isaac aregbesola - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Fri, 2024

Video: Army holds service of songs in honour of Lagbaja

456 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army on Thursday held a Service of Songs in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed on after a brief illness on Nov. 5.

The service of songs marked the commencement of the burial rites for the late COAS whose remains was flown into Abuja on Thursday from Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, reminisced on their journey at the Nigeria Defense Academy.

Aligbe, who is the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), noted that the late COAS and 199 of them assembled for training as members of the course on Sept. 12, 1992.

He said that they trained and were commissioned together into the armed forces, adding that the late Lagbaja right from onset led with no doubt.

“He was first and foremost an operational commander.

“Little wonder that while commands in the services are sometimes difficult to come by, he had the privilege of being the only person, if my memory serves me right, to have commanded a battalion at two different times.

“He commanded brigades at two different times. He was a General Officer Commanding at two different times.

“He was primed for the operation that he led, through which, even though they say soldiers don’t die, his memories, they fade away.

“The only way my course mates and I and the other members of the armed forces, officers and soldiers that he left behind, can honor his memory truly, is to continue what he believed in.

*He believed in the indivisibility of Nigeria. He believed in service. He gave everything. At the risk of sounding immodest, I don’t know if we gave him enough.

“Dear course mate, dear friend, dear boss, sleep until we meet again,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Hajiya Bilikisu Ibrahim, described the late COAS as a man that gave hope and courage to those he served and led.

Ibrahim said that the memory of Lagbaja would remain indelible in the hearts of every member of the Nigerian army family for a very long time.

“In every step, he walked a path of growth, of unyielding strength and dedication to the service of Nigeria.

“To those he served, he was a pillar of protection, an unwavering beacon amidst storms of insanity and threats.

“But beyond our soldiers was a man of faith, a spirit rooted in devotion and conviction in the trials of duty, he held fast to his spirituality, finding in prayers the fortitude that guided him through the darkest battles.

“His beliefs were his anchor, a quiet force that strengthened him as he led a sacrifice for the nation he loved.

“His life was not only a mission of arms, but of the heart of journey where faith met duty and courage met compassion.

“As we gather hands held in solace and grief, we recall the gentleness in his smile, the depth of his wisdom, the vision that he led armies and inspired peace,” she said.

The Global President of St. Charles Grammar School Osogbo Old Boys Association, Mr Tade Adekunle, read a poem written by one of the current students of the school, in honor of the late COAS.

Adekunle disclosed that the poem was written by an SS2 student named, Agboola Rahim.

Part of the poem reads, “the immortal hero, a militant heart, now still and cold.

“The nation mourn, both young and old. A warrior’s soul, a poet’s might on the field of faith, you shone so bright.

“With every piece of bread, you shield our motherland leading brave men with a steadfast hand, but now empty blade of honor now laid down.

“Its cannon’s cry extinguished, yet legend remains. A warrior’s pulse, now stilled in time. On the altar of freedom, you laid your life, your sacrifice, our beacon of hope”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, who led other service chiefs including the Acting COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.

Others were the Chief of the Air Staff represented by AVM Iboro Etukudo; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Also in attendance are the Comptroller -General, Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, former service chiefs, retired military officers, wives of the service chiefs flanked the wife of the late COAS, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja.

According to the burial programme, funeral service will hold at the National Christian Centre while the interment follows at the National Military Cemetery Abuja on Friday. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Maureen Atuonwu

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Thu, 2024

Defence/Security

ICPC warns MDA heads against `banana peels’

348 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has warned government officials to shun corrupt practices.

The commission urged heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to avoid common leadership pitfalls, that could lead to disgraceful end of their career.

The Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja, at an interactive session with the Chief Executive Officers of public agencies on corruption prevention within the public service.

The event was organised by the ICPC research and training school, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), with support from the MacArthur Foundation, as part of its corruption prevention mandate.

Aliyu said that the commission would not hesitate to investigate and prosecute any chief executive officer of MDA indulged in corrupt practices.

According to him, indulging in shady or sharp practices could sometimes result in investigation and eventual prosecution of the chief executive officers.

He expressed worry that many good people fell into corruption when appointed as chief executive officers, due to lack of knowledge on how to handle internal practices that could be traps.

