By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Lagos Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service has called for more collaboration and support to enhance its operations, especially in the area of education.

The Controller of the command, Mr George Daramola, made the call at the matriculation of 14 inmates of Ikoyi Medium Security Custodial Centre, who gained admission into the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), in Lagos.

Daramola said that education remained the best legacy to bequeath to the citizenry irrespective of status.

He added that no meaningful progress would be achieved by any nation, if its citizens would not be exposed to education.

“I was elated when I learnt about this ceremony although this is not the first time this is happening.

“It is part of the achievements of the service to put this in place to give the inmates a sense of belonging while they serve their sentences and even hereafter.

“This ceremony is to make them know that they are not forgotten and that government is doing everything within its power to ensure integration for them into the larger society,” he said.

He praised NOUN management for efforts in education.

Daramola frowned at stigmatisation of prisoners after serving their sentences.

“The public must see them as part of the society.

“We equip them with various skills while they are here; therefore, the society should embrace, accept and welcome them wholeheartedly, avoid any form of stigmatisation and give them hope,” he said.

He advised the matriculating inmates to remain focused.

According to him, being in incarceration does not imply having nothing more to offer.

“You all wilfully chose to enrol into the university to further your studies; you must, therefore, be conscious of what you are doing.

“You have lofty goals, and you must aim at achieving it. You must realise that being behind bars is not the end of the world.

“Learning is a continuous process. We are here to reshape your lives, to reform you,” he said.

On challenges faced by the correctional centre, he said that there was the need for more interventions from stakeholders in the area of logistics.

“Government alone cannot do it all. The Federal Government has done a lot in correctional centres, but we still need more support.

“Let me seize this opportunity to commend the Lagos State Government for the support it has been rendering, especially in the area of logistics.

“We want to appeal for more vehicles for conveying inmates from our custodial centres to the various courts across the state.

“We also need drugs for inmates in the various custodial centres. We want to call on NGOs, churches and public-spirited individuals to come to our aid,” he said.

Daramola expressed concern over delayed dispensation of justice.

“This is one area that needs to be looked into in a bid to decongest the facilities.”

He said that some crimes did not warrant the offender to be in custody.

“Such could be handled through non-custodial service such as fine, parole, probation and restorative justice, among others,” the controller stated.

Mr Julius Ebereonwu, Deputy Controller, Corrections, Ikoyi Medium Custodial Centre, reiterated the centre’s commitment to delivering quality education to all inmates desirous of further learning.

According to him, there are lots of opportunities for inmates through education, irrespective of where they have found themselves.

“We a running university education here behind the prison walls.

“We are running an all-inclusive educational programme, from primary through the university level.

The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Femi Peters, commended the matriculating students for taking a bold step, saying that it was the beginning of their greatness.

Peters, who was represented by Prof. Fisayo Arowosegbe, an official of the university, noted that the vision of NOUN was to ensure that place, time or distance would not hinder education.

“The body can be imprisoned or caged, but your mind can’t be caged,” he told the inmates.

The Principal of the custodial facility’s school, ASC Ondache Balogun, said that the inmates were admitted into various programmes such as Peace Study and Conflict Resolution, Christian Theology, Philosophy and Political Science. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Ijeoma Popoola

By Chukwuemeka Opara

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ebonyi Command has warned its personnel, who recently underwent arms training, that it will not tolerate any case of accidental discharge.

The State Commandant of the corps, Mr Francis Nnadi, gave the warning in Abakaliki while addressing a guard of honour mounted for him by the 83 personnel.

Nnadi charged the personnel who were trained at the 14 Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Ohafia, Abia to stick to all rules of engagement.

“One should be more disciplined when armed and you must make vigilance your watchword.

“The commandant general of the corps has a mantra of rejuvenating and reinvigorating the corps and all state commands are proactively striving to achieve this mandate,” he said.

The state commandant remarked that the command was collaborating with the state government to secure the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, Onueke.

“We also have the mandate of protecting critical infrastructure in the state as the arms training will be handy in actualising the mandates.

“We would be deploying the personnel across the state to effectively utilise their expertise.

“Criminals and non-state actors are upping their skills but we have to be far above them to check their activities, he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the skills exhibited by the trainees during the parade, describing them as exceptional.

“Most of them had earlier undergone special forces, counter-terrorism and other forms of large and medium scale trainings,” he said.

The Ebonyi Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Richard Idike, congratulated the trainees and urged them to effectively practicalise all they learnt.

