September 15, 2024

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1 Tinubu lauds military’s North-West successes

2 Tinubu returns to Abuja from China after London stop over

3 Kulikuli entertainment boss calls for promotion of Afrobeat music

4 Wike promises support to private investors in FCT

5 FCT: Wike blames rising cost of housing accommodation on market forces

Defence/Security

Tinubu lauds military’s North-West successes

 

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday commended the military for achieving successful operations against security threats in the North-West.

The President stated that these successes provided further assurance that security operatives were capable of ensuring the nation’s peace and security.

The successful operations followed President Tinubu’s directive to service chiefs to relocate to the zone until normalcy was restored, according to Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Troops from Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu on Thursday, who had been terrorising citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other North-Western Nigerian regions.

Additionally, troops killed terrorist Sani Wala Burki in a joint operation in Katsina and dismantled a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, freeing 13 kidnapped students.

President Tinubu praised the military high command, intelligence agencies, and troops for their valiant efforts, synergy, and dedication, which yielded the recent outcomes.

He also commended the entire security apparatus for improved national security and urged them to sustain their efforts until all immediate and latent threats were permanently eradicated.

“President Tinubu reassures the security agencies of his continued support in achieving the priority objective of keeping the nation safe and secure,” said Onanuga. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

Attitudinal change, strong weapon against corruption- ICPC boss

By Isaac Aregbesola

Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offence (ICPC) has called for attitudinal change and anti-corruption mindset to win the battle against corruption.

Aliyu, represented by the ICPC Secretary, Clifford Oparaodu, made the call in Abuja, at a stakeholders’ review roundtable on the implementation of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) and the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) organised by the ICPC.

The ICPC boss, who noted with concern that corruption was a cankerworm that had eaten deep into the fabric of the nation and halted its development, said attitudinal change was a strong weapon to defeat the menace.

According to him, attitude has to be changed and anti-corruption mindset must be inculcated to overcome national and institutional challenges of corruption.

He said that ICPC was working round the clock to enhance moral re-birth and address the challenge of corruption in the country.

He said that the roundtable was necessitated to enable stakeholders jointly undertake the crucial task of reviewing the implementation of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) and the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

“This Roundtable Review has become necessary looking at the fact both the NEIP targeted at generating moral re-birth and the EICS as an anti-corruption-driven evaluation tool urgently requires checks to determine “how far’ and “how well.

“It becomes imperative, therefore to convene this roundtable so that we can altogether review, evaluate, re-strategise and retool (where necessary) for increased positive impact.

“Recall that the NEIP was developed by the ICPC in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA),” he said.

He said it was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Aug. 19, 2020, adding that since then, the Commission had been engaging with stakeholders including deploying various strategies to attract buy-in of all and sundry.

“As you are also aware, the EISC is an anti-corruption evaluation tool developed by the Commission in 2015 with support from the Justice for All (J4A), the European Union and some other donor agencies.

“EISC helps in assessing organisational and corporate culture of ethics and compliance programmes.

“This important tool, which contains 112 questions covering three main indicators, 12 sub-indicators and highlighting the ethics and compliance activities of MDAs, assesses the integrity and fidelity of systems to mitigate their frailties.

“The objective of the evaluation of MDAs through the ethics and integrity compliance standards are particularly to monitor and evaluate them on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs),” he said.

He said that this was meant to ascertain their level of compliance with institutional ethics and integrity requirements and avail the ICPC with a tracking and diagnostic tool and intelligence to monitor system risks and vulnerabilities.

He added that it would also help to direct management and leadership of the Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

“I sincerely hope that this programme will afford us the needed opportunity to critically evaluate the effects of our numerous efforts in respect to these initiatives in the society, and create in us the motivation to do more.

“Attitude has to be changed and anti-corruption mindset might be inculcated so as to overcome national and institutional challenges,” he said.

Alhaji Fuad Adeyemi, National Chief Imam, Al-habibiyyah, said the greatest problem of the country was corruption and must be addressed holistically.

“The problem of the country is corruption and must be tackled through prevention, because if you allow them to indulge in it you will spend much to recover stolen items.

“The best way to prevent is through promotion of ethic and integrity with moral re-rebirth and anti-corruption mindset.

