NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
President Bola Tinubu
Education

Tinubu approves varsity for Ogoniland

344 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Monday signed into law a bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Rivers and pledged more support for the Ogoni community.

Ogoni town of Tai will host the university, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

During the signing ceremony at the State House, President Tinubu said the establishment of the university would further empower Ogoni citizens and provide more opportunities for participation and development.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our national journey towards environmental justice, education and sustainable development.

“The Ogoni have been at the forefront of our development and agitation and have suffered enough environmental degradation.

“It is more than the creation of a university. It is the reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the people of Ogoni, the Niger Delta and the entire nation as a whole,” the president said.

Tinubu said his government was taking a decisive step towards addressing historical grievances and creating new opportunities for learning, growth and prosperity by signing the bill into law.

The president affirmed that the university would serve as a centre of excellence, equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skill to tackle present environmental challenges, drive clean energy solutions and contribute to our national sustainable economic development.

President Tinubu thanked the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House of Representatives leadership, for properly considering the bill.

“Let me also commend the Ogoni delegation. Your steadfast advocacy for justice is encouraging. It will be rewarded, I assure you.

“As we look ahead, I urge all the stakeholders, traditional institutions, the academic community, the private sector, partners and all other youth to embrace this university as a beacon of knowledge, unity and progress.

“Together, we will ensure that it will not only fulfil its mandate but also stand as a catalyst for transformational development across the country,” Tinubu said.

Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, said the university would prioritise interdisciplinary programmes in environmental science, clean energy, and sustainable technology, equipping students to tackle regional and national ecological issues.

Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, said the establishment of the university would address long-standing concerns and efforts to restore Ogoniland.

Ribadu noted that Ogoniland should be prioritised for inclusive development and environmental sustainability.

Sen. Mpigi Barinada, leader of the Ogoni delegation, thanked the President for signing the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology.

He also recognised the contributions of Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister and Ribadu in facilitating the bill’s passage.

Barinada said establishing a university would serve as a beacon of hope for the Ogoni community and an encouragement to “shield the sword” and embrace peace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Health

FG approves $1.07bn for health sector reform

280 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 1.07 billion dollars for healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme.

The Federal Government also approved a N4.8 billion allocation for HIV treatment.

Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said while addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

He said the International Development Association (IDA) provided two concessional loans of 500 million dollars each, alongside 70 million dollars in grant funding from other international bodies.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the HOPE programme aligned with the administration’s agenda to strengthen human capital development.

“The funds will be directed toward improving governance in healthcare and enhancing primary healthcare services nationwide.

“This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the subnational level,” Pate said.

He added that 500 million dollars was dedicated to expanding the quality, utilisation and resilience of the primary healthcare system, including emergency maternal and child health services.

“As part of broader healthcare reforms, the council also approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months.

“This initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to providing life-saving treatment and reducing healthcare costs for vulnerable populations,” he said. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

General News

FG open to collaboration on job creation, says Dingyadi

230 total views today

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government says it is open to collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to achieve its goal of creating meaningful employment opportunities.

Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, said this when he received a consortium of NGOs, led by its national head, Mr Daniel Black. on Thursday in Abuja.

The consortium of NGOs is part of the United Nations NGO Committee on Social Development.

Dingyadi expressed government’s readiness to collaborate with the civil society organisations in generating creative ideas on how to create safe jobs for its citizens.

He said the jobs include the blue collar jobs, for the unemployed, particularly the youth.

“The federal government’s objectives, as well as initiatives, in this area are to ensure that people get jobs they can call their own.

“Also, jobs that they have tried to establish on their own; not white collar jobs but jobs that can generate a lot of employment for our youths.

“Our mandate is to create opportunities for jobs and to ensure the youths of the country are gainfully employed through several other means of engagement.

“We can collaborate to work towards creating jobs, very safe jobs for that matter, for our dear young men and women in the country,” he said.

On his part, Black, the leader of the group, said that they would be attending the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development scheduled for February in New York.

Black said they would be sharing Nigeria’s social development experience at the event.

He said that in preparation for participation in the session, they would hold a United Nations Social Development workshop in Abuja.

He said the workshop was to foster collaboration between the government and Civil Society Organisations, to increase and improve the social development indicators in Nigeria.

“At the end of that workshop, we are going to develop a report that we will be presenting in New York during the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development.

“The report will highlight the reality of social development in Nigeria, and we will also be mentioning the roles that different parastatals and government ministries are playing to ensure that these social development indicators are improved,” he said.

