An Islamic NGO, Irorun-Ni Charitable Foundation (ICF) Nigeria, on Thursday, distributed food items to 600 households in Oyo town, Oyo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were drawn from all the four local government areas in the town, namely: Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba.
Speaking at the distribution of the items, the foundation’s Chairman, Sheikh Shakirullah Jimoh-Orankan, said that the foundation focused on humanitarian services through sharing and alleviating people’s sufferings.
Jimoh-Orankan, who was represented by his Vice-Chairman I, Sheikh Mansur Abdulsalam, said that people were going through lots of sufferings and that they needed to be assisted.
He said that the palliatives would go a long way in alleviating and reducing hardship in the lives of the beneficiaries.
“We know there is goodness in sharing, promoting love and cooperation among the citizens through helping the needy, which made us to embark on this humanitarian gesture,” he said.
Also speaking, the foundation’s National Treasurer, Dr Musa Alongbija, called on government to address the current economic hardship in the society through a drastic approach.
Alongbija also urged governments at all levels to embark on agriculture, aside assisting farmers.
He, however, sympathised with the state government over the loss of lives recorded during a children funfair stampede at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
Alongbija said that the crowd that thronged the funfair, which eventually led to the tragic incident, was an indication of the current economic hardship in the society.
He said that the foundation would continue to do its best in helping the less-privileged in the society.
The Oyo Zone Coordinator of the foundation, Mikail Adekunle, appreciated the donors of the palliatives and urged other kind-hearted Nigerians to support in reducing the hardship in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Jalaal Adebayo and Tawakalitu Balogun, appreciated the foundation for the gesture. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Government has unveiled a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy with the aim of positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, who inaugurated the academy on Thursday in Abuja, said the programme was set up in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation.
While emphasising that the online programme was free, the minister called on all Nigerians particularly students, youths and civil servants to avail themselves of the opportunity to be part of a movement that would redefine the future of the nation.
“The AI Academy is free and the registration is open from today and will run until Jan. 30, 2025.
“I encourage you to visit our website at https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy and seize this chance to acquire cutting-edge AI skills.
“The AI Academy is not just a training platform but a transformative opportunity for Nigerians–students, youths and civil servants–to acquire critical skills in AI.
“In a world where AI is reshaping industries, solving complex problems and creating new economic frontiers, it is imperative that Nigeria not only keeps pace, but leads the charge.”
The minister said that the programme would provide participants with access to self-paced courses on AI fundamentals, ethics, tools and real-world applications.
He said that beyond learning the AI Technology, it offered opportunities to compete for AI ambassadorial roles and internships with Intel Corporation as well as ensuring hands-on global experience.
Nnaji said that the role of AI in nation-building could not be over emphasised as AI was no longer a distant concept.
He said that it was a transformative tool that could drive progress in agriculture, healthcare, education, security and many other sectors.
“By equipping Nigerians with these skills, we are not just preparing individuals for jobs but creating a pipeline of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who will shape Nigeria’s technological and economic destiny.
“Most importantly, AI will go a long way to help us develop innovative solutions for the unique challenges we face as a nation.’’
Nnaji expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation for their unwavering support in bringing the vision to life.
He said that the collaboration reflected the power of international partnerships in driving innovation and sustainable development.
“Together, we are showcasing the power of collaboration between government, industry and international organisations.
“As we unveil the AI Academy, we are laying the foundation for a new era of innovation; one where Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leader in the global digital economy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management has approved the promotion of 1,419 junior officers across various ranks.
The service spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Maiwada said that the move was ratified at the NCS’s 10th management meeting, chaired by the Comptroller General (C-G), Adewale Adeniyi, in November.
He said that the comprehensive promotion list includes both general duty and support staff who excelled in the 2024 promotion exercise.
“Specifically, 346 general duty and 384 support staff officers were elevated from Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) to Inspector of Customs (IC).
“Four general duty and 13 support staff officers advanced from Customs Assistant I (CAI) to Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC); 372 general duty and 59 support staff officers moved up from Customs Assistant II (CAII) to Customs Assistant I (CAI).
“Also, 188 general duty and 54 support staff officers were promoted from Customs Assistant III (CAIII) to Customs Assistant II (CAII),” he said.
According to Maiwada, the strategic advancement is a demonstration of the transformative leadership of the NCS management team under the stewardship of C-G.
“By prioritising career growth as a cornerstone of workforce motivation, his (C-G) administration inspires a culture of excellence, empowering employees to achieve their full potential and driving the organisation toward unparalleled service delivery, “he said.
He said that while the customs boss congratulates the personnel, he also urged them to redouble their efforts in fulfilling the service’s core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation.
The spokesman stated that the promotion list for senior officers was currently being processed, pending approval by the NCS board. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Some faith-based organisations have called for deep understanding and application of Islamic teachings to address the challenges facing contemporary Muslim women and girls in Nigeria.
The organisations stated this at a workshop in Abuja.
The workshop was organised by the Nigeria Association of Female Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NAFTAIS) and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society in collaboration with NUSRET Educational and Cultural Company Ltd.
The theme of the workshop is “Islamic Solutions to Challenges facing Muslim Women and the Girl-child in Nigeria”.
The guest speakers Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) and Prof. Rafat AbdulHamid, University of Abuja, spoke on the influence of Nigerian cultures and Western culture on Nigerian Muslim women and girls.
Dr Habiba Alfadarai of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies and Mrs Saltanat Rakhmanova of the Nigeria Turkish International College, Abuja, highlighted the impact of social media and the teachings of Hizmet movement on the issue.
According to them, Islam is a complete way of life which is not against any culture but has laid out principles for everything positive as far as life is concerned.
They called on women and girls to live a modest life by using their hijabs (head cover) to protect their aura, lower their gazes, protect their chastity and cover their adornments and turn away from allurement of the world.
The speakers stressed the need for parents, particularly mothers to inculcate in their children the ‘dos and don’ts’ of Islam at a very early age.
Liman, who is also the Chairperson of NAFTAIS, said that Muslim women should always serve as role models in terms of their conduct, dressing and productivity.
She said that contemporary Muslim women should be able to practice their religion properly without feeling inferior.
“As Muslim women, we should be role models and this should reflect in all spheres of our life.
“As a female Vice Chancellor, I face a lot of challenges, but am constantly guided by my faith and the etiquette of my profession” she said.
AbdulHamid emphasised the need to constantly enlighten Muslim women on how to balance the practice of their religion and contemporary influences.
“The Muslim women and girls gare in great dilemma on which to pick or follow between Islam and western culture.
“Little or no knowledge of Islam has affected us a lot. Most people think the western culture is the best in terms of lifestyle and not following it make some Muslims feel inferior.
“Islam has provided a good foundation to seek knowledge right from the era of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
“Islamic knowledge encompasses every knowledge that will promote the consciousness of humanity to worship Allah,” she said.
Earlier, Hajia Salamatu Usman of Al-Habibiyyah called on participants to imbibe the culture of learning and association which she said will go a long way in shaping their lives.
“It is an eye-opening programme for me, we were taught about the dynamics of the social media, the western culture, the Nigerian culture and how it affects the Islamic upbringing of our children.
“So my take home from here is that learning starts from cradle to grave, meaning learning is not restricted to just the four walls of the classroom,” she said.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to participants. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) to foster long term environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
ACReSAL is a World Bank-financed project which aims to address climate change and land degradation in Nigeria’s northern states.
Mr Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at a technical session on the presentation and finalisation of the first phase of the developed Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) for ACReSAL states.
“ACReSAL project seeks to impact 3.4 million direct beneficiaries out of which 1.68 million (49.41 per cent) will be women,” Kambari said.
He noted that the 200 micro catchment management plans at the state levels would fit together with the 20 SCMP.
“Some catchment management plans have been developed in Nigeria by various MDAs, but this is the first time Nigeria will be developing catchment management plans covering a large landmass of this extent.
