The Federal Government has advocated stronger regional efforts to counter the threats posed by the proliferation of small arms and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the West Africa sub-region.
This call was made at the opening of the ECOWAS Coordination Meeting of National Commissions on Small Arms on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Director-General, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, who is the representative of Nigeria at the meeting made the call.
The theme of the meeting is, “Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, Promoting Administration and Management of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Regulating Craft Weapons Production in the ECOWAS Region”.
Kokumo said that the challenge of small arms proliferation and IEDs threats transcended individual borders and therefore demands a robust and unified response.
He commended the ECOWAS for its relentless dedication to regional peace and security, and reiterated the willingness of the federal government to work with its brothers and sisters in the region.
“This coordination meeting therefore provides a unique platform to further consolidate our strategies, align our goals and ensure that our national actions contribute meaningfully to regional stability.
“The threats posed by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the rising misuse of improvised explosive devices presents us with a unique and urgent call to action.
“Our collective work here reflects a fundamental truth, that is, no one nation can tackle these complex challenges alone.
“Together, through concerted action and commitment, we can make our communities safer, our borders more secure and our region a beacon of peace and resilience,” he said.
Kokumo said Nigeria had consistently demonstrated its resolve to continue to counter the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
He said that the assent to the NCCSALW Act 2024 by President Bola Tinubu had empowered the centre to serve as Nigeria’s primary agency in SALW control in the country.
According to him, this new Act aligns the National Centre with Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW as well as the UN Programme of Action to combat illicit arms trade.
He said the act had also empowered the centre to develop more robust and sustainable strategies for arms control and reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its international and regional obligations.
According to him, NCCSALW has destroyed thousands of illicit arms, spearheaded training programmes for weapons marking and embarked on advocacy and sensitisation efforts.
“These efforts have been strengthened by a rigorous partnership with civil society, security agencies and state governments to enhance arms control and accountability.
“Earlier this month, over 2,400 illegal weapons were destroyed while we have also facilitated enhanced training to better address issues related to improvised explosive devices,’’ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Some serving and retired army generals have emphasised the need for the Nigerian Army to select recruits with both physical strength and intellectual capacity to meet future operational demands.
The views were canvassed at a one-day Nigerian Army Military History Seminar organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Tuesday in Abuja, with the theme “Military History and Decision Making in the Nigerian Army Drawing Lessons from the Past Challenges and Prospects.”
Retired Maj.-Gen. Stephenson Olabanji, who delivered a paper on “Nigerian Army’s Cultural Evolution Since 1863”, said that little emphasis was placed on educational qualifications of enlisted men at inception.
Olabanji said that the force had, however, metamorphosed into a highly educated upwardly mobile band of professionals across all facets of learning.
He explained that “the current Nigerian army is making commendable strides to modernise the force.”
He emphasised that recruitment must be enhanced with improved processes to be able to achieve an ideal soldier.
According to him, recruitment system should be up-scaled with heightened emphasis on physical fitness, mental toughness, strategic thinking and
adaptability to diverse operational environment.
“This is because future battlefield will not only require physical strength, but intellectual capacity and emotional resilience.
“The concept of ideal soldier is central to Nigerian army’s vision for operational success, while the skills and competencies of the ideal soldier must align with Nigeria’s national interest.
“Ideal soldiers function as cohesive and highly effective force in pursuit of national interest.
“Ideal soldier is expected to exhibit profound love for homeland because love for country translates to readiness to defend the country at all cost, soldier with strong patriotism likely to uphold Nigerian army’s values and contribute to successes,’’ he added.
In his remarks, Retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibrin, the Special Assistant, Technical to the Minister of Defence, said the seminar would help to expose soldiers to lessons learnt from past wars and battles.
Jibrin said it was not enough for the military to prepare and go to war but having it in mind that some of the plans made might not come true.
According to him, each and everyone of the principles of war is derived from the lessons learned in history.
“And so, since we are using the principle to fight the present war and even the future war, then it is necessary for us to know that without history, we cannot build today and the future.
“In the past, these technological advancements were not in the stage, but the lesson of history has taught us that things will not continue to be as they used to.
“Nations will continue to strive to make efforts to come up with more modern ways and means of dealing with security situations confronting them.”
The Deputy Chief of Training (Training and Exercise), Army, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said the soldier of the future must be a smart soldier that should be well-educated.
Etsu-Ndagi said such a soldier should be in tune with realities of the time such as technology, to be able to navigate the battlefield of the future.
