Connect with us

Uncategorized

Restitution or Compensation: Amnesty for the Civilian JTF Youth Heroes?

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Just 16 years old and in secondary school, Babagana (not his actual name) looks furtively at his watch.

He has been on this look out for the past 8 hours. A report to the command and control center of the civilian JTF in Maidugiri, alerted the organization to an impending operation being planned by Boko Haram in the neighborhood.

Babagana is on a reconnaissance mission.

His briefs are simple, find his way as fast and discretely as he can to command, once he sees a suspicious vehicle driving into town, and give them the description of the car, its course and its occupants.

If he notices Sule-terror, returning to town, do the same.

Yesterday he was part of a “stop and search,” team that caught 8 Boko Haram terrorist suspects in a car with ammunition rounds and several AK 47’s.

The activities of these bands of courageous youth have been gaining prominence after the Nigerian military successfully decimated the operational capabilities of Boko Haram.

Youths like Babagana are perhaps the biggest testimony to the fact that Boko Haram doesn’t represent the aspiration of Borno youths.

With numerous citizen arrests recorded, these untrained volunteers have become quintessential components of the security apparatus in many of the neighborhoods of Maidugiri and its environs.

Motivated principally by a sense of patriotism and protection of community from the Boko Haram’s maniacal destructibility, youths armed with nothing more than flash lights and clubs have been able to confront an enemy trained in urban warfare and guerrilla tactics.

In metered behavior, the civilian jtf capture and hand over culprits, without taking justice into their own hands—by killing them—as is common in Nigeria.

In recent history, it is hard to find a competing example of such sacrifice and bravery. Civilians with sticks and stones, organizing, waiting for the bullets of terrorists to get exhausted and then catching them with just hands.

They are not working for an earthly reward. Assuredly, their reward is in heaven. But should we not seize this opportunity to celebrate true patriotism?

In a world bugged-down with harrowing stories, their actions put Nigeria in the world headlines in positive light.

Courageous actions in the true and critical citizen action spirit, the much I with our little organization can do, is give them the “Every Nigerian Do Something(ENDS)” award for “Valor and citizen bravery.”

Boko Haram too have recognized and underlined these youth, Nigeria’s youth, describing them as their new great enemies.

But apart from the bewildering and sacchariferous nature of the youth crusade, it is important not to miss the greater message that this clearly signifies—the powerful youth force in Nigeria and its unlimited and capable potential against terror, tyrants and tyranny.

The youth of Borno and environs have set an unseen precedence in the history of Nigeria. To be written of, and remembered forever in history books. And perhaps a debut of things to come.

Nigeria has done very little for its teeming youth population and even less for those of its poverty stricken north east.

The youngsters of Borno and Yobe have had next to no reason to feel they are citizens of the nation. Next-to-no benefits.

Terrible schools, poor hospital care, no job security. These are some of the reasons why Boko Haram with a certain amount of financial promise, social relevance and job security, enticed the most vulnerable.

Our oil wealth has had little to no impact in the lives of the fishermen living in the thatched huts of Bama.

The nation’s security forces provided little security to the lives of the tax payers of Baga. Nigeria’s airports hardly ever flew residents of Gwoza.

Our banks and InterSwitch never saved and switched their funds. And in our discussions and plans, we hardly ever considered them.

The only thing many of these youth get out of our oil, is what they buy of it at the pump, and this at some of the highest prices in Nigeria.

Who is more worthy of amnesty and some form of social and economic rehabilitation than the brave vigilante anti-terror youth of Nigeria’s North eastern states?

Where are the voices that should be crusading for restitution based on bravery, rather than compensation for evil? In current news—that’s aside from the dispiriting discussions on who has larger numbers of the dead—these brave multi-ethnic youth, using mere sticks and stones, arrested 31 Boko Haram suspects.

The youth have decided to never rescind, to continue their war until Boko Haram are expunged permanently from their world.

Does this not make us all feel proud? So where are the calls for an amnesty for these world heroes, as the president rightly labeled them?

The modest successes of the civilian jtf is mainly due to the broad acceptability and encouragement given by a citizenry keen on living a normal life bereft of the Boko Haram menace.

Looking at the 6 ft 2 Babagana, one cannot but marvel at the bravery and nobility of these youths. One thought that crossed my mind was gratefulness.

