Insurgency in Nigeria

Insurgency is a complex issue that has affected Nigeria over the years, particularly in the northeastern region of the country. The main insurgency in Nigeria is associated with the jihadist extremist group, Boko Haram. However, it is important to note that Nigeria has also faced other insurrections and conflicts throughout its history. The origins of the Boko Haram insurgency can be traced back to the early 2000s, when a preacher named Mohammed Yusuf founded the group. Originally, its focus was on opposing Western education ("Boko Haram" loosely translates to "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language) and advocating for a stricter implementation of Islamic Sharia law. The group gained significant attention and notoriety in 2009 when they carried out coordinated attacks on police stations and government buildings in several northern Nigerian states. The Nigerian security forces responded with a crackdown, leading to the death of Mohammed Yusuf and the arrest and extrajudicial killing of many Boko Haram members. Following these events, Boko Haram underwent a transformation under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau. The group became more radicalized, targeting civilians, churches, schools, and security forces. Their attacks intensified and expanded to other parts of Nigeria, including the city of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. In 2014, Boko Haram gained international attention when they abducted more than 270 schoolgirls from Chibok town in Borno State. This incident led to global outrage and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which aimed to pressure the Nigerian government to take action. The response from the Nigerian government has involved both military offensives and attempts at negotiation. In 2015, a regional military coalition, consisting of forces from Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin, was formed to combat Boko Haram. These efforts have had some success in pushing back the group, but Boko Haram continues to carry out sporadic attacks and poses a significant threat to the region. It is worth mentioning that in addition to Boko Haram, Nigeria has faced other insurgencies in the past. For example, in the Niger Delta region, there have been conflicts involving militant groups seeking a greater share of oil revenue and better social and economic conditions for the local population. It is a complex and ongoing issue, and the Nigerian government continues to make efforts to address the root causes of these insurgencies and bring stability to the affected regions. This message has been generated by Nova - download it for free: https://novaappai.page.link/R1ev11BBidkjnjPh7

Rise in Coup d'état in West Africa Okechukwu Jombo writes on Causes, Implications, and Regional Challenges of Coup d'état in West Africa: West Africa has experienced an alarming increase in coup d'état incidents in recent years, posing significant challenges to the stability and democratic progress of the region. This article aims to shed light on the factors contributing to this rise, examine the implications, and deliberate on the specific challenges faced by West African states in tackling this growing trend. A combination of socio-economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic social services, has contributed to public frustration and disillusionment with ruling governments. These conditions create a fertile ground for dissident groups seeking to exploit public grievances and capitalize on popular discontent to stage coup attempts. Persistent corruption and governance deficiencies in some West African countries undermine trust in institutions and erode public confidence in democratic processes. High levels of corruption often result in the mismanagement of resources, exacerbating economic disparities and deepening social inequalities. These conditions make the general population susceptible to supporting coup attempts as a means of seeking change and accountability. Ethno-religious tensions and conflicts have plagued several West African nations. Coups are sometimes driven by deep-rooted ethnic or religious divisions, where certain groups perceive marginalization or discrimination. These grievances become catalysts for power grabs, as some factions within the military perceive themselves as protectors of particular communities, leading to coup attempts targeting existing political leadership. Coup d'état attempts pose a significant threat to democratic governance, undermining the principles of rule of law, freedom of expression, and popular representation. Successful coups often result in power vacuums, instability, and a regression in democratic progress, leading to increased political polarization and a potential for further violence or conflict. The rise in coup attempts negatively impacts investment, economic growth, and development prospects. Political instability discourages both domestic and foreign investors, hampers trade, and disrupts infrastructure development, leading to economic setbacks that can take years to overcome. The surge in coups has regional security implications. Instability in one country can quickly spill over to neighboring nations, exacerbating existing conflicts and generating cross-border challenges. West African states must work collectively to address the root causes and prevent the spread of coup attempts across the region. Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Efforts to deepen democratic institutions, enhance transparency, and strengthen the rule of law are essential in building resilient systems that can withstand coup attempts. West African states must invest in electoral reform, promote good governance practices, and strengthen judicial independence to safeguard democratic processes. Tackling poverty, unemployment, and social inequality is crucial to address the underlying conditions that contribute to public frustration and support for coup attempts. Governments should prioritize inclusive development, implement effective social welfare programs, and create employment opportunities to mitigate socioeconomic disparities. West African states must foster regional cooperation to address security concerns collectively. Institutions such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should strengthen frameworks for conflict resolution, early warning systems, and collaboration among member countries to prevent, manage, and resolve coup-related incidents. The rise in coup d'état incidents in West Africa threatens political stability, democratic governance, and economic progress in the region. By addressing underlying socio-economic challenges, enhancing democratic institutions, and promoting regional cooperation, West African states can effectively mitigate the risks associated with these anti-democratic activities. A concerted effort is required from governments, civil society organizations, and regional bodies to ensure peaceful and democratic transitions, leading to political stability and sustainable development in the region.

