serves as a compelling tool to educate people about the impending dangers of climate change. Failure to act swiftly on climate change will result in a planet increasingly unsuitable for today’s children and future generations.”

Steiner stressed the importance of swift and comprehensive measures, including decarbonizing economies and enhancing access to affordable, clean energy, to address climate change effectively. He emphasized that such actions would also contribute to environmental conservation and empower communities to participate in their countries’ climate commitments.

Regarding the Weather Kids program, Steiner noted its extensive reach, airing on news channels in over 80 countries. He explained that the program provides daily weather forecasts based on data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and UNDP’s human climate horizon data platform.

The global dissemination of Weather Kids is made possible through collaboration with WMO and the Weather Channel. Steiner underscored that COP30, marking the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, offers an opportunity for countries to align efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

He highlighted the significance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the global fight against climate change, noting UNDP’s Climate Hub’s substantial support for climate action in nearly 150 countries. Through initiatives like Climate Promise, UNDP has partnered with 85% of the world’s developing countries to address global warming through NDC submissions.

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