He said that it was imperative for them to know the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ so that they do not become victims or get co-opted into aiding and abetting corruption within their agencies.

The ICPC chairman said that the commission had developed the session to ensure that CEOs came up with individual and collective strategies for corruption prevention.

“Corruption is a major cog in the wheel of our collective aspirations and meaningful development as a people.

“Undoubtedly, the havoc that corruption has done to the public service and our nation at large can not be quantified.

“In recognition of the importance of leadership in ensuring that corruption is diminished in the public sector, this executive session is designed to generate discussions.

“It will focus on how best we can collaboratively prevent corruption in our MDAs, with the understanding and agreement that prevention is better than cure,“ he said.

He said that the objectives of the session included helping CEOs identify corruption risks in their agencies, so as to develop appropriate prevention measures.

“It is also to help them avoid common leadership pitfalls that sometimes result in investigation and eventual prosecution.

“It is to help them garner the required knowledge and strategies to start and finish their service with their heads high,“ he said.

According to him, the session is put together to address the challenge of why good people fall into corruption when appointed as CEOs.

“In order to avoid both internal and external pitfalls as chief executives, a gathering of this nature will avail you ample opportunity to share ideas, experiences and strategies on how to handle issues.

“It will, particularly, provide insight on how to handle institutionalised internal practices that are traps, set to make you complicit in future corrupt practices.

“ This is why it is imperative for you to know the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’, so you do not become victims or get co-opted into aiding and abetting corruption within your agencies, ” Aliyu said.

He said that the ICPC would not shy away from its enforcement mandate that allowed it to prosecute CEOs that are found guilty of engaging in corrupt practices

He, however, urged the CEOs to collaborate with the commission in curbing corruption.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Thu, 2024

Defence/Security

We lost one of our best – NSA eulogises Lagbaja

373 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has described the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as one of the best military officers that Nigeria has ever produced.

Ribadu said this during a condolence visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher and the Acting COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Wednesday at Defence and Army Headquarters Abuja.

He described the late army chief as an incredible man, loyal, committed, trustworthy, compatriot and a good leader.

According to him, Lagbaja loved his soldiers, worked for the Armed Forces and Nigeria and also loved the military.

“I am here to condole the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the entire members of our Armed Forces, who have suffered a great loss.

“We lost one of our best because Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja was an incredible man but that is what life is all about.

“He has been called to a higher level and we will continue to pray for his family and those he left behind.

“We will continue to be grateful to God for the life he led, for the service he gave, and the commitment he did for his country.

“To our President, President Bola Tinubu, it is a very sad loss, a difficult one to feel, but we thank God for his life,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ribadu was accompanied by the National Coordinator, National Counter-terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka and other top officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

He had meetings with both the CDS and the Acting COAS and signed condolence registers at both Defence and Army Headquarters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Wed, 2024

Defence/Security

EFCC links frequent national grid collapse to corruption

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Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has attributed the frequent collapse of national grid to activities of corrupt contractors.

The EFCC boss said this while receiving members of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes during an oversight visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Olukoyede, who expressed concern that financial crimes and corruption undermined the nation’s development, added that dubious practice was a major cause of frequent equipment failures, outages and grid collapses.

According to him, one of the problems of this country in the last 15 years to 20 years is that budget performance is always below 20 per cent.

He said that some of the electricity companies bought substandard goods to run the electricity, and this had been responsible for the frequent collapses of the national grid.

He lamented poor implementation and execution of capital projects in the country, saying that Nigeria can not achieve infrastructural or any form of growth under such conditions.

“Investigations carried out by the EFCC showed that contractors in the power sector, who were awarded projects to supply electrical equipment, often opted for substandard materials.

“As I am talking to you now, we are grappling with electricity. If you see some of the investigations we are carrying out within the power sector, you will shed tears,” he said.

He also said that the commission discovered that in the last 20 years, capital project implementation and execution in the country were not up to 20 per cent.

“If we do not do that, how do you want to have infrastructural development? How do you want to grow as a nation?

“Our mandate this year is to work with the National Assembly to see if we can meet up to 50 per cent of our execution of our capital project for the year.

“If we do 50 per cent, we will be fine as a nation. Lack of implementation of this capital budget is one of our major problems in Nigeria,” he said.