He invited the ministry to the workshop to share insights on its activities to positively impact social development indices in the country, and the strong connection between labour, employment and decent work. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu
Politics

INEC tasks political parties on internal democratic principles

306 total views today

Emmanuel Oloniruha

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has tasked political parties to uphold democratic principles in their internal processes.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the call at the launch of a book: “100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria, 1923 – 2023’’ by Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja on Thursday.

Yakubu, represented by the National Commissioner in-charge of Election and Party Monitoring, Sam Olumekun, said internal democracy within political parties was the foundation upon which credible general elections were built.

He urged political parties to conduct their activities in accordance/compliance with the legal framework – the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, as well as INEC regulations and guidelines.

According to him, political parties form the cornerstone of a democratic society and serve a function, unlike any other institution in a democracy.

The INEC chairman also identified conduct of credible primary elections as one of the key responsibilities of political parties.

“Effective leadership recruitment is made possible only when eligible persons with capacity are selected through duly conducted party primaries and put forward for elections.

“When political parties uphold democratic principles in their internal processes, it enhances public confidence in the electoral system and strengthens democratic governance.

“Unfortunately, we have witnessed instances where lack of internal democracy has led to disputes, litigations and disruptions in the electoral process,” he said.

Yakubu, therefore, said that it was imperative that political parties remained committed to transparent, fair and credible primaries as the county was moving toward future elections.

“I urge all political parties to strengthen their internal governance mechanisms and ensure that their processes reflect the will of their members.

“A democratic society begins with democratic political parties. Political parties must invest in building strong and law-abiding institutions with distinct ideological leanings rather than in installing behemoths,’’ he said.

The INEC chairman urged political parties, civil society organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to actively support and advocate for necessary legislative amendments that would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and make it more inclusive.

He commended IPAC for the initiative of writing the book and those who contributed to its success.

Yakubu said that the publication was not only a celebration of Nigeria’s political journey but also, a profound contribution to the discourse on democratic consolidation in the county.

He expressed INEC’s commitment to continuing to work with IPAC and other stakeholders to ensure free and fair elections that Nigeria’s democracy continued to grow from strength to strength.

A former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, in his keynote address entitled: “The Imperative of Nigeria’s Political Stability: Issues and Solutions,”, said the need for a stable Nigeria “is dire and inescapable.”

Anyim said that Nigerians could no longer blame the colonial masters for its challenges after 64 years of independence, stressing that rather, they owed themselves the responsibility to build the country.

He identified the inability of Nigeria to effectively manage its plural composition and lift national consciousness over and above ethnic interests as the basis for every other factor affecting the progress and stability of the country.

Anyim, also a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said that Nigeria’s journey to nationhood had been one of the struggles to manage its differences under a system that offered confidence and accommodation to all.

Anyim said Nigeria, as a complex and heterogenous/plural country, needed national dialogue to inspire patriotism and get rid of mutual distrust among the various ethnic nationalities.

“It behooves this generation of leaders and elites to establish that dialogue and reach that consensus that Nigeria surely needs to rid herself and her component parts of the mutual suspicions.

“Nigeria needs to get rid of distrust and antagonisms that have retarded her growth into the stable nation and contending global power she has every potential to be,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Matthew Kukah, who was the book reviewer, was represented by the Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr Sam Amadi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Defence/Security

Kinetic action alone cannot end terrorism – British official

245 total views today

By Hamza Suleiman

Cynthia Rowe, Development Director for the British High Commission in Nigeria says military action alone is insufficient to address terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Rowe made the statement during the launch of the Community-Based Reconciliation and Reintegration (CBRR) Policy and Transitional Justice Framework at the 5th Lake Chad Governor’s Forum held on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Speaking at a high-level forum on counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria, Rowe stressed the need for a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to security challenges that go beyond military action.

Rowe, a representative of the International Support Group, added that, “the one thing that we all know is that kinetic action alone is not enough to resolve the challenges around extremism and terrorism that many people are facing.

“Effective security measures must also address the underlying causes of extremism, through dialogue, justice, and development,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of integrating both local and national systems, engaging traditional leaders, and ensuring that counterterrorism measures uphold the dignity of affected communities.

“Understanding the root causes of extremism and addressing them through dialogue and community based solutions is essential.

“Reconciliation and community resilience are just as crucial as military action,” she said.

The British official further stressed that crime and insecurity required strategic, accountable, and sustainable solutions.

