Nigerian Governor Urges National Action Against Brain Drain

 Nigerian Governor Urges National Action Against Brain Drain

In a fervent call to action, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has denounced the ongoing exodus of skilled professionals to foreign shores, warning that it poses a significant threat to Nigeria's progress.

Speaking at the prestigious "International Study Abroad Fair 2024 (ISAF)," hosted at the esteemed International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the governor, represented by the state's Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abdulwaheed Adelabu, underscored the urgent need for concerted efforts from governmental and private sectors to stem the tide of talent flight colloquially known as the 'japa' syndrome.

Makinde emphasized the necessity of fostering an enabling educational ecosystem for Nigerian youth, urging stakeholders to prioritize measures aimed at curbing brain drain and incentivizing the return of skilled professionals to contribute to the nation's development.

"While there's merit in pursuing education abroad, it's imperative that our citizens return to leverage their expertise for the betterment of our nation," asserted Makinde, articulating a sentiment echoed by many in attendance.

Highlighting his administration's strides in the education sector, the governor advocated for initiatives focused on bolstering infrastructure, investing in education and skill acquisition programs, and creating employment opportunities to retain local talent.

The conference's chief organizer, Tolu Eledan, elucidated that ISAF 2024 was conceived with a dual purpose: to dispel misconceptions surrounding international education and to equip Nigerian youths with the knowledge necessary to navigate the intricacies of studying abroad while emphasizing the imperative of leveraging their acquired expertise for national development upon their return.

As Nigeria grapples with the perennial challenge of brain drain, Makinde's impassioned plea resonates as a clarion call for a unified national strategy to reclaim and harness the intellectual capital critical for the country's advancement in the global arena.

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Escalated DRC violence displaces 78,000 children, families ripped apart – SCI

Escalated DRC violence displaces 78,000 children, families ripped apart – SCI

"Mass Displacement and Urgent Humanitarian Crisis Grips the Democratic Republic of Congo: Save the Children International Reports" 

In a recent development, Save the Children International (SCI) sounded the alarm regarding the escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leading to the displacement of 78,000 children and the fragmentation of numerous families.

SCI, in a communique provided to Vanguard, disclosed that over 78,000 children have fled their residences in the past week alone. This surge in displacement follows renewed clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and M23, a non-state armed group. Since February 2, these confrontations have displaced a staggering 150,000 individuals, with more than half being children.

According to SCI's statement, families recount heartbreaking stories of children separated during the violence, although the exact number of missing children remains unknown.

Fleeing families are seeking refuge in displacement camps, churches, schools, and with host families, with a significant number now on the perilous journey to Goma, the capital of the province. 

The deployment of heavy weaponry including artillery, drones, and explosives in eastern DRC has resulted in civilian casualties and widespread destruction of critical infrastructure, as lamented by Save the Children.

Local media sources report casualties, including the deaths of 19 individuals and injuries sustained by 27 others, among them three young girls. The violence has spared no sanctuary, with a market struck on February 7, and munitions landing perilously close to a school and hospital, prompting closures of all schools in the affected area.

Alicia, an educator at a Save the Children partner school in North Kivu, vividly recalls the chaos of February 2, emphasizing the profound impact on the community and education system.

Save the Children's Country Director for DRC, Greg Ramm, emphasized the dire situation faced by children in eastern DRC, where violence has become a recurring nightmare, resulting in separation from families and forced displacement.

Ramm underscored the urgent need for action to break the cycle of suffering endured by innocent lives, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing the rights and well-being of children in the region.

The humanitarian organization highlights the challenges faced in providing essential services to affected populations, with access severely constrained, and the only safe route via boat.

The DRC continues to grapple with protracted crises, with over 25 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and more than seven million displaced. Children constitute over half of the population, further exacerbating the crisis.

Save the Children, operating in the DRC since 1994, has intensified its efforts to address humanitarian needs arising from conflicts and displacement in the eastern provinces. Their interventions include bolstering existing support systems, healthcare provision through mobile clinics, and facilitating access to education by constructing classrooms and distributing learning materials.

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Concerned Mother Raises Alarm Over Safety Concerns

In a heartfelt revelation on social media, Maria Muftaudeen, a businesswoman and mother to a daughter shared with the well-known figure Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly recognized as MC Oluomo, has expressed her deep concerns and fears regarding her safety and that of their child. This emotional disclosure took place through an Instagram post where Muftaudeen implored Nigerians to hold MC Oluomo accountable if any harm befell her or their daughter. In her distressing message, she addressed MC Oluomo directly, appealing to him not to harm her and their child, emphasizing her plea with the words, "Oluomo, ma pa mi, ma pa mi lomo" (Oluomo, don't kill me, don't kill my child).

Accompanying her plea was a striking photo of MC Oluomo, suggesting her belief that he is specifically targeting her and her fiancé. However, Muftaudeen went beyond the emotional plea and shared a detailed open letter directly addressed to MC Oluomo. In this letter, she recounted the myriad challenges she has encountered, alleging that despite her attempts to reconcile and seek support, she has been met with threats and intimidation.

