The Federal Government on Friday reiterated its commitment toward protecting and assisting all the 138,154 refugees in the country to rebuild their lives.

Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), expressed the commitment at the 2025 World Refugee Day in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Refugee Day is celebrated on June 20 of every year to raise awareness on refugees’ situations around the world.

NAN also reports the theme for this year’s Day is: “Solidarity with Refugees: A call to Action for Inclusion”.

Ahmed noted that the figures represented registered refugees and asylum seekers living in 33 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He explained that the forcibly displaced persons originated from 48 countries, with six nationalities – Cameroon, Niger, Syria, Central African Republic and Sudan making up 86 per cent.

Out of the 138,154 refugees and asylum seekers in Nigeria, he said that there were 32,746 awaiting registration.

“We have 16,215 returnees and 1,396 spontaneous returnees, while the IDPs we have in camps are 3,576,100,” he said.

Ahmed further stated that the IDPs, when added those living outside the camps, that is, the ones living within host communities, would be no fewer than 6.2 million, with many of them innocent women and children.

“So as we celebrate the World Refugee Day, we recognise the contributions refugees have made to our communities.

“It is an invitation to honour refugees’ voices, strengthen community ties and amplify the need for inclusion in national systems, such as social protection and local development frameworks,” he said.

According to him, the objective of the commemoration of World Refugee Day is to celebrate the resilience of refugees and to reiterate the need for countries to support millions of families all over the world who have lost their homes because of violence or war.

“It is a day to recognise the challenges and hardship that refugees face but honour their courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming obstacles and above all, we celebrate their many valuable contributions to nation building.

“As the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, together with our partners, we are proud to have played a crucial role in protecting and assisting refugees in Nigeria,” he added.

Ahmed said that over the years, the commission had worked tirelessly to ensure that refugees received the support they needed to rebuild their lives.

He listed some notable achievements of the commission to include: provision of protection and assistance to thousands of refugees, ensuring their safety and dignity and voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees from the neighboring countries of Cameroon and Chad.

Meanwhile, the Filippo Grandi-United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for collective efforts among countries toward protecting displaced persons in the society.

Represented by Bernadette Muteshi, Grandi stressed the need for supporting the host countries and communities by sharing the responsibility of protecting refugees.

“We must stand with refugees to keep alive their hopes of a better future.

“This World Refugee Day and every day, governments, institutions, companies and individuals can prove that by helping those caught up in senseless conflicts, we move towards greater stability, humanity and justice for us all.

“If we do so, I can promise you that refugees will bring all their courage, spirit and ingenuity to the task of creating a better and brighter tomorrow,” he said.

On his part, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the World Refugee Day as a call to action, saying that refugees were not just statistics but fathers, mothers and children whose lives were interrupted.

Represented by the Director of Humanitarian in the ministry, Hajia Jummai Katagun, Yilwatda reaffirmed government’s commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees to ensure, not just protection but opportunity, safety and belonging.

“They are our neighbours and we must let no borders define our humanity. As crises grow more complex, from violent conflicts to climate displacement, so too must our response grow more courageous.

“As the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, our vision is to build a nation where no displaced person is left behind, where every refugee can rise, rebuild and thrive,” the minister said. (NAN)

SEC Bans Independent Directors Of Public Companies From Becoming Executive Directors

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has banned independent directors of public companies from transitioning into Executive Director roles within the same company or group.

In a circular to public companies and capital market operators in Abuja on Friday, the Commission said the practice undermined the principle of board independence and weakened the value of having an impartial voice in company’s governance.

SEC also introduced a three-year cooling-off period before a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a public company could be appointed as Chairman of the same company.

The Commission said the decision was aimed at strengthening corporate governance and ensuring a clear separation of roles and oversight.

”The attention of the SEC has been drawn to the prevalence in recent times of the rotation of various directorship positions among individuals within the same entity or Group of companies.

