NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Isoni assumes command of AHQ Garrison
Defence/Security

Isoni assumes command of AHQ Garrison

680 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

 

The new Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, has assumed office following the recent appointment and redeployment of senior officers across Nigerian army formations and units.

 

Isoni took over from the erstwhile Commander, Maj.-Gen. Kabiru Garba, on Friday at Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja.

 

The new commander was until his recent appointment the Deputy Theater Commander Joint Task Force Northeast, Operation Hadin Kai.

 

He commended his predecessor for doing a good job during his tour of duty and urged officers and men of the command to support to him to achieve more.

 

The immediate past Commander, Maj.-Gen. Garba, in his valedictory speech appreciated officers and soldiers for their support, loyalty and commitment throughout his tour of duty.

 

He urged them to continue to work together as a team in order to make his successor’s tenure worthwhile.

 

Highlights of the event were signing of handing and taking-over notes, decoration of the new Commander with AHQ Garrison Insignia, hoisting of new command flag at the quarter guard and group photograph to signify a new era. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Maharazu Ahmed

 

 

GOC assures officers, soldiers of adequate welfare package
Defence/Security

GOC assures officers, soldiers of adequate welfare package

185 total views today

 

 

 

By Raji Rasak
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, has assured officers and soldiers of 15 Engineer Regiment, Topo Barracks, Badagry, of adequate welfare package.
Ajunwa gave the assurance during the commissioning of Commanding Officer’s House and other projects at the Barracks on Friday.
According to the GOC, the welfare of officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army is the utmost mind of our Chief of Army Staff which conforms with his command philosophy.
“We have come to commission the projects, look at them, move around and then make sure the rightful owners get it.
“And also to tell others that their welfare is the utmost priority of our COAS,” he said.
Addressing the wives of the soldiers in the Barracks, Obinna assured them that the renovation of quarters would be done, accordingly.
“We value the life of everyone in the Barracks no matter how small you are.
“I want to assure you that we will be picking some of your quarters one by one and renovate them gradually. So, if they didn’t renovate it now, they will do it later,” he said
Ajunwa appealed to the soldiers’ wives to take care of their children and homes.
The newly inaugurated Commanding Officer’s Residence at 15 Engineering Regiment Barracks, Topo, Badagry.
“Importantly, you must take care of your children, make sure they go to school because your husbands are always out.
“Also take care of your homes, so that your husbands will have peace of mind,” he said.
In his remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Liadi, the Commanding Officer of the Barracks, said some of the projects to be commissioned include the new Commanding Officer’s residence and renovated Officers’ Mess.
“Others are Regiment Headquarters and four blocks of Corporal and Below Quarters, as well as solar-powered borehole.
“These projects are among the numerous interventions of the COAS in fulfillment of his commitment towards improving structures and facilities throughout the NA.
“The various projects have undoubtedly motivated this Barracks community, thus achieving one of the cardinal pillars of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
“The philosophy is “To Transform the NA into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.
“It is important to add that the projects would not have come to fruition without commitment and excellent leadership of our amiable GOC,” he said.
Liadi, on behalf of the officers, men and the entire Topo Barracks community, expressed profound appreciation to the GOC for his unflinching support and commitment towards improving their well-being.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the GOC was accompanied on his visit by three Principal Staff Officers from 81 Division Headquarters, two Brigade Commanders and three Commanding Officers, all from Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ROR/BEKl/AWA
=======
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/ Olawunmi Ashafa
Brig.-Gen. Edet takes over as Commander 14 Brigade
Defence/Security