HRH MATHIAS: LIFE, REIGN AND OVOM AS A SHADOW OF ITSELF

HRH MATHIAS: LIFE, REIGN AND OVOM AS A SHADOW OF ITSELF ETETE ENIDENEZE, Media/Public Relations Professional When you talk of enterpreneurs and educationists, HRH Mathias Arabs Simeon, would surely be mentioned by many persons who knew his exploits during his stay on earth. You can't also leave him out, when the names of very vocal persons, especially those who advocate for recognition of their people or subjects, are to be mentioned. As a cub reporter, just fresh from varsity, HRH Mathias was one of my regular sources of news and interviews for the print media, from early 1997 and many years later, due to his vocalness. His first personality profile or personality feature, a special kind of journalistic writing, was done by me, a first attempt. My then trainer, mentor, Publisher and Editor-in-chief, Elder Union Oyadonghan of one of the pioneer indigenous newspapers, Banner News, based in Port-Harcourt, then, had assigned me to do such write-ups and expected the results which were later to be the delight of our readers. HRH Mathias and Epie/Atissa people were so elated to read about the business magnet and educationists. It was titled: Chief Matthias: An Epitome Of Hard Work. That write-up attracted many other newsmakers to my personality sketch column, as Bayelsans were eager to know personalities, just as the personalities liked to be known. Mathias, AKA, Mamma, Ebeneken of Ovom-Atissa, has gone, but his lifestyles and lofty achiements reverberate. Therefore, I use this tribute to empathize with his wives, children, friends, Ovom Community and Atissa Kingdom on the death of HRH Mathias Simeon, at 75. I admonish you, to emulate his good life styles, for instance, sincerity, humour, friendliness, venturesomeness, hard work, dedication and service, as well as surpass his record. HRH Mathias undertook his favorite careers in business and education from the early beginnings untill 2019, when he bowed out of the vast Shakespearan stage on which every mortal is a player, and must one day exit. Some mortals exit the stage without remarkable performance like thespians who couldn't move the audience. Some leave when the ovation is loudest, like protagonists who impress their spectors and leave them gasp for more. Yet, some mortals get ovations, sustain it and act out more scripts untill their last days. HRH Mathias is an embodiment of a man who rose to the occasion quite early, received applause in his hey days, and forged ahead, not minding the tapestries of life. In the teaching career, he displayed stunning professionalism, interest and passion to impart knowledge on pupils, became Headmaster, showcased laudable leadership prowess in school administration, and attained the mandatory retirement age. In business, his popular MACCARY Ventures divested undertakings into distributorship in soft drinks and other categories of drinks; dealership of petroleum products, housing, general contractorship, among others. Ask him what worried him most, he would tell you that Ovom which is the nucleus and main host of Yenagoa Capital City, was not compensated enough in terms of amenities, scholarships and employment. The other thing he would mention is how he missed being Ebenibe (King) of Atissa Kingdom because it was given to late King Abiye Agama on concensus, not via election which he (Mathias) was sure of, especially, as Agama wouldn't have liked to contest. In my last media interview with him in 2019, soon after which he died, when I breezed into Yenagoa, from Abuja, my beat, just to do community/development Journalism, especially on cultism, insecurity and advancement of the people, HRH Mathias charcteriscally opened up again. He lamented non-classification of Ovom Chieftaincy Stool, core host of the State Capital, to First Class, despite agitations. But appreciated however, that former Governor Dickson upgraded the stool, even though not to First Class. But that, due to winding up of the government, the former governor didn't fulfill the promise to provide basic utilities for Ovom which has done the most sacrifice and bearing the brunt of hosting the Capital. He added that other governors, Yenagoa Local Government Council chairmen, State House of Assembly members and National Legislators from the area also didn't do much for Ovom. He catalogued utilities needed in Ovom to include modern Town Hall; new market to replace the demolished Oyoyo Market; streets and roads; schools; staff quarters for UPE, Ovom; Jetty; Health Centre etc. In that my last interview with him, HRH Matthias expressed delight that the former Yenagoa Local Government Council Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Oforji Oboku, in his era, constructed a concrete street into the old Oyoyo Market in Ovom. On the reccurence of cult clashes and robbery in Ovom, especially, at Arietaline, Gwegwe, Obele Streets and the vicinity of the old Oyoyo Market, he was saddened that such open places near government, could be held siege by criminals. He also called on security agencies and government to rise up to the occasion, and that Epie/Atissa communities should form joint vigilante groups to maintain security in their domains. His vocal agitations and contributions to the advancement of Ovom Community and Atissa Kingdom, where he was Ebeneken and before then, Ebenotubo, besides other positions, and pivotal position of traditional host of Yenagoa Local Government Council as well as the State Capital, have earned him accolades. It's therefore, my wish that his children, grandchildren and immediate younger relatives, would aspire to do more than him, while also maintaining his legacies for posterity to see. Bayelsa State Government, NDDC, NCDMB, MNCOs, Yelga and development donors, should support the development of Ovom, which has been abandoned to its shadow in hell, despite been close to heaven, the seats of local and state governance. A peaceful interment today, February 4, 2019, and repose of the decesed's soul in bosom of the Lord, as well as fortitude for the bereaved to bear the demise of HRH Mathias Arabs Simeon, AKA Mamma, MACCARY, are what we pray God for him and his family. Adeiu!

UN: Nigeria’s population now 201m -

UN: Nigeria’s population now 201m - via The Cable By Okechukwu Jombo The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says Nigeria’s population has hit a new high of 201 million! In its 2019 state of the world population report seen by TheCable, UNFPA said Nigeria’s growth rate has been at an average of 2.6 percent from 2010 to 2019. The fertility rate among Nigerian women has dropped from 6.4 in 1969 to 5.3 in 2019; this means an average Nigerian woman gives birth to at least five children. Global fertility rate, or the average number of births per woman stood at 4.8 in 1969; 2.9 in 1994; and 2.5 in 2019. The report says contraceptive prevalence rate among Nigerian women aged 15-49 is only 19 percent, adding that decision making on sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights among these women has averaged at 51 percent between 2007 to 2018. This means 49 percent of Nigerian women still do not have the power to decide on their sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. The UN agency estimated that Nigeria’s population has grown from 54.7 million in 1969 to 105.4 million in 1994 and 201.0 million in 2019. Of this 201 million, 44 percent or 88.44 million are between the ages of 0 and 14, while 32 percent, 64.32 are within the ages of 10 and 24. The reports revealed that “reproductive rights are still out of reach for too many women, including the more than 200 million women who want to prevent a pregnancy but cannot access modern contraceptive information and services”. “Ultimately, almost all of the 4.3 billion people of reproductive age around the world today will have had inadequate access to sexual and reproductive health services at some point In 1969 world population reached 3.6 billion, up about 1 billion from only 17 years earlier, leading to the establishment of UNFPA. The UN agency has succeeded in reducing fertility rates worldwide by about 50 percent. In the least developed countries, fertility was about six births per woman in 1969.

