By Ibironke Ariyo

The Executive Director, Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Dr Uju Agomoh has again called for joint efforts to decongest custodial centres in the country.

Agomoh made the call at a news briefing and strategy session on setting agenda for Administration of Justice and Corrections Reform in Nigeria, on Monday in Abuja.

The PRAWA boss stressed the need for Strategies to promote effective reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and ex-offenders.

She said that it was time to use provisions of the law such as quick justice for pre-trial inmates to decongest the facilities.

According to Agomoh, frequent transfer of judicial and prosecuting police officers leads to stalling of cases.

“We recommended that the legislature hastens amendment of criminal laws and decriminalisation and declassification of minor and petty offences in Nigerian Laws,” she said.

Agomoh called on the media and CSOs to be credible watch dogs in ensuring proper and timely implementation of the recommendations.

Mr Ibikunle Bamidele of Legal Aid Council, said journalists needed to always reach out to development partners and NGOs for factual information on issues that concerned inmates.

Also, Deputy Director Public Prosecution, Federal Ministry of Justice, Yusuf Abdulkadir assured that the Federal Government would streamline the suggestions by stakeholders into its policies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the Nigerian Army would improve personnel welfare for efficient performance in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

Lagbaja stated this on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the Project Management Workshop 2023 for Nigerian Army project officers at Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi.

Lagbaja, who was represented by Maj.- Gen. Hillary Nzan, Commander 4 Special Forces, Doma, said the welfare of the personnel was paramount.

He said, “notable achievements in combating terrorism, banditry and various unscrupulous elements across the country were greatly attributed to the enhancement of personnel’s welfare.

“Achieving this command philosophy is contingent upon a resolute psychological influence that instils willingness to engage in combat, which can be accomplished by exhibiting adequate care for the wellbeing of personnel.

“This entails a sound administration through purposeful welfare programmes for personnel and members of their families, to enhance their wellbeing.

“Some of the welfare packages will include the construction/rehabilitation of facilities across Nigerian Army formations and units, including accommodation, office complexes, training schools and other support facilities in the barracks,” he said.

The COAS said the workshop sought to refresh officers on modern best practices and processes in risk management in project delivery in the Nigerian Army.

He said the workshop would offer an opportunity to appraise previous performances in project management with a view to achieving better outcomes with limited resources.

“The Nigerian Army executes most of its projects through direct labour.

“Therefore, project officers responsible for the execution of these projects or supervising contracted projects, must be competent and proficient in risk management in the delivery of high-quality projects.

“It is on this note that the theme of this workshop which is, “Efficient risk management in project delivery in the Nigerian Army,” is appropriate.

“The topics for presentation and discussion will no doubt broaden participants’ knowledge on risk management in project execution.

“I therefore enjoin you to take maximum advantage of this workshop to build capacity and develop competence.

“I am hopeful that the intellectual discourse during this Workshop will provide useful policy options for contemporary and future projects delivery.”

Lagbaja said he would support all measures seeking to better the living and working conditions of personnel.

He said the army would continue to work assiduously with the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force as well as other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure enduring peace in the nation.

He urged the participants to put in their best and adopt a resolute attitude of excellence in carrying out their responsibilities as Nigerian Army project officers.

Earlier, Maj.- Gen. Shamsideen Shafaru, Coordinator, Nigerian Army Special Projects, said the workshop was aimed at improving the capacity of participants on the global best practices in project management.

Shafaru said the anticipated outcomes of the workshop included identification, assessment and prioritisation of risks in construction, which will serve as the basis for better coordination and application of resources to minimise and control the probability of unfortunate events.

“This is targeted at updating participants on common risk management practices in construction work, with the goal of ensuring safety and efficient use of project resources within the Nigerian Army.

“Resource persons within and outside the military have been carefully selected as presenters, discussants and moderators to share their wealth of knowledge and experience with the participants. I therefore urge all participants to take the workshop seriously in order to maximise its benefits.

“I must acknowledge that the Nigerian Army Special Projects unit has continued to enjoy effective supervisory efforts by engineering formations across the country through your guidance.

“It suffices to state that the implementation of outcomes and recommendations following previous workshops have gone a long way in reshaping the capacity of engineer officers in project execution, supervision and delivery. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Auwalu Birnin Kudu

The Police in Adamawa have arrested a girl and her boyfriend who allegedly killed their baby and dumped the body in a dustbin on July 8, in Yola.