The EFCC boss called for collective efforts and partnership with all stakeholders to win the battle against corruption in the country.

He emphasised the need for effective collaboration between the lawmakers and the commission in achieving the commission’s mandate of fighting corruption.

According to him, both the committee members and the EFCC are mandated to tackle the menace of financial crimes and corruption, with the goal of advancing the country.

“The mandate before you, which is also before us, if managed effectively and efficiently, will be remembered by Nigerians in the long term.

“This is one of the major challenges undermining our development in Nigeria. Tackling financial crimes and corruption effectively is a responsibility before you as well as the EFCC.

“It is therefore appropriate for us to work together,” Olukoyede said.

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, lauded the achievement of the agency.

Onwusibe said that the committee was at the commission as part of its oversight functions, aimed at monitoring the performance of ministries, departments, and agencies.

He expressed the committee’s readiness to assist the EFCC through legislation and budget allocations.

He urged the commission to enhance its operational skills, ensure accountability, address challenges, and work closely with other agencies, donors, and development partners.(NAN)

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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Wed, 2024

Defence/Security

Technology game changer in anti-corruption war- ICPC

339 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has emphasised that embracing technology was vital in combating corruption in the country.

ICPC Secretary, Mr Clifford Oparaodu, represented by Mr Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, said this at the inauguration of the students’ anti-corruption vanguard on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Embracing technology can be a game-changer in our fight against corruption. We are living in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, and Nigerians youths have proven themselves adept at utilising these tools.

“We must harness the power of technology to increase transparency, enhance accountability, and improve governance.

“Mobilising our coding skills, data analysis abilities and social media prowess, we can expose corrupt practices, track public spending and facilitate citizen participation in anti-corruption initiatives,” he said

Oparaodu highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population, with 60 per cent under 30, as a crucial factor in shaping the nation’s future.

He emphasised that young people possessed the passion, energy, and creativity necessary to tackle corruption.

To achieve this, he advocated for empowering and involving youths in the fight against corruption, leveraging technology to increase transparency, enhance accountability, and improve governance.

“We need to establish platforms, where young Nigerians from diverse background can come together, share ideas, and work collectively towards a corruption–free Nigeria.

“Civil society organisations, academic institutions and youth led initiatives should collaborate to create opportunities to become anti-corruption champions,” he said.

He said the youth of Nigeria had a pivotal role to play in the fight against corruption.

“By educating ourselves, leveraging technology, engaging in politics of development, and fostering collaboration, we can effect real change in our society.

“The establishment of the students’ anti-corruption vanguard is a testament to our commitment to integrity and accountability.

“Through this platform, you will have opportunity to educate your peers, raise awareness about the danger of corruption, and advocate for transparency in all spheres of life, especially among yourselves and in your various institutions,” he said.

He urged the students to take a wave of change and collaborate with the commission, which would provide you with the necessary tools and guidance to effectively champion the cause.

“Together, let us forge a path towards a future where integrity thrives and corruption is a relic of the past.

“I look forward to witnessing the impactful initiatives that will emerge from these vanguards and the positive changes you will bring about,” he said.

He said by implementing these strategies, Nigerian youths could drive meaningful change and create a society where integrity thrived, and corruption eradicated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that students from the School of nursing Gwagwalada, Abuja; Nasarawa Polytechnic and Nile University were presented at the event (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Wed, 2024

Defence/Security

Violent extremism is complex, requires adaptable solutions- UNDP

309 total views today

By Oladapo Udom

Mr Matthew Alao, the Team Lead, Governance, Peace, and Security Unit, United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has described violent extremism as a complex, multifaceted problem that requires equally nuanced and adaptable solutions.

Alao said this at the graduation ceremony of 32 participants of Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Countering Violent Extremism.

The Countering Violent Extremism Course 5, 2024, which started on Oct. 26 ended on Nov. 8, at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) Lagos.

Participants from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Togo and Liberia took part in the two-week rigorous training.

The team lead called for collaborated efforts from stakeholders to address the challenge, which he said was taking its toll on humanity in general.

He urged the participants to always remember that countering violent extremism was not solely about security measures or law enforcement.

“It is about addressing root causes, fostering inclusive societies, and offering hope where despair once reigned.