How to track a phone number in Nigeria?

How to track a phone number in Nigeria? Author: Aisha Nnamani There may be times when we need to know how to track a cell phone. Usually, we will use a phone tracker to figure out where our phone is if it has been stolen. Or we use it to find our lost phone. Today we will tell you how to track a cell phone and tell you about the top phone trackers! Continue reading to learn more. How can I find out the mobile location? Let’s establish a couple of things. First, there are different websites that will offer you phone number tracking services. Some of them are reliable, and others are scams. Remember - do not enter your phone number on the sites that you’ve never heard about. Find some reviews about them. There are a lot of scams these days that are only want to get your phone number in order to send spam messages in the future. You don’t want that, right? Check each website before entering your phone number. Second, in the days of modern technology, it is advised to use mobile phone tracking via GPS rather than phone number tracking. The reason is that it will track the phone more directly and you will get the right location. It is not 100% precise, but usually, you won’t be further than 5 kilometers, depending on the connection. The option with GPS is great when you’ve lost your phone, or somebody stole it from you. Usually, it is easy to find your phone if you lost it, but may be challenging to get it back from a robber. In the second case of the phone number tracking, it will be hard to get the exact location, plus a lot of systems that are offering phone number tracking services are only able to identify the country, the network operator and sometimes the city. You might need to use the phone tracker by number only when you want to know from whom a suspicious phone call came. And it won’t give you a lot of information - as we told you before. Usually, you will get only the country, perhaps the city and the mobile operator. In order to track the phone number and get the exact location, you will need apps that use GPS to figure out the location of the phone and also require the phone number in order to use the app. Thus they create a profile that is always attached to the phone number. This option is perfect for family or friends usage. You will always know where they are, it will be easier to arrange meetings and find each other, and it’s just fun to look what your friend or relative is doing. How to track a phone number? READ ALSO: How to track a stolen phone in Nigeria? Alright, you have come here because you want to know how to track a phone number in Nigeria! And we will tell you how to do it right now. In order to track a cell phone, you will need several things: - A phone number; - Computer or laptop or smartphone; - Internet. Have all you need? Let’s get started then! Remember, we told you that there are a lot of websites that offer the service of phone tracking? We have a list of the top Nigeria phone number trackers. Some of them are online, others are apps on Android phones. Choose whatever you prefer. What phone trackers can I use? Note that the list is in no particular order. Trace Phone Number This is a free phone tracker by number. A relatively simple website, we should say. The only thing you need to do is to enter the number and click on the “Trace” button. Pros: - It’s completely free; - There is no registration required; - You will know the network operator and the location. Cons: - Phone number traces is available only in India; - The location is far from precise. There are not a lot of Nigeria phone number trackers websites. Most of them only allow you to track in either in India or US. In the list below you will find an Android app that will help you to establish the number location in Nigeria. Called ID & Number Locator This one is a free app that will help you to track a cell phone. But besides being a phone number tracker, it is also a caller identifier. Pros: - You can block a caller; - It has a database of about 13000 cities. If your city is in it, you can search a mobile number without an internet connection; - The program supports 200 countries; - Besides knowing the location of the caller, you can also see the ID. Cons: - If your phone has the Android version lower than 4.0 (which is doubtful but still), you won’t be able to use the app. Not all of us use Android phones. Some of us are iPhone users! And there are also apps there that will help you find your phone. Mobile Number Tracker Pro Another mobile tracking program which has the same services as the others - it is supposed to track the phone number location. Pros: - You can basically track any phone number globally. - You can also call and message from the app; Cons: - There might be some issues with the phone locator; - If you don’t have any active internet connection, then you may have certain problems. As you can see, there are not a lot of options that you can use to track a phone number in Nigeria. Most of the websites work only in other countries, such as India and the U.S. Also, they don’t offer a lot of specific information. It is still advised to track the mobile phone itself, not by using the phone number. However, we hope that our tips have helped you

PRESS STATEMENT BY GWC ON THE OZUBULU MASSACRE ON SUNDAY 6TH OF AUGUST, 2017.

