News
20m out-of-sch kids potential bandits – Akpabio cries out
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has
said there are are no fewer than 20 million out-of-school kids in the country, describing them as potential bandits.
Akpabio declared this during plenary on Wednesday while contributing to a debate on the compelling need to tackle the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The debate followed a report of the senate committee on education (primary and secondary) presented by its chairman, Senator Usman Lawal Adamu (Kaduna Central) during plenary.
Akpabio said the menace of out-of-school children portends danger to the security of the country.
“20 million out-of-school children is timebomb for any country. They are potential bandits; they are a major danger. So this is a major issue. This is the cause of insecurity in the country,” Akpabio said.
The Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also said, “It is a serious problem. If we leave unattended to, it is a kind of timebomb, and once it explodes, it will consume us, particularly the Northern part of this country.
“The number of children roaming our streets without going to school needs our attention. It is a serious problem. It is a problem that the solution is beyond the federal government alone or any tier of government. The re-orientation has to commence immediately so that parents should know that they need to do that.”
In his contribution, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to compel state governors to address the issue of out-of-school children in their states sequel to the huge funds being allocated to them.
Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) asked state governors to hold a roundtable discussion and advance measures to tackle the issue.
Senator Sani Bello (Niger North) lamented that some children in Niger State had died because they were bitten by snakes in the bushes following lack of toilet facilities in their schools.
He said his administration had spent billions of Naira in building better schools across the state, when he was governor.
After an extensive debate on the issue, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), moved a motion for a national summit on the issue.
The motion was seconded by the deputy president of the Senate, Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the national summit would deliberate and iron out issues related to out of school children to ensure the security of the country.
Akpabio said the summit would have various stakeholders including representatives of the federal, state and local governments, civil society organisations and many others in attendance.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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