“Your role extends beyond tactical responses; you are now architects of resilient communities and advocates for social justice.

“You will face challenges, setbacks and moments of doubt. However, be hopeful; be optimistic because our struggle is not the struggle of a day or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime,” he said.

Alao expressed confidence in the knowledge and skills the participants had acquired, saying that they were not just academic achievements, but the building blocks of resilient communities and sustainable peace.

“Now, you stand ready to return to your respective countries, organisations, and communities as agents of positive change,” the UNDP representative said.

Alao appreciated the Government of Japan, MLAILPKC, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, and the UNDP for their support which had been instrumental in shaping future leaders.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, in his remarks stressed the need for partnership and collective efforts to eradicate violent extremism in the country.

Mijinyawa commended the seamless collaboration between MLAILPKC and the Government of Japan, through the UNDP, which resulted to the approval and conduct of the course.

According to him, the strategic partnership serves as beacon of international cooperation which needs to be sustained.

He quoted former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, as saying that the greatest weapon against extremism is collective action.

“This points to the fact that it is only through partnership and collective efforts that we can eradicate the menace of violent extremism in the world,” he said.

The GOC said that violent extremism had continued to threaten world peace and humanity in general, adding that all stakeholders must unite to counter it by addressing the root causes.

“These include support to education, community engagements and creating economic opportunities.

“The training will help to enhance capacity and equip potential peacekeepers with the requisite expertise to handle threats posed by violent extremism.

“It will also enable them to effectively perform their roles in a multidimensional peacekeeping mission,” he said

One of the participants of the training, Lt.-Col. Thomas Nimele, from the Armed Forces of Liberia, said that the course broadened his knowledge regarding peacekeeping in violent extreme situations.

“The training also gave me insight into the drivers that cause violent extremism and how to use non kinetic measures to win the war.

“Countering violent extremism is a holistic approach involving both government institutions and societal institutions, using non kinetic approach to defeat the ideology of violent extremism,” Nimele said.

Also, Maj. Felix Adongo, from the Ghana Army, said that his take home would be to employ the use of more non kinetic measures in countering the extremist agenda rather than always resulting to force.

“It is important that we tackle this menace from this angle by identifying and getting to the root causes of the extremists ideas and agenda,” Adongo said(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Tue, 2024

Defence/Security

Anti-graft: Senate pledges to increase EFCC budget allocation

408 total views today

The Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes has expressed determination to increase budgetary allocation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to effectively carry out its anti-graft obligation.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Sen. Emmanuel Udende, said this when he led the committee members on an oversight visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

The committee chairman said in honesty, the EFCC required more funding.

“When the EFCC chairman is telling you that he needs a software that will tackle virtual and fraudulent cryptocurrency trading, valued at about N3.4billion, then, you will understand why they need more funding.

So, they really, really need a lot of money. What you can do is that through budgeting processing, you will be able to also increase their budget,” Udende said.

He also said that the EFCC deserved a percentage of its recoveries to assist its operations just like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) gets a certain percentage of its seizures too.

“Like customs do, they are entitled to a percentage of whatever they get for the year. And if we do it to EFCC, we will be able to work from the proceeds of crime that they recover,” he said.

He also lauded EFCC and its leadership for their performance in the last one year, stressing that the Commission had impressively tackled the menace of economic and financial crimes, with ascertainable proofs.

While giving the Committee’s evaluation of the efforts of the Commission, Udende declared that the Committee was satisfied with the performance of the EFCC and declared that it has done wonderfully well.

“We have looked at the records, the budget performance, what the EFCC has done in the past one year and we are quite impressed with what they have done,”he said.

Olukoyede had earlier called on the National Assembly to support the agency by increasing its allocation in the 2025 budget by 300 per cent.

He said that this was to enable it acquire requisite state of the art technology to fight illicit financial flows, economic sabotage.

According to him, one of the agency’s greatest challenges is inadequate funding, the agency will need about 300 per cent increment of its 2024 budget to carry out its duties effectively.

He also sought the cooperation of the lawmakers in terms of changing the negative perception of Nigerians about the agency.

The chairman also stated that the EFCC is currently investigating the extractive industry and very soon, indicted persons will be charged to court.