She pointed to the necessity of practical action, adding that, “the final word I would actually give to Madame Wondu, is about action, not paper; and I think that’s what we are all here for in the end.”

Rowe also spoke about the need for cross-border cooperation among the Lake Chad Basin countries, noting the shared challenges of insecurity, displacement, and extremism facing Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

“It’s fascinating to have our colleagues from Cameroon here who can share insights on what is happening in their country.

“We all have unique experiences but common challenges, and we can learn a lot from one another.”

Reflecting on her previous experience working in Nepal, Rowe spotlighted the importance of collaboration and communication in crisis management.

“The lessons we learned in Nepal about transitional justice and communication are still relevant today.

“The global community is watching Africa, and we are committed to addressing these challenges together,” she said.

Rowe also commended Nigerian officials for their ongoing efforts in engaging with regional stakeholders to find sustainable solutions, and stressed the need for continued international support and collaboration to rebuild communities and restore peace across the region.

She also expressed gratitude for the contributions of organisations such as the European Union and the UNDP in supporting peace-building efforts.

“The world is watching, and it’s critical that we continue working together to address the root causes of extremism and displacement,” she added.

Earlier, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), underscored the importance of a harmonised and coherent approach to national and local reintegration efforts in the Lake Chad Basin.

He noted that the CBRR policy provided guidance to affected countries to support the reintegration process, while recognising the unique context of each member country.

The executive secretary emphasised the necessity of adopting the policy to local circumstances to ensure its effectiveness.

“The CBRR policy recognises the importance of community-level reconciliation and traditional justice to sustain reintegration efforts.

“It also acknowledges that these community-level processes complement nationally-led prosecution strategies and formal mechanisms,” he said.

Nuhu highlighted that the policy also addressed the trauma and damage caused by conflict in affected communities, with a focus on community readiness and the restoration of social and productive infrastructure.

He pointed out that reconciliation formed the foundation for justice and reintegration support, adding that, “it’s crucial to understand the role communities play in the reintegration process,” Nuhu said.

The scribe explained that the policy aimed to harness the capacities of men, women, youth, children, and different groups within the community to ensure the success of the reintegration efforts.

The CBRR policy also proposes the establishment of community committees to drive the process at the local level, with guidance from a central committee overseeing the entire process.

Nuhu explained that these committees would work in tandem with appropriate regional, national, and local governance structures to ensure the success of reconciliation and reintegration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

General News

Lake Chad: Kyari calls for measures to combat climate change

190 total views today

By Hamza Suleiman

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has called for enhanced collaboration between government, banks and communities to combat the challenges of climate change, insecurity and poverty in the Lake Chad Basin.

Kyari made the call during a panelists’ session at the 5th Lake Chad Governors Forum on Thursday in Maiduguri.

He stressed the need to address the barriers faced by smallholder farmers, particularly the lack of access to capital.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture was working with banks to assist farmers and improve their livelihoods, being the key focus of government’s eight-point agenda.

He added that, “smallholder farmers lack access to capital and this is a major hurdle for them. We are actively engaging financial institutions to provide support because agriculture is the backbone of the region.”

He commended the proactive efforts of some states like Borno, noting that the leadership of Gov. Babagana Zulum had been instrumental to uplifting the livelihoods of the people, in spite of challenges in the region.

The minister emphasised the role of agriculture in poverty reduction and addressing broader socio-economic issues, including insecurity and corruption.

He acknowledged that the region’s traditional farming methods were no longer sufficient to cope with, considering the changing weather conditions, particularly the unpredictable rainfall and desertification affecting local communities.

He added that, “climate change is real. The desert has moved south, and the pattern of rainfall has changed drastically. In the past, farmers relied on traditional knowledge, but today, this is no longer enough.

“We must adapt and innovate. Technology could play a role in predicting weather patterns and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

He also pointed out the growing insecurity in the region, exacerbated by the shrinking of the Lake Chad, forced many communities to relocate.

He said that the lake, once a vital resource for agriculture and fishing, has now become a flashpoint for insecurity, affecting Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yahaya Isah/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

General News

FG commits to girls’ education, empowerment

312 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening support for girls’ education and empowerment in the country.

Ahmed spoke in Abuja on Thursday during a road walk for the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Employment (AGILE) programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inscription for the AGILE road walk is tagged Madubi, and the programme is designed to improve secondary education for girls in Nigeria.

Madubi is a Hausa word meaning “mirror” and it aims to increase public awareness and action on girls’ education.

