UK Allocates N4.2 Billion for Empowerment Initiatives in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe

• The UK’s FCDO will provide a grant of N4,223,496,406.14 to support the ‘Strengthening Protection Services and Resilience’ project in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states
• The initiative aims to empower 37,500 vulnerable individuals, including women, children, and marginalized groups affected by years of conflict

The United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) has committed N4,223,496,406.14 as a grant to support a 19-month project titled ‘Strengthening Protection Services and Resilience’ in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. This initiative will be implemented in partnership with CARE International-Nigeria.

The project’s primary aim is to reach and empower 37,500 vulnerable individuals, including women, children, and marginalized groups who have been disproportionately affected by the years of violent conflict. These groups encompass internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities.

Dr. Hussaini Abdu, the Country Director of CARE Nigeria, disclosed this information in a statement released on Friday. He further specified that the project would cover five local government areas: Jere and Bama in Borno, Yola North in Adamawa, and Potiskum and Gujba in Yobe.

The UK’s commitment to funding this project underscores its dedication to supporting and empowering vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions. This initiative reflects a collaborative effort to enhance protection services and resilience among those who have faced the challenges of prolonged violence and displacement.

Nigeria-Uganda Flight Services Commence 21 Years After Air Pact

On Friday, Uganda Airlines initiated flight operations to Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos to foster stronger connections to West Africa and East Africa. This development marks a notable event 21 years after both nations signed the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to facilitate flight operations.

The airline’s inaugural flight, operated by an A330-800 aircraft, gracefully landed at MMIA after departing from Entebbe International Airport. The arrival was met with a ceremonial water cannon salute, a gesture extended by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Firefighting and Rescue Services. As Uganda Airlines commenced its thrice-weekly flights to Lagos, the Nigerian federal government approved extending its operations to Abuja and Kano airports, aligning with the objectives of the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM).