By Sumaila Ogbaje

The OurNigeria News Magazine has selected former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai to chair its 10th “Unsung Heroes ” award slated for Nov. 11, in Abuja.

The Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Dr AK Peters said at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja that the award was for those who did “extra ordinary things, in extra ordinary circumstances without being noticed”.

Peters said the award was also “to identify, promote and project men and women of good character and in any little way motivate them to do more”.

According to him, 25 Nigerians who scale through clear cut parametres, criteria, scrutiny and competency will be selected for the award.

“Our unsung heroes will be seen, sung , celebrated, recognized and rewarded for raising the bar in leadership and the quest for a better Nigeria,” the chairman added.

He said that Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River will be the Special Guest at the event, which is expected to be graced by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Leonard Okachie

The wife of the General Officer Commanding(GOC), 82 Division, Mrs Nafesat Dada, has urged wives of army personnel to keep supporting their husbands by making their homes peaceful for them at all times.

Dada, who is the Chairperson of Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 82 Division Chapter, gave the advice on Tuesday during her familiarisation visit to 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia.

She charged the wives to always keep the home front running well to give their husbands necessary support and peace of mind in order to make progress in the discharge of their national duties.

“We should treat our men as our babies by caring for them because they pass through a lot of pressure and we know that the South-East generally is facing another phase of life.

“We want them to always be strong as we women always know ourselves to be strong people and supportive weapon for our husbands,” she said.

The GOC’s wife charged the women to shun tribalism and any other acts capable of causing disaffection among themselves in the barracks.

Dada, who inspected some of NAOWA facilities, promised to support the army personnel’s wives for them to achieve their goals.

She thanked the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Nsikak Edet, for being supportive and caring to the wives and army personnel in the barracks.

The brigade commander expressed gratitude to the NAOWA chairperson and her team for the visit, while pledging his support for the women’s projects.

He said he was working tirelessly towards addressing some of the challenges being faced in the barracks, including unstable power supply, water shortage, lack of school, poor transportation and others.

“We have a challenge of school and we should have NAOWA school for our children in this barrack.

“We are working very hard to make sure that we overcome those challenges soon,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the GOC’s wife and the brigade commander made presentations to each other.(NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, has stressed the need for wives of military personnel to pay adequate attention to their mental health and wellbeing.

Mrs Musa said this on Tuesday at a seminar with the theme, “Self Care and Work/Life Balance” organised by the National Defence College Officers Wives Association (NDCOWA) as part of activities lined up for the Graduation of NDC Course 31 participants.

She said the wives of officers were often left alone at the home front dealing with so much stress since their husbands were most times not around.

She said that sensitising military wives through such programme would help them to be able to cope with whatever stress or challenge they might face as primary caregivers at home.

“It is very important that we organise such programme for us to be able to educate the children, people around us and then to be able to deal with the total wellbeing of everyone around them,” she said.

The Coordinator of NDCOWA, Mrs Rhoda Olotu, said the programme would help to bring about an intentional attitudinal change towards the wholesomeness of being an officer’s wife and living right.

Olotu said the need to live up to expectations in terms of meeting extended family needs and many more reasons had compelled the modern day woman to go out in search of full time jobs that were mostly demanding while still holding on to their homes.

According to her, it will be stating the obvious that these take tolls on the women, not only physically but mentally.

“As military wives, who, most of the times have spouses that are engaged in service to our fatherland, it is even more demanding, if not chaotic in trying to find the balance.

“Self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health whilst that of work life balance is described as a division of one’s time and focus between working and family or leisure activities.

“Having looked at these two definitions, and from experience critically weighing the possibility of achieving them as officers’ wives seem to a layman like me almost impossible,” she said.

One of the Resource Persons, Dr Isioma Chukwuka-Nwodo, a Psychiatrist, said that mental health could be likened to a car with four wheels that was essential for all to enjoy a productive life.

Chukwuka-Nwodo said that women were vulnerable to a number of mental health problems because of several biological and socioeconomic factors they are exposed to.

