News

Plateau Gender Commission Raises Alarm Over Surge in Child Trafficking, Rescues 177 Children in Two Years

Published

9 months ago

November 15, 2025

vicky

Gender Commission,Child Trafficking, School Sensitization Campaigns

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (GEOC) has raised alarm over the rising cases of child trafficking across the state, warning that the situation has reached an “extremely disturbing” level requiring urgent, collective action.

Speaking during a press briefing to mark the Commission’s two-year anniversary in Jos, Chairperson, Barr. Olivia Dazyem, said child trafficking has become one of the most rampant forms of abuse threatening the safety and future of Plateau children. She disclosed that minors are now trafficked daily to major cities across the country and, in some cases, taken outside Nigeria.

Dazyem noted that the spike in cases prompted the Commission to launch an aggressive sensitization campaign across all 17 local government areas, targeting schools in the three senatorial zones. The outreach, she explained, focused on educating students on the methods used by traffickers, the dangers of child labour, and the value of staying in school.

“We chose to go directly to the students because they are the primary targets,” she said. “Some of the confessions and experiences shared during our engagements were shocking and heartbreaking. The threat is more widespread and more sophisticated than many people realize.”

177 Children Rescued, Trafficking Rings Disrupted

As part of its intensified operations, the Commission prevented 106 children from being trafficked and facilitated the return of 46 children already taken from their homes. GEOC also uncovered several cases involving the sale of babies and rescued 25 children from forced labour.

“These numbers show that we are confronting a severe national crisis with real consequences here on the Plateau,” Dazyem said. “Child trafficking is not just a crime—it is a violation of human dignity and a direct threat to our future.”

Community, Religious and Traditional Leaders Engaged

To strengthen vigilance at the grassroots, GEOC engaged religious leaders, women’s groups, community development associations and traditional rulers across the state. Dazyem said the engagements aimed to dispel harmful cultural and spiritual beliefs that indirectly encourage child exploitation, family breakdown and lack of parental responsibility.

“We visited churches and places of worship to preach the importance of protecting children and maintaining family unity. The response was encouraging, and many leaders pledged their support,” she added.

Capacity Building for Stakeholders

The Commission also trained social welfare directors, women development officers, mediators and information officers across the 17 LGAs on how to identify, document and refer cases of trafficking and gender-based violence. Journalists were trained on gender-sensitive reporting to improve public awareness and responsible media coverage.

Call for Stronger Community Vigilance

Dazyem urged parents, traditional rulers, security agencies and civil society to remain alert and report suspicious movements involving children, stressing that the fight cannot be won by the Commission alone.

“Child trafficking is a collective challenge,” she said. “The lives and futures of our children depend on how quickly we act and how committed we remain as a society.”

GEOC reaffirmed its commitment to expanding school outreach programmes, deepening partnerships with traditional institutions, advocating for stronger legal safeguards and collaborating with national and international organizations to combat child trafficking and related abuses.

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Legends Return to the Pitch: IASC Above 45 Tournament 2026 Begins with Blockbuster Opening Fixtures

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2026

Preport

WhatsApp Image 2026 08 04 at 10.00.46 PM.jpeg

The stage is set for another memorable chapter in the history of the Island Allstars Sports Club (IASC) as the much-anticipated IASC Above 45 Tournament 2026 kicks off on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the LBS Sports Arena, Lekki, promising an exciting display of football, sportsmanship and camaraderie among veteran players.

The annual tournament, one of the club’s flagship sporting events, celebrates the enduring passion, fitness and competitive spirit of football enthusiasts aged 45 years and above. It has become a unique platform where experience meets talent, bringing together distinguished members of the club to compete while strengthening the bonds of friendship that define the IASC family.

According to the fixtures released by the Sports Management Committee (SMC), the opening match will see Team A take on Team D at 8:30 a.m., while the second fixture will feature Team B against Team C at 10:30 a.m. Both matches will be played at the LBS Sports Arena, with the tournament concluding on August 15, 2026, when the champions will emerge.