”In particular, the Commission observes the worrying trend of the transmutation/conversion of Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs) to Executive Directors, including to the position of the Chief Executive Officer.

“This practice clearly erodes the neutrality of the transmuting INEDs, compromises their ability going forward to provide objective judgment and is generally anti-ethical to the principles which underpinned independent directorship.

”This is outlined in both the National Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) as well as the SEC Corporate Governance Guidelines (SCGG),” the Commission said.

SEC in the circular also streamlined the tenures on CEOs and Board Chairmen, barring CEOs from becoming chairmen directly from their positions.

“Pursuant to its powers under Section 355(r)(iv) of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 to prescribe corporate governance standards for regulated entities.

”The Commission hereby directs that, the tenure of Directors of all Capital Market Operators considered as significant public interest entities, as determined by the Commission, would be limited to 10 consecutive years in the same company and a total of 12 consecutive years within the same group structure.

“Furthermore, a Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director, who steps down after 10 or 12 consecutive years, as the case may be, cannot be appointed as Chairman until the expiration of a 3-year “cool-off period”.

”The tenure of such former Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director as Chairman shall be for a maximum of 4 years and no more,” the Commission said.

SEC said the directives would take immediate effect and compliance was mandatory.

The Commission urged all public companies and Capital Market Operators (CMOs) to take the directives into account in their board appointments and succession planning. (NAN)

NYSC DG Assures Corp Members Of Ssafety Nationwide

The Director- General (DG) of National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-General Olukunle Nafiu has assured Corps members across the country of their safety during their service year.

The D-G said made the pledge during a visit to the NYSC orientation camp Issele-Uku, in Delta on Friday.

According to him, NYSC is always conscious of safety of lives of it’s Corps members across the country and it is our policy that we do not deploy the corps members to crisis prone areas.

“We do our background checks with collaborative security agencies; the Police, the NSCDC, DSS, the Military and others including the communities and their leadership.

“We engage with the key leaders within the communities so as to be assured of the safety of these Corps members.

“We get periodic updates from the security on the safety of lives and property in areas where these Corps members are deployed. And from time to time we review our deployment.

“Once we sense any danger, we are warned and we quickly pull out our Corps members and so there is element of stability anywhere you see our Corps members.”

The D-G while Interacting with the Corps members urged them to diversify in handiwork, especially in the training being given to them in the camp to avoid being in the labour market after their service year.

“I do not want you to join that population in the unemployment rate, try to be diligent and focus by engaging in camp training seriously.

“As we are training you, we have partners that are willing to empower you by providing you with starter kits, grants and all what not.

“And help yourself save from your allowances during your service year for investment. You can save from your N77,000 monthly allowance.

“You can save 30 per cent of your monthly allowance and use 70 per cent. Some former Corps members while receiving N33,000 allowance, still saved money out of it. So you can always save, it is achievable,” he said.

He urged Corp members to know that they are the future of this country because they are the leaders of tomorrow.

NYSC is a national and mandatory scheme you all must go through as Nigeria young graduates from the universities, polytechnics and monotechnics.

“The NYSC is to build bridges, cultural affiliation and that is why you have been introduced to cultural awareness lecture.

“Nigeria we serve and we must serve this country as youths, as leaders of tomorrow, and stay in this state to build this nation, complete your service year, do not japa,” he said.

NEMA Seeks More Support In Capacity Building, Early Warning Systems

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for continued support in capacity building, search and rescue, data processing, risk mapping, and early warning systems to address Nigeria’s recurring flood disasters.

Mr Simon Katu, Assistant Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, NEMA, said this during a visit by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to NEMA headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was aimed at discussing emergency support to flood related disasters following this year’s predictions of severe flooding that may affect many communities in Nigeria.

Katu, who provided an in-depth overview of NEMA’s operations, its structure, and the ongoing challenges faced by both the agency and the country, said that the meeting was timely.

He said that Floods had become a recurring nightmare, with the past four to five years seeing particularly devastating impacts.