Brig.-Gen. Edet takes over as Commander 14 Brigade

587 total views today
By Leonard Okachie
 Brig.-Gen. Nsikak John Edet taken has  taken over Command of 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army with its headquarters at Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks Ohafia, Abia.
Edet in a statement issued to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Friday, by the Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Lt. Innocent Omale,  took over from Brig.-Gen. Adegoke Adetuyi.
The new commander promised that the Brigade would meet tasks and assigned mandates under his watch.
He said that he would synergise with all stakeholders to ensure that the much needed peace was achieved in Abia and its environs .
Edet further said that his command would provide the conducive environment for well-meaning citizens to carry out their normal life without molestation or threats of any kind.
He warned all criminals to stay away from his domain as it was no longer business as usual.
The commander also called  on all loyal citizens to collaborate with him, while admonishing criminals and evil ones  to repent from their illicit acts, turn new leaves and become good and better citizens.
He  also assured of his command’s cooperation with other security agencies and meaningful dialogue with appropriate authorities to tackle security challenges.
He warned evil doers and criminals to stop killing of innocent persons.
Edet  expressed delight in the successes recorded by the outgoing commander and promised to consolidate on it to achieve the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
According to him, the COAS’ philosophy is to “Transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
In his farewell speech, the outgone commander,  Brig. Gen. Adetuyi thanked officers and men of the Brigade for the successes recorded during his tour of duty.
He said that those successes, were achievable achievable through God’s Grace and their collective efforts.
He urged them to extend same support  and dedication to the new commander. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Vivian Ihechu
NAF trainer aircraft crashes in Makurdi
Defence/Security

NAF trainer aircraft crashes in Makurdi

124 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) FT-7NI trainer aircraft crashed at about 4.15p.m. on Friday in Makurdi, Benue, while on routine training exercise.

 

The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

 

Gabkwet said the two pilots on board survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the aircraft.

 

According to him, there was no loss of lives or damage to any property around the area of impact.

 

“Both pilots are currently under observation at NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi.

 

“Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, AVM Hassan Abubakar, has constituted a Board of Inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Angela Okisor/Maharazu Ahmed

24 countries to attend NDC Course – former Commandant
Defence/Security

24 countries to attend NDC Course – former Commandant

158 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The former Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, says 24 countries will participate in the College’s Course 32 in 2024.

Bashir said already 20 countries are participating in Course 31, and four other countries have indicated interest to be part of course 32.

Bashir made this known in Abuja on Friday during the Pulling Out Parade to mark his retirement from active service.

He said the college had recorded milestone in the last 17 months he served as commandant, especially in the areas of curriculum development, infrastructure and welfare.

The outgoing commandant said the efforts had led to expansion of infrastructure, to boost academic activities.

He added that the college had also tremendously overhauled its information and technology facilities to enhance research.

“It is also noteworthy that the efforts made during my tour of duty have enhanced the status and reputation of the college.

“To buttress this point in the past 17 months, the college recorded a total of 52 visits, which comprised 18 from members of the diplomatic corps and international military institutions, while 34 visits were from strategic ministries, departments and agencies.

“Suffice it to state that all the visits were geared towards different possible collaborations with the college to enhance security and development.

“While some of these visits have yielded immediate gains, the outcome of some are yet to come to fruition. The visits have further proved the status of the college internationally.

“Pertinently, we have 21 international participants from 20 different countries undergoing course 31 and for the next course 32, we are expecting participants from four additional countries,” he said.

The former commandant said that NDC had in the last 17 months made efforts to achieve stable power supply, through the installation of an independent power plant.

Bashir added that the College had also embarked on tremendous infrastructural development in terms of accommodation and construction of a Secondary School among others.

“In terms of curricula, we have made cautious efforts to introduce changes to make it more responsive to current and emerging security and developmental challenges.

“In this light, we have embedded the Masters programme in the 11 months duration of the Higher Strategic Course even though the participants will still have to have their convocations at either the Nigerian Defence Academy or University of Ibadan.

“Going forward, we have initiated steps to transform the college into a full-fledged university where the masters programme will be completely domiciled in the college.

“In addition, the College initiated a joint capstone exercise between the National Defence College and the Services War Colleges in order to enhance the interface between the strategic and operational levels of warfare in the field.

“The maiden exercise will be conducted next month.”

He added that the college had introduced short courses like the Policy Implementation and Analysis course and the Strategic Analysis course which had participants from the Armed Forces of Nigeria and strategic ministries, departments and agencies.

“This is in line with our believe in the whole of society approach, which is considered to be a more holistic approach and which is gaining currency globally.

“I must also mention that the Center for Strategic Research and Studies has been repositioned for better service delivery, considering its status as a think tank for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and indeed the country.

“In this regard, the center has organised many international conferences, seminars and roundtables and the outputs have been forwarded to appropriate superior authorities for further necessary action,” he said.

Bashir attributed the successes to the support of staff and the governing board and urged them to extend the same support and cooperation to his successor, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu.

He urged the participants of course 31, who had endured the rigours of the course, to remain focused for the remaining period to be able to apply all they learnt to their services, organisations and countries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

NBTE inaugurates councils on traditional medicine, homeland security
Defence/Security , Health

NBTE inaugurates councils on traditional medicine, homeland security

228 total views today

 

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

 

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) on Thursday inaugurated two Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) on traditional herbal medicine and homeland security.

The Executive Secretary, NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, explained during the inauguration in Abuja, that the goal was to promote indigenous skills on traditional medicine and improve security in the country.

This, according to him, will boost the development of local pharmaceutical raw materials and products, and equip local security groups with requisite skills to confront security challenges.

Bugaje described the SSCs as an “independent employer-led organisations” that build skills systems, adding that it would be driven by employer demand.

He said that the SSC on traditional medicine would effectively monitor and ensure that training in herbal medicine was delivered according to laid down rules.

He added that the council would supervise all training to ensure that the guidelines were followed appropriately.

The NBTE boss also said that the initiative would increase opportunities to boost skills and productivity of those working in herbal medicine.

He said that the NBTE has developed the National Occupational Standards (NOS) on herbal medicine practice.

He added that the NOS was developed after a series of workshops with relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and herbal medicine practitioners across the six geo-political zones.

He said that the Director-General of the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), would serve as the Chairman of the Council on traditional medicine with the RMRDC Headquarters as its secretariat.

On the Sector Skills Council on Homeland Security, Bugaje said that despite the huge investment in the security sector, criminal activities across the country were still on the rise.

“We have noticed a lot of challenges with respect to homeland security, especially with the effect of insurgency and banditry which have refused to go.

“The development is worrisome despite the massive resources being invested to tackle security challenges by successive governments.

“Boko Haram insurgency started in the North East and later spread to other parts of the country in the forms of banditry and other acts of criminality.

“This is largely because the local response to insurgency across the country was left for vigilante groups,” he said.

He pointed out that some of them were untrained, while others were without the necessary skills to effectively confront the bandits.

He said that the NBTE decided to work with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to develop a training manual for the training of local vigilantes.

He added that the NBTE further set up the SSC on Homeland Security with the NSCDC as the awarding body.

Bugaje urged state governors in the country to partner with the Council and work out ways to train their respective local vigilantes for optimal service.

This, he said, would equip the local security outfits with the requisite skills and equipment to confront local security challenges.

In his remarks, Prof. Hussaini Ibrahim, Director-General, RMRDC, described the initiative as a “crucial step” towards industrialisation and self-reliance.

‘’It stands as a symbol of our dedication to harnessing our indigenous skills for sustainable economic development’.

‘RMRDC has over the years made tremendous efforts in the development of pharmaceutical raw materials and products,” he said.

Similarly, the Commandant-General, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Dr Usman Jahun, commended the initiative, which he said, would significantly improve the performance informal security sector. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Philip Yatai

NCoS ready to test biofertilisers from factory in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre 
Defence/Security

NCoS ready to test biofertilisers from factory in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre 

143 total views today

 

 

 

By Augusta Uchediunor

 

The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of granulated organic fertilisers produced at the biofertiliser factory in the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Rivers.

The commendation comes after construction of the factory within six months of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Biofil Technology Nigeria Ltd.

Nababa gave the commendation during a working visit to the Biofertiliser factory at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, a statement by SC Juliet Ofoni , Command Public Relation Officer,Rivers, said on Wednesday.

The visit was to inspect and evaluate the biofertiliser factory and to collect samples for test in as many Correctional Farm Centres as possible.

It was also to procure same as off-takers for use in farms such as Elele Correction Farm Centre, Port-Harcourt.

