Nigeria News (Standard)
Cross River Communities Report Rising Cases of Child Marriage, Authorities Pledge Crackdown
Local leaders in Becheve and surrounding areas face pressure as reports of forced marriages involving minors spark renewed concern
Local leaders in Becheve and surrounding areas face pressure as reports of forced marriages involving minors spark renewed concern
Communities in Cross River State, particularly Becheve in Obanliku Local Government Area, are witnessing a surge in forced child marriages, according to findings released on Wednesday. Residents and local observers say girls as young as 12 are being married off, often in exchange for goods or to settle family debts.
The trend has persisted despite existing laws prohibiting marriage below the age of 18. Reports indicate that community customs and economic hardship continue to drive the practice, with parents citing poverty and longstanding traditions as reasons for giving out their daughters at a young age. Human rights advocates say such marriages expose children to abuse, health risks and loss of educational opportunities.
Under Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, passed in 2003, marriage involving anyone under 18 is illegal. However, enforcement varies across states and rural communities like those in northern Cross River remain vulnerable. According to local sources, some families still see early marriage as a means of survival or as a way to strengthen social ties. “We know it is against the law but sometimes we do not have a choice,” one resident said.
The state government has responded by promising more robust monitoring and community outreach campaigns aimed at discouraging child marriage. A senior official from Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs stated: “We are working with traditional rulers to sensitise parents on the dangers of child marriage and ensure violators are prosecuted.” Meanwhile, civil society groups have called for urgent interventions including scholarships and economic support programmes for at-risk families.
Advocates warn that unless state authorities intensify enforcement and provide alternatives for impoverished households, child marriage may continue unchecked in remote communities. Stakeholders have urged the federal government to strengthen collaboration with local leaders and invest in education initiatives targeting vulnerable girls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ibadan Analyst Warns Unregulated Security Outfits May Undermine National Stability
Angel Folorunso urges compliance with Private Guard Companies Act as Iru Ekun network proposal raises concerns
Angel Folorunso urges compliance with Private Guard Companies Act as Iru Ekun network proposal raises concerns
A political analyst and former lecturer, Angel Folorunso, has cautioned that the unchecked spread of unregulated private security outfits in Nigeria could pose new security risks and threaten national stability. Folorunso made this warning on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, through a statement addressing recent calls for alternative security arrangements amid rising insecurity.
The analyst specifically referenced the proposed Iru Ekun security network championed by Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Sunday Igboho), stressing that any group operating outside established legal frameworks might inadvertently create parallel security structures. According to Folorunso, although the worsening state of insecurity across the country has led to increased public demand for community-based or private security solutions, such initiatives must strictly adhere to existing legislation.
Folorunso explained that Nigeria’s private security industry is mainly regulated by the Private Guard Companies Act of 1986. This law stipulates that all private security firms must be licensed, wholly Nigerian-owned, and supervised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He noted that any deviation from these provisions could worsen the current situation by creating confusion about legitimate authority and accountability.
He further advised stakeholders considering new security organisations to consult relevant laws before launching operations. “We cannot afford a proliferation of groups acting without oversight. It will only add to our existing challenges,” he said in his statement. Folorunso emphasised that government agencies like NSCDC have both supervisory and enforcement roles under the law.
As debates continue over how best to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity, analysts like Folorunso maintain that strict regulation and adherence to legal guidelines remain crucial. There was no immediate response from proponents of the Iru Ekun network at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kano State Implements 90% of Health Blueprint in Three Years, Says Commissioner
Health ministry reports major progress on blueprint targets; stakeholders urge full implementation for improved healthcare delivery
Health ministry reports major progress on blueprint targets; stakeholders urge full implementation for improved healthcare delivery
Kano State government has achieved 90 percent implementation of its health sector blueprint within three years, according to the Commissioner for Health. The announcement was made in Kano on Thursday, highlighting significant progress in ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services across the North-West state.
According to the commissioner, the state government rolled out the health blueprint as a strategic plan to improve access and quality of healthcare for Kano residents. Over the past three years, targeted interventions have been executed under the plan, including rehabilitation of primary health centres, recruitment of additional personnel, and procurement of essential medical equipment.
The health sector blueprint was introduced to address longstanding challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and human resources in public hospitals. With Kano being one of Nigeria’s most populous states, officials say improved implementation is vital to reducing disease burden and achieving better health outcomes for millions of residents.
The commissioner stated that most objectives set out in the document have now been met or are near completion. “As at today, we can confidently say that about 90 percent of what we mapped out under this blueprint has been achieved,” he said. He noted that the remaining targets will be prioritised before the end of the current administration’s tenure. Stakeholders in Kano’s health sector commended government’s commitment but urged sustained investment to consolidate recent gains.
With these achievements, Kano State hopes to further enhance access to quality healthcare services and serve as a model for other states seeking effective health system reforms. The commissioner assured residents that efforts will continue until full implementation is realised.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Launches New HIV Strategy, Moves to Cut Donor Dependence
Health ministry unveils plan in Abuja, targets increased domestic funding as international support for HIV response declines
Health ministry unveils plan in Abuja, targets increased domestic funding as international support for HIV response declines
The federal government on Thursday unveiled a new national HIV response plan in Abuja, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on international donors and prioritise increased domestic financing for HIV prevention and treatment programmes. The announcement comes as major external partners gradually scale back funding commitments amid shifting global health priorities.
At the formal launch event, health officials highlighted the urgent need for more sustainable local investment in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The new strategy seeks to mobilise funds from federal and state governments, as well as private sector stakeholders, to address gaps left by declining donor support. According to the health ministry, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, making continued investment critical for public health.
Officials explained that over the past two decades, Nigeria’s HIV response has depended heavily on international donors such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund. However, with foreign assistance now on a downward trend, there is growing concern about the long-term sustainability of treatment and prevention services for millions of Nigerians living with or at risk of HIV.
Speaking at the event, senior health ministry representatives said government is determined to bridge funding gaps by increasing budgetary allocations and encouraging partnerships with private organisations. They emphasised that enhanced domestic commitment will ensure uninterrupted access to antiretroviral drugs and other essential services. However, some public health advocates have called for transparent monitoring of how new funds are allocated and used at all levels.
The health ministry stated it will work closely with state governments and development partners to implement the new plan nationwide. Experts say success will depend on political will and accountability measures to ensure funds reach frontline services. The government has assured that it will regularly review progress towards national HIV reduction targets under this new approach.
Ibadan Analyst Warns Unregulated Security Outfits May Undermine National Stability
Kano State Implements 90% of Health Blueprint in Three Years, Says Commissioner
Federal Government Launches New HIV Strategy, Moves to Cut Donor Dependence
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