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Why Nigeria Electricity Employees suspended Nationwide Strike

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Why Nigeria Electricity Employees suspended Nationwide Strike’

 

Two major electricity unions have suspended their planned nationwide strike following the intervention of the Federal Government.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC)
had threatened to embark on industrial action over unresolved issues in the power sector.
The workers had earlier planned to down tools to press home their demands from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) over non implementation of the national minimum wage and other operational issues,
The union decided to suspend the strike after extensive discussions with representatives of the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu and the labour unions.
The Atlantic Bell learnt that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the end of the meeting in Abuja on Thursday night.
A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sighted by NAN in Abuja on Friday, revealed that the agreement was signed by representatives of the Ministers of Power and Labour, as well as leaders of the labour unions.

Other signatories to the MoU include representatives of the TCN, and the National Independent System Operator(NISO), who signed on behalf of the federal government.

While the General Secretary of SSAEAC, and the acting General Secretary of NUEE signed for the labour unions.
The MoU said” after extensive discussions, the following agreements were reached:
Among the agreements was the decision for the unions to consider the report of a standing committee between October 6 and October 7, with a view to commencing its implementation in the same month.
In addition, TCN and NISO are to jointly evaluate the financial implications of the report and prepare an implementation plan for presentation to the minister and the unions.
It was further resolved that both unions would reconvene with TCN and NISO management to address other outstanding issues.
The MoU also directed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to fast-track the review of tariffs for TCN and NISO to enable implementation of the committee’s recommendations.
The MoU also included a key clause stating that no employee would be victimised for participating in the industrial action.
Following the agreement, and in a show of good faith, the unions announced the suspension of the planned strike to allow for the implementation of the resolutions reached during negotiations.

Sustain Momentum Against Terrorists, Adopt Innovation For Enhanced Security, Army Chief Charges Soldiers

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The Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Uwem Bassey, has charged commanders of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) to sustain momentum and adopt innovative strategies in combating terrorism in the North East.

Bassey gave the charge during a two-day operational assessment visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Maiduguri, from Sept. 24 to 25.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday by Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, OPHK.

Bassey said that the visit was intended to assess operational effectiveness, boost troop morale, ensure strategic alignment, and provide direct support on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

He urged commanders and troops to dominate all areas of operation and deny terrorists any freedom of movement, stressing the importance of fresh, adaptive approaches to achieve decisive outcomes.

The Army’s operations chief also emphasised the need for strengthened joint operations involving land, air, and maritime components, along with other security agencies.

He warned against indiscipline and cowardice, calling on troops to apply full firepower against terrorist elements.

Bassey also interacted with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hybrid Forces.

He conveyed the COAS’s appreciation and urged all personnel to remain loyal, disciplined, and steadfast in defending their communities and the nation.

Bassey cautioned against double-dealing and leaking intelligence to terrorists, noting that such acts endangered troops and civilians alike.

“Some individuals may appear friendly by day but operate as enemies at night. Such conduct will not be tolerated,” he warned.

Bassey assured that troops, working closely with other components and agencies, would sustain aggressive operations to deny terrorists any operational space in the region.

During the visit, he toured formations and units including the 21 Armoured Special Brigade in Bama, the 151 and 152 Battalions in Banki, and the Forward Operating Base in Bula Yobe.

He also held interactive sessions with sector and component commanders, assuring them that operational challenges raised, would receive urgent attention

250,000 MSMEs To Benefit From SMEDAN, CAC Free Business Registration

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The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) are deepening partnerships to ease business registration for small business owners in the country.

The Registrar-General of CAC, Mr Hussaini Magaji, said this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organisations on Friday in Abuja.

The agreement will provide the framework for free registration of 250,000 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises across the country.

Magaji said that the framework provided under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration would eliminate cost barriers by waiving all statutory fees.

He said that entrepreneurs would now be able to obtain certificates seamlessly, without delays or middlemen, through the CAC portal.

He said: “Formalising a business is more than obtaining a certificate.

“It provides entrepreneurs with a legal identity, improve access to finance and markets, enhances record keeping and strengthen compliance with tax or regulatory obligations.

“For the government, it expands the tax base, improves policy design and reflects the two sides and contribution of our MSME sector.

“By formalising an additional 250,000 enterprises under this initiative, we are helping to create jobs, foster innovation and build a more inclusive economy,” he said.

The registrar-general, while commending SMEDAN on the partnership urged the MSMEs to take advantage of this opportunity to formalise their businesses, access new opportunities and become part of Nigeria’s growth story.

Magaji also appealed to the media to help amplify this message so that no deserving entrepreneur is left behind.

On his part, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, hailed the initiative as a milestone for small businesses, describing it as one of the “big wins” of the current administration.

Odii explained that SMEDAN would mobilise, profile and guide eligible businesses for registration through its dedicated online portal.

According to him, the platform will eliminate the role of middlemen, who previously inflated registration costs, sometimes charging between N30,000 and N100,000 against the official CAC rate of about N11,000.

Odii said the initiative would complement the President’s N200 billion economic assistance programme, which provides N50 billion in grants for nano businesses, N75 billion in single-digit loans for SMEs and N75 billion for manufacturers.

He said that the interventions demonstrated the resolve of government to ease the cost of doing business and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The director-general said that the MoU was timely, especially as CAC prepared to review its fees by October, reiterating that the initiative ensures 250,000 businesses will benefit from free registration before the review.

According to Odii, many businesses collapse within their first five years due to a lack of structure, noting that registration was the first step to building resilience.

The SMEDAN boss assured that beyond registration, SMEDAN would continue to support entrepreneurs through business clinics, advisory services, and linkages.

He said this would be done in collaboration with other agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Odii also commended the President’s move to raise the tax exemption threshold for small businesses with N25 million to N50 million annual turnover, saying it will reduce the burden on enterprises and encourage compliance.

He thanked the Registrar-General of CAC, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Chief of Staff to the President for their support in bringing the initiative to fruition.

Nigeria Targets 106 million Children In Massive Vaccination Campaign, October … Roles Out Measles-rubella Vaccine

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The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), has announced plans to introduce the Measles-Rubella Vaccine (MRV), into Nigeria’s immunisation as part of what it tagged “Mother of All Campaigns”.

The immunisation agency said that it was an integrated nationwide health drive targeting more than 106 million Nigerians aged 0 to 14 years in October.

Dr Ladan Aliyu, Director of Advocacy and Communications, NPHCDA, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, during a Media Orientation on the Integrated Campaign.

Aliyu said that measles and rubella spread rapidly but can be prevented with a simple vaccine.

“A single measles and rubella vaccine dose gives lasting protection, saves lives and builds a healthier community. Vaccinate your child today,” he urged.

He said that the upcoming campaign would integrate measles-rubella, polio, nutrition, HPV, routine immunisation, malaria prevention and efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

He described the media as critical partners in ensuring the success of the campaign.

“The media remain critical partners in creating awareness, educating caregivers, dispelling misinformation and mobilising communities to ensure Nigeria reaches the 95 per cent measles vaccination coverage needed for herd immunity,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Frank Obi, Consultant Community Health Physician and Epidemiologist, explained that Nigeria is aligning its measles elimination plan with global strategies by integrating vaccination and disease control efforts.

Obi noted that instead of separate campaigns, the new approach would combine interventions for stronger outcomes.

He highlighted Nigeria’s burden of zero-dose children, those who have never received a single vaccine, stressing that the campaign aims to reduce the figure by at least 15 per cent.

“Nigeria remains the headquarters of zero-dose children, especially for measles.

“Strengthening routine immunisation is the backbone of disease control. Without 95 per cent coverage, outbreaks will continue to spread,” he warned.

He added that while 85 per cent of children respond to the first measles dose given at nine months, a second dose at 15 months is crucial to achieve full protection.

Currently, he said that only 51 per cent of Nigerian children receive the first dose and just 30 per cent receive the second, leaving millions unprotected.

The October campaign will mobilise health workers, community leaders, and the media nationwide to boost coverage and close immunity gaps.

The Atlantic Bell recalls that measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person.

Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, blindness, brain death, especially in children under five, and vaccination is the only effective prevention.

Rubella, also called German measles, is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild in children and adults. Symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain.

The greatest risk is when pregnant women get infected, especially in the first trimester. It can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in babies, leading to deafness, heart defects, intellectual disabilities and blindness.

The rubella vaccine prevents infection and protects future generations.

The Measles-Rubella vaccine protects against both measles and rubella in a single shot. It is safe, effective, and recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Adding MRV to Nigeria’s immunisation schedule will save thousands of children’s lives and prevent birth defects linked to rubella.