The Controller General of Corrections (CGC) was represented by Deputy Controller General of Corrections, in the Inmates Training and Productivity (ITP) Directorate, Sylvester Nwakuche.

The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, visits Biofertiliser Factory in the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State as it begins production of organic fertiliser
The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, visits Biofertiliser Factory in the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of granulated organic fertiliser produced after construction of the factory within 6 months of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Biofil Technology Nigeria Ltd.

He called on investors to exploit the Public Private Partnership (PPP) window to maximise profit margins by investing on agro – allied ventures in the Nigerian Correctional Service.

He further urged the Biofil Technology to ensure that the best was utilised of the five-year test run tenure given in the MOU, noting that the packaging should carry the NCoS symbol to amplify the essence of partnership involved.

Earlier, the Controller of Corrections, in charge of Rivers State Command, Felix Lawrence, welcomed the CGC and his entourage to the state.

He appreciated the CGC for approving the construction of the renewable energy system in the centre.

According to him, the area was messed with rodents and waste litters, but is now a clean and safe working environment because of the value-added processing of biogas and biofertiliser from inmates’ humongous waste matters.

He also congratulated the untiring supervising officers and men of the state command assigned to the factory for avoiding ineptitude and redundancy leading to the marked success of the production in the factory.

The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, visits Biofertilizer Factory in the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, visits Biofertilizer Factory in the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Contributing, CC Raymond Jatau, stated that similar projects were being approved by the CGC across the country for improvement of sanitation, hygiene and enhancement of inmates training and rehabilitation

According to him, the sustainability of the project is the main purpose of the visit of the CGC through the high-power delegation to the site.

He stated that the Nigerian Correctional Officers Wives Association (NICOWA) would be involved in the distribution of the product once the Service procure the quantity its budget could accommodate.

In his brief, the Director of Biofil Technology Nigeria Ltd., Mr Ibikun Taiwo, appreciated the visit and stated that the MoU ab initio indicated that NCoS would be the sole off-taker.

He said they would buy the produce at a reduced price to preserve land from further degradation suffered due to use of inorganic fertilisers.

He promised that for now, 20 inmates would be trained on how to produce biofertilisers within six, to prepare them for re-integration.

On the benefits of the biofertiliser, he said: “ The bio-fertiliser option for NCoS has enormous advantages.

“They include the treatment of waste matter generated in custodial centres and the involvement of retirees in the business of biofertiliser sales.

“The bio fertilisers are purely organic and are safe to be used in all types of farms across the country for production of Organic Foods for healthy living.’’

According to him, the sewage is the main raw material for the adoption of a climate smart agricultural practice in the Correctional Service.

In an interview with the fact finding committee, an inmate in the production line confirmed that production capacity was about 500 bags of 50kg per day using a staff strength of 20 with 15 Inmates and five instructors working for less than six hours daily.

He said that higher production volume would have been achieved if three shifts were possible on site.

The site supervisor, SC O Clifford  said: “Inmates undergo formal training daily by working in the factory to enable them re- integrate properly into the society after they regain their freedom.

“ MoU is designed to enable inmates earn daily, which would be a source for support for their families and dependents outside the Custodial Centres.

“Efforts are on top gear to certificate qualified inmates to work with BTNL fertiliser firms when they eventually get discharged out of custody.

“Furthermore, records show that the Nigerian Correctional Service commissioned the public – private partnership in Biogas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas operated kitchen at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt in November 2020.

“And today it has graduated to the level of production of Bio- Fertilizers and gas for renewable energy option of the smart agric technology.

The statement said that those who were present at inspection visit included Assistant Controller General CN Ogwude, incharge of  Agriculture and  Controller of Corrections, DA Kupan incharge of Planning, Research and Statistics.

Also, the Controller of Corrections, RY Jatau from Works and Logistics and Deputy Controller of Corrections, KN Abubakar from Procurement unit.

The Incharge Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Deputy Controller of Corrections, EO Etim gave the vote of thanks and wished the committee safe trip back to Abuja. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

 

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

EFCC shifts from enforcement to crime prevention, seeks media support
Defence/Security

EFCC shifts from enforcement to crime prevention, seeks media support

131 total views today

By Moses Omorogieva

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its focus is shifting from enforcement to crime prevention.