The minister stressed the importance of girls’ education in driving national development, noting that more support would be given to the initiative.

According to her, the road walk is for “the girl to see herself in us as a mirror for a better future.

“We support every programme that seeks to empower the girl-child.

“At the Federal Ministry of Education, we have our own programme that we are going to launch soon to ensure that we empower the girl-child.

“But AGILE is wonderful in terms of giving opportunity to the girl-child by providing access and opportunity for the girl-child to flourish in our society.

“We hope to see other programmes that will ensure every girl-child has the opportunity to reach her full potential,” she said.

Also speaking, the AGILE National Project Coordinator, Mrs Amina Haruna, said the initiative was established to ensure that no girl is left behind in education and to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

Haruna explained that educating girls leads to societal transformation, saying that the slogan Madubi symbolises the girl as a reflection of society.

Sharing the project’s success stories, Haruna said the initiative was being implemented in 18 states, resulting in the construction of classrooms, provision of WASH facilities, and distribution of learning materials to schools.

“We have renovated about 10,000 classrooms. We have built about 475 schools.

“Where there’s a primary school, we try to build a junior secondary school. Where there’s a junior secondary school, we build a senior secondary school.

“We are doing this to bring schools closer to the girls. We don’t want the girls to walk long distances before reaching school.

“And according to the education policy, no girl-child or any child should have to walk more than five kilometres to access school.

“So that transition from one level to the next will be easier for adolescent girls,” she said.

The national coordinator further stated that in 2025, plans were underway to accelerate progress by constructing more classrooms, expanding WASH facilities, and providing more scholarships to the poorest households.

Regarding the challenges of girls’ education due to social norms, she said the organisation was partnering with the Sultan Foundation to address any resistance from communities hosting the projects. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

General News

Nigeria major source for human trafficking in Africa – Minister

360 total views today

By Justina Auta

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, says Nigeria is one of the main source, transit and destination for human trafficking in Africa.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated this at the 2025 annual academic summit organised by the University of Abuja Faculty of Social Sciences, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The theme of the summit is, “Illegal Migration and girl-child trafficking in 21st century Nigeria: Changing the mindset through quality and functional university education.”

She said poverty and economic hardship, lack of education and skills, cultural and gender norms, and weak law enforcement, amongst others were factors that contributed to illegal migration and trafficking in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is one of the main source, transit, and destination countries for human trafficking in Africa.

“According to the Global Slavery Index (2023), Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of trafficked persons.

“An estimated 1.4 million Nigerians are victims of modern slavery, with women and girls making up the majority.

“Over 60 per cent of Nigerians attempting to migrate irregularly are women and girls, many of whom are trafficked for forced labor or sexual exploitation.

“Reports indicate that over 50,000 Nigerian women are trapped in forced prostitution across Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain.

“The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than 80 per cent of Nigerian women who arrive in Europe through irregular routes are potential trafficking victims.

“The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that Nigeria accounts for nearly 50 per cent of all human trafficking cases in West Africa,” she said.

She said the figures underscored the urgent need for policy, awareness, and systemic interventions to combat the menace of human trafficking and illegal migration.

The minister, therefore, stressed the need to improve access to education to break the cycle of trafficking and illegal migration.

” It remains the most powerful tool in equipping young girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed choices about their futures.

“Quality and functional university education must go beyond theory and be practical, relevant, and empowering.

” Our institutions must be intentional in preparing students – particularly young women for economic independence through.

She, therefore,urged universities and higher institutions to integrate human trafficking awareness and migration literacy into their curricula.

She also called on students, youth organisations, religious and traditional leaders, as well as CSOs to champion peer education and advocacy.

The minister reiterated government commitment towards advancing initiatives that promote education, skills development, and economic empowerment to prevent vulnerable girls from falling into the hands of traffickers.

She added that the ministry was working towards strengthening legal frameworks to review and enhance protection laws for women and children.

“The fight against illegal migration and girl-child trafficking is a fight for the soul of our nation.

” If we fail to act decisively, we risk losing an entire generation of young women to exploitation, violence, and despair,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Environment

Only innovation, partnership can save the climate – Expert

378 total views today

By Uche Anunne

An environmentalist, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says only partnership among countries and innovation into cleaner energies can save the climate from further devastating damage.

Onuigbo, former member of House of Representatives, said this on Monday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The All Progressives Congress Chieftain represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency and former chairman, House Committee on Climate Change.