She added that wives of military officers were even more stressed by the nature of their husband’s jobs.

According to her, adoptive coping responses like self-care and seeking support and help when necessary can help turn this stress into an opportunity for positive emotions, resilience and wellbeing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Anglican Communion Diocese of Makurdi has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in fighting corruption in the Church and the nation.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren.

Uwujaren stated that the Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Nathan Inyom, made the declaration when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Commission.

The cleric expressed concern over the way and manner people employed to oversee church resources handle it.

“We are here to interact with you, seeking ways of collaboration in terms of trying to understand the working of the Commission better.

“And, how it can relate with the Church, especially in terms of handling issues of sharp practices that result in malpractices and misappropriation.

“One of my greatest frustrations in ministry, as a minister of God, is that those whom we employ to assist us in overseeing resources end up defrauding the Church.

“And carting away huge sums of money meant for development of the Church,” cleric said.

He added that Anglicans held utmost respect for the pivotal role the Commission had been playing in safeguarding the financial integrity of the nation.

“Your dedication to upholding the rule of law and combating economic and financial offences is truly commendable and has a positive impact on our society,” he said.

The cleric further urged the Commission to intensify public enlightenment on the menace of economic and financial crimes to discourage would-be offenders.

According to him, the church itself is grappling with the menace of corruption within its fold.

In his response, the Zonal Commander, ACE 1 Friday Ebelo, thanked the Bishop for the visit.

He sought the counsel and prayers of the clergy to enable the country to win the war against the scourge of corruption, economic and financial crimes.

He noted the strategic position of the Church as the moral conscience of the society and called on its leaders to speak to their leaders to do the right things.

The Zonal Commander reiterated the commitment of the Commission to public enlightenment.

According to him, Currently, EFCC has sensitisation programmes for schools and an inter-faith programme designed to bring churches and mosques into the public enlightenment orbit of the Commission.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IAA/ADA

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), on Tuesday presented employment letters to families of the seven personnel killed by bandits in Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Jan. 23, 2023, seven personnel of NSCDC Kaduna Command were ambushed and killed by bandits while on official duty in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

The employment letters were presented to the families by the NSCDC Commandant in Kaduna State, Mr Idris Adah, on Tuesday.

Adah said the gesture was in fulfillment of the promise made by the Commandant General, Mr Ahmed Audi to the families of the deceased.

“Today it’s with joy that I present to you the CGs good deeds by handling over the appointment letters to the next of kins of the late officers.

“This is in fulfillment of the CG’s promise to the family; this however cannot replace the lives of our loved ones,” he added.

Adah therefore changed the beneficiaries to do their best and represent their families with honour and dignity.

The commandant said that the Corps remained committed to its responsibility of protecting critical national assets.

“We are working round the clock with other security agencies to fight crime in the state so that we all can sleep with our two eyes closed,” Adah said.

He warned that anyone caught vandalising critical national assets will be arrested and prosecuted.

Alhaji Baba Audi-Landan, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated the CG for fulfilling the promise.

He said the appointments given to them would benefit not only the families, but society at large. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Maharazu Ahmed

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By Monday Ijeh

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has arrested some officials of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices over alleged palliatives diversion.

The Public Relations Officer of DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Afunanya said that the service had received complaints from some states relating to diversion and sale of palliatives meant for their citizens

“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects.

“While this operation is ongoing in other states, the Service has for instance, intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa State responsible for the diversion and sale of the palliatives.

“Among those suspects are officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices in the markets, notably Modern Market Lafia, where the items were being resold,” he said.

The DSS spokesman said the suspects had been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures.

He urged members of the public with information relating to palliatives diversion to report to relevant security agencies for necessary action. (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Isaac Aregbesola

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 20 alleged internet fraudsters.

Its Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren said this in A statement on Tuesday in Abuja

According to him, the suspects were arrested on Saturday at Ologolo and Idi – Ishin areas of Ibadan, Oyo State following intelligence on their fraudulent activities.