The Director-General of NARC, Retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, described the seminar as an “indirect approach training to look at what was being done right from lessons learnt from the past.”
Wahab said that the first seminar had been of immense benefit to the army, adding that the second edition was expected to help them come up with lessons and gaps needed to be filled.
According to him, it is not just for the soldier to be physically fit and man the weapon, but ability to relate with the community, and be able to communicate effectively.
He said: “it goes beyond handling of weapons because that weapon is being held in trust for Nigerians to be able to secure them.
“So, we have to find a way of ensuring that trust is built between not only the army, but all the security agencies and the community they are securing.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has trained 402 participants from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Lagos in counter terrorism measures.
The Head of UNDP Lagos office, Mr Williams Tusma, said this at the inauguration of the Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) Course 5/2024, which held at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA), Lagos.
Tusma said that beneficiaries from the previous four cohorts of the course were already applying the expertise in their respective places of assignment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CVE programme was organised by MLAILPKC in conjunction with the Government of Japan.
Countries participating in the training include Ghana, Cameroun, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, among others.
According to the UNDP representative, the course, which is the fifth in the series, seeks to boost socio-economic advancement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
“The CVE Course is a testament of our collective resolve to address one of the most pressing contemporary challenges facing humanity and draw participants from six ECOWAS countries.
“It is not debatable that violent extremism poses significant threats to the peace, stability and sustainable development of the ECOWAS sub-region, especially Nigeria.
“The challenges that the menace constitute to the realisation of SDGs and Agenda 2030 in the sub-region are enormous, as such, our response must, be pungent, swift, borderless and unified,” he said.
Mr Tusma receiving a gift from a senior army officer.
Tusma said that the tripartite partnership of MLAILPKC, the Government of Japan and UNDP to counter violent extremism was complementing wider national, regional and continental counter terrorism strategies and frameworks.
“These include the ECOWAS counter-terrorism strategy, and African Union Counter Terrorism Framework, as well as Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Strategy and Terrorism Prevention Act.
“The partnership aims to confront the menace bluntly and mitigate the impact of violent extremism on the continent.
“The course will equip the participants with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the fight against violent extremism in West Africa and Africa continent,” he said.
He urged all the participants to dedicate themselves to the course and acquire requisite knowledge that would engender their contributions to the socio-economic development of the region.
“This requisite knowledge will also help in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and Agenda 2030, as well as African Development Agenda 2063,” he said.
Tusma thanked MLAILPKC, the Government of Japan and the Ministry of Budget and National Planning for their continuous partnership with UNDP and for making the event a reality.
The Defence Attaché to the Nigerian Embassy in Japan, Lt.-Col. Morita Tatsuya, said that Japan remained committed to peace and stability in Africa through human resource development, and in partnership with UN agencies.
Tatsuya said that Japan had consistently shown its commitment to supporting essential training for African-led peace support operations and capacity building in Africa over the years.
“Japan recognises the significant role of African-led Peace Support Operations in maintaining peace and stability in Africa.
“In Nigeria, we have been supporting the Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) training in partnership with the UNDP and PKO training centres for the past six years.
“Over the years, since the first Defence Attaché was attached to our Embassy in 2015, the friendship between Japan and Nigeria in the area of defence has been strengthened,” he said .
Tatsuya said that the training would provide participants with the necessary knowledge to combat violent extremism and to protect people in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.
Also, the Special Guest of Honour, Maj.-Gen. Wisdom Etuk, said that it was only through collective and collaborative actions that the region could address the root causes of violent extremism.
Etuk, who is Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Lagos, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach that encompassed security based counter-terrorism measures and systematic preventive steps to stop violent extremism.
“Violent extremism has continued to threaten global peace, security and human dignity. It exploits fear, ignorance and desperation, leaving destruction and heartbreak in its wake.
“Therefore, to defeat this threat, there is need for concerted efforts through capacity building such as this course in order to promote peace, justice and human dignity.
“The course will help to develop human capacity to understand the complex drivers of violent extremism, develop effective strategies to prevent radicalisation and foster international cooperation and collaboration,” he said.
He urged participants from other West African countries to feel free to share their experiences and insights during the course.
“According to him, that will go a long way to enriching the course.
“It is expected that the knowledge you will gain from this Course will empower you to make positive contributions when the need arises,” he said.
The Commandant, MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Taiwo Adedoja, said that to tackle the scourge of violence extremism, governments, civil society and international organisations must collaborate and coordinate efforts.