Why FG Imposed $200m Fine on Meta – NDPC

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The Federal Government says that the investigation into the operations of tech giant, Meta was to ensure that it operated within the within the ambits of the nation’s laws.

The National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, said this in Abuja on Friday at Training for DevsInGovernment which had as its them: “Innovating with Privacy: Building Trust in Government Digital Services.”

The U.S,-based company are the operators of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads.

IT would be recalled that the government through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently imposed a $220 million fine on Meta for data breaches.

“We are not necessarily being punitive. However, any institution that fails to cooperate or comply with our laws will be sanctioned,” Olatunji said.

The initiative is meant to equip workers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government with digital knowledge and skills.

Olatunji said the probe of Meta Platforms Inc. required multi-agency approach to ensure a thorough and detailed investigation with appropriate mechanisms to resolve the issues.

“We are concerned about the ways and manners in which data of citizens are collected and managed in Nigeria and outside Nigeria.

“In so doing, we also consider the economic values for the citizens and the country and we want the global best standards and practices to be entrenched here.

“We are not necessarily being punitive. However, any institution that fails to cooperate or comply with our laws will be sanctioned,” he said.

He said given the sensitive nature of data in governance and businesses, the federal government would do everything legally necessary to sanitise the area.

“The future of government is digital, but the success of digital governance will depend on one thing above all. Trust and privacy is the foundation of that trust.

“Deploying trusted digital services is not a task for government alone it requires all of us across public and private sectors, civil societies and citizens working together.

“Together we can build a citizen-centric, innovative digital nation that others will look to as a model of trust and progress,” he said.

WHO To Recruit Candidates For Technical Advisory Group On Maternal Mortality, Cause Of Death Estimation

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking to engage experts to serve as members of the Technical Advisory Group on Maternal Mortality and Maternal Cause of Death Estimation.

The Technical Advisory Group on Maternal Mortality and Maternal Cause of Death Estimation (the “TAG”) acts as an advisory body to WHO in the field of maternal mortality measurement and maternal cause of death measurement. The TAG provides guidance in relation to on-going methodological improvements and strategies for reporting and enhancing country level reporting.

The TAG on Maternal Mortality and Maternal Cause of Death Estimation will be multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills and experience relevant to maternal mortality and morbidity measurement.

WHO expects expressions of interest from expert scientists, healthcare professionals, health management information systems and data specialists with expertise in the following areas epidemiology, biostatistics, data science, modelling of health estimates; maternal health, obstetrics and gynecology, midwifery, reproductive health.

Other areas include, monitoring and measurement within health systems; and censuses, civil registration and vital statistics, health and demographic surveillance systems, maternal death review, verbal autopsy, other surveillance systems, as relates to mortality and cause of death data.

In its capacity as an advisory body to WHO, the TAG has the following functions, to provide independent evaluation of the scientific, technical and strategic aspects relating to maternal mortality and maternal cause of death measurement and estimation methods;

The TAG will recommend priorities relating to the development of a research agenda to address maternal mortality measurement challenges required for global monitoring purposes;

It will also advise on linkages with related advisory groups, including those working on the measurement and estimation of perinatal, neonatal, and infant mortality.

Furthermore, the TAGwill advise on strategies to promote linkages to broader strategies to strengthen national statistics systems as relates to maternal mortality measurement, including civil registration and vital statistics, standardized coding and classification according to the rules of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) framework; and to advise on strategies in relation to the effective dissemination and use of the maternal mortality estimates and related products.

The TAG shall normally be expected meet at least once per year, either in-person or virtually at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, usually for 2-3 days each time. Meetings may be convened in other locations if determined by WHO. Additional meetings and/or interim teleconferences may be required of members where input is requested on specific issues.

Active participation is expected from all TAG members, including in working subgroups, teleconferences and interaction via e-mail. TAG members may be requested to review meeting documentation in advance of TAG meetings.

The working language of the TAG will be English

Applicants who wish to be considered for the TAG on Maternal Mortality and Maternal Cause of Death Estimation, are requested to submit the following documents, a cover letter, indicating motivation to apply and how expertise meets the criteria earlier stated.

Applicants are also to submit curriculum vitae; one example of a work product or report in the relevant area; and a signed and completed Declaration of Interests (DOI) form for WHO Experts (available for download).

Applications are to be forwarded to maternalestimates@who.int using the subject line “Expression of interest for the TAG on Maternal Mortality and Maternal Cause of Death Estimation”: Applicants are advised not to use the letterhead or other identification of there employers.The deadline for submission of applications is October 15, 2025.