How does a nation reward these youths who having gotten so little, yet, rather than run away, they risk all for the sake of community and nation?

How does Nigeria utilize today to develop a culture where wealthiness albeit, ill-gotten is not our only celebrated trophy, but where virtue and selflessness is a national pride?

Unfortunately the authorities and elders have paid scant attention to youths like the civilian JTF.

On the contrary, Nigeria’s leaders, politicians and elders, jostle among themselves to recommend mouth watering incentives for ex-terrorists and criminals.

While we wait for the response from the marauding and incarcerated Boko Haram members, whom we are begging to accept our compensation, how about a restitution plan for our responding youth?

The question being asked is simple; does anyone reward noble acts in Nigeria?
Dr. Peregrino Brimah
Every Nigerian Do Something; http://ENDS.ng 
Email: [email protected]

 


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

Uncategorized

Dufil Takes Donation of Indomie Noodles Cartons to Vulnerable Communities in Abuja and Environ

Published

on

Kindly share this post

In line with its commitment to provide critical support to indigent members of communities around the country in the face of the ongoing economic challenges, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, in partnership with Golan Helps Abuja Food Bank Initiative (GHAFBI) and Meluibe Foundation on Wednesday, April 17 distributed Indomie noodles cartons to vulnerable communities in Kuje and Kubwa Local Government Areas in Abuja.

With the goal of alleviating hunger and supporting communities across Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has committed to donating a substantial quantity of noodle packs to various NGOs working tirelessly to address food insecurity.

These organizations play a crucial role in reaching remote and underserved areas, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.

“We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate,” said Olusola Olayinka Idowu OON, former Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, and the CEO/Founder of GHAFBI.

“At GHAFBI, we believe that everyone deserves access to wholesome and nourishing food. Our partnership with Dufil Prima Foods to donate Indomie Noodles packs is a big step towards addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Abuja”, said Idowu who was also the former National Conveyor, UN Food System Dialogues in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Executive Director, The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Indomie Noodles for the partnership. “Our vision as an NGO is to change the world one step at a time, by providing relief and support to vulnerable communities.

This is achieved through collaborations and partnerships, one of which is what we have done with Indomie Noodles. We remain grateful for their support through this food relief initiative”, she said.

By partnering with NGOs, Indomie Instant Noodles works closely with local leaders and community heads in directly engaging with rural communities to distribute noodle packs and provide immediate relief to families facing hunger and ensuring that food assistance reaches those who are most in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and community leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity”, said Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited. “Together, we bring hope, love and relief for all”.

The community leaders and some of the beneficiaries also expressed their immense gratitude to Indomie for the support, stressing the impact the products donated will have in alleviating hunger in their communities.

Speaking at the outreach centre, His Royal Highness, Muhammed D. Jibril, Community Leader of Gbazango Community in Kubwa Local Government Area said: “I am very grateful to Indomie Noodles for coming to our aid in these challenging times. I pray for more expansion and growth for the business and may God bless Indomie Noodles”.

Other communities who benefited from the product donations include Wunmi, Tondo, Godoji and Shazhi communities in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Dufil Prima Food’s donation of Indomie Noodle packs underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting communities in need. By providing essential food relief, Dufil Prima Foods is contributing to the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains dedicated to bringing joy to mealtimes and making a positive impact in communities around the world.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Empowering Nigerian Retail: The Promise of Pay on Delivery

Published

on

Kindly share this post

E-commerce in Nigeria has evolved exponentially in recent years, transforming the retail landscape and reshaping consumer habits. From the early days of skepticism and distrust to today’s thriving online marketplaces, the journey has been marked by innovation, adaptation, and perhaps most importantly, the establishment of trust and security between buyers and sellers. At the core of this transformation, Pay on Delivery (PoD) has emerged as the unsung hero of e-commerce.

The premise is straightforward: customers could place orders online and pay for their purchases only upon receipt. This innovative approach not only addressed concerns about security but also provided tangible reassurance to hesitant buyers. In countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked and where distrust in online transactions and fraudulent activities were once rampant, Pay on Delivery has emerged as a lifeline for both consumers and businesses. Many consumers were understandably hesitant to part with their hard-earned money before receiving their desired goods. Pay on delivery bridges this trust gap, offering reassurance to buyers and empowering them to transact with confidence.