Muftaudeen accused MC Oluomo of neglecting their daughter's welfare and placing their lives in jeopardy. The open letter shed light on the absence of legal recourse due to intimidation, painting a vivid picture of the toll this situation has taken on her mental health and overall well-being.

Her poignant plea concluded with a powerful reminder, urging MC Oluomo to take responsibility for their daughter's welfare and cease sending people to attack her. She emphasized the profound impact of the ongoing situation on her life, stating, "Even if you have not killed me, you are already killing me."

This public appeal by Muftaudeen shines a light on the intricate complexities within personal relationships, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals seeking justice and safety when confronted with perceived threats and intimidation. The detailed open letter adds depth to her narrative, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the emotional and psychological turmoil she is experiencing in the face of these alleged adversities. RALD News Media aims to bring attention to such personal struggles, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in the broader societal context.

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Blackout as collation begins in Anambra LG

3rd February 2024

 Security personnel completely blocked the entrance and surrounding premises of the Nnewi North Local Government headquarters, acting as the collation center for the rerun election of Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituencies in Anambra State. RALD News Media reports that this measure was enforced around 7 pm on Saturday.

During the collation process, it was observed by our correspondent that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra South, Peter Uzokwe, the candidate of the Young Progressive Party, and several other party agents and candidates were denied access by the security personnel. This led to a heated exchange between locked-out party officials and security operatives, including some INEC officials, creating a scene around the secretariat premises.

The situation escalated as journalists and election observers found themselves locked inside with no permission to leave or enter. Collation proceedings commenced at approximately 7:15 pm in complete darkness, as a power outage occurred at the secretariat. Returning officers and other INEC officials resorted to using their phone torch lights as a makeshift power supply for the collation room.

By 8:20 pm, the Electoral Officer emerged from the collation room, expressing frustration due to the lack of light. However, a soldier persuaded him to return so they could continue using their phone torch lights for collation. As of the latest update at 8:46 pm, the Electoral Officer was consulting with electoral officials to determine whether to proceed with the collation, while some party officials remained locked outside.

The rerun election covered five polling units in Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituencies. Additionally, it included 16 polling units in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, to determine the winner of the Orumba North and Orumba South federal constituency. Furthermore, five polling units in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, were part of the election to decide the winner of Nnewi North and Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituencies. The affected polling units in Nnewi North had 97,438 registered voters, while Orumba North had 161,914 voters.Security personnel completely blocked the entrance and surrounding premises of the Nnewi North Local Government headquarters, acting as the collation center for the rerun election of Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituencies in Anambra State. RALD News Media reports that this measure was enforced around 7 pm on Saturday.

During the collation process, it was observed by our correspondent that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra South, Peter Uzokwe, the candidate of the Young Progressive Party, and several other party agents and candidates were denied access by the security personnel. This led to a heated exchange between locked-out party officials and security operatives, including some INEC officials, creating a scene around the secretariat premises.

The situation escalated as journalists and election observers found themselves locked inside with no permission to leave or enter. Collation proceedings commenced at approximately 7:15 pm in complete darkness, as a power outage occurred at the secretariat. Returning officers and other INEC officials resorted to using their phone torch lights as a makeshift power supply for the collation room.

By 8:20 pm, the Electoral Officer emerged from the collation room, expressing frustration due to the lack of light. However, a soldier persuaded him to return so they could continue using their phone torch lights for collation. As of the latest update at 8:46 pm, the Electoral Officer was consulting with electoral officials to determine whether to proceed with the collation, while some party officials remained locked outside.

The rerun election covered five polling units in Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituencies. Additionally, it included 16 polling units in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, to determine the winner of the Orumba North and Orumba South federal constituency. Furthermore, five polling units in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, were part of the election to decide the winner of Nnewi North and Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituencies. The affected polling units in Nnewi North had 97,438 registered voters, while Orumba North had 161,914 voters.

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INEC suspends re-run elections in 20 polling units

3rd February 2024

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken the decision to suspend re-run elections in 20 polling units spread across Kano, Enugu, and Akwa-Ibom states, according to the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, as stated in a release by RALD News Media.

Initially investigating disruptions during the rerun and by-elections in Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, and Kano states, INEC reported that while polls opened smoothly in 8,934 polling units across 26 states, there were incidents of thuggery and material hijacking in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano.

In the latest updates, the suspension was attributed to irregularities and the abduction of election officials. The affected areas include Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency in Kano State. The suspension was implemented in response to disruptions, irregularities, and the abduction of election officials, aligning with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Specifically, the suspension in Akwa Ibom is in relation to all eight Polling Units where original result sheets were unavailable for voter inspection before polls commenced. In Kano, the suspension covers all ten Polling Units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by thugs.

INEC has called on security agencies to investigate these incidents, and further measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the Commission's meeting on Monday. The Commission pledges to thoroughly scrutinize any breaches involving its officials.

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