All expression of interests will be reviewed by WHO, and due to an expected high volume of interest, only selected individuals will be contacted.

Background
WHO is the leading agency of the United Nations (UN) Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG), a UN initiative comprising WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank Group and the UNDESA/Population Division. The MMEIG has the function to update the inter-agency estimates of maternal mortality. The MMEIG contributes to monitoring progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 – “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” by producing estimates of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) (target 3.1.1)

RSG Commends Lulu-Briggs, Wordu Foundations For Partnership

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The Rivers State Government has expressed the importance of partnership in the quest to give succour to those in need.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara expressed this while speaking at the 44th Free Medical Mission organized by the O.B Lulu Briggs Foundation in Partnership with Dr. Henry Wordu Foundation at the Primary Health Centre Aluu, on Wednesday 24th September 2025.

Represented by his Deputy Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara commended the two Foundations for organizing Free Medical Missions which according to him is capital intensive especially when there are surgeries to be performed.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Nma Odu (Left), exchanging pleasantries with the Chairman, O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs (Right), during the Official Opening Ceremony of the 44th Free Medical Mission at the Aluu Primary Health Centre, Ikwerre Local Government Area on the 24th Sept. 2025.

Governor Fubara noted that it has been decades since O.B Lulu Briggs Foundation started and instead of dropping they have been increasing from attending to hundreds of patients to thousands.

The State Chief Executive who disclosed that whatever anybody does that has direct impact on humanity is really transformational and thanked Dr. Henry Wordu for his partnership with the Lulu Briggs Foundation.

In her remarks, Dr (Mrs) Seinye O B Lulu- Briggs, Chairman, O B Lulu-Briggs Foundation, said good health remains one of God’s greatest blessings, adding that she is delighted to extend a hand of fellowship to many especially the underserved.

She said for over 20 years the O B Lulu Briggs Foundation has chosen to stand in the gap through it’s Free Medical Missions which has brought healing, dignity and hope to those who have otherwise forgotten.

Also Speaking, the Chairman of the Dr. Henry Wordu Foundation, Dr. Henry Wordu said the outreach is very significant because it has been consisted, noting that over 1,572 patients has been attended to in the past two days.

On his part, Chairman of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr. Dawari George expressed delight that the outreach is in consonance with the policy of the Primary Healthcare Management Board, while calling for greater information

 

Environment Minister Lauds NDDC For Sustainable Development In Niger Delta … As EIA on Projects In Four LGAs in Rivers Holds In PH

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The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for its significant strides in delivering basic infrastructure across the Niger Delta region.

The Minister, who spoke during a stakeholders’ engagement forum on Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, in Port Harcourt, for proposed road projects in Rivers State, lauded the NDDC’s commitment to sustainable development and its efforts towards addressing the long-standing infrastructural gaps in Niger Delta communities.

The forum, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, focused on three critical projects: The construction of a 4 km Bonny Internal Road in Degema and Bonny Local Government Areas; the construction of Luebe-Agbani -Lueku Road in Khana LGA; and the construction of 6 km Egelebia Road, Phase 2, in George-Ama, Okrika LGA.

Environmental & Chemical Engineer, Federal Ministry of Environment, Engr. Manji Silas, (Middle), chatting with the NDDC, Deputy Director for Environment Protection and Control, Dr. Eno Ukpe, (right), during the Environmental Impact Assessment forum, held in Port Harcourt. On the left is the Controller, Federal Ministry of Environment, Rivers State, Mrs. Oto-Obong Umoh.

The Minister, represented by an Environmental and Chemical Engineer in the Ministry of Environment, Engr. Manji Justine extolled the NDDC for subjecting the proposed projects to the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act before commencement.

He said, “We are not here to stop the project but to ensure it aligns with environmental laws to protect the future and guarantee sustainability. Once approval is granted, the Ministry, along with the state government and affected communities, will monitor the projects through baseline data collection and post-construction site assessments.”

He highlighted the importance of incorporating proper drainage systems to mitigate flooding and stressed the need for covered drainage channels in residential areas to prevent waste dumping and blockages.

According to him, “The NDDC has taken a bold and commendable step by addressing road infrastructure gaps that have long affected these communities. Every identified impact in the EIA process must have a mitigation strategy.”