The suspects, Blessing Ben and Luka Iliyasu were said to have been in courtship for two years before the girl got pregnant.

According to SP Suleiman Yahaya-Nguroje, spokesperson of the Police Command, “Blessing was put in a family way by her boy friend, Luka a resident of Police barracks Yola, after two years of courtship”.

He told newsmen in Yola on Tuesday that Blessing who resides in Jambutu area of Yola North Local Government Area, had however denied killing the baby, claiming that it was delivered prematurely.

“I had a safe and peaceful delivery but the baby was lifeless hence my decision to dump it in the dustbin.

“When I discovered that it was a still birth, I kept the corpse for two days before I dumped it in the dustbin and even my aunt whom I have been living with did not know that I was pregnant for nine months,” she told newsmen.

The police spokesman said that the suspects would be arraigned in court on completion of investigation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Bridget Ikyado

Ondo State Government has pledged to work with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to mitigate irregular migration and human trafficking in the state.

Prince Boye Ologbese, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations made this known when he led a delegation from the state on a working visit to the Acting Comptroller-General of the Service, Mrs Caroline Adepoju in Abuja.

“We can develop initiatives that prioritise the best interest of our citizens, facilitate legitimate travel and immigration and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

The commissioner sought the assistance of NIS to track the statistics of indigenes who had left the state.

He also said that the state government would appreciate prompt issuance of passports to its officials on assignment outside the country.

Ologbese said the state established the Diaspora Relations office in 2021 to connect and engage indigenes of the state in the diasporas to promote socio-economic development in the state.

“As part of our responsibilities, the ministry is equally billed to discourage irregular migration and human trafficking, among others.”

According him, the ministry has been collaborating with foreign missions, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NAPTIP and the International Organisation on Migration,  to achieve its mandate.

The commissioner said the collaborations has resulted to the repatriation of some youths trafficked by road to Libya.

“As we speak efforts are ongoing to rescue some of our youths presently trapped in Benin Republic and other locations, ” Ologbese said.

He appreciated the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender, headed by Mrs Olamide Falana, for its involvement in curtailing the menace.

“The office organises regular radio programmes to educate the public on snags involved in human trafficking”.

He said the ministry had finalised plans to organise sensitization programme across the three senatorial zones which the NIS would be included.

Responding, Adepoju expressed the service’s readiness to develop stronger bonds, meaningful partnerships and build a future where immigration processes are secure, efficient and welcoming to all.

She also said the NIS would welcome any support to curb the menace of trafficking in persons, and related criminalities.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Christian pilgrims who performed the exercise in 2023 together with the NIS Boss, have visited and congratulated her over the appointment.

Rev. Mutong Bitrus who led the group prayed for her success and confirmation as substantive C-G.

In her remarks, the C-G appreciated the group for the  prayers and pledged to do her best in making the NIS more efficient and responsive.

“We will do anything we can to secure our borders from illegal smuggling, human trafficking etc,” she added.

Adepoju said NIS would work in synergy with schools to educate the youth about the dangers of illegal migration.

She advised Nigerians to follow the right processes in acquiring visas and passports. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Peace Advocate (NPA), a civil society group, has commended the National Assembly (NASS) for the seamless confirmation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa and other service chiefs.

The Commander of the group, Mr Obinna Obiozor, gave the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Obiozor said the timely confirmation of the service chiefs was a testimony of the belief the NASS had in them.

He said that President Bola Tinubu made the right choice in the new service chiefs, as they have the potentials to sustain the synergy and drive against terrorists and bandits.

“The distinguish members of the Senate are not unaware of the sterling performance of the CDS during his time as Theater Commander (TC), Operation Hadin Kai, hence the confidence reposed in him to quickly get down to work.

“We congratulate the CDS and his team for the confirmation of their appointments by the National Assembly.

“For the CDS, Nigerians want to quickly see you repeat the magic that saw people of the North-East begin to return to their various means of livelihood during your tenure as Theatre Commander,” he said.

The group appealed to those causing crisis in the South-East to lay down their arms, saying that economic development of the region was being affected negatively.

According to the group, the people cannot continue to destroy themselves.

“We are confident that the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the CDS has an answer for those who don’t want peace and development to reign in the South-East,” the group added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed