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Armed Conflict: Protection Of Civilians A Fundamental Principle Of International Law – Envoy

Published

4 months ago

July 15, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, His Excellency Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, has said the protection of civilians is a fundamental principle of international law.

The Ambassador stated thus at the graduation of Participants of Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 37/24, organised by the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme UNDP and the Government of Japan in Abuja.

The envoy who was represented by the Head of Mission, Hiromi Otsuki, said that civilians, especially women and children, are often the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict, often forced to flee their homes, lose loved ones, and face constant threat of violence.

According to him, Japan had been committed to peace and stability in Africa by providing assistance including human resource development, border control support, and assistance for building judicial and administrative systems.

This he said is for the purpose of the consolidation of democracy and strengthening of the rule of law.

“Japan’s commitment to civilian protection is reflected in our financial support for UN peacekeeping operations and other initiatives aimed at protecting civilians.

“We also provide training and capacity-building assistance for countries particularly in post-conflict situations.

“The skills and knowledge that you have gained in this course will be essential as you work to protect civilians in your respective postings and I ask you to continue to develop your skills and knowledge in the area of civilian protection,’’ the Ambassador said.

Member Board of Trustees MLAILPKC, Major General Obidah Ethan(Rtd.) in his remarks said that protecting civilians was not just a moral imperative, but a collective responsibility that required courage and determination.

“It demands that we put the needs of others before our own and that we stand firm in the face of adversity.

“This is a reminder that only through collective and collaborative action and empathy can we strive towards a world where every voice is heard, respected, and protected.

“The overall objective of the CPOC is to develop human capacity to handle challenges that arises in the Protection of Civilians in conflict zones.

“This Course is aimed at equipping participants with knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the performance of CPOC functions in an integrated peace operations environment,’’ he stated.

He therefore urged the participants to impact the knowledge gained from the course in their various formations, units and organisations as well as bring their expertise to bear when called upon to serve in any capacity.

Maj-Gen Ethan strongly urged the participants to give a good account of themselves and apply themselves professionally in the field, bring pride and glory to your organization and the country with every sense of responsibility when the need arises.

“You are the frontline defenders who will shield civilians from the ravages of conflict, prioritize their safety, security, and champion the promotion of human rights as well as dignity in the most challenging of environments.

“Please remember that your role is crucial in upholding the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and dignity, even in the face of adversity,’’ he admonished.

The Commandant of the Centre, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, restated that their expertise was crucial in a world where conflicts and violence has continuously affected the innocent, vulnerable and persons living with disability.

Adedoja said the training recieved was fashioned in line with this Centre of Excellence Mission Statement which is “to deliver realistic training to potential peacekeepers for the multidimensional challenges contemporary peace support operations”.

“You have learned the importance of humanitarian principles, international laws, Causes and Nature of Conflicts in Africa, United Nations Legal Policy Frameworks on Protection of Civilians, Mission Life Cycle and Integrated Assessment Planning.

“You have also learned about Tactical Decision-making process, Mission Analysis and coordination with various stakeholders to ensure the safety of those affected by Conflicts.

“As certified UN-CPOC experts, you are now better equipped to navigate the full spectrum of peacekeeping operations, coordinating, communicating and leading in the pursuit of peace, stability and ultimately ensuring protection of civilians,’’ he said.

The commandant commended the Government of Japan and the UNDP for their enormous commitment towards the successful hosting of the course.

Thr two weeks course had participants drawn from five African countries including Liberia, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Ghana and Nigeria of the Police, Paramilitary, Armed Forces, Civil Society Organisations.

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Just in: Plateau Govt Approves N70k Minimum Wage for Civil Servants

Published

4 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In line with discussions reached after consultation with relevant stakeholders, the Plateau State Government has approved immediate implementation of the N70, 000 minimum wage for the workforce in Plateau State.

The cheering news is contained in a Press Statement signed by the Head of Civil Service in the State, Stephen Pam Gadong.

Full text of the statement reads in part:

Following the Agreement of the Committee on Consequential Adjustment on Salaries on 13th, November, 2024, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.

The Implementation is a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of the workforce in acknowledgement of their invaluableble role in driving the State’s developmental goals.

As the new wage policy is administered, Civil Servants are encouraged to embrace this gesture by recommitting to their duties with renewed dedication and zeal in order to foster a culture of productivity and excellence in service in the State.

News

Before final liquidation, NDIC set to auction Heritage bank properties

Published

2 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Naijablitznews

In a bid to ensure timely declaration of liquidation dividends to uninsured depositors of the failed Heritage Bank (In-Liquidation), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the process of auctioning the landed properties and chattels of the defunct bank.

According to the Corporation, this exercise is in line with its statutory powers as the Liquidator of failed banks under section 62 (1)(d) of the NDIC Act, 2023, noting that; “This is another follow-up action sequel to the disposal of physical assets and chattels belonging to the defunct bank at its leased locations nationwide”.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Communication and Public Affairs Department, Bashir A.

Therefore, the auction of the landed assets shall be by competitive bidding in sealed bids scheduled to take place at the six (6) selected locations of the Corporation across the country, for the affected 36 branches of the failed bank beginning from Wednesday 4th December 2024.
“Buyers who wish to participate in the auction are expected to follow laid down guidelines purposely aimed at ensuring transparency, fair competition, equity, and accountability to enable recovery of commensurate values from the exercise. This is critical for the payment of liquidation dividends to eligible claimants.

The Corporation shall give preference to financial institutions who are willing to buy at the highest auctioned value to allow for the continuation of provision of banking services to the Nigerian public at the designated locations”, adding; “This is desirable towards bolstering financial inclusion as envisaged by the financial system regulatory authorities.

“However, Corporate bodies and Private individuals willing to compete are equally eligible to compete in the process without prejudice, the auction shall be open and competitive to all bidders.

Furthermore, bidders will be allowed to inspect the properties and chattels across all locations one week before the date of disposal.”

Importantly too, the statement said; “All interested parties are to make available 10% bid security of the value of their sealed bids to be dropped in the bid box provided at the specific centre out of the six locations of the Corporation as contained in the published advertisements.

“All interested bidders are advised to submit their bids only at the designated NDIC offices covering their choices amongst Abuja, Lagos, Bauchi, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.”

Meanwhile, the Corporation has vowed that there would be no hiding place for debtors of the defunct Heritage Bank whose financial obligation portfolio is in the region of over N700 billion.

News

Naira slumps in parallel market

Published

3 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Naira experienced a slight depreciation yesterday, slipping to N1,740 per dollar in the parallel market compared to its previous rate of N1,735 per dollar on Tuesday.

According to data from FMDQ, the indicative exchange rate for the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) strengthened, rising to N1,645.4 per dollar from Tuesday’s rate of N1,689.88 per dollar. This marks an appreciation of N44.48 for the Naira.

The market also saw a significant increase in dollar trading activity, with turnover climbing by 122.5 percent to reach $236.84 million, up from $106.44 million the previous day.

As a result, the gap between the parallel market and the NAFEM exchange rate widened, now standing at N94.6 per dollar, up from N45.12 per dollar recorded on Tuesday.