Adedoja said that such collaboration would help to address its root causes, share information and engage in capacity building.
“Additionally, the asymmetric nature of modern conflicts has necessitated the training of potential peacekeepers to understand how to effectively counter violent extremism.
“Contemporary peacekeeping environments have become highly complex and volatile with different actors, which necessitated the UN, African Union (AU) and other regional bodies to adopt the integrated approach to Peace Support Operations,” he said.
He said that in recent time, violent extremism had become a gateway to terrorism, fuelling devastating attacks, destabilising communities, spreading hatred and claiming countless innocent lives.
He said that the course was designed in line with the UN’s training standards and qualified participants to be deployed in integrated peacekeeping operations under the auspices of UN, AU and ECOWAS.
“I assure you that the centre has erudite facilitators with world class experiences who will impact the required knowledge on the participants.
“We have invited a retinue of erudite scholars from both within and outside the country who are versed in their various fields to handle some of the topics towards enriching the entire course,” he said.
The commandant said that by the end of the course, participants would have been empowered to impact positive changes and contribute to enhancing peace, security and safety of the citizens in Nigeria and Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says its 50 million dollars Research and Development Fund is a catalyst to the oil and gas research and development space.
The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr Felix Ogbe, made this known in Abuja at the SciBiz 2024 annual conference, organised by the Triple Helix Nigeria.
Triple Helix hosted the conference, following its successful inauguration in 2021.
This is in fulfilment of the requirements for galvanising members in intellectual discourse to promote research commercialisation and innovation culture in Nigeria and Africa.
The theme of the conference, sponsored by the NCDMB, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and others, is “Integrating Research, Innovation, and Policy: Triple Helix Pathway to Research Commercialisation”.
Ogbe, represented by Mr Silas Ajimijaye, General Manager, Research and Development, NCDMB, said pivotal to any meaningful sustainable initiative was funding, and within this context, the much-needed fund was created in 2020.
The executive secretary underscored the need to harness expertise, leading technologies and best practices of international experts and institutions to strengthen research and innovation potential.
He described partnerships as a strategic way to enhance local efforts to make Nigeria an important player in global innovation.
“Strategically, the Triple Helix model of Academia, Industry, and Government collaboration is an appropriate international business framework for expressing ideas about how research could be turned into new products and services.
“One avenue through which NCDMB exercises this mandate is by applying local content development to enhance research and commercialisation of innovative solutions for Nigeria’s oil industry,” he said.
He said that it would onboard more impactful research projects in the upcoming months in addition to the fourteen applied research projects that it presently sponsored at various stages of technological readiness.
He, however, urged the participants to explore more collaborative opportunities to develop strategies to drive progress.
Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, President, Triple Helix Nigeria, said that transition from education through research to commercialisation heralded an evolving frontier where academia, industry and government could collaborate under the Triple Helix model.
He said that the model would ensure that research transcended the boundaries of laboratories and classrooms to solving real-world problems and fostering economic prosperity.
He cited the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which said that Nigeria’s annual patent application has risen from below hundred in 2016 to more than 400 in 2023.
According to him, this significant growth, suggests that with the right policy environment, Nigeria has the potential to transform universities to solution-based entrepreneur centers of excellence.
He said that Triple Helix Chapter was established in. Nigeria in 2021 by some professionals with common interests of economic development through research and innovation.
He said that it was in response to identified challenges and opportunities in a knowledge based economy.
“The association has a global network of six regions including: North America; Latin America; Europe; North Asia; South Asia and Africa.
“We set an ambitious Vision 10-10-10-10 to demonstrate our commitment to bequeath entrepreneurial university system in Nigeria.
“Through this vision, Triple Helix Nigeria seeks to inspire at least 10 knowledge institutions, to accelerate innovation and have at least 10 per cent equity in 10 listed companies in the next 10 years.
“This model has worked in many of the regions where Triple helix Association has a strong presence and we have no doubt that it can happen in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
He expressed hope that the conference would foster structured partnerships between industry and research community to attract research based funding in the direction of Africa based researchers.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasised the importance of strong institutions in addressing insecurity, stating that the police and military must be the only legitimate actors to avert violence.
He stated this at the inaugural lecture for Course 33 of the National Defence College Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.
Kenyatta stressed that the military and police must be capable and willing to secure citizens and their properties.
“This includes having the analytical ability to identify threats and effective communication to shape perceptions of the state’s deployment of violence.”
He cited pastoralist conflicts and militia formations as indicators that more work is needed.