“Floods are at the top of our disaster table. They affect millions, displace hundreds of thousands and destroy critical infrastructure.

“But we also face protracted insurgencies, resource-based conflicts and disease outbreaks like monkeypox, meningitis, cholera, malaria and even Ebola.

“The Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions are especially vulnerable, with economic and human resources under immense pressure,” he said.

Katu said that the focus was on community disaster risk reduction.

“We want people to use the information we provide to protect themselves

“Early warning has improved, with messages delivered in local languages and through various media. But infrastructure deficits and urban planning failures remain major obstacles.

“The agency is also keen to learn from Japan’s experience in flood-resilient infrastructure and relocation planning. We want to tap into Japan’s expertise and explore exchange programmes and joint simulations,” he said.

According to him, between 2024 and 2025, an estimated 35 states were affected by disasters, with 1.2 million people displaced.

“Critical infrastructure, roads, bridges and health facilities were severely impacted. Loss of life and livelihood, particularly in riverine and low-lying communities, has been stark.

“When the rains come and the floods exceed their bounds, people’s daily sustenance is threatened.

“It is not just natural; poor urban planning, climate change, and population pressure compound the problem.”

Katu said that NEMA had launched a national preparedness and response campaign, taking its message directly to communities across the country.

He said that officials of the agency visited 24 cities in 2024 and expanded to the entire country this year.

“We have prepositioned relief materials and are continuously building the capacity of both our agency and affected communities.

“Simulation exercises like the one currently underway in Anambra and another upcoming in Kano, are testing the readiness of stakeholders and partners.

“NEMA also provides technical support to states and local governments, recognising that some lack the capacity to deliver effective disaster management,” he said.

Katu said that NEMA’s collaboration with international partners, including JICA, the United Nations, and the World Health Organisation, had been instrumental.

“We are grateful for the support, but we need more. Funding, logistics, and capacity building remain critical challenges.

“As Nigeria faces an increasingly complex disaster landscape, NEMA remains committed to protecting its people and building a more resilient nation.

“We are hopeful that this window of partnership will open even bigger opportunities. Together, we can make a difference.”

Mr Keisuke Matsushita, JICA’s Project Formulation Advisor, outlined a vision for long-term collaboration to address Nigeria’s recurring flood disasters.

Matsushita expressed condolences for the recent flooding that devastated communities across Nigeria.

He said that while emergency response remained critical, preparedness and capacity building were essential to reduce future suffering.

Matsushita suggested that JICA and NEMA should work together to streamline logistical procedures, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to future emergencies.

He said that the ongoing discussions were just the beginning and require further technical engagement between both teams.

He referenced past training programmes for NEMA staff in Japan and expressed JICA’s commitment to developing a robust training initiative for disaster management, not only for NEMA but for the wider federal government.

“We will be organising workshops in Nigeria later this year by inviting experts in flood and water resource management to share knowledge with local agencies.

“This is a good opportunity for us to collaborate and provide expertise in flood disaster management,” Matsushita said.

Abia To Recruit 4,000 Additional Teachers – Otti

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that 4,000 additional teachers will be recruited to raise the number of new teachers in the state’s primary and secondary schools to 9,394.

The governor disclosed this during the June edition of his media chat, dubbed Gov. Alex Otti speaks to Abians”, held on Thursday night at the Government House, Umuahia.

He said that the 5,394 first set of teachers already recruited would be deployed after their ongoing orientation in Aba and Umuahia.

According to him, the next set of recruitment will happen immediately after this orientation.

“We expect that the portal will be opened and applications will be received,” he said.

Otti said that the idea was to prepare the schools for the next academic session, given the massive enrollment witnessed since the introduction of free and compulsory education.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Government in January introduced free and compulsory education from primary one to junior secondary school.

The policy is to ensure that every child in Abia, regardless of their state of origin, had access to education up to the junior secondary school.