Olukoyede, who lamented the effects of corruption on the general activities in Nigeria, said EFCC would investigate government agencies, who corruptly divert budgetary allocations to other things or outrightly embezzle the funds.

He announced that the commission had been granted access to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System to monitor and track all disbursements and ensure proper utilisation.

While seeking the cooperation of the senators in carrying out the agency’s duty, Olukoyede said the EFCC would also be monitoring their constituency projects.

“We now have a relationship with the Accountant General’s Office. We have been given access to the IPPIS. We want to monitor the releases and track where the money goes.

“So, I am pleased to inform you, distinguished members of the Senate, that we will be monitoring your constituency projects. I hope you will cooperate with us.

“There will be no problem. We will monitor the allocation, and I believe you will also help us champion this cause,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Tue, 2024

Defence/Security

Nigeria needs forest guards to safeguard ‘ungoverned territories’- NHFSS DCG

734 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Dr John Mecthie, the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), has called for transition of forest guards” into a National Security Service to strengthen the nation’s security.

Metchie, in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said the transition of NHFSS into Nigeria Forest Guards Services (NFGS) would help to fight crimes effectively in ungoverned spaces.

He said it would serve as a potent panacea to tackling kidnapping, banditry, separatism, and other crimes perpetuated through forests, bushes, and related ungoverned territories.

According to him, the unscrupulous activities of hoodlums in and around ungoverned territories are militating against Nigeria’s economic development.

“Each time people are kidnapped and taken into the bushes, the nation continues to lose billions of naira and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) due to bad image and negative reputation caused by insecurity”.

Metchie said that insecurity had led to many companies leaving the country while commending the Federal Government for adding greater impetus to the fight against insecurity in the country.

Metchie opposed the views conveyed by the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, at a public hearing on the Bill to establish the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service in Abuja.

He said that Audi’s opposition to the establishment of a new security outfit in the country was not for the overall security well-being of the nation, adding that NSCDC was overwhelmed by its tasks.

“At this age and critical time in the history of our country, we should rise above personal sentiments, selfishness, and aggrandisement to make decisions that will be in the best interest of the nation and the nation only.

“There is a strong need for more hands to come into the security architecture of the nation.

“We should not sacrifice our motivation and opportunities to bring more hands on deck and to work to curb insecurity in Nigeria at the altar of personal interest and material gains.

“Opinion leaders have long identified the huge ungoverned territories as a major challenge in combating insecurity in Nigeria.

“These are mostly in the forests, bushes, deserts, as well as in creeks, swampy areas, and other difficult terrains that are unmanned due to inadequate capacity.

“This is the capacity and gap we as Forest Guards want to fill,” he said.

Metchie said that the Nigeria Forest Guards Services, which NHFSS was transitioning to, was the missing link, gap, and lacuna in Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, unless incorporated into national security, the challenges will continue to overwhelm Nigeria because of the security vulnerability in bushes, forests, and other ungoverned areas.

He added that the planned metamorphosis of NHFSS into NFGS would bring all ungoverned territories in the country under the sovereign control of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Metchie said the service was structured so that its operatives exist at the grassroots among the people and work in very familiar terrain, such as bushes, forests, deserts, and creeks.

“NHFSS has a well-structured Management, Administrative, and Operations network in line with modern security architecture for the best global national security operations and services in ungoverned, unmanned difficult terrains.

“The familiarity of the environment and penetration of our officers and men to the deepest hinterlands in forest and bushes, as well as creeks, deserts, and other ungoverned areas of the country are what Nigeria needs to rout out criminals from these areas.

“With requisite Federal backing and provision of necessary security gadgets, our men will further leverage on the familiarity of terrain, our large numerical strength, experience, and grassroots spread to man all territories, including the very difficult terrains,’’ he added.

According to him, NHFSS has good relationships and strong collaboration with, not just the police, but also the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and NSCDC. (NAN) (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Sadiya Hamza

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Sat, 2024

Defence/Security

Police, Centre collaborate to tackle juvenile crimes nationwide

334 total views today

By Monday Ijeh

The Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with an NGO, Centre for Family Peace, have concluded plans to tackle the increasing rate of crimes among juveniles in the country.

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Olukayode Egbetokun said this at the inauguration of the Steering Committee on the Implementation and Execution of the Annual I-G Conference on Juvenile Crime Prevention and Control Project , on Friday in Abuja.H

He said the theme for the maiden edition of the conference is ‘Effective Family Relationship Strategies for Juvenile Crime Prevention and Control.’

Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Mr Mohammed Dankwara commended the centre for the initiative.

The I-G said the Nigeria Police was aware of the devastating effect of crimes and offences, perpetrated by young people, teenagers, juveniles or adolescents on communities across the country.

Egbetokun acknowledged the urgent need for a comprehensive approach, as well as concerted efforts and commitments to address the root causes of behavioural problems among young people.

According to him, it was on this note that the Nigeria Police approved the partnership with the centre to join forces in tackling the ugly trend among young people.

“There is a consensus among family and child development experts that the cause of juvenile offences is the family. Hence, the solution to the problem can be found in the family too.

`This official inauguration of the conference signals the commencement of the implementation of this novel project, aimed at preventing juvenile crime and promoting positive development of young people in Nigeria.

“To deliver this conference project, there will be need for collaboration with the different extra-familial institutions like government at all levels and their agencies, the church, the school and the media,” he said.

He urged members of the steering committee to take the assignment very seriously to deliver positive outcomes that would arrest the ugly trend of juvenile crime.

In his remark, Mr Chinedum Ikogwe, Executive Director and Founder of the NGO, said the project was borne out of the need to address the challenges of crime and criminality among juveniles.

He said the project was designed to be taken to all the states of the federation, where the governors are expected to host it in their various states.

Ikogwe blamed the ugly trend among juveniles on failure of parents to live up to their responsibilities by engaging in the pursuit of material things and abandoning the home.

According to him, juvenile crime is a family based problem that requires family based solution because it has to do with character deficiency of children.

He said the choice of the Nigeria Police for the partnership followed the fact that the police is the foremost law enforcement agency in the country.

Ikogwe commended the I-G for the speedy approval of the project.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Sat, 2024

General News

FG to strengthen policy towards sustainable growth in transportation sector

352 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to strengthening national policy towards sustainable growth in transportation sector.

Dr Segun Obayendo, the Chairman Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), said this at a news conference on the forthcoming 6th National Transport Conference in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, which has “Sustainable Transportation in a Disruptive Era: The Challenges of Developing Economy” as its theme, is scheduled for Nov.12 to Nov. 13 in Abuja

Obayendo said the effective policy and regulatory framework would be institutionalised to advance transportation sector in the nation to reduce congestion and enhancing urban and rural connectivity.

He added that such effort would tackle current challenges and promote sustainable growth in the transportation sector.

“The theme itself encapsulates the dual challenge of maintaining sustainability while navigating through a period of unprecedented disruption in the transport sector.

“We are at a juncture where traditional methods meet innovative technology, where the environmental imperatives intersect with economic growth and where policy meets practice.

“This summit will dissect these layers, offering insights from global experts, local innovators, and policymakers, “ he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s roads and highways form the backbone of the country’s transport network, as these arteries handle 90 per cent of all passengers and freight traffic.

He said the government had also determined to have robust national data bank of the transportation sector.

“This data bank will serve as a hub for collecting, analysing, and disseminating transport-related data to support informed decision-making and policy formulation in the transport sector.

“The objectives include monitoring of transport and logistics activities in Nigeria, providing transport intelligence to stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Transport and its agencies.

“Other are to offer data analytic services to support evidence-based planning and policy decisions.”

He said the data bank would enhance transport planning and policy formulation, improved transport infrastructure development, increased efficiency in transport operations and better decision-making for stakeholders.

In his remarks, Prof. Samuel Odewumi, Chairman, Planning Committee for the upcoming 6th National Transport Conference, said the conference aimed to revamp transportation infrastructure in developing economies like Nigeria.

According to him, conference aims to be a platform for robust discussions as the resource persons would present case studies, data-driven analysis and forward-thinking solution.

“ The stakeholders will also deepen efforts to propel transportation sector into a new era of efficiency, sustainability and inclusiveness, “ he said.

According to him, the major focus of the conference would be current state of transportation in developing countries; human and cultural issues in transportation as well as destructive technologies, innovations and governance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab