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US Child-Soldiers Hoopla And Nigeria’s CJTF

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By Kolawole Anthony

The all-powerful United States of America (USA) is a bundle of contradictions. It goofs so childishly and owes no one any apology . It is sensitive and alive in protecting the dignity of nationals of other countries in the globe, but in the haze pathetically forget in extending same to their own citizens. They do this aggressively or compulsorily, while ignoring itself and all that it takes to superbly impact on the world.

Americans pride themselves as “God’s Own Country,” and so the search for super wisdom and the aura of infallibility compel this country to posture a perfection next to God. In this craze, they expose their rottenness in the course of playing the master role on the globe. Therefore, what is acceptable and lawfully permissible in America must be a crime in other nations of the world. They bark and scream all manner of inanities to countries of the world in the manner a Regimental Sergeant Major shouts at zombies.

It’s appalling the extent US ridicules itself. America’s federal law (10 U.S.C., 505), stipulates the minimum age of conscription into virtually all arms of the United States Military at 17. It adds a caveat that applicants age 17 are required to tender proof of parental consent to attract consideration.

Yet this is the same country that has promulgated the Child Soldier Prohibition Act, (CSPA) 2008. Former President George Bush assented to it on October 3, 2008. The crux of the CSPA law seeks to protect children under age 18 from enlistment into the army to fight in armed conflicts and a range of other perceived vices associated with such conflicts.

The CSPA defines its concept of “child -soldier” to mean “ (i) any person under 18 years of age who takes a direct part in hostilities as a member of governmental armed forces; (ii) any person under 18 years of age who has been compulsorily recruited into governmental armed forces; (iii) any person under 15 years of age who has been voluntarily recruited into governmental armed forces; or (iv) any person under 18 years of age who has been recruited or used in hostilities by armed forces distinct from the armed forces of a state.”

By Nigerian laws, a child age 17 falls within the bracket of minors. So he is barred by law from exposure to certain things and his parents or guardians are held responsible over his acts deviance. The idea of the Civilian JTF (CJTF) formed by youths in Maiduguri, Borno state to assist soldiers redeem them from the consuming plaque of terrorism in the Northeast was conceived based on these principles.

Therefore it was a surprise that America’s 2017 Trafficking in Persons report included Nigerian among countries it indicted as violating its Child Soldier Prohibition Act, (CSPA) 2008. In effect, the US report attempted to rubbish the voluntary efforts of Nigerians in quelling terrorism by mindlessly assaulting the psyche of the Civilian JTF, as child- soldiers . It set out to smear the image of Nigeria and edify the magnificence of America.

The inaccuracies of the report notwithstanding, one is contended to say this is not just very uncharitable, but fundamentally questions America’s standard in domestic and external public morality. What is being violated as claimed by America is difficult to know. Why has America refused to know that a child at 17 years of age is still a minor and should be spared the rigors of military training, known to exert serious physical and intellectual strain on the soldier?

But what is crazy about the whole affair is America’s plea to the conscience of the world that it can abuse minors by their enlistment into the US Military, but the whole should pretend not to see. But other nations shall be guilty of violating a minor and America would harshly reel out stiff penalties’. That’s America’s unclothed hypocrisy to the whole world.

It mocks decent thinking that America only frown at violation of the child when parental consent is not obtained, as by its laws, a minor or applicant age 17, needs to tender evidence of parental approval before he will be considered for recruitment into its military. It is based on this understanding that it found Nigeria guilty of violating the CSPA 2008 because, may be, the parental approval of those it claimed are minors was not sought before their inclusion into the CJTF? This is laughable and they expect sane minds to accept this spongy wisdom?

Nigeria now has outgrown certain things. America is aware of this reality. Members of the CJTF also documented by the Borno state government, aside the Nigerian Army, cannot be minors or under -aged children. If the mindset of America is to find an excuse no matter how fluid to justify its refusal to sell weapons to Nigeria in her counter-insurgency war, it need not burden itself any longer. With or without their assistance, the Nigerian military has registered steady and awful progress in the anti-terrorism campaigns.

God Himself protects the weak from the swords of the wicked. That’s why the extent an “inconsequential” Nigeria has gone in curbing the menace of Boko Haram terrorism on its shores belittles the combined efforts of America and other super countries in extinguishing the flames of terrorism in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and hordes of such satanic nations.

