GONET Condemns Rising Child Abduction Cases, Calls for Stronger Protection Measures

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET) has strongly condemned the growing wave of child abductions, kidnappings, and other forms of violence targeting children across the country, describing the trend as a serious threat to national security and human dignity.

In a press statement signed by its leadership, the network expressed deep concern over what it called the “disturbing increase” in cases of child abduction, stressing that such acts represent a gross violation of human rights and endanger the future of society.

GONET warned that children must be protected at all costs, insisting that they deserve to grow up in safe and secure environments free from fear, exploitation, and violence.

The group called on security agencies at all levels to intensify efforts in preventing such crimes, ensuring swift rescue operations for victims, and bringing perpetrators to justice without delay. It also urged stronger collaboration between communities and security operatives.

According to the statement, parents, guardians, school authorities, religious leaders, and community members must remain alert and report any suspicious movements or activities to relevant security agencies.

The organisation further appealed to government authorities to strengthen child protection systems, enhance community policing structures, and address the root causes of insecurity that continue to expose children to danger.

“As a civil society network committed to peace, human rights, and social justice, we stand in solidarity with affected families and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the protection and welfare of every child,” the statement read.

GONET leadership, signed by Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman, and Dr Ben Maina, Secretary, reaffirmed that protecting children remains a collective responsibility, urging stakeholders to act decisively to safeguard the nation’s future.

The group concluded with a renewed call for unity in protecting children, describing them as “the most vulnerable and most valuable segment of society.”

Nigerian Youths Need Skills, Mentorship to Succeed, Says MDIF CEO

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Chief Executive Officer of the Migration and Development Impact Foundation (MDIF), Margaret Ngozi Ukegbu, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace skill acquisition, entrepreneurship and mentorship to overcome unemployment and build successful careers.

Ukegbu spoke on Tuesday during a youth employability and wealth creation training organised by the foundation in Jos, where she urged young people to look beyond formal education and focus on practical skills capable of creating sustainable income.

She said the increasing difficulty in securing admission into tertiary institutions and the growing unemployment rate have made vocational training and entrepreneurship more important for Nigerian youths.

“With the challenges around university admissions and unemployment, young people need practical skills that can help them survive and create wealth honestly,” she said.

According to her, the foundation’s initiative was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial ideas that would help them become self-reliant while pursuing further education or formal employment.

Ukegbu warned that many young people rush into businesses without adequate planning, preparation or understanding of the market, leading to failure.

“It is not just about saying you want to start a business. Without proper preparation and understanding, many businesses collapse before they even begin,” she said.

She encouraged youths to explore legitimate side businesses and develop multiple sources of income without compromising their integrity or professional responsibilities.

Drawing from her personal experience, Ms Ukegbu said she engaged in trading while studying at the university and continued small-scale businesses during her years in public service.

“When I was in the university, I traded while studying. Even during my years in public service, I still engaged in small businesses that did not interfere with my duties to my employers,” she said.

The MDIF chief stressed that discipline, consistency, and lawful enterprise, rather than dishonest means, can achieve financial independence.

She also expressed concern about what she described as declining moral standards in the country’s political and social environment.

According to her, many young Nigerians now admire individuals with questionable reputations because society increasingly places more value on wealth and influence than on character and integrity.

“Our political space has been invaded by the wrong type of characters, and young people are beginning to see them as role models,” she said.

Ukegbu further lamented the shortage of positive mentors who are capable of guiding young people towards responsible citizenship and ethical leadership.

“There was a time when values and principles mattered greatly in this country, but many of those standards are gradually disappearing,” she added.

She urged parents, institutions and community leaders to intentionally mentor young Nigerians and promote the values of honesty, hard work and patriotism.

“Our youths are not beyond redemption. They need direction, mentorship, and opportunities to realise that success can still come through legitimate means,” she said.

Yarang Llamisi Foundation trains 93 women in vocational, literacy skills in Gombe

By Jamila Muhammad

The Yarang Llamisi Foundation (YLF) has graduated 93 women from its free vocational, entrepreneurship and literacy training programs in Gombe State.

The Yarang Llamisi Foundation organised the programme at Zumbuk Primary School in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area as part of its efforts to promote women empowerment and economic self-reliance.

Community leaders, civil society groups, facilitators and family members attended the graduation ceremony to celebrate the beneficiaries after months of training in various vocational and literacy skills.

In a goodwill message, the founder and chief executive officer of the foundation, Sarah Haruna Musa Moda, described the graduation as a major milestone in the organization’s commitment to supporting women and vulnerable groups through education and skill acquisition.

Ms. Moda said the initiative was organised free of charge as part of the foundation’s contribution to community development and efforts to improve women’s livelihoods in the state.

According to her, the programme was designed to equip beneficiaries with practical and income-generating skills to enable them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

“This occasion represents a remarkable milestone in vocational, entrepreneurial and literacy achievement. It reflects the resilience, dedication, and vision that define the Yarang Llamisi Foundation community,” she said.

The founder commended the trainers, volunteers, and organisers for their support of the program’s success and urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the skills they acquired.

Speaking at the event, the principal of the programme, Mary Mele, said the initiative reflected the foundation’s commitment to promoting women’s education, economic empowerment and social development in Gombe State.

She explained that the beneficiaries received training in different vocational fields alongside literacy and entrepreneurial education aimed at strengthening their capacity to establish and manage small businesses.

Ms. Mele encouraged the graduates to remain focused and use the knowledge they gained during the program to improve their lives and support their communities.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Gombe State Civil Society Network, Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf, commended the foundation for investing in women’s empowerment and community development.

Mr. Yusuf described the program as timely and impactful, noting that empowering women through vocational training and education would significantly contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth in the state.

The event featured the presentation of certificates to the beneficiaries amid celebrations from guests and community members.

The Yarang Llamisi Foundation has continued to implement programs focused on literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurial development as part of efforts to promote self-reliance among women and youths in Gombe State.

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