To achieve national security and development, Kenyatta highlighted the need for effective administrative control.
He advised that government control should flow from national to grassroots levels.
Kenyatta said there was need for investment in human capital by creating social and economic pathways for youth to actualise themselves.
He also called for government’s respond to the demands of young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of the productive population.
Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, commandant of NDC, noted that the college’s mission was to develop future leaders equipped with knowledge and analytical skills to navigate dynamic defence and security environments.
“Since its establishment in 1992, NDC has graduated more than 2,000 senior officers from various security agencies and strategic ministries.
“The current Course 33 comprises 100 participants, including 54 Nigerian Armed Forces officers, five Nigerian Police Force officers, and 18 personnel from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as 23 international participants from 19 countries.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Dr Dayo Benjamin-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has counseled women not to see breast cancer as death sentence.
Benjamin-Laniyi gave the advice during the Fitness and Breast Cancer Awareness walk organised by the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association (NOWA) in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on Saturday in Abuja.
She said that the coming together of women to walk, women work and work as a team to fight and put an end to cancer, saying it is not a death sentence.
“We walk for those we have lost, whose memories fueled our determination and resilience that breast cancer may take bodies, but may it never take our spirits.
“It may test our resolve, but may it never break our will, we are women, a force united, standing together against this disease, we shall not be broken, we shall raise up others and our shoulders shall be the stepping place of expression and victory.
“Every step we take is a step closer to a world where no one has to hear you have breast cancer, even as your statement has said it today.
“In that place of checking, we will detect it, we will treat it and we will defeat it because we can, cure is not sure, prevention is the only sure stand. That is why detection brings prevention.
“Every step therefore is a testament to our power together, resilience and unwavering commitment to one another,” she said.
Benjamin-Laniyi reiterated the commitment of the FCT administration to working with NOWA to implement the renewed hope initiative of the first lady.
The President, of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa said that breast cancer affected one in eight women worldwide as a harsh reality that touches families, friends and communities.
Musa said the stories of the survivors were stories of hope and courage, adding that their strength inspired other women.
According to her, their journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for determination and resilience.
“To those currently battling with it, know that you are not alone, we are here for you, and we will continue to fight alongside you,” she said.
The President of NOWA, Mrs Ijeoma Ogalla, said the event demonstrated the commitment of NOWA to promoting awareness, education and support for those impacted by breast cancer.
Ogalla, who was represented by the Vice President, Mrs Zainab Akpan, said it was estimated that 685,000 women were losing their lives to the breast cancer hence, the need for early detection, timely intervention, and access to adequate healthcare.
“ As wives, mothers, sisters, and caregivers, we all have an important role to play in spreading awareness, encouraging regular screenings, and supporting those in our communities who are battling this disease.
“Today’s fitness and breast cancer awareness walk is not just a symbolic gesture but a call to action.
“It is a reminder that breast cancer is not just a women’s issue but it is a family, a societal and a global challenge.
“Together, through initiatives like this, we can continue to break the silence, create awareness, reduce the stigma and provide the much-needed support to survivors and their families,” she said.
The NOWA President urged all women to become advocates of change by educating themselves and others about the signs and symptoms of the menace.
According to her, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the chances of survival and that is a message we must amplify in every way we can. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), says the Federal Government will improve airline passenger experiences through inclusive regulation.
Najomo said this in his opening remarks at the North-Central Regional Air Transportation Summit 2024 in Abuja.
He was represented by Capt. Donald Spiff, NCAA Director, Operations, Licensing and Training.
According to him, efforts will be made towards inclusive regulatory practices that foster sector growth, safety, service excellence, and improved passenger experiences.
“With the support of the minister, we at the NCAA are committed to rebranding, reinventing, and rejuvenating the Nigerian aviation sector for international competitiveness, sustainable growth and development.
“No doubt, a sustainable regulatory framework built on collective engagement and strategic collaboration is critical to achieving operational excellence, enhanced productivity, and sector growth without compromising safety standards.
“This approach, aligned with local and international regulations, is a cornerstone of the NCAA’s Strategic focus,” Najomo said.
He reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to address service deficiencies and poor passenger experiences stemming from inadequate funding.
According to him, the theme of the summit, “Building a Viable Aviation Industry for National Economic Growth and Development”, is designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders.
He said that the specific objectives of the summit included bringing together critical stakeholders to advocate for adequate funding, sound financial management and operational safety in Nigeria’s civil aviation.
He said that the summit would also review and enhance existing service standards to align with international standards and benchmarks set by IATA, ICAO and ACI.