“The Hadejia Jama’are strategic catchment management plan, was selected to be finalised based on the government’s development priority and the promise to restore the Nguru wetland,”Kambari said.
Mr Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, represented by Mr Babatunde Segun, Director Water Supply and Support Services in the ministry noted that water was essential in the execution of the project.
“Together, we can make a lasting impact on the Hadeija Jama’are Catchment, ensuring its health, productivity, and viability for years to come,” he said.
Mr Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the workshop was a significant step forward in the collective efforts to enhance resilience in Nigeria’s semi-arid region.
Fashedemi who was represented by Mr Lawal Mohammed, Assistant Director Agricultural Land land Climate Change Management Services added that the workshop would refine strategies and validate collective vision for a resilient agricultural sector.
Dr Joy Agene Task Team Leader (TTL) for ACReSAL and the Senior Environment Specialist for the World Bank Catchment, noted the need to enlighten communities against the devastating effects of flooding.
She said the World Bank would always work with the states and community dwellers to finalise the document for efficient delivery.
“Under ACReSAL we have something we call the micro catchment management plans, this is done at the community level, It is site specific, however this can only be done by the state,” Agene said.
She however noted that the strategic plan which was being discussed is not done by the state but led by federal government agencies.
Mr Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL said that the project would deliver 20 strategic management catchment plans.
Umar said that the project is a pilot project led by the Ministry of Environment and co supported by the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security and Water Resources and Sanitation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The 2024 edition of the NLNG Golf Classic ended in Bonny, Rivers on Sunday with Oluwaseun Adedipe and Lady Kafayat Bamimore clinching the top prizes in the men and ladies categories.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NLNG Golf Classic Invitational began on Friday with the tee-off ceremony at the prestigious Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC)
The competition, which was sponsored by the Nigeria LNG, was the fifth in the series.
The annual golf competition, staged at the serene, and lush green course of the BIGC, saw no fewer than 100 golfers competing for honours in the different categories.
At the end of hostilities, Adedipe and Bamimore clinched the tournament’s top prizes as they emerged winners in the Men’s Division 1 (for handicap 0 to 18) and Ladies Division 1 Categories (for handicap 0 to 28) respectively.
Adedipe played a total gross score of 77, playing off handicap 10 and returned a net score of 67 to claim the men’s top prize.
His closest challenger, Smart Tobin, who played a total of 82 gross with handicap 12, returned a net score of 70, beat BIGC Captain Abubakar Hussaini on count back to finish as first runner up.
Hussaini played a total gross of 77, with handicap 7, and returned a net score of 70 to settle for the second runner-up position in the category.
Oluwaseun Adedipe, overall winner of the 2024 NLNG Golf Classic Invitational at the BIGC in Bonny Island, Rivers State
An elated Adedipe told NAN that even though he has won several trophies in BIGC, winning the NLNG trophy for the first time was such a sweet feeling.
“I have been in this game for more than 10 years. Golf is a game I love so much because it gives me joy.
“I am just delighted every time I am on the golf course because playing helps me relieve stress and so many other things.
“I have won several other trophies in BIGC, but this is the first time I am winning this particular trophy, having come close on several occasions.
“I won the men’s best gross prize in 2023 and also winning the men’s longest drive this year, is an icing on the cake and makes the victory even more sweeter,” he said.
In the Ladies Division 1 category, Bamimore, playing off handicap 28, posted a gross score of 100 and returned a net score of 72 to claim the ladies’ top prize.
BIGC Lady Captain Darlene Cobham with a total gross of 101, playing off handicap 28 and returning a net score of 73 finished as first runner in the category.
While Nkechi Nwafor, playing off handicap 25, posted a total gross score of 100 and 75 net to settle for the second runner-up prize.
The BIGC best gross prize went to the BIGC Captain after he posted an impressive 77 gross.
Former BIGC Lady Captain, Nnena Ahube, who just returned from Morocco, where she represented Nigeria in the All African Challenge Trophy, won the ladies’ best gross prize.
It was a very close contest in the BIGC/NLNG Men’s Division 2 category, as Oludare Oyegbami played a total gross score of 92.
This was after playing off handicap 19 and returning a net score of 73 to beat BIGC Vice Captain, Michael Ukaegbu on count back.
Ukaegbu played a total gross score of 90, with handicap 17, and also returned a net score of 73 to beat Michael Igoni to the first runner-up spot.
Roland Guobadia, NLNG’s Corporate Transformation (CT) Lead, said that the event was a special occasion for the NLNG.
He said its goal was to bring all NLNG stakeholders and partners from all over the country in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.
Goubadia said the competition would also strengthen the bond and industry through the game of golf.
“Golf is a very unique sport as there are many benefits too numerous to mention that we get out of it.
“I believe golf has a special position within the context of the Nigeria LNG and our mission to help build a better Nigeria,” he said.
The BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini, expressed his gratitude to all the participants for honouring their invitation in spite of their busy schedule.
Hussaini noted that this year’s edition was a special one as it marked NLNG’s 25 years in operations and 35 years of incorporation.
“I want to thank all the various organisations and golf clubs represented here, starting with our regulators, NCDMB and NMDPRA, as well as our shareholders, NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni
“Thank you for honouring our invitation as it takes some investment of time to come to Bonny to play our lovely and unique course.
“I hope over the last two days you have had the opportunity of playing and enjoying our beautiful surroundings,” he said.
Present at the opening of the competition were the MD, Nigeria LNG, Philip Mshelbila, and Emmanuel Nnabuife, Production Trains Asset Manager, who represented the GM Production Nnamdi Anowi.
Others are Lawrence Chukwu, Terminal Manger, Sam Ekong, as well as BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini and Lady Captain, Darlene Cobham.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
To preserve the future of Nigerian rich literature, author and wife of former Ekiti governor, Bisi Fayemi, has urged youths to embrace reading culture to produce young creative writers.
She made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the 2024 End-of -Year Dinner and Awards of the Abuja chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), on Sunday in Abuja.
The event tagged “ANAtainment”, featured the launch of the book, “Flights of Imagination, ANA Abuja anthology of poems and short stories.
The event brought together seasoned and young authors, as well as literary enthusiasts.
According to Fayemi, Nigeria has over the years paraded arrays of prolific writers, and to ensure that more writers are produced, young people must embrace reading culture.
She said the digital age had made access to publications accessible without geographical barriers, which have offered this generation of youths the opportunity to read widely.
Fayemi said: “Young people may not have access to the kinds of publications, novels, and books that we had when we were growing up, because it is very difficult to get hands-on copies of books now.
“But there are still opportunities for young people to read out there; there are a lot of information and free publications online.
“If young people can spend hours online, doing one challenge or the other, doing one thing or the other on social media, they can as well spend that time accessing free publications online.
“What we need to do is continue to encourage young people to use the opportunities and the tools that they have, we did not have those things when we were growing up.
“They have them now, so, the world is waiting for them to explore, they should not waste those opportunities.
“To be able to be a good writer, you have to be able to read widely, and I have said on different platforms that I started writing very early because my father motivated me.
“Our parents back then were always looking for ways to keep us engaged, because we didn’t have the kinds of gadgets and things that young people have today, like laptops and phones, and so on.
“So, every Tuesday and every Thursday, I had to write an essay for my father, and I believe that is where I developed a very keen passion for writing.”
Earlier, Chukwudi Eze, Chairman, ANA, Abuja, said the association was committed to engaging young scholars through mentorship programmes that encourage them to embrace reading and writing.
He said the “ANAtainment” event was an opportunity to honour those who had contributed to the success of the association’s programmes during the year.
“This event embodied a pivotal juncture in our literary voyage, and as a chapter, we are thrilled to witness the convergence of creative minds and kindred spirits.
“Our resolve lies in nurturing literary aptitude as our monthly readings have evolved into a platform for budding writers to showcase their prose.
“In our mission to instill a passion for literature among the youth, we have birthed the ANA Abuja Young Readers Club in partnership with the Dabmak Great Foundation International School.
“By engaging with young scholars and immersing them in the joys of reading and writing, we seek to build a sturdy ground work for the future of Nigerian literature.
“To ensure inclusivity and amplify a plethora of voices, the Abuja chapter has broadened its membership scope in alignment with the ANA constitution.
“We now extend a warm invitation even to secondary school students to become custodians of our prestigious association,” he said.
Also, Prof. Emeka Aniagolu, the keynote speaker, commended ANA Abuja for providing a platform that brings together writers to share ideas.
“On several occasions, I have had the distinct privilege of participating in the deliberations, poetry recitations and other activities hosted by ANA Abuja, that breathe new and invigorating life into that literary organisation.
“ANA Abuja, through the enlightened chairmanship of Architech Chukwudi Eze and his able EXCO, has come alive like never before, bringing innovation and dynamism,” he said.
NAN reports that highpoints of the event was the unveiling of the ANA Abuja Anthology of Poems and Short Stories, “Flights of Imagination.”
Certificates of Merit were also presented to members and other stakeholders who have contributed to the growth and development of the writing craft. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
The Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), has initiated a mentorship scheme to bridge gaps in knowledge and competencies within the corporate governance space.
Its President, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, at the institute’s inauguration of the scheme in Lagos, said it was first initiated in 2022 by the immediate past president, CIoD, Dr Ije Jidenma.
Borodo said as leaders, the need for continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and skill development in the complex and dynamic environment cannot be overemphasised.
He said the role of company director was crucial in leading the organisation with a clear vision, strategic direction, and unwavering integrity.
He added that directors were entrusted with the responsibility of making well-informed decisions that balanced the interests of various stakeholders.
Borodo stated that most importantly, directors were expected to position today’s talents and upcoming leaders for future seamless transition and to lead the transgenerational sustainability.
“This is why the CIoD Nigeria Mentoring Scheme is timely and crucial.
“It aims to foster a culture of excellence in corporate governance, develop the next generation of directors and leaders, provide guidance and support for professionals.
“All these while navigating complex governance issues and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses globally,” he said.
The CIoD president described mentorship as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth that provided a safe space for learning, reflection, and exploration.
He said the institute’s mentors were seasoned professionals with vast experience in corporate governance, leadership, and management.
According to him, they will share their expertise, experiences, and networks to support the development of mentees.
“We aim to create a community of practice where knowledge is shared, expertise is developed, and relationships are built.
“Our mentees will have access to regular development sessions, CIoD Nigeria’s resources and network, and opportunities for professional certification and recognition.
“Let us work together to elevate the standards of corporate governance in Nigeria as we strive for excellence, integrity, and accountability in all that we do,” he said.
Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, former Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc, tasked the mentees on positive, creative attitude to knowledge and organisation’s goals.
Okonkwo noted that a creative attitude was the fuel of progress and growth as sooner or later, those who win are those who think they could.
He added that the most significant change in a person’s life was a change of attitude as the right attitudes produced right actions.
“A positive attitude is not a destination but a way of life and the difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.
“The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible as positive attitude is like a magnet for positive results,” he said.
Dr Olusegun Osunkeye, a boardroom guru, said the part of the mentorship scheme was to foster professional growth and leadership development.
He charged the mentors to guide the mentees in achieving professional growth and knowledge competency.
He said with the rise of digital application and in reverse mentorship, a type of mentorship, the mentees (younger directors and employees) could help with older mentors with current trends.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA), has called on stakeholders in the cassava production value chain to collaborate in their Pharmaceutical Grade Starch project.
Its Director-General, Prof. Martins Emeje, made the call at their Consultative Stakeholders Engagement on the Development of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria webinar.
The meeting focused on “Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: Natural Medicine, Cassava Cultivation and Pharmaceutical-Grade Starch Production for Health, Wealth Creation, Student, Youth and Women Empowerment-The NNMDA Approach.’’
Emeje recalled the project was approved by the National Assembly following an outcry by the agency to develop homegrown cassava starch fit for medicinal purposes.