Otti harped on the need to prepare and ensure quality teachers for primary and secondary schools across the state.

He expressed his administration’s commitment to continue with the renovation of schools, including the tertiary institutions.

“In addition to the renovation, we are converting 20 schools into smart schools and work is already ongoing,” he said.

The governor also spoke on the government’s activities in the health sector.

He gave assurance that the ongoing renovation of 200 primary healthcare centres across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state would soon be completed and that most of them were ready for use.

“The kind of equipment you are expecting to see in the developed countries are already in Abia and we are not opening them without equipping them properly,” he said.

Otti, who highlighted some of his administration’s achievements in other sectors, including security, road infrastructure, sanitation and others, urged the residents to join hands with the administration in building a New Abia. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Equity Market Closes Week Bullish With N175bn Gain

The Nigerian stock market continued its bullish trend on Friday, ending the week with N175 billion gain.

Market capitalisation rose by N175 billion, or 0.24 per cent, to close at N74.533 trillion, up from N74.358 trillion recorded on Thursday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 277.09 points, or 0.24 per cent, settling at 118,138.22 from its previous close of 117,861.13.

This uptrend was fueled by strong buying interest in medium and large-capitalised stocks including Legend Internet, Ellah Lakes, Champion Breweries, Guinea Insurance and 33 others.

Meanwhile, the market breadth closed positive, with 37 gainers and 27 losers.

Legend Internet led the advancers chart gaining by 10 per cent, closing at N7.92 while Ellah Lakes rose by 9.90 per cent, settling at N5.33 per share

Champion Breweries rose by 9.63 per cent, finishing at N8.20 and Guinea Insurance increased by 8.70 per cent, ending the session at 75k per share.

Similarly, ETranzact saored by 7.52 per cent, closing at N7.15 per share.

On the flip side, Sunu Assurances shed by 8.62 per cent, ending the session at N4.56 while Northern Nigeria Flour Mills dropped by 8 per cent, closing at N93.20 per share.

Thomas Wyatt Nigeria fell by 7.83 per cent, settling at N2 and Livestock Feeds declined by 6.90 per cent, finishing at N8.10 per share.

Also, NEM Insurance decreased by 5.03 per cent, closing at N17.00 per share.

A total of 522.81 million shares worth N19.68 billion were exchanged across 17,706 transactions.

This is compared to 893.97 million shares worth N22.03 billion that was traded across 17,257 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Fidelity Bank topped the activity chart with 38.29 million shares worth N741.49 million.

Computer Warehouse Group followed with 24.99 million shares valued at N230.83 million while Zenith Bank sold 24.85 million shares worth N1.23 billion.

WAPIC transacted 24.36 million shares valued at N 48.74 and Access Corporation sold 23.56 million shares worth N517.91 million. (NAN)

Farm What You Eat For Improved Health Benefit – Expert

Dr Zainab Imam, Consultant Adult and Perinatal Psychiatrist and Division Chief of Women’s Mental Health at Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar has urged Nigerians to farm what they eat for improved health benefit.

Imam, who is also the CEO of JAMS Organic Farms and Kitchens, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.

She urged Nigerians to consider the health of their family members by farming what they eat, even if it means having a small backyard farm.

She added that studies have shown that exposure to various environmental pollutants, such as pesticides, is associated with increasing prevalence of cases of cancer and solid tumours.

She stressed that farming what you eat is a win-win situation as it would minimise the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can contaminate human health and the environment.

“Well, the reason I chose farming is that farming is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. Anywhere I’ve lived, anybody that knows me would always associate Zainab with farming.

“My house, even in Qatar, I have my backyard garden where I plant everything. When I was here in Nigeria, before I left the country, I used to raise chickens in my house here in Abuja.

“I have nothing less than 1000 heads of corn and other vegetables around. So it’s something I feel very passionate about. I like to eat clean food.’’

She said that most chemicals used by farmers are killing Nigerians daily, and slowly.