“It will secure commitments from stakeholders to adopt adequate funding and financial management practices in line with the minister’s five-point agenda.
“It will also assessing existing local laws and international regulations to ensure compliance and improve funding, financial management, and safety.
“The summit will help in identifying gaps in infrastructure and technology to support financial management and operational safety, and recommending remedial actions,” he said.
Najomo said that the summit will also consider strengthening airlines and other service providers to enhance operational efficiency and international competitiveness.
He said that the summit would look into supporting the sustainable growth of the local airline industry, while promoting compliance with national and international obligations.
“Developing a Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) to improve funding, financial management, service excellence, and operational safety.
“At the NCAA, we are optimistic that this summit will make an invaluable contribution to the Civil Aviation Master Plan currently being developed, and accelerate the achievement of both domestic and international goals.
“By enhancing operational efficiency, financial stability, and service excellence, we will create tremendous value for all stakeholders, “ he said.
He said that the NCAA had developed key Strategic Focus Areas (SFAs) as part “NCAA Project 2024”, which had served as its KPIs and SMART goals for collective corporate governance efforts for 2024.
According to the NCAA boss, the Nigerian economy may be facing significant macroeconomic and developmental challenges, but surmountable.
“They can be overcome through implementing innovative approaches.
“At the highest levels of governance, President Bola Tinubu laid out an Eight-Point Agenda for economic restoration and growth, which redefined presidential priority areas of administration.
“This represented a clarion call for all government agencies to efficiently execute their respective mandates. The aviation sector aligned with the President’s priority areas through a Five-Point Agenda.
“This remains crucial, given the vital role civil aviation plays in national economic development, international trade and investment opportunities, “ he said.
According to him, the summit is timely and critical to achieving the statutory mandate and corporate goals of the NCAA. (NAN)(nannews.ng)
President Bola Tinubu has tasked industry players to collaborate with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in realising its One Million Barrels Oil Per Day (1MMBOPD) Initiative.
Tinubu said this on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of Project 1MMBOPD Initiative and commemoration of the third anniversary of the NUPRC under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021).
The project is an NUPRC collaborative initiative to evolve alternative funding mechanisms to unlock incremental oil production in the short-to-medium term with expanded opportunities for all industry stakeholder groups.
Represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tinubu charged relevant industry stakeholders to join NUPRC in realising set goals of incremental oil production target within specific timelines.
He said the shared responsibility initiative would be a collaborative undertaking, involving government agencies, major producers, service providers, financiers, host communities and other stakeholders.
This, he said, would expand government revenue, eradicate poverty and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in a sterile, shared prosperity.
“These commitments will be critical in ensuring that we achieve an incremental production in the next 12 months. Growing not just production levels, but also increasing efficiency and competitiveness of our industries.
“This initiative is of national importance and it should support Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth,” the president said.
The president said his administration while focusing on decarbonisation approaches to oil and gas, a renewed drive for economic diversification, usage of oil and gas industrials and development, remained intact.
He expressed delight that the sector had witnessed major financial and investment decisions across the value chain, since inception of the reform.
“To this end, we must work more subtly to grow production, meet domestic energy security needs and shore up foreign exchange gains.
“I congratulate all active oil and gas industry players for the modest gains in oil production which rose to 1.6 million barrels per day.
“I am pleased that the NUPRC, working with industrial stakeholders has transformed that executive charge into a tangible measure set as progress to one million barrels per day in oil and gas production.
“By enhancing domestic energy security and supporting growing vibrancy, this initiative will ensure that Nigeria remains a crucial player in the global energy asset and means of worldwide energy transition.
“Increased oil production will mean more job opportunities, increased revenue for the government, and more stable energy supply for the assets,” he said.
Tinubu commended the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), NUPRC, NNPC Ltd., industry captains and oil producing organisations for delivering to contemporary challenges to foster development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed the forum’s support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This is coming as the Supreme Court reserved ruling on the suit against the EFCC by 19 other governors over the constitutionality of its establishment.
The NGF chairman expressed this commitment at the 2024 National Cybercrime Summit held in Abuja.
The summit was organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), and the European Union
It focused on enhancing digital skills as a strategy to combat cybercrime.
The summit is with the theme: “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development”.
The NGF chairman called for synergy on cyber-security in the country to enhance national development.
“I am impressed with what the EFCC, NDLEA, and NOA are doing in the new media and our basic schools to dissuade young people from engaging in crimes, drug abuse, and to promote patriotism.