“It is a shame that Nigeria, as the largest producer of cassava in the world, will be importing pharmaceutical excipients such as pharmaceutical grade starch to make drugs in Nigeria.
“Instead of rushing into the laboratory, we created a sustainability spectrum and came up with the name- Cassava Value Chain Initiative.
“We want to have a seamless synergy and connection with everybody in cassava value chain cultivation and anything relating to cassava production, including those in academia.
“We want to have a database of everyone into cassava production, location, services rendered, products you supply, so we can do proper geo-allocation of our initiative and decide where you can make an impact on the value chain.’’
He further said that cassava planting for food differed from cassava for medicine, stressing the need to have specialists cultivating cassava for medicinal purposes.
“Those we will take in this area are not going to be planting cassava for starch, for food, but your job will be for our project, we will designate you as the centre for excellent farming in cassava for medicinal use.
“Some of you will be cultivating specifically for us to get the starch that we will convert to pharmaceutical grade, the rest will be left for us to research in our laboratories across the country,’’ he said.
Emeje said they were not deterred in spite of few players in cassava production but would bridge the gap to ensure that cassava for pharmaceutical use was produced locally.
The director-general said the Federal Government had the objective to achieve what was right, which was stopping the importation of pharmaceutical excipients and reactive ingredients.
“We will galvanise people already in the system to achieve this goal and we are not going to reinvent the wheel,’’ he said.
He said they were engaging in a community-based approach to address cassava production for medicinal use, with evidence to discourage resistance in the system.
Emeje recalled that they had stakeholders’ engagement with youths in the past week and would engage the National Association of Nigerian Students, and policymakers, among others.
He said reports on the outcome of the engagements would be collated, and experts deployed to the field to bridge existing gaps in the value chain. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The maiden edition of the national festival of the Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary International Band Festival (AFOPPIBAF), is scheduled to hold in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival is aimed at promoting unity among bands of security agencies.
Mr Justin Duru, Director-General of AFOPPIBAF, stated this during a news conference to unveil plans for the festival on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, the event with the theme, “Togetherness: Unity in Diversity, Our Strength”, is to promote synergy, harmony, and cordial working relationships among the band corps.
He said the event is a unique initiative aimed at uniting Nigeria’s military, Police and paramilitary bands, while promoting cultural diversity, creativity and regimental music.
“Military,Police , Paramilitary and Marching Bands play vital roles in providing regimental and ceremonial music for social, national and international events, and essentially in promoting national unity and peace.
“The festival is aimed at celebrating the best of regimental tattoos and music by the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary bands in a competitive, creative and performing arts showcase.
“It will awaken the latent talents of the activities and services of these integral departments in the promotion of the values, and virtues of the Nigerian AFOPPIBAF.
“It is packaged to improve on and promote experience sharing, synergy, creativity, service delivery and new trends in military, Police and paramilitary regimental tattoos and music performance, aimed at enhancing bonds.
“It will also showcase their creative talents while promoting careers in the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary band corps for talented and desirous Nigerian youths in music, creative and performing arts.
“This is the first ever festival bringing all the Nigerian security agencies together to celebrate and promote their bands corps in a ceremonial regimental tattoo culture under one platform.
“The theme of the festival is anchored on the song of legendary Nigerian musician, late Sonny Okosun (Ozzidi) “Togetherness”, and is paraphrased, ‘Togetherness: Unity in Diversity,Our Strength”, he said.
Duru said the historic event also tagged National Drumline Festival, will feature regimental music colloquium, serenade and street Parade.
Others are marc-past, creative and cultural displays, drum-battles, tributes and prizes, among other highlights.
He said special guests to grace the event will include past and living military, police and paramilitary leaders as well as heads of Customs, Fire Service, Civil Defence, FRSC and the Correctional Service.
According to Duru, the festival is officially coordinated and produced by African Caribbean Network Foundation (ACNF) in partnership with AfroNem Linx and Klaymann and Gremann.
Others include the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police and the Paramilitary bands.(NAN) (www.nannews,ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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