“The ICPC is trying but needs to do more by moving to where people are, go to the grassroots. The commission should also name and shame the culprit either corporate or individual.

“The tools they introduced are good one that the country needs now but it has to be scaled up,” he said.

Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary, Christian Association (CAN), lauded the effort of the ICPC in fighting against corruption in Nigeria and urged the commission to begin its fight from the top.

Fatokun commended the tools introduced by the ICPC in fighting corruption but stressed that the implementation must be effective.

He said CAN had also put in place different measures to ensure moral enhanced and behavioral change among church leaders and member.

Dr Emmanuel Uche, Programme Manager, European Union (EU) Rule of Law and Anticorruption Programme, urged the MDAs to key into the ICPC behavoural changes policy.

Uche said that this would make them to begin to have attitudinal change to corrupt practices.

He said that the introduction of the tools had helped in achieving a lot in the fight against corruption in the country.

“There has been a critical movement from grand zero to where there has been substantial movement, part of that was the revival of anticorruption and transparency unit in the MDAs, there has been some major shift,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Abiemwense Moru

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa
Defence/Security

Banditry: Turji’s capture is imminent, says CDS

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has vowed to ensure that the notorious terrorist and bandit leader, Bello Turji is captured soon.

Musa said this while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said: “Turji’s capture is imminent”.

On the alleged imposition of levy on communities by the terrorist kingpin, the CDS said the military was working with other security agencies and the state government to provide adequate protection for the citizens.

He called on the communities to support the military and ther security agencies to be able to protect them, adding that the cooperation of the people remained key to defeating the adversaries.

“On the issue of Turji, like I said, it is just a deranged individual that feels power, but I can bet you that it is just a matter of time.

“We are going to get him and I can assure you within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue.

“That is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.

“Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is really happening.

“Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.

“I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation.

“You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniform, you don’t know them, but they know you.

“And within the communities, if you don’t have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult,” he said.

Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to lead other security agencies to leverage on their strengths to be able to rid the country of security threats.

“Our intention is to make sure that life returns to normalcy in Nigeria. It is a work for all of us together, including members of the press,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Army chief seeks support to combat insecurity

By Olajide Idowu

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has called for the support and cooperation of Nigerians to combat insecurity in the country.

Lagbaja stated this during the inauguration of the Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Projects on Tuesday in Okuku town, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun.

The army chief, who noted that the military could not overcome the security challenges alone, called for synergy and cooperation from all stakeholders.

“It is pertinent to reiterate that the Nigerian Army is people-centric.

“Accordingly, we are determined to ensure the peace, security, unity, and well-being of all Nigerians.

“The Nigerian Army recognises the fact that our nation’s security and progress depend on the synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders.

“We know that military action alone cannot overcome the security challenges we face as a nation.

“Therefore, we seek the support and cooperation of well-meaning Nigerians to combat insecurity in the country.

“I wish to reiterate that under my leadership, the Nigerian Army will continue to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operation in collaboration with other security agencies and well-meaning citizens to improve the security situation in the country,” he said

On Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Projects, Lagbaja said the scheme was unique because it allowed the army to identify with communities where they deploy troops.

According to him, the army also identifies with communities where senior officers of the rank of Major Generals hailed to impact their lives positively.

Lagbaja noted that the army had delivered more than 200 projects to communities across Nigeria.

In his remarks, the facilitator of the projects, Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, said that Odo-Otin Grammar School was renovated and provided 200 desks and chairs under the scheme.

Oyinlola said the school’s entry and exit gates were renovated alongside the installation of a 500KVA transformer for the electrification of Ogo-Oluwa, a community within the town.

He said the projects were intended to contribute to both human and infrastructural development in aid to civil authority.

He appreciated the COAS for his exemplary leadership and for providing adequate resources to execute the projects.

Also, a former governor in the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, appreciated the COAS for the gesture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti and Moses Solanke

Defence/Security

Fagbemi urges speedy dispensation of justice on financial crimes

By Anita Uzoagba/Eneh Awodi

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has urged members of the judiciary to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in financial crime and corruption cases.