In Nigeria, despite the adoption of a wide range of electronic payments, cash is still king. The results of a survey conducted in 2021 show that cash remains the dominant payment method, reflecting the ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by Oxford Business Group found that 70% of Nigerians prefer to pay with cash on delivery, while 28% use credit or debit cards, and only 12% use mobile money platforms. This has challenged e-retailers, and some companies like Jumia, to adapt by prioritizing cash-on-delivery options to cater to this consumer preference.

The Promise of Pay on Delivery in Nigeria

With consumers in mind, Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, has made Pay on Delivery a cornerstone of its business model. Understanding the local market dynamics and the importance of trust and convenience, the company has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless Pay on Delivery experience for its customers.

One of the key benefits of Jumia’s Pay on Delivery service is its flexibility. Customers have the option to inspect their purchases before making payment, ensuring satisfaction and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. This added layer of security not only enhances the overall shopping experience but also builds long-term trust and loyalty among customers.

Moreover, Jumia has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that products meet customer expectations upon delivery. This includes partnering with reputable brands and implementing stringent verification processes to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the marketplace. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and product quality, Jumia has solidified its reputation as a trusted online retailer in Nigeria.

Beyond enhancing trust and security, Pay on Delivery has also played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria. By providing an alternative payment method for those without access to traditional banking services, Jumia has expanded the reach of e-commerce to a broader segment of the population. This not only benefits consumers by providing greater access to goods and services but also stimulates economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and driving demand for products and services.

In all, the future of e-commerce in Nigeria looks promising, with Pay on Delivery poised to remain a key enabler of growth and expansion. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, innovative solutions like Pay on Delivery will continue to drive the transformation of the retail landscape, empowering Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Verra Certifies d.light’s Clean Cookstove Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

Published

on

Kindly share this post

A series of pioneering projects by d.light, the global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, to distribute 600,000 energy-efficient clean cookstoves in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda have been officially certified by global verification body Verra.

This certification confirms the d.light projects as trusted, verified sources of high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon markets (VCMs).

The d.light projects aim to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, tackle indoor air pollution, and reduce deforestation through the sale of highly efficient biomass cookstoves subsidized by the revenues from the sale of carbon credits.

Since their launch in late 2022, the projects have positively impacted more than one million lives and are projected to transform more than three million lives by 2025.

Commenting on the news, Karl Skare, d.light’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasized the projects’ positive impact, “With these projects, we’re not just addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing quality of life for millions.

“Each project underscores d.light’s commitment to practical, innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges, as part of our mission to transform the lives of one billion people by 2030.”

Each year, domestic cooking emissions contribute more than two percent of total global GHG emissions and up to 25 percent of anthropogenic black carbon emissions.

Highly energy-efficient cookstoves solve this problem by reducing biomass use by up to 70 percent compared to traditional cooking methods, cutting emissions of both carbon dioxide and black carbon.

The d.light projects are expected to reduce emissions by up to 12 million tons, contributing to climate change mitigation. These emissions reductions will be registered as carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.

As well as reducing emissions, clean cookstoves are also a benefit to public health. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year and is still one of the predominant causes of pollution-related illness and death in Africa.

In Uganda, for example, less than one percent of the population has access to clean cooking, household air pollution is the one of the largest risk factors for death and disability.

In addition, switching from traditional three-stone open fires to cleaner, energy-efficient cookstoves significantly reduces deforestation and reduces threats to wildlife and biodiversity caused by habitat loss.

Skare explained, “By subsidizing energy-efficient cookstove costs through carbon financing, d.light makes clean cooking accessible to more households, which in turn leads to healthier living conditions and conserves natural resources as well.

“Our projects in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda are models of how sustainable investments can yield multiple co-benefits, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and also promoting socio-economic development.

Skare added, “d.light now has projects certified by both Gold Standard and Verra, the world’s two leading certifiers of carbon credits. Organizations looking for ways to offset their own emissions can be confident that when they purchase carbon credits in d.light’s clean cooking projects in sub-Saharan Africa, they are investing in transformative initiatives that reduce harmful emissions, improve people’s health and quality of life, and help conserve the environment as well.”

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending