Bauchi CSOs Build Capacity as 23 Organisations Undergo Self-Regulation Training

By Jamila Muhammad

The Bauchi State Network for Civil Society Organisations (BASNEC) has trained 23 civil society organisations (CSOs) on self-regulation practices aimed at improving their operational standards and effectiveness.

Speaking during the training in Bauchi on Friday, BASNEC Chairman, Mr. Jinjiri Garba, explained that the two-day programme, held between March 5 and March 6, was designed to help emerging organisations strengthen their institutional capacity and carry out their mandates without administrative difficulties.

Garba noted that the initiative was organised as a peer-to-peer learning exercise funded internally by members of the network, with the goal of fostering unity and collaboration among civil society organisations despite differences in their areas of operation.

He emphasised the need for CSOs to align their activities with internationally recognised standards in order to enhance transparency, accountability and the quality of services they deliver to communities.

According to him, the training also seeks to ensure that organisations meet the minimum requirements necessary for effective operations and improved access to funding opportunities.

Garba pointed out that the presence of multiple registration channels across various government ministries has created challenges for organisations, including cases of overlapping taxation and administrative burdens.

He therefore called for the establishment of a unified regulatory body that would coordinate and oversee the activities of civil society organisations in the state.

“We believe a regulatory council for CSOs, similar to professional bodies such as the Dental and Medical Council of Nigeria and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, would help ensure better coordination and smooth operations,” he said.

The BASNEC chairman further explained that the training programme was part of broader advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks to promote the credibility, growth and sustainability of civil society organisations in Bauchi State.

He revealed that the current phase of the training involved 23 organisations selected as “champions”, who are expected to replicate the knowledge gained within their respective networks.

Garba added that BASNEC plans to reconvene participants in two months to assess the progress made and determine the impact of the step-down training.

“Our goal is to continue cascading the knowledge until we have significantly strengthened the capacity of civil society organisations across the state,” he said.

The capacity-building programme covered key areas such as adherence to project implementation procedures, compliance with codes of conduct, taxation obligations and other governance practices required for effective civil society operations.

Heavy Security Presence Deployed in Alkaleri as Police Move to Crush Kidnapping, Banditry

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Nigeria Police Force in Bauchi State has intensified security operations in parts of Alkaleri Local Government Area following renewed threats, assuring residents that authorities have taken firm control of the situation.

Speaking at a press briefing in Bauchi on Thursday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, revealed that a comprehensive security review prompted the large-scale deployment of personnel to Gwana, Digare, and Kafin Duguri communities.

He explained that the operation, carried out in synergy with other security agencies, was strategically designed to dismantle networks involved in kidnapping and armed banditry that have resurfaced in the affected areas.

According to him, the border settlements have historically experienced security challenges due to the movement of criminal groups across neighbouring states. To counter this, security forces have reinforced patrol teams and upgraded operational equipment to strengthen their response capacity and ensure sustained stability.

Habib also addressed concerns surrounding Mansur town, where some residents reportedly relocated over fears of possible attacks. He clarified that the town remains secure and has not been impacted by incidents recorded in nearby Gwana District.

The police spokesperson underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Police, the Nigerian Military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant agencies, noting that the Bauchi State Government continues to provide critical support for security operations.

He added that the joint efforts are already producing encouraging outcomes, with visible improvements in safety across the affected communities.

While reaffirming the command’s resolve to rid Alkaleri of criminal elements, Habib appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by sharing credible information and promptly reporting suspicious activities. He assured residents that informants’ identities would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

“The message is clear: there will be no hiding place for criminals in Alkaleri,” he stated, urging citizens to carry on with their lawful daily activities without panic.

Healing Hearts: Young Women in Dass Embrace Therapy to Reclaim Their Emotional Wellbeing

A growing number of young women between the ages of 20 and 24 in the Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State are taking bold steps to prioritise their mental health by enrolling in interpersonal growth therapy sessions.

The initiative, facilitated by Plan International with support from Global Affairs Canada, is providing a safe and structured environment for participants to openly discuss and confront emotional struggles affecting their lives.

During one of the recent sessions held on Thursday, several participants shared deeply personal experiences, revealing how life-altering events such as divorce, heartbreak, the loss of parents or children, infertility, and difficulties adjusting to new environments had taken a toll on their mental wellbeing.

One of the beneficiaries, Hasiya Aliyu, recounted how losing both her parents within a six-month span plunged her into emotional distress.

“After my parents passed away within such a short period, everything changed for me,” she said. “I felt empty and disconnected from the world. I stopped interacting with people and kept to myself.”

Another participant, 24-year-old Fatima Jibrin, spoke about the emotional trauma she endured after her fiancé of seven years ended their relationship and married someone else.

“That experience broke me completely,” she said. “For four years, I avoided any form of relationship. When I heard about these sessions, I decided to give it a try. It was here that I realised I had been battling depression and needed help.”

She added that the weekly meetings, where participants openly share their experiences under professional guidance, have played a significant role in her recovery.

“Our facilitator created a comfortable space for us to speak without fear. The support I received has transformed me. Today, I encourage other young women facing similar struggles to join the program,” she explained.

According to Mohammed Nasir, Senior Project Coordinator at Plan International, the therapy sessions were introduced four years ago across selected local government areas under the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASPIRE) project.

He noted that the program currently operates in several LGAs, including Bauchi, Dass, Toro, Ningi, Jama’are, Darazo, Misau, Katagum, and Gamawa.

Nasir explained that participants are organised into groups that undergo an eight-week, structured program designed to build confidence, encourage open communication, and strengthen emotional resilience.

He added that trained facilitators guide the sessions and provide support to help participants address personal challenges in a healthy and constructive manner.

The initiative, he said, is focused on improving the emotional wellbeing of young women in the state while equipping them with coping skills to navigate life’s challenges with renewed strength and confidence.