Fagbemi made the call on Monday in Abuja at a one-day roundtable on addressing corruption challenges in the country, organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation.

The conference is themed, “Building a Unified Front Against Corruption in Nigeria”.

Fagbemi, represented by Victoria Ojogbene, a Director in the ministry, emphasised the need for unified efforts to win the battle against corruption.

He stressed that anti-corruption bodies must carry people at the grassroots along without favouritism and sentiment.

”We should not give in to sentiment in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, especially where we have been polarised along different factors,” he said.

Fagbemi noted that Nigeria, in spite of its immense potential, abundant resources, and dynamic population, faced corruption as a formidable barrier to progress and prosperity.

He said that corruption undermined institutions, distorts economic opportunities, and erodes trust vital for a secular society.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, highlighted the commission’s collaboration with the 36 states Attorneys-General to ensure justice and transparency in public project execution.

Aliyu emphasised that corruption was a cancer that had eroded public trust, stifled economic growth, and perpetuated inequality.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Sen. Udende Emmanuel, stated that corruption required a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, involving every segment of the society.

On his part, Dr Ben Odo, Chair of the Body of State Attorneys General, emphasised the need for effective collaboration among state Attorneys-General to combat corruption.(NAN)

AU/ENEH/DE/AMM

Defence/Security

EFCC returns vehicles, money to Canadian Police

By Isaac Aregbesola

The EFCC has handed over 53 recovered vehicles and 180, 300 dollars to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of the victims of financial crimes in Canada.

Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the anti-graft agency handed over the recovered assets to the  representatives of RCMP in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  that RCMP was represented by Nasser Sadiou, its Regional Officer, and Mr Robert Aboumitiri, First Secretary, Deputy High Commission of Canada, Nigeria.

Okukoyede said  the vehicles were stolen from Canada and tracked to various car stands in Nigeria.

He said that nine of the vehicles were tracked to customs port, where they were awaiting clearance.

According to him, 164, 000 U.S. dollars was recovered for a Canadian, Elena  Bogomas, in a romance scam, while 16, 300 U.S. dollars was also recovered for another Canadian, Sandra Butler.

He said one of the fraudsters used his proceeds to buy an estate and was later arrested, prosecuted and jailed, while the property was sold to recover the funds.

“It’s common knowledge that financial crimes have taken a new turn all across the globe.

“The people who perpetrate these crimes do it in such a way that we discover that their activities are quite borderless and barbaric,” he said.

 According to him, they employ all kinds of means to ensure that they move across various jurisdictions.

“That’s why it has become very necessary and imperative for us to collaborate with our friends across the world. People share the same objective and mandate with us.

“What the EFCC is doing today is doing on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“It is also demonstrating the fact that the President has given us the mandate to extend our hands to ensure that this particular problem is resolved and that is exactly what we are doing here today,” he said.

Olukoyede said the exercise was a demonstration of the EFCC’s commitment to the inter-agency cooperation in the country.

He said it was also a demonstration of the fact that the Nigerian government does not tolerate financial crimes.

“Not only that, we are going to pursue it, because not only that, we will investigate, we will recover, we will prosecute and we will ensure that the victim is restituted.

“We have recovered money, financial assets, and also we have recovered vehicles on behalf of the victims in Canada.

 “As a matter of fact, the  53 vehicles were recovered on behalf of the victims.

“In one instance, we had 164,000 U.S. dollars given to a Canadian victim known as Elena Bogomas.

“Also, we have here, which we will present to you today, another sum of 16,300 U.S. dollars stolen from another victim known as Sandra Butler,” he said.

Sadiou, in his remarks after the signing of documents for the transfer of the recovered assets, thanked the Government of Nigeria and the EFCC in the fight against corruption.

“I am really happy to be here. I feel like being home. I am very happy with the recovery and we appreciate the EFCC on the job they have done.

“EFCC is one of the key partners in the fight against financial crimes in the world and West Africa in particular,” he said.

Aboumitiri lauded the partnership between the Canadian government and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He said the partnership had been yielding positive results (NAN)

=============

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Mark Longyen

Defence/Security

Counter-terrorism centre, NAFDAC sign MoU on terrorism prevention

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on prevention of violent extremism and terrorism.

