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Nigeria: Human Rights Commission records 3,099 cases of child marriages in three months

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it has recorded no fewer than 3,099 cases of child marriage in Nigeria within three months between June and September 2024.

The organization, in a release on Saturday, said from its findings, the highest cases were recorded in June with 1,345, while a total of 884 cases were recorded in July, and 870 in September.

Though the NHRC data did not indicate the geographical zones where the cases were recorded, the release said incidents of child marriages had been on the rise and were more prevalent in the northern region of the country due to several factors, including the menace of terrorism and banditry.

National General Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Gerald Katchy, who reacted to the released figure, said child marriages were prevalent in the northern part of the country because of the failure to domesticate the Child Rights Act.“

There are many child marriage victims. This issue persists largely because many northern states have not domesticated the Child Rights Act. If they had, they might be looking at it from another perspective, like Sharia law, which they believe could be contradicted by the Act,” Katchy said.

“Under Sharia law, they are allowed to marry someone under the age of 16, but the Child Rights Act prohibits this. Many aspects of the Act do not align well with their interpretations, which is why they’ve resisted implementing it.

“However, I believe no law is superior to Nigeria’s Constitution, and more awareness should be created, especially in local languages.

“The National Assembly could amend some of these laws, making it mandatory for any local chief or monarch whose jurisdiction has a high prevalence of child marriage to lose their throne or title,” he added.

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Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

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Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.

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Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to easing the economic hardship of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and other policies of the government.

Idris, who gave the assurance during a live radio programme on the Hausa service of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) titled, “Hannu Da Yawa,” said fuel subsidies primarily benefited a select few wealthy Nigerians to the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian masses.

The minister, however, emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was working towards economic stability, even as the president had urged ministers to cut expenses by limiting official vehicles and personnel on assignments.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris said.

He noted that the cost-saving measures, though seemingly small, are expected to make a significant impact.

He also stated that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing agricultural issues from multiple angles, particularly to improve food security.

On security, Idris said Tinubu’s administration has continued to acquire resources for security agencies and support personnel welfare, while consultations on establishing state police are ongoing.

Idris also urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media to portray the country positively, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.

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