”This effort should be elevated so that we can achieve a national consensus on the behaviors that form the foundation of our cultural legacy as Nigerians.
“We also commend the EFCC for organising this summit. I am confident that, after this gathering, we will be better informed and more motivated to improve the public’s perception of cybercrime,” he said.
In the same vein, Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, in a chat with newsmen, expressed readiness to support the commission in its anti-corruption crusade in Zamfara and the country as a whole.
Lawal said he was not afraid of the EFCC’s investigation, and would give the commission the required assistance.
According to him, people elected to positions of leadership should be accountable and transparent.
”My coming here is also to give my support to the commission, especially at a time like this when Nigeria is facing many negative challenges related to cybercrime.
“So, this is a very good opportunity, and I believe this is the way forward so that we can redeem the image of Nigeria in the commity of Nations,” he said.
The governor said that he was not aware of the suit brought by some of his colleagues against the EFCC.
“I am hearing this for the first time about the suit, and that is the truth. So, I do not know what it contains. I cannot comment on that,” he said.
Also Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe emphasised the importance of collaboration in combating the growing threat of cybercrime.
Yahaya commended the EFCC for organising the national cybercrime summit.
He said that the event was a timely initiative towards addressing the growing challenge of cybercrime.
He emphasised the importance of multi-level cooperation, including leveraging technology and youth involvement, to promote positive alternatives to cyber activities.
“We appreciate the EFCC for bringing this important issue to the forefront.
“My government is ready to partner in this endeavour, because we recognise that combating cybercrime requires partnership,” he said.(NAN)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Nigerian youth to channel their cyber skills towards national development, rather than engaging in cybercrime.
The EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, who made this call at the National Summit on Cybercrime held in Abuja, emphasised the need for collective action against internet fraud.
The conference with the theme “Alternatives to Cybercrimes: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development” is to raise awareness on the dangers of cybercrime and promote alternative uses of cyber skills.
It was organised by EFCC with the support of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II), Programme of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
Olukoyede raised concerns about the growing menace of cybercrime in the country, warning that “it poses a significant threat to the nation’s reputation, economic well-being, and the future of its youths.
“Cybercrime is corrupting our family values and promoting a get-rich-quick mentality among our youths. We must rescue our young generation from the stranglehold of cybercrime.”
According to him, projections by multiple sources show that the global loss to cybercrimes may reach a staggering 10.5 trillion dollars by 2025, with approximately 2,328 cases occurring daily.
“The implication of all these is that, if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world.
“These are the realities stoking the commission’s fight against these crimes. Cybercrime accounts for a significant percentage of the 3,455 convictions recorded by the EFCC in my one year as Executive Chairman.
“A significant portfolio of choice assets have also been recovered and returned to both local and foreign victims of cybercrimes by the commission.
“ We are not oblivious of insinuations and misconceptions in some quarters that the commission is concentrating its operational works on the fight against internet crimes.”
He said that while this narrative was not really true, the fact remains that cybercrime threatened the nation’s most significant asset, its reputation, and economic wellbeing.
“The losses by the financial services sector to cybercrime in the last three years is staggering.
“We cannot continue to sit idly and watch the integrity of our institutions compromised and our youths degenerate into uselessness.
“The future of our nation cannot and would not be allowed to hang in the balance. We must take collective actions against cybercrimes”.
According to him, talking about alternatives to cybercrimes, there are ample skills that can be optimised for national development.
He noted with concern that it was the lack of serious thought on the alternatives that had not made the youth shift their focus from criminal tendencies.
“First, there is the alternative of creative and innovative development of socially-beneficial applications that can deliver better prospects than internet fraud.
“Today’s event is tailored towards exposing young Nigerian with strong tech skills to the opportunities that abound in various industries, and sectors for legitimate wealth creation and honest livelihood.
“These opportunities can be found in the creative industry, tech ecosystem, financial services sector, medical services and even law enforcement,” he said.
The Head of Programme, International IDEA, Mr Danladi Plang, said that Nigeria has a very youthful population that is versatile in the use of technology.
He noted with concern that the skill had, however, been used negatively in various forms including in digital financial crime.
“This has not only given the country a bad name internationally, but also a significant threat to the country’s financial system; and increased crimes against the person including child pornography.
“While we acknowledge the effort made by the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies in fighting cybercrime, perhaps we need to rethink our traditional approach of arrest, trial, conviction and imprisonment in fighting crime.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
You cannot copy content of this page
X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