Imam said that even when people try to use herbs to cure sicknesses they still run into trouble because those herbs are also contaminated.

“I’m diabetic, so I’m also passionate about what I put in my mouth and make sure that whatever I’m eating will not add to my chronic illness.

“The other thing is that when I’m on the farm, it gives me room to move and exercise.

“So my thought is that if I could do this as part of my retirement, it will exercise into my day, and also hopefully I’ll be able to teach people about sustainable and organic farming.”

She said that her plan after retirement is to be able to teach people how to be successful in sustainable organic agriculture practices.

“The way our farm works, it’s an integrated farm. We have livestock, we have the large animals, and we’re also hoping to have the small animals.

“Currently, we have a few chickens, and we only deal with local chickens. We also have sheep and cows, and we are in the process of starting our fish ponds so that we create additional protein.

“We also hope that when the farm is standard we would be able to train other people.

“I hope that people can come and visit the farm and see what we’re doing, and be able to adopt such sustainable practices in their own farms as well,” she said.

197 Nigerian Toops Deploy To ECOWAS Mission In Gambia

The Nigerian Armed Forces on Friday deployed no fewer than 197 troops to ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 197 troops underwent training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre , Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna.

The Special Guest of Honour, Chief of Operations ( Army), Maj-Gen.Uwem Bassey said the rigorous training was to prepare them for their mission.

Bassey was represented by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army) Force Generation, Maj.- Gen. Ishaya Maina.

Bassey said Nigeria had a long history of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts, with Nigerian peacekeepers earning global recognition for their leadership, bravery, and professional competence.

He said the troops were expected to maintain discipline, impartiality, and respect for human dignity while carrying out their mandate in The Gambia.

Bassey emphasised the importance of preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), stressing that any violation would be met with severe disciplinary action.

He reminded the troops to respect the local laws and traditions of the people of The Gambia and to uphold the values that define Nigeria as a great nation.

“You are not only representatives of Nigeria but also ambassadors of peace for the entire West Africa.

“Sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in our world. They violate everything that the United Nations stands for.

“You carry the Green-White-Green flag into a land seeking stability, order, and hope. You are going, not as conquerors, but as guardians of peace protecting lives, building trust, and restoring dignity where it has been lost, “he said.

He said Nigerian Army had played key roles in restoring peace and stability in conflict zones across West Africa across Africa and the world.

“From Lebanon to Liberia, Sierra Leone to Sudan, Nigerian peacekeepers stood firm in defence of the oppressed, the vulnerable and those caught in the crossfire of war.

“Nigerian peacekeepers have repeatedly earned global citations and medals for leadership, bravery and professional competence.

“Today, Nigeria remains a pillar of international peace efforts, with our troops performing exceptionally well in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Abyei in South Sudan.

“The current security situation in The Gambia is relatively stable, however, there are on-going challenges that require attention to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, “Bassey said.

He charged the troops to be discipline, respect and uphold professionalism in peacekeeping operations.

Earlier, the Commandant of the centre, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the graduation marked the completion of the Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) for Nigerian Contingent in ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).

Adedoja said, in the first quarter of this year, the centre successfully trained United Nations Interim Security Force 3 for Abyei.

“The troops are currently deployed in Abyei, South Sudan. Today, we celebrate yet another milestone as we graduate another batch of well- trained troops, ready to contribute to regional peace and stability.

“The training curriculum was designed in line with UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials (CPTM) and included mission-specific training on topics such as Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices and financial management for peacekeepers.

“The troops received tactical training on occupation and security of base amp, convoy drills, and protection of VIPs, among others, “he said.

The commandant emphasised the importance of conduct and discipline, reminding the troops that any act of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), misconduct, and human rights violations would not be tolerated.

“Please note that any act of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), misconduct and human rights violations will not be tolerated.”

The Commandant expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his support and strategic leadership.

He also thanked the Board of Trustees, sister training institutions, and facilitators/instructors for their contributions to the programme .