“The suspects are Mustapha Adeyemi Afeez, Oluyombo Ayomide, Ayanwola Tobi, Oni Promise, Osifeso Tijesunimi David, Anthony Daniel, OLanrenwaju Adebowale and Ezekiel Olawole Kolawole.

“Others include Abaka Clitus, Adeyinka  Ajayi, Gbolahan Ayinde, Abeeb Bidemi, Augustine Okoh, Ayanwonla Olaoluwa, Azeez Olamide, Ayanwola Segun Victor, Onifade Olabisi, Abaka Moses, Aladelusi  Temitope Mathew and Abolaji Ajibola.

“Items recovered include three Toyota Camry cars, unregistered grey-coloured Toyota RAV 4, laptop computers, and several mobile phones, among others,” he said.

He said that they would be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded(NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to stamp out the menace of oil theft and other crimes in the nation’s maritime domain.

Ogalla reiterated this at the opening of the CNS 2023 Retreat with Principal Staff Officers, Flag Officers Commanding and Commanders, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that naval personnel and the service were duty bound to reverse the impression in terms of securing the maritime domain and stamping out oil theft in Nigeria.

“I therefore want to make this clear that under my watch there is zero tolerance for oil theft. Any officer or rating or any person who is found to be involved in oil theft will be punished to the full extent of the law.

“We will not fear anyone. I expect you to go back and educate your officers and ratings about the menace of oil theft.

“The government looks up to us to lead the fires and we have no option but to do just that,” he said.

He said that in view of this, the navy must work together with sister services, the armed forces, the police and other military and security agencies to stamp out the measures of all attempts.

According to him, Nigerians expect the navy to remain above reproach, above board and to remain law-abiding as a force they can admire and rely upon.

The CNS said that the event was an opportunity for participants to interact and evaluate the state of affairs in the navy.

He said this was with regards to tackling the security challenges that had been having devastating impacts on the country and undermining its national security and development.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had given them marching orders to deal decisively with all security challenges facing the country.

He added that the event was in line with the president’s directive and his vision statement.

The vision statement he said is: “to have a highly motivated professional naval force capable of shaping the security outcomes within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the littorals including land-based engagements in fulfilment of Nigeria’s national interest”.

He also said his mission statement is: “to Maintain and equip a professional competent and ethical naval force while leveraging on all elements of national power for the effective defence of Nigeria’s  maritime area of interest against all forms of threat in fulfilment of national security imperatives”.

“I gave my Command Philosophy which is anchored on leading with integrity, courage and relentless pursuit for excellence in consonance with the core values of the Nigerian navy.

“My Strategic End-state is the attainment of a safe and secured maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea to enable wealth creation, economic prosperity as well as national security, growth and development.

“In tandem with this, I have issued the Chief of the Naval Staff, Strategic Directive 2023–6 which highlights the expected deliverables along the 9 Lines of Development (LoDs) of the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan (NNSP) 2021 -2030.

“It is imperative that all of you immediately key into the vision so that together, we can take the NN to greater heights,” he said.

Ogalla said the navy had in the past few years, achieved significant milestones in operations, fleet recapitalisation, infrastructure and human resource managements as part of a comprehensive transformation plan articulated to guide the service in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.

He said that the navy had taken steps to be innovative in its approaches with the evolving nature of threats in the nation’s maritime domain.

According to the CNS, the navy under his watch is determined to rebuild the conceptual, moral and physical components of its fighting power.

“My top priorities, therefore, would be to diligently implement the provisions of the NNSP 2021 -2030.

“Let me, however, mention that while no effort will be spared in achieving these goals, it is command responsibility to ensure the sustenance and maintenance of all facilities, equipment and platforms.

“To set a clear direction and build momentum, we identified some quick impact projects and conceptual initiatives that would be completed and commissioned within my First 100 days in office,” he said.

He urged commanders to uphold discipline in their commands, be role models to their officers and men, set high standards of conduct and enforce the rules fairly and consistently.

He also directed them to enhance Civil-Military Cooperation and relations with civilians in their areas of operation, noting that the people should see them as partners to be able to support their efforts and cooperate with them.

Ogalla  dismissed the allegation that naval personnel were involved in oil theft, assuring that the service would not spare any personnel found wanting or culpable in the crime.

He also charged commanders to be mindful of the welfare of those under them, saying that prioritising the welfare of their subordinates is essential to mission success.

He pledged to provide opportunities for job satisfaction and self-actualisation as well as recognise and reward hard work and dedication.

He added that issues relating to personnel accommodation, uniform items and appointment/draft cycle were already receiving attention.

In his remarks, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, said the retreat would afford them the opportunity to review the threat environment and their operations, with a view to identifying gaps that could be addressed for better performance.

Akpan expressed hope that the discussions would be incisive, innovative and provocative with a view to have frank discussions about what is working and what is not.

He thanked the CNS for his focused and visionary leadership and assured him that the officers are committed to upholding the highest standard of ethics and integrity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called on government at all levels to ensure rehabilitation of torture victims and prosecution of perpetrators.

The Executive Director, PRAWA, Dr Uju Agomoh made the call during a training for Medical and Legal Practitioners on Medico-Legal documentation and rehabilitation of torture victims, on Monday in Abuja.

Agomoh said PRAWA had been pushing for torture victims to be heard, adding that the capacity building was to build strategies and have a core group to drive the campaign.

She said that the training would offer the participants the necessary skills and competency to properly document cases of torture in the country.

The executive director said records of proper investigation of torture and treatment of victims were necessary in building concrete evidence for prosecution of perpetrators.

“Basically, we have to keep pushing as we have lawyers in this training aside medical practitioners.

“So, it is a question of ensuring that there is a strong coordination and collaboration between legal profession, psychologists, and medical doctors and of course the lawyers in the paralegal.

“Imagine having the real fact, so that once you go to court, you are ready to roll.

“I think it is wrong not to prosecute all the perpetrators, once you don’t do that, it is like accepting impunity, it will continue like that.

“We are also pushing that everyone charged for such offence should be duly prosecuted, they should also be sanctioned when found guilty, because that is really the key thing, “she said.

Earlier, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, said there was need to recognise that torture victims require medical and psycho-social support.

According to her, it is not enough to punish perpetrators of torture without providing necessary support for the victims.

She therefore said that the training would help to develop a framework for providing medical, psycho-social and legal support to victims of torture.

“This is because they need to also seek legal remedy for all they have been through. This is timely at a time when we are reviewing our anti-torture legislation and the policy framework.

“Government is doing a lot at least to reduce it to barest minimum.”

The solicitor-general said that the issue of torture reduction had been infused into the training manual of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

“We are working on strategic engagement like stakeholders workshops, training and retraining to ensure that they understand that having coercive force doesn’t give you the power to do as you like.

“Nigeria like other countries in the global community has obligations to ensure that citizens are free from torture in line with the commitments we have made and in line with the Constitutions as well.

“Obviously, there will also be recalcitrant law enforcement agencies but I think that once punitive measures are handed out, this will bring the incidence to the barest minimum,” she added.

A torture victim, Mrs Oluwafunsho Adeniyi, said the National Assembly should review existing laws to provide stringent punishment for perpetrators of torture and their collaborators.

Adeniyi believes that if adequate sanctions are provided, those who believe that torture is normal would come to their senses.

“Government agencies that have the capabilities to address this torture issue should do more and be accessible to ordinary persons like me.

“As a victim of torture, I don’t know if there is anyone stopping torture from being done to people.

“I had an issue with my ex-husband regarding the custody of our children, he went to report and claim that I am a kidnapper, and that I kidnapped our own children.

“He has been using the Police to torture me and my family,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised by PRAWA, UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, Independent Forensic Expert Group, and International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Maharazu Ahmed