NCTC is domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the collaboration marked a pivotal moment in their joint efforts to prevent and counter terrorism in Nigeria.

He said that terrorism posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s security, stability, and prosperity, adding that it undermined the fundamental values, challenges the way of life, and endangers the safety of the citizens.

According to him, NAFDAC plays an important role in combating crime by regulating the manufacture, importation, and distribution of drugs, chemicals, and other controlled products.

Laka said that joining forces with NAFDAC would help to enhance their collective efforts in disrupting illicit networks, dismantling their financing sources, and safeguarding communities from the scourge of terrorism.

“This MoU represents a commitment to shared goals, mutual support, and effective cooperation.

“It signifies our dedication to leveraging our respective expertise, resources, and capabilities to strengthen our response to terrorism, prevent radicalisation, and protect our society from the devastating impact of violent extremism.

“Through this partnership, we will work together to enhance information sharing, intelligence cooperation, capacity building, and joint operations.

“By combining our efforts and forging a united front against terrorism, we are better equipped to confront this multifaceted challenge and uphold the safety and security of our nation,” he said.

Laka commended NAFDAC for their commitment to the collaborative endeavour, adding that they would collectively embark on a path of shared responsibility, solidarity, and resilience in the fight against terrorism.

In her remarks, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye commended the ONSA for returning the agency to the ports on May 16, 2018.

Adeyeye said that the signing of the MoU was a plus to the country in terms of reduction in death and obliteration of the young minds.

She pledged the continued collaboration of her agency with the NCTC towards preventing the young people from going into substance abuse. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

FRSC: Making giant strides under Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed

 

 

Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed

 

FRSC: Making giant strides under Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed

 

By Ibironke Ariyo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

On assuming office as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on May 29, Shehu Mohammed brought a remarkable level of enthusiasm and dedication to implementing sweeping reforms within the organisation.

 

In his inaugural address, the new Corps Marshal articulated his vision, which focuses on a comprehensive overhaul of the FRSC and setting the stage for transformation and improvement.

 

He announced that the FRSC would undergo a major transformation, emerging as a top-tier global road safety agency, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

 

The Corps Marshal expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to lead the organisation and pledged to work tirelessly to ensure safety on Nigeria roads and protect the well-being of road users.

 

Mohammed acknowledged the contributions of the founding fathers of FRSC, including Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Dr Olu Agunloye, who worked hard to establish the organisation’s ideals.

 

He emphasised the need to revive these legacies to address current challenges faced by the Corps such as mob actions against staff, staff knockdowns by drivers, and assaults on Marshals.

 

The Corps Marshal outlined six focal points for his administration which are to rejig and reposition operational strategies to conform with present-day realities.

 

According to him, others are training and retraining of staff to align with realistic expectations; Strategic partnerships with sister agencies, international organisations, and Special Marshals.

 

Digital transformation in operations, including the establishment of a Technical Advisory Unit; Discipline and renewed covenant with the Nigerian motoring public; and harmonisation of the ranking structure, career progression, and provision of an environment conducive for working .

 

As part of his initial familiarisation tour, the Corps Marshal visited several critical infrastructure of the commission located in Abuja.

 

This include the National Driver’s License Centres in Wuse and Kado, which he said helped in gauging service delivery efforts and engaging with personnel and stakeholders.

 

He also visited the Number Plate Production Plant in Gwagwalada to examine manufacturing processes and assess the plant’s efficiency.

 

According to Mohammed, the visit came as a result of several complaints from the public about the facilities and poor working environment.

 

Confronting the challenge, he constituted a task force to ensure that the backlog of plate numbers were cleared as soon as possible.

 

He directed 24-hour production and immediate rectification of the identified technical glitches that affected the overall production capacity of the plant.

 

The Corps Marshal’s strategic intervention yielded impressive results, with the centre producing nearly 74,000 licences in two weeks.

 

This notable achievement enabled the centre to clear its existing backlog and now functions at optimal levels to fulfilling public demands.

 

Owing to the strategic intervention mechanisms introduced towards ensuring safety on the highways, the FRSC Corps Marshal, held strategic meetings with the heads of other sister security agencies.

 

During such meetings, Mohammed emphasised the need for interagency collaboration to combat car theft and counter the activities of criminal elements.

 

He met with Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Adewale Adeniyi, where he highlighted the critical impact of road safety on national security.

 

As part of his restructuring efforts, the Corps Marshal implemented a comprehensive deployment strategy, ensuring that all states were equitably represented in the appointment of Sector and Zonal Commanding Officers.

 

The new Corps Marshal also unveiled a new strategy for transforming the Ember Month campaign, aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing crashes during the peak travel season.

 

Mohammed noted that the conventional Ember Month campaign methods, such as motor park rallies, had not been effective in achieving the desired impact.

 

“The crash statistics are still alarming and unacceptable. Nigerians are looking up to the corps and there are high expectations from us to deliver.

 

“Therefore, we will revamp the strategy, adopt a more interactive approach that involves collaborating with stakeholders and hosting press conferences to enhance road safety awareness and outcomes.

 

“We need to reverse this trend. Let us agree that if we keep doing the same thing, we will keep getting the same results. Drastic challenges require drastic solutions.

 

“We have realised that commuters have a crucial role to play in reducing road crashes. They should have a say in who drives them and ensure that drivers adhere to safety measures.

 

“With this, we felt the emphasis should not just be on drivers and we should also go to commuters to assist us.

 

“Passengers much have a say on who drives them and who controls them to reach their destination,” he said.

 

The Corps Marshal urged commanding officers to reinforce their alliances with traditional and religious leaders, recognising the critical role they play in amplifying the safer road campaigns.

 

On July 30, the FRSC boss announced that the judiciary has promised to collaborate with the corps by providing the necessary support for the strict enforcement of traffic laws.

 

This, he said, included the prosecution of offenders using mobile courts, when necessary to ensure a safer and more orderly transportation system nationwide.

 

Within his first 100 days as Corps Marshal, he took steps to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation.

 

To lead by example, he participated in a bicycle ride alongside stakeholders to commemorate the Sixth World Bicycle Day, showcasing his commitment to sustainable transportation.

 

Mohammed urged relevant authorities to ensure that professionals were consulted and involved in the design and construction of roads to accommodate bicycle lanes and facilities.

 

He also emphasised the importance of motorists recognising and respecting the rights of bicycle riders on the road.

 

“Without mincing words, no mode of transportation promotes the culture of serenity, orderliness, friendly neighbourhood and urban peace as the bicycle.

 

“It is the only individual means of mobility fit for all residents irrespective of age, gender and class.

 

“We hereby emphasise the use of bicycle as a panacea for promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance with a sense of community, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, the corps also inaugurated a comprehensive capacity-building programme, leading to the training of personnel across various cadres and the graduation of junior officers.

 

The Corps Marshal said that the training, a first of its kind, was designed to enhance skills and knowledge to meet evolving demands in road safety management and traffic administration.

 

“No fewer than 1,646 personnel were trained, including 341 unit commanders, 415 road marshal assistants, 700 drivers, 90 monitoring and evaluation officers, and 100 junior officers,” he said.

 

On August 25, a Marshal refresher course on repositioning FRSC for enhanced service delivery in patrol and rescue operations was also inaugurated.

 

Another milestone of the Mohammed-led FRSC was the remarkable 12 per cent crash reduction, compared to the same period last year, indicating a substantial progress in reducing road traffic crashes and promoting safety.

 

Motorists and road users commended the achievement as a ground-breaking milestone, praising Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed as a transformative leader who has brought unparalleled positive change to the FRSC.

 

“Honestly, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the behaviour of FRSC personnel on the roads.

 

“Unlike in the past, when they would often stop and harass drivers without reason, they now conduct themselves in a more professional and respectful manner,” said a commuter.

 

“It’s clear that the Corps Marshal is dedicated to creating a safer and more pleasant driving experience for the public. I wish him continued success and pray that he completes his tenure on a high note,” said Mr Owolabi Arowolo, a driver.

 

In a bid to further enhance road safety, the FRSC is set to inaugurate a cutting-edge mobile app on September 5, designed to identify and alert users to black spots and high-risk areas while traveling on highways.

 

The Corps Marshal noted that this user-friendly app would consolidate all FRSC resources, products, and directives, making it a one-stop-shop for road safety information and services.

 

“The app will show and give significant information about road black spots, and alert of any crash spot ahead while travelling.

 

“The app system will inform and remind the users of due dates to renew their driver’s licence, service their vehicles and other notable information,” he said.

 

No doubt the first 100 days in office of Shehu Mohammed as the FRSC Corps Marshal has witnessed flurry of activities, which are geared towards the transformation of FRSC in the country.

 

Though it is still too early to draw conclusions on the performance of the Corps Marshal, experts say there are clear indications that the present administration is committed to giving a new face to FRSC.

 

They, however, said the new Corps Marshal needs the support of the government, especially in the area of funding, which is key to achieving his target.(NANFeatures)

** If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Defence/Security

VP Shettima backs NAN Sahel security lecture

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Monday called for wider support for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) upcoming international lecture on insecurity in the Sahel.

Shettima stated this when he granted an audience to the leadership of NAN led by its Managing Director, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Vice-President emphasised the importance of collaborative action, noting that President Bola Tinubu was very much interested in the security situation in Nigeria and would not take it lightly.

Shettima also called for regional and collective efforts to address the insecurity in West Africa’s Sahel region.

He observed that the security situation in the Sahel region had significant implications for Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

“The international lecture NAN is organising is very timely, especially on the issue of insecurity in the Sahel.

“The security situation in the nation is something that the President is very much interested in and is not taking it lightly,” he said.

Shettima expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the conference.

“I believe that with the calibre of people that will grace the lecture, you will come up with a lot of perspectives on how to address the insecurity in the Sahel in a holistic way.”

Earlier, Ali had told the Vice-President that the theme of the conference was “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options.”

He announced that the lead speaker at the lecture, billed for Sept. 25, would be Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission.

According to him, the conference is part of NAN’s efforts to expand its role beyond news dissemination to actively contributing to national discourse and problem-solving.

“NAN is organising its first international lecture as part of the media’s role to expand the frontiers of knowledge and find solutions to problems,” Ali said.

He outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing NAN’s reach and effectiveness, including the introduction of vernacular broadcasting.

Others present at the meeting are NAN’s Director of Administration, Malam Abdulhadi Khalie; Director of Special Duties, Muftau Ojo; Deputy Director of NAN Multimedia, Ismail Abdulaziz; and Board Secretary, Ngozi Anofochi.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa
Defence/Security

Arewa Forum lauds CDS’ peace, security initiatives

By Ezra Musa

The Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF), has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, for the efforts to strengthen peace and security in the country.

The forum gave the commendation in a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday.

The statement was signed by the co-founders of the forum, Alhaji Bello Abubakar and Dr Victor Bobai.

Other signataries are the forum’s Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Kolo, Assistant Public Relation Officer, Mr Moses Enenche, and a member, Hajiya Amina Funtua.

According to the statement, the forum also expressed its unwavering support to the CDS’ recent visit to Niger.

Musa had, on Aug. 28, visited Niger and was received by the country’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Mousa Barmo, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Musa discussed regional security issues with his Nigerien counterpart, particularly the ongoing threats posed by terrorist groups operating in the Sahel region.

The forum described the visit as a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and Niger.

It added that the visit would specifically strengthen the two countries’ collaboration in the area of peace and security.

The statement further said that Gen. Musa’s initiative demonstrated his commitment to regional stability and his understanding of the interconnectedness of the nation’s security challenges.

It said: “By reassuring our neighbours of our partnership and cooperation, he has taken a giant step towards combating the menace of Boko Haram, terrorism and banditry plaguing our region.

“We, therefore, urge our Northern elites to recognise the sincerity and patriotism behind Gen. Musa’s efforts.

“He is not a politician; he is a dedicated military leader who seeks to protect our nation and its people.

“Let us join hands and support him in this noble endeavour. For together, we can achieve greater benefits and restore peace to our region.

“We call on our Hausa and Fulani friends in Northern Nigeria and in Niger Republic, to rally behind Gen. Musa and provide him with the necessary support.

“Peace is achievable; with our collective efforts, we can make it a reality.” (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

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