The spokesman for EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujiaren, said this in Lagos on Thursday, during a workshop for some journalists on Financial Crimes Reporting.

He said that the essence of the workshop was to enable journalists covering the commission to key into the fight against economic and financial crimes and to update them of the commission’s activities.

Uwujiaren, who represented the acting Executive Chairman, Mr Abdulkarim Chukkol, said that, in preventing financial and economic crimes, the media was a critical partner.

“We believe that the media is critical in the fight against financial crimes, that is why we are here today to share knowledge and see how the media can help us, in preventing financial crimes, especially money laundering,” he said.

The spokesman recalled a time when they visited certain parts of the country and found it difficult to get hotel rooms.

He said they were told that this was because many rooms had been taken over by internet fraudsters popularly called “Yahoo boys”, urging  journalists to help in investigating and uncovering such happenings.

“This is an issue bordering on financial crimes and the fight is not meant for the EFCC alone, the media has to complement the commission,” he said.

The image maker advised members of the public to always fill forms while lodging in hotels, urging them to avoid falling victim to fraudsters,

According to Uwujiaren, hotel proprietors also have it as an obligation under the Money Laundering Act to report to the commission the activities of guests they suspect to be fraudsters.

He said members of the public must also report to EFCC any singular transaction from N5 million cash and above, as for individuals, and N10 million cash for organisations, stressing that failure to do so was criminal.

The spokesman said that the commission was expecting financial transaction reports always from designated non-financial businesses and professions, which include Casinos, car dealers, legal consultants and consulting companies.

He also listed dealers in machineries, precious stones, mechanised farming equipment, pool betting, mortgage brokers amongst others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 25 journalists drawn from the print, broadcast and online media organiations participated in the workshop.

Three papers were presented on “Understanding the new money laundering laws in relation to designated non-financial business and profession”,  “Investigative journalism and fight against money laundering”, and “New trends in cybercrime: how not to become a victim”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Benson Iziama/Oluwole Sogunle

Okoro assumes duty as 44th GOC of 2 Division
Defence/Security

Okoro assumes duty as 44th GOC of 2 Division

446 total views today

 

By Suleiman Shehu

Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro on Thursday in Ibadan assumed duty as the 44th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division of Nigerian Army.

Lt.-Col. Charles Ekeocha, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement.

Okoro, according to Ekeocha, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for finding him worthy to command the division.

“The new GOC then promised to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in him,” he said.

Ekeocha added that Okoro promised to propel the division to greater heights.

“He solicited the support of stakeholders and other security agencies in accomplishing the mandate of the COAS in ensuring a safe and secure environment for law-abiding citizens in the division’s area of responsibility.”

The new GOC, according to the statement, urged the troops under his command to brace up for relentless offensives against criminals in areas under the command.

“He expressed confidence in their ability to rid the South-West of violence and criminality.

“He also commended his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Usman, for the successes recorded in the division.”

In his farewell remarks, Usman thanked the troops for their support throughout his stay in the Division and solicited the same level of support for his successor.

“He (Usman) described Okoro as his course mate and friend and admonished the troops not to relent in providing the enabling environment for law-abiding citizens to do their businesses.

“He assured the troops that the new GOC would build on his legacies, thanking the COAS for believing in him once more and giving him the opportunity to command the 81 Division,” Ekeocha said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

(Edited by Angela Okisor and Olawale Alabi)

Port Harcourt Custodial Centre begins production of organic fertiliser
Business , Defence/Security

Port Harcourt Custodial Centre begins production of organic fertiliser

251 total views today

 

 

By Augusta Uchediunor

 

The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of granulated organic fertilisers produced at the biofertiliser factory in the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Rivers.

The commendation comes after construction of the factory within six months of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Biofil Technology Nigeria Ltd.

Nababa gave the commendation during a working visit to the Biofertiliser factory at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, a statement by SC Juliet Ofoni , Command Public Relation Officer,Rivers, said on Wednesday.

The visit was to inspect and evaluate the biofertiliser factory and to collect samples for test in as many Correctional Farm Centres as possible.

It was also to procure same as off-takers for use in farms such as Elele Correction Farm Centre, Port-Harcourt.

The Controller General of Corrections (CGC) was represented by Deputy Controller General of Corrections, in the Inmates Training and Productivity (ITP) Directorate, Sylvester Nwakuche.

 

 


Port Harcourt custodial centre begins production of organic fertiliser

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of granulated organic fertiliser produced after construction of the factory within 6 months of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Biofil Technology Nigeria Ltd.

He called on investors to exploit the Public Private Partnership (PPP) window to maximise profit margins by investing on agro – allied ventures in the Nigerian Correctional Service.

He further urged the Biofil Technology to ensure that the best was utilised of the five-year test run tenure given in the MOU, noting that the packaging should carry the NCoS symbol to amplify the essence of partnership involved.

Earlier, the Controller of Corrections, in charge of Rivers State Command, Felix Lawrence, welcomed the CGC and his entourage to the state.

He appreciated the CGC for approving the construction of the renewable energy system in the centre.

According to him, the area was messed with rodents and waste litters, but is now a clean and safe working environment because of the value-added processing of biogas and biofertiliser from inmates’ humongous waste matters.

He also congratulated the untiring supervising officers and men of the state command assigned to the factory for avoiding ineptitude and redundancy leading to the marked success of the production in the factory.

 

The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, visits Biofertilizer Factory in the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

Contributing, CC Raymond Jatau, stated that similar projects were being approved by the CGC across the country for improvement of sanitation, hygiene and enhancement of inmates training and rehabilitation

According to him, the sustainability of the project is the main purpose of the visit of the CGC through the high-power delegation to the site.

He stated that the Nigerian Correctional Officers Wives Association (NICOWA) would be involved in the distribution of the product once the Service procure the quantity its budget could accommodate.

In his brief, the Director of Biofil Technology Nigeria Ltd., Mr Ibikun Taiwo, appreciated the visit and stated that the MoU ab initio indicated that NCoS would be the sole off-taker.

He said they would buy the produce at a reduced price to preserve land from further degradation suffered due to use of inorganic fertilisers.

He promised that for now, 20 inmates would be trained on how to produce biofertilisers within six, to prepare them for re-integration.

On the benefits of the biofertiliser, he said: “ The bio-fertiliser option for NCoS has enormous advantages.

“They include the treatment of waste matter generated in custodial centres and the involvement of retirees in the business of biofertiliser sales.

“The bio fertilisers are purely organic and are safe to be used in all types of farms across the country for production of Organic Foods for healthy living.’’

According to him, the sewage is the main raw material for the adoption of a climate smart agricultural practice in the Correctional Service.

In an interview with the fact finding committee, an inmate in the production line confirmed that production capacity was about 500 bags of 50kg per day using a staff strength of 20 with 15 Inmates and five instructors working for less than six hours daily.

He said that higher production volume would have been achieved if three shifts were possible on site.

The site supervisor, SC O Clifford  said: “Inmates undergo formal training daily by working in the factory to enable them re- integrate properly into the society after they regain their freedom.

“ MoU is designed to enable inmates earn daily, which would be a source for support for their families and dependents outside the Custodial Centres.

“Efforts are on top gear to certificate qualified inmates to work with BTNL fertiliser firms when they eventually get discharged out of custody.

“Furthermore, records show that the Nigerian Correctional Service commissioned the public – private partnership in Biogas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas operated kitchen at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt in November 2020.

“And today it has graduated to the level of production of Bio- Fertilizers and gas for renewable energy option of the smart agric technology.

The statement said that those who were present at inspection visit included Assistant Controller General CN Ogwude, incharge of  Agriculture and  Controller of Corrections, DA Kupan incharge of Planning, Research and Statistics.

Also, the Controller of Corrections, RY Jatau from Works and Logistics and Deputy Controller of Corrections, KN Abubakar from Procurement unit.

The Incharge Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Deputy Controller of Corrections, EO Etim gave the vote of thanks and wished the committee safe trip back to Abuja. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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