PRESS STATEMENT BY GWC ON THE OZUBULU MASSACRE ON SUNDAY 6TH OF AUGUST, 2017. The Green Women for Change and Empowerment Foundation (GWC) received with shock the news of the sacrilegious invasion of St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Amakwa, Ozubulu, Anambra state and the senseless shooting and killing of innocent worshippers in the early hours of Sunday, August 6, 2017. We condemn this heinous crime as cruel, sadistic, unconscionable and unjustifiable. Consequently, we call upon the Nigeria Police, the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and all law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in the search for and apprehension of the barbarians responsible for this dastardly act. We commend the Governor of Anambra state, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano for his timely and personal intervention in calming frayed nerves and the drafting of extra fifty healthcare professionals to complement those available at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi where the injured have been receiving treatment. Over and beyond the outpouring of grief and condemnations, this unfortunate incident provides us an opportunity to re-evaluate and re-order our value system as a people. A culture that glorifies wealth and affluence, even when ill-gotten, over and above education and integrity, will invariably give rise to a situation such as we had at Ozubulu, and ultimately destroy the society. That is if the report of the police preliminary investigation is anything to go by. It is unconscionable also for any person or group of persons to make political capital out of this dastardly act. As preliminary investigation by the police has revealed, this is an isolated incident with no political, religious or ethnic undertones. And none should be ascribed to it. GWC commiserate with the families of the deceased and wounded the good people of Ozubulu town and Ndi Anambra for their tragic loss. We stand as one with them and pray that the Almighty will grant them the fortitude to bear their loss. Dr. Chinwe Ezejiofor Executive Director Green Women for Change and Empowerment Foundation (GWC

Benue Politician finds N2.3m in company's account, returns to owner

Benue Politician finds N2.3m in company's account, returns to owner By Yemi Itodo The Exectuive Chairman of Otukpo local government council, Hon. George Alli, has returned the sum of N2.3m to the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). DAILY POST gathered that, the SUBEB had last week, erroneously wired the said amount into the account of Zaginas Company, a firm that George Alli had interest in before becoming the local government boss. When his attention was drawn to the credit alert, the LG boss demanded to know if the General Manager of the company was actually expecting any credit transfer in such volume, but discovered that the transaction was done in error. In a telephone chat with DAILY POST on Tuesday, Alli said he called the General Manager and others for a preliminary investigation, after which, the company wrote to SUBEB, intimating them on the erroneous transaction. When asked why he decided to instruct the company to return the money and not divert it for its use, the Council boss said, "a good name is better than silver and gold, and if one decides to sit on what does not belong to him, there are ways such person will loose things, 10 times what he is sitting on". Alli said "sincerity and honesty have a way of attracting other benefits", adding that it was not proper holding unto what did not belong to him, thereby causing someone at the government agency to be held responsible for the mistake. On his part, the Director of Finance and Account of SUBEB, Mr James Sesugh Hon, thanked George Alli, for the uncommon display of honesty, "despite the economic situation, where everyone is looking for money". Mr. Hon, who reportedly received the cheque to the tune of N2.3m on behalf of SUBEB from Alli, also enjoined other Nigerians to imbibe the culture of honesty as displayed by the Council Chairman. "Here is a Nigerian, who was not expecting money, found money in his account, yet returned same", Hon enthused. Mr. Hon also explained that, as soon as he was informed by Zaginas Company about the erroneous transaction, he quickly queried the Director of Physical Planning, to find out why the memo of N2.3m was raised in favour of the company. He, however, explained that, he got a reply that, the files on the subject matter, were taken to Abuja, saying, such verification would not be done until the files were returned.