Beyond the excitement on the pitch, the Above 45 Tournament continues to promote healthy living, active ageing and community engagement, proving that football remains a lifelong passion capable of inspiring generations.

This year’s competition is proudly supported by Sure B Homes, Dinice Royal Investment Limited, Network Times Nigeria Limited, and Cartel Beach House Del Viento, whose sponsorship underscores the growing corporate confidence in the vision of the Island Allstars Sports Club.

To ensure supporters across Nigeria and beyond do not miss the action, selected matches will be streamed live on Sports247 YouTube Channel and website: sports247.ng, allowing football lovers around the world to follow every tackle, goal and dramatic moment as it unfolds.

Speaking on behalf of the Sports Management Committee, the committee’s Secretary, Ugochukwu Chukwudalu, assured members and supporters of a professionally organised tournament that reflects the values of excellence, unity and fair play for which the club is known.

As anticipation reaches fever pitch, all roads lead to the LBS Sports Arena this Saturday for what promises to be an unforgettable football spectacle. For the players, it is another opportunity to chase glory. For the fans, it is a celebration of football at its finest—where legends return to the pitch and experience takes centre stage.

Business

Coronation Insurance, Coronation Life Meet NIIRA 2025 Minimum Capital Requirements Following Successful ₦9.2bn Capital Raise

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2026

Preport

Coronation Insurance Plc and Coronation Life Assurance Limited have successfully met the new minimum capital requirements stipulated under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

This marks the successful completion of the Nigerian insurance industry’s year-long recapitalisation exercise as announced by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

A statement released today by both underwriters, that the milestone follows the successful conclusion of a ₦9.2 billion private placement by both companies, which attracted strong participation from existing and new investors. The offer, comprising 4.2 billion ordinary shares, was oversubscribed, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the companies’ long-term strategy, sound corporate governance, and growth prospects.

Meeting the new regulatory capital requirements reinforces the financial strength of both Coronation Insurance and Coronation Life Assurance, positioning the companies to accelerate innovation, expand access to insurance solutions, and create greater value for customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders.

The strengthened capital base will support strategic investments in product innovation, digital transformation, customer experience, and the expansion of the companies’ distribution footprint. It will also reinforce their bancassurance partnership with Access Bank, enabling both companies to extend insurance solutions to customers across one of Africa’s largest banking networks.

Reacting on the milestone, Olamide Olajolo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Insurance Plc, said: “Meeting the new capital requirements under NIIRA 2025 is a significant milestone for our business and reflects the confidence investors continue to place in our strategy and long-term vision. The successful completion of our private placement is a testament to the strength of our governance, our business model, and our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient insurance company that consistently delivers value to customers, shareholders, and the wider economy.

“With our strengthened capital position, we remain focused on expanding our product offerings, deepening our distribution capabilities, investing in digital innovation, and delivering exceptional service across every customer touchpoint. We are well positioned to respond to emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving insurance market while driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

Also Adebowale Adesona, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Life Assurance Limited, “said: The successful completion of this recapitalisation represents much more than regulatory compliance; it is a strong affirmation of our commitment to building a future-ready life insurance business that inspires confidence and delivers lasting financial security for our customers.

“This stronger capital base enables us to deepen our investment in innovative life insurance and wealth creation solutions, enhance our digital capabilities, strengthen our customer experience, and expand access to insurance through strategic partnerships. As Nigeria’s insurance industry enters a new era, Coronation Life Assurance is well positioned to help more individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most while creating sustainable long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

Both firms continue to strengthen their market position through customer-focused solutions spanning general insurance, life insurance, risk protection, savings, retirement planning, and wealth creation for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

The successful recapitalisation underscores growing investor confidence in the long-term prospects of Nigeria’s insurance industry while reaffirming Coronation’s commitment to building resilient financial institutions that create sustainable value.

With enhanced financial capacity, strong corporate governance, and a clear strategic growth agenda, Coronation Insurance and Coronation Life Assurance are well positioned to accelerate innovation, broaden market access, deepen customer relationships, and contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Nigeria’s insurance sector under the new regulatory framework.

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