The NDDC Director II, Environmental Protection and Control, Engr. Aniefiok Iniokut said the forum aimed to provide a platform for engagement between the Commission, the Ministry, and the affected communities before project commencement.

“It’s only through such engagements that we can understand the full social and environmental implications of these projects. The feedback so far shows overwhelming community support and a clear understanding of the project’s benefits,” he said.

He noted that the forum confirmed no objections from the communities and that the positive impacts significantly outweigh the negatives. He assured stakeholders that the NDDC would ensure the successful completion of the projects.

Head of the Dokube Royal House in Okrika, Chief Godknows Tam-George, expressed appreciation to the NDDC and its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for initiating the projects.

“For years, Egedeme lacked basic infrastructure. Within a short period under the current NDDC leadership, we’ve received a 2km road, a 6km road, and a water project. These are life-changing developments,” he said.

In his speech, the Paramount Ruler of Baa-Lueku, Chief Samson Barilugbene Obrien, praised the project’s potential to enhance economic opportunities.

“This road will bridge the gap between our community and others. It will open up access for trade, ease transportation, and serve as a vital link to Akwa Ibom via Aba,” he noted.

In her remarks, the NDDC Deputy Director, Environmental Protection and Control, Dr. Mrs. Ukpe Eno, underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving sustainable development.

Nigeria, UK Pledge To Deepen Cooperation In Defence, Economy, Others

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Nigeria and the UK have pledged to deepen cooperation on several fronts, including defence, trade, migration, and cyber security.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting in New York between Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, David Lammy, the two leaders pledged to strengthen existing bilateral relationship.
Similarly, Vice-President Shettima attended the Global Leadership Council Meeting, assuring that Nigeria is poised to leverage opportunities in the digital space to engage youths and empower women and girls.
The meeting, which held at the UNICEF Headquarters, , brought together Heads of State,  heads of UN agencies, civil society champions, and young people to analyse how to co-create and deliver innovative solutions on a global scale.
“Be assured that we are poised to take opportunities in the digital space to engage our youth and, most importantly, to empower our women because they are the backbone of our society,” Shettima said.
He added that inclusivity, which is very crucial, is one of the backbones of President Bola  Tinubu-led administration, exemplified by young people occupying key positions in Nigeria’s government.

NGOs Walk To Promote Sustainable Peace In Katsina

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Members of the Gender Awareness Trust (GAT), in partnership with FCDO and Tetra Tech, have staged a walk in Katsina metropolis to commemorate the 2025 International Peace Day (IPD).

Speaking shortly after the walk on Thursday in Katsina, the Executive Director of GAT, Dr Lydia Umar, said that the aim was to create public awareness towards promoting a sustainable peace.

Represented by Mr Mohammed Maifada, the Katsina State Mobilisation Consultant, Umar said that the commemoration has ‘Act Now for a Peaceful World’, as its global theme.

According to her, the day reminds them that peace cannot wait and that the time for action is today, saying, “the theme is not just a call, but an urgent reminder of their responsibility.”

She added that their collective effort showed that peace was not a distant dream, adding, ” neither is it the responsibility of governments alone, but it is a collective action.

“It requires that each one of us, from policymakers to community leaders, from women and youth to every citizen, take deliberate steps to foster understanding, tolerance, and justice without which peace cannot thrive.

“At GAT, we are complementing this with our SPRiNG project theme, ‘Support Inclusive Peace Building’

“For us, this means recognising that true peace cannot be achieved when voices are silenced, when women, young people, and marginalised groups are left behind,” she said.

According to Umar, that inclusivity is not optional, saying, “it is the foundation of sustainable peace which their walk is symbolic, and each step is a pledge that they will not remain silent in the face of violence, division, and inequality.

“Each step is a call for justice, equity and unity. Indeed, peace for women is peace for families, peace for communities, and peace for generations to come.

“At GAT, our commitment is to empower communities to transform conflict into cooperation,” the executive director stated.

She expressed the belief that by addressing the root causes, such as inequality, marginalisation, and mistrust, they can build the foundations for sustainable peace.

Umar said, “But we recognised that no single sector of society can do this alone and in isolation.

“The need for strong partnerships with government, relevant ministries, and with other stakeholders who share in the vision of a safe and inclusive society cannot be over emphasised.

“GAT wishes to emphasise the fact that peace is not only the absence of violence, it is the presence of dignity, opportunity, and well-being for all, especially the vulnerable, women, persons with disability, children, and other marginalised groups.”