News
CWEENS, Partners Host Anti-Trafficking Town Hall in Bassa, Plateau State
As part of ongoing efforts to tackle human trafficking in Plateau State, the Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS), in collaboration with Women for Women International, organized a town hall meeting on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Bassa Local Government Area. The event follows similar engagements held in Riyom and Langtang North LGAs, aimed at mobilizing communities to take a collective stand against trafficking.
In a continued effort to combat human trafficking in Plateau State, the Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS), in partnership with Women for Women International, held a town hall meeting in Bassa Local Government Area on Monday 26th May 2025. This follows similar engagements previously held in Riyom (Here) and Langtang North LGAs (Here), all aimed at mobilizing communities to take a stand against trafficking.
Themed “Human Trafficking Awareness and Support Services,” the Bassa town hall brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including community leaders, women’s groups, youth activists, government representatives, and law enforcement agencies. Discussions focused on identifying the root causes of trafficking and devising local solutions to curb the growing menace.
Speaking at the event, Kiyenpya Mafuyai, Plateau State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), identified poverty, insecurity, and ignorance as key drivers of trafficking in the area. “Each of us has a role to play,” she said. “We must report traffickers, raise awareness, and support victims. There are no benefits to trafficking—only loss and trauma for individuals, families, and communities.”
Mafuyai also stressed the need for government intervention through education, empowerment, and adequate funding for agencies like NAPTIP. “Laws alone are not enough. Without the resources to enforce them, we cannot effectively prosecute offenders or support survivors,” she added.
Mrs. Rejoice Adamson, Head of the Women Unit in Bassa LGA, described the meeting as “timely and necessary,” pointing to the insecurity in Bassa as a factor increasing community vulnerability. “Many parents are deceived by false promises of better lives for their children. Out of desperation, they unknowingly hand them over to traffickers,” she warned.
Adding her voice, Mrs. Lillian Joshua Riti, wife of the Bassa LGA Chairman, called for sustained grassroots sensitization and investment in education. “We must continue this campaign in churches, markets, and community spaces. Education—both formal and informal—is a long-term solution,” she said.
Ward Councillor Hon. Musa Samuel highlighted the link between human trafficking and economic hardship. “When families are unable to afford school fees, they become easy targets for traffickers. We need to address unemployment and create local support systems,” he urged.
Youth activist Davidson Malison commended CWEENS for facilitating the engagement. “This meeting has given us the responsibility to carry this message home. As youth leaders, we must enlighten our communities on the dangers of child trafficking,” he said.
Mrs. Mary Jegfa, National President of the Irigwe Development Association Women’s Wing, shared a chilling account of trafficking in Rubuka community. “Over 300 children were taken under the guise of being offered education, and many are still missing. We must act now,” she declared, pledging to rally traditional women councils for intensified advocacy.
CWEENS Program Manager, Dirmicit B. Pyentam, emphasized the need for communities to break the silence around trafficking. “We’ve rescued and rehabilitated many trafficked children. Sadly, some residents still shield perpetrators due to fear or misplaced loyalty,” she revealed. “This town hall is a platform to raise awareness and build community-led prevention strategies.”
The Bassa town hall marks a critical step in CWEENS’ broader anti-trafficking campaign across Plateau State. With increasing collaboration among civil society, local authorities, and residents, the organization aims to create a safer environment for women and children vulnerable to exploitation.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.
The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.
One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.
The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.
For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.
Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.
The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.
Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.
For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.
Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.
Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.
Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.
Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.
However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.
The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.
Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.
The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.
Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.
For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.
-
News4 days agoPlateau APC 2027 Campaign Council inaugurated today in Jos
-
News4 days ago
Nigerians’ data appetite drives MTN Nigeria revenue to ₦2.68tn – Technology Times
-
News2 days ago
Plateau Ndigbo Crown Chief Johnson Nwosu as New Igwe
-
News2 days ago
Anthropic is working on a system to prove AI models’ identity
