馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Katsina children advocate for action on climate threats to schools
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Children from the Child Rights Advocacy Club in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina have voiced significant concerns regarding climate-related and environmental conditions impacting their safety and education. During an advocacy visit to the Mashi Council Chairman and the District Head of Mashi, supported by Save the Children International, the children highlighted how the deteriorating state of school environments threatens their health, safety, learning, and overall well-being. They called for safe water sources, clean and well-maintained toilets with hand-washing facilities to prevent open defecation and disease, improved waste management, and rehabilitated drainage systems to reduce flooding. The young advocates also requested aggressive tree-planting campaigns, stricter enforcement against deforestation, and enhanced school security through fencing and guards. Abdulhamid Surajo identified Government Pilot Secondary School Majigiri, Afadu Primary School, and Doguru Primary and Secondary Schools as particularly affected. In response, the Mashi Council Chairman, Salisu Kallah, represented by Jamilu Yusuf, pledged concrete steps to address the issues, including revisiting bans on illegal tree cutting. The District Head of Mashi, Kabir Aminu, also known as the Iyan Katsina, suggested establishing school environmental clubs and community initiatives to combat degradation.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has congratulated Omoniyi Ibietan on his re-election as Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association APRA. The Minister stated that Ibietan's re-election is a recognition of his professionalism, dedication, and contributions to the public relations profession across Africa. Ibietan was re-elected during the APRA General Assembly in Swakopmund, Namibia, where Arik Karani of Kenya became President and Professor Michele Mekeme of Cameroon was elected Vice-President. Idris, in a statement by his Special Assistant Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, noted that the election outcome reflects the confidence public relations professionals across Africa have in Ibietan's leadership and capacity to advance the association's vision. The Minister expressed optimism that Ibietan will continue to provide purposeful leadership and support APRA's efforts to promote ethical communication and Africa's digital transformation agenda. He also commended APRA for its commitment to strengthening the public relations profession and promoting ethical communication across Africa, adding that Nigeria looks forward to hosting the 37th APRA Annual Conference alongside the World Public Relations Forum in Abuja later this year. Founded in 1975, APRA is the umbrella body for public relations practitioners across Africa, promoting professional excellence, ethical communication, and collaboration among communication professionals.
The Nigerian community in Poland has welcomed Nigeria's Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Poland, Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, at a reception held in Warsaw. The community pledged full support for her mission and expressed optimism that her tenure will strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Nigeria and Poland. Adekunle Ayoola, Chairman of the APC Support Group and leader of the City Boy Movement in Poland, congratulated Ohakim, noting her public service record and leadership. He stated that the community is confident she will enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, and cultural exchanges, and foster unity among Nigerians in Poland. Dr. Emanuel Kalejaiye, Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Community in Poland, highlighted the strong bond between the embassy and the Nigerian community, which has existed for over four decades. He affirmed the diaspora's commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and partnership for Nigeria's development and the welfare of Nigerians in Poland, also thanking the Polish government for its hospitality. Ohakim, a lawyer, thanked the community for the warm reception and pledged to strengthen bilateral relations, calling for their support and cooperation. The event was attended by former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, leaders of Nigerian organizations in Poland, and members of the Nigerian diaspora community.
BreakingAt least 50 Malian soldiers were killed and 24 taken prisoner in an attack by Tuareg separatists and jihadists on Saturday as they departed the northern town of Anefis. The attack targeted an army convoy and was claimed by the Tuareg separatist FLA and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM. A local elected official, close to the ruling junta, described it as the deadliest attack on the Malian army in years. An army source indicated that some soldiers were executed and an investigation is underway into tactical failures. Russian paramilitaries, who had been supporting the army, had already reached their destination in Gao and did not suffer any casualties. The Malian army acknowledged the ambush by "terrorist armed groups" but did not provide casualty figures at the time. Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021, with the junta facing challenges in restoring security amidst ongoing unrest.