“To save the environment and mitigate climate change, we have to collaborate, network and innovate. There is nothing any country can do alone.

“We must innovate and collaborate because anything that has to do with the environment is borderless,’’  Onuigbo said.

Onuigbo  sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act.

Climate change has been largely blamed for some of natural disasters including flooding, desertification, drought, and the recent wild fire that ravaged parts of California, U.S.

He said the recently concluded World Future Energy Summit and 15th International Renewable Energy (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, offered Africa can explore new areas of global partnership in renewable energy.

He said as the continent that bears the larger brunt of climate change, they also offered the continent the chance to deepen existing clean energy networks and investment opportunities.

Onuigbo said President Bola Tinubu had shown the desire for transition to clean energy such as his commitment to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project and liberalisation of the energy sector by signing the Electricity Act.

In June 2023, Tinubu, signed the Electricity Act 2023 (“The Act”), repealing the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005.

The Act empowers state governments to participate in areas previously reserved for the federal government, particularly transmission and distribution.

“The Summit offered  Mr President the opportunity to speak to the world on investment opportunities in areas as CNG and electric vehicles, the Evergreen City. There are profound declarations,’’ he told NAN.

According to the National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame, 2019-2023, Tinubu’s clean energy initiatives are yielding results as international investors are  showing interest in Nigeria’s lithium deposits to boost battery manufacturing.

He said there was a link among poverty, food security, diseases and climate change, saying mitigating the later would help in addressing the former.

For instance, he said, access to clean electricity would enhance economic activities and their attendant multiplier effects in families` income and wellbeing.

“You cannot talk about them in isolation. When there is desertification, drought—climate change impact has implications for sources of livelihood and this engenders poverty and insecurity’’, Onuigbo told NAN.

Onuigbo is a member representing South-East, Governing Board, and Chairman Committee  on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, North-East Development Commission(NEDC). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Defence/Security

UK reaffirms strong defence ties with Nigeria

326 total views today

By Hamza Suleiman

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker has reaffirmed the longstanding defence partnership between his country and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and counter insurgency operation in the North-East.

Coaker, who is on a working visit to Nigeria, stated this at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

The minister accompanied by other senior officials of the UK government, highlited the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries to address security challenges.

“The presence of the Honour Guard was a moving experience, symbolising the respect and partnership between the Nigerian and British militaries.

“His Majesty’s Government recognises Nigeria as a key ally and a leader in West Africa. Together, we stand for democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” Coaker said.

 

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visits Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Theater Commander, Joint Task Force OPHK

The minister reiterated the UK government commitment to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and shared impact of global security challenges.

“Your conflict is our conflict and your security is our security. The work you are doing to combat terrorism, particularly through initiatives like Operation Hadin Kai, is commendable.

“We are proud to provide training, expertise and equipment to support your efforts,” he said.

Coaker listed the UK’s contributions to counter-insurgency operations to include counter improvised explosive devices training, provision of equipment, and mentorship towards the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell in the North-East.

Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Theatre Commander, OPHK, commended the UK for its sustained support in combating insurgency in the region.

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visits headquarters of the Joint Task Force OPHK in Maiduguri

He described the visit as a testament to the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and the UK.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Lord Vernon Coaker and his distinguished entourage to Maiduguri, the ‘Home of Peace,’ which also hosts the Headquarters of JTF (NE) OPHK.

“This visit validates the strong partnership between our nations.”

Shaibu said the mandate of the task force was to restore normalcy to the region, provide enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive, as well as resettlement of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

He noted that the fulfilment of the task force mandate required not only material resources but also regular training and retraining of troops to keep them updated on evolving security challenges.

Technical session during the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visit to the Joint Task Force OPHK in Maiduguri

The commander lauded the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell, supported by the UK, which became a hub for intelligence gathering and dismantling insurgent IED networks.

“This hub, equipped with detection tools, laptops, tactical intelligence kits, and other resources, has been vital in detecting, neutralising, and disarming IEDs effectively,” he said.

Shaibu also commended the Instructor Development Programme being implemented in collaboration with BDS-WA, to fast track training of personnel from Nigeria and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visits Joint Task Force OPHK in Maiduguri

“The programme fosters synergy and camaraderie among troops from the Lake Chad Basin countries, strengthening regional cooperation,” he said, adding that the UK government’s timely and relevant support were imperative towards achieving the task force mandate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

HMS/ISHO/ RSA

==========

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Rabiu Sani-Ali

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email