The Federal Government has announced a major investment of over N112 billion to ensure safe and inclusive spaces for children across Nigeria over the next three years.

This was revealed by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during a statement in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 World Children’s Day on Wednesday.

World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, marks the adoption of the Declaration and Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959 and 1989, respectively.

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This year’s theme, “Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future,” emphasizes the importance of securing children’s rights to create a better world for future generations.

Addressing the nation, Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted that the funding will be channeled through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools.

The plan aims to protect educational environments and promote inclusivity for all children.

“Through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, more than N112 billion has been allocated to safeguard learning environments over the next three years, ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all children,” she said.

She further outlined progress in child protection, noting the domestication of the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003) in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as a significant achievement.

The minister also cited the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 as evidence of the government’s commitment to the Maputo Protocol and the broader goal of eliminating violence against children.

“These legislative frameworks have strengthened our policies to shield children from abuse, violence, and exploitation, reinforcing Nigeria’s stance against all forms of harm toward its youngest citizens,” she added.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing critical issues affecting children, including education inequity, child labor, and healthcare access.

“Nigeria is taking bold actions to combat violence against children through legislative reviews, enhanced policies, and comprehensive child protection frameworks,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

World Children’s Day, spearheaded by UNICEF, is a global call to action to tackle challenges such as education disparities, child labor, and inadequate healthcare.

The Nigerian Senate has officially removed Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) following allegations of gross misconduct.

The decision, made after a lengthy closed-door session, was backed by more than 84 senators, marking a significant action under Section 157(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the motion, emphasized the crucial role of the CCT in upholding integrity and accountability within Nigeria’s public institutions.

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He condemned Umar’s conduct, asserting that it did not meet the standards required of a public officer in such an esteemed position.

“The Code of Conduct Tribunal is a statutory institution expected to uphold virtues of integrity and accountability,” Bamidele said. “However, Mr. Danladi Umar’s conduct has fallen short of the requisite standards for someone entrusted with such responsibilities.”

Bamidele outlined a series of allegations against Umar, including corruption, misconduct, and a month-long unexplained absence from office.

He also pointed to Umar’s involvement in a physical altercation with a security guard in Abuja, as well as ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS.

These incidents, Bamidele argued, reflected negligence and gross misconduct, unbefitting the position of CCT Chairman.

“The Senate has been inundated with series of petitions and allegations of corruption and misconduct against the Chairman, which led to several invitations to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions,” Bamidele continued. “Unfortunately, he appeared only once and subsequently ignored further invitations.”

In addition to detailing Umar’s alleged missteps, Bamidele noted the Senate’s recent confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman.

Bello was nominated by President Bola Tinubu and confirmed by the Senate on July 4, 2024, ushering in a new leadership era for the Tribunal.

The invocation of Section 157(1) of the Constitution, which allows the Senate to remove the CCT Chairman for misconduct, is a rare move.

It is the first time since 1999 that the provision has been used to dismiss the head of a key government agency.

This decision underscores the 10th Senate’s determination to uphold the rule of law and ensure the integrity of public institutions in Nigeria.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Nigerian government and stakeholders to prioritize the completion of the National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja, a project that has been stalled for nearly two decades.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of the National Library in Abuja on Wednesday, Obasanjo highlighted the library’s importance as a critical infrastructure for the nation’s educational and cultural development.

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He said, “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone and embrace new directions, we must also address a pressing challenge: the completion of the National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.

“The vision for a purpose-built, state-of-the-art national library is not merely a symbolic aspiration; it is a critical necessity for our country.”

The contract for the library was awarded in 2006 during Obasanjo’s administration to Reynolds Construction Company for N8.9 billion, with an expected completion timeline of four years.

The facility, located on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District in the Federal Capital Territory, was intended to serve as a modern hub for learning, literacy, and cultural preservation.

However, it remains incomplete, more than 18 years later.

Obasanjo stressed the need for collective action, saying, “I, therefore, call on all stakeholders – from the government to the private sector and international partners – to prioritise the completion of this vital infrastructure.

“A fully operational headquarters will serve as a beacon for literacy and learning, a hub for cultural preservation, and a global symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to education and innovation.”

Also speaking at the event, National Librarian Professor Veronica Anunobi highlighted the achievements of the library since its establishment.

According to her, the National Library has issued over 1,000,574 International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) since 1974 and 27,755 International Serial Numbers (ISSNs) since 1976.

“This year, a greater push was made to fulfil our responsibility in the issuance of International Standard Music Numbers, and we were able to issue numbers for published music scores,” Anunobi noted.