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NSIP: FG Trains 3,000 Independent Monitors

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The Federal Government has commenced the training of 3,000 Stream 2 Independent Monitors (IMs) of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, HajiyaSadiya Umar Farouq, during the inauguration, yesterday in Abuja, said the training has become necessary to sustain the gains of the programme.

Farouq explained that the IMs were responsible for monitoring the programme in their communities and schools, households and market clusters with the focus of ensuring that the primary objectives of the NSIPs are achieved.

The minister recalled that she inaugurated the training and onboarding of Stream 1 IMs on February 4, 2021, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, and 36 states of the federation.

“This process led to the engagement of 4,452 Stream 1 IMs enrolled as monitors of NSIP. They were trained and onboarded by officials of the ministry working in collaboration with State Focal Persons and NSIP officials.

“Additionally, they were provided working tools in the form of Tablets to carry out their monitoring activities on the field. The Stream 1 IMs were engaged from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022.

“It is worthy to note that monitors are one of the most important components of the NSIP and the ministry lays special emphasis on ensuring its programmes are closely monitored.

“Through the Social Investment Management Information System (SIMIS) application, our Stream 1 monitors have uploaded over 220,000 reports to date on the application giving us good visibility into the programme at the communities.

“Today’s programme marks the beginning of the national training and onboarding of additional 3,000 men and women that will serve as Stream 2 monitors,” Farouq said.

According.to her, the incoming Stream 2 IMs are expected to continue using the same platform to report their activities from the field.

Farouq stressed that they would be given the prerequisite training, and receive engagement letters and tablets as working tools for monitoring the programme.

She noted that monitoring at the state level requires that the IMs work hand-in-hand with the state NSIP’s team, as their work cannot be done in a vacuum.

“They are also required to work closely with the beneficiaries. No intimidation of beneficiaries by an IM will be accepted by the ministry.

“Any Independent Monitor found intimidating or harassing a beneficiary will be taken off the programme.

“Be informed that we have officials of the EFCC and DSS working with us on this programme, and those found culpable will be handed over to relevant authorities.

“We are also working with Non-Governmental Organisations and Civil Society groups that will support you in your monitoring assignment,” Farouq said.

Farouq was represented at the inauguration by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, AlhajiNasirSani-Gwarzo.

Speaking, the National Coordinator of NSIP, Dr Umar Bindir, said the programme is the major instrument of Buhari’s administration to alleviate poverty in the country.

Bindir stressed that the NSIP has been institutionalised to the point that it would not go down the drains like other poverty alleviation programmes of previous administrations.

“The monitoring is necessary to evaluate and restrategise to ensure that the beneficiaries are doing well and the programmes’ objectives are achieved.

“The IMs would monitor all segments of the NSIP (N-Power, GEEP, CCT and NHGSFP) in their localities and would be paid a stipend of N30,000 monthly,” Bindir said.

Meanwhile, the Team Lead of the programme, Dr FatiyaMusah, during her presentation on Monitoring and Evaluation, said the essence of the monitoring was to ensure visibility in all the 36 states including FCT.

“We have three levels of monitoring; Federal, State and Local Government Level. We also do routine quarterly field visit. We hope to do it before school closes for this term.”

The inauguration attracted NSIP Focal Persons from Osun, Rivers, Katsina and Nasarawastates.

Others are officials from the National Orientation Agency, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other relevant stakeholders.

Highpoints of the event were the symbolic presentation of letters of engagement to the trainees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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