But may America be warned that Nigeria would not avail itself as the testing ground of America’s obnoxious ideas such as the CSPA 2008. If Americans believe that once you get parental consent, one is free to abuse minor, Africans do not believe in this theory. An African, particularly a Nigerian goes to extreme limits to protect a child from all indignities and inhuman treatment.

Even with the consent of parents, no sane Nigerian would violate a child, as Americans have established through the criteria of enlistment into the US military. So, it is free to blackmail other countries, but it should exclude Nigeria from its application of the aura of a super nation or the banner of invincible lords.

Kolawole PhD, a University teacher writes from Keffi, Nasarawa State.

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Dangote Refinery, national asset every Nigerian must defend — BAVCCA President declares

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President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”

Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.

Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”

According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.

While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.

“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”

Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”

He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.

Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”

“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.

The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”

He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.

Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.

During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.

“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.

In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”

The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”

He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.

“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”

Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.

“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.

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Hon. Munira Applauds Governor Uba Sani for Signing Bill Establishing New College in Lere

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By: Fabian Apechihin

In a major educational breakthrough for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has signed into law a bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences in Lere Local Government Area.

The landmark bill was sponsored by Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, the member representing Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The new institution aims to equip young people with modern skills in agriculture, technology, and environmental management — key areas for the state’s sustainable development.

Expressing her delight, Hon. Munira said:

“I am overjoyed to announce that Governor Uba Sani has signed my bill into law. This college in Lere will empower our youth with practical knowledge in agriculture and environmental protection. It will open doors to innovation and help our communities thrive.”

She noted that the college will serve as a hub for research and practical training, boosting agricultural productivity and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, and this institution will help modernize the sector while creating new opportunities for our young people,” she added.

Hon. Munira also reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and progressive legislation:

“We will continue to champion laws that make real, positive impacts in people’s lives. The future is bright, and together, we will build a better, stronger Kaduna State.”

She extended her appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for education and rural development.

Residents of Lere and across Kaduna have welcomed the development with excitement, describing the new college as a beacon of hope for the youth and a catalyst for growth in the state’s agricultural and environmental sectors.

With the creation of this new college, Kaduna State takes another bold step toward improving education, empowering its citizens, and building a greener, more prosperous future.

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Soludo’s Alleged Threat to Jail Catholic Clergy After Re-election Sparks Controversy in Anambra

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By Fabian Apechihin

A report claiming that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, plans to jail Catholic bishops, priests, and other clergymen after his re-election has stirred heated debate across the state.

However, Rev. Fr. Raphael Onyekwelu, PhD, Chaplain to the Governor, has dismissed the report as “baseless, ridiculous, and malicious,” describing it as the work of desperate political opponents trying to pit Soludo against the Church.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Fr. Onyekwelu said:

“Our attention has been drawn to a fabricated, malicious, and unsigned piece currently circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, falsely alleging that His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, intends to ‘take on the hierarchy of the Church, especially the Catholic Church,’ after winning the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.”

He said while such falsehoods would normally be ignored, the campaign season had created fertile ground for misinformation and propaganda.

“This is an election period, and desperate politicians are churning out fake news to deceive the public and cause division. It is laughable that they first admit Soludo is likely to win, and then try to manufacture lies to undermine his relationship with his Church — the Catholic Church,” he stated.

Fr. Onyekwelu noted that the alleged statement did not specify any wrongdoing by the Church to warrant such “imaginary arrests,” calling the entire report “a pitiable fabrication.”

He reaffirmed that Governor Soludo, a devout Catholic, holds the Church in the highest regard and recognizes its crucial role in promoting moral values, education, healthcare, and community development.

“Governor Soludo is a proud and practicing Catholic who cherishes the Church’s partnership in governance and social transformation, in line with Catholic Social Teaching. He deeply appreciates the clergy and their contributions to the moral and socio-economic progress of Anambra State,” he added.

Fr. Onyekwelu emphasized that the governor remains committed to working closely with all religious bodies to advance peace, development, and good governance in the state.

“Under Soludo’s leadership, Anambra continues to experience transparent, people-centered governance anchored on faith, service, and shared values. As the governor often says, ‘Government, Church, and People — together we shall continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, livable, and God-fearing Anambra State,’” he concluded.

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