“The society is grappling with rising criminal activities and we need enhanced training for security operatives to check such.

“The training NSCDC personnel underwent from the army makes them unique and the state has benefitted tremendously from it.

“The state commandant has performed exceptionally and the increase in personnel performance is evident,” he said.

One of the trained personnel, Florence Nweke, thanked the state commandant for affording them the training opportunity and pledged to be more dedicated to her duty. (NAN)(www.nannews.nan)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says at 61, it is celebrating years of dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Air Commodore Sylvester Eyoma, Chairman, Organising Committee, NAF@61 Celebration/4th International Air Force Forum, said this in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on the activities lined up for the celebration.

Eyoma said that NAF had, in its more than its 61 years of existence, undergone significant transformation in its organisation, manning, and equipment holding.

He noted that the transformation had tremendously bolstered the capacity of the service to effectively deliver on its constitutional mandates.

According to him, NAF has been at the forefront of efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other criminal acts across the nation.

“Through precision air strikes, coordinated operations, and advanced surveillance, we have recorded significant operational successes.

“These have contributed to weakening terrorists’ networks, disrupting their logistics, and supporting ongoing efforts of own troops and other security agencies in tackling the myriads of security challenges bedevilling our nation.

“Therefore, today, we are celebrating 61 years of dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he said.

Eyoma said the theme, “Optimising Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations” was in recognition of the citizenry as worthy partner in the efforts to secure the country.

He said that several activities had been lined up for the celebration, adding that some were already ongoing, starting with the Chief of the Air Staff’s Literary Competition, which was opened from between Feb. 10 and 22.

According to him, part of the anniversary events is the Open Day Visits and Career talks that have been held across NAF bases from May 1 and will terminate tomorrow (Tuesday).

He said this had provided rare opportunities for members of the public to visit NAF bases, interact with NAF personnel and get to know more about their air force.

Eyoma added that some Quick Impact Projects would be inaugurated across NAF operations theatre.

“One of the projects is a clinic that has been constructed in Rukubi Community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where some civilians lost their lives in January 2023, due to an unfortunate airstrike,” he said.

Eyoma disclosed that the Augusta 109S Trekker Helicopter would also be inducted by President Bola Tinubu at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet on Friday as part of the NAF@61 celebration.

He said that the anniversary celebration would transit to the 4th African Air Forces Forum, which according to him, will present an opportunity to build on the progress made so far in furtherance of regional security cooperation.

“It is intended to strengthen our collaborative efforts in employing advanced aerospace technologies to bolster our capacities to address national and regional security challenges.

“The theme of the Fourth African Air Forces Forum is: ‘Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security”.

“For this high-profile event, there will be a gathering of air force chiefs, defense experts, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to discuss advancements in air power and regional security cooperation.

“We are expecting more than 2,000 participants at the conference and exhibitions that are scheduled for May 22 and 23.

“They include 30 air forces and 12 chiefs of air staff, 45 exhibitors as well as major defence and aerospace players like Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, HAVELSAN, Jet Aviation.

“Others are Starlite Aviation Group, Proforce and of course our own Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is to revise its policies to better accommodate and empower female drivers across the country.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the “Women on Wheels” summit on Tuesday in Abuja, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, described the initiative as a transformative platform for promoting gender inclusion, skill development and safety.

The corps marshal was represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr Clement Oladele.

He said that the recent evaluations revealed that the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS), used for training and certifying haulage and fleet operators, had previously made no tailored provision for women.

This, he said was a gap the corps was now addressing.

“Considering the importance of women in the society being the primary source of the socialisation process for children and families, the inculcation of safe driving habits and safe road use to them becomes crucial.

“It is notable that as at January 2025, there are 1,225,704 licensed female drivers in Nigeria. When unlicensed female drivers are added, the figures will undoubtedly be much more.

“As you are all aware that Road Traffic Injuries are leading cause of deaths among young people aged five to 29 years (these are our sons and daughters).

“What future does the country have, if our youths are wasted on the highway in their prime through mishaps that could have been avoided?

“We are, therefore, reviewing the policy document for inclusivity. There is the need for formal training and licensing,” he said.

Mohammed said that the corps was concerned that many women still prefer informal training from spouses or relatives, rather than enrolling in certified driving schools under the Driving School Standardisation Programme (DSSP).

He said “this does not ensure comprehensive understanding of safety. We urge women to attend certified driving schools and become fully trained.

“Women on Wheels” is more than a programme – it is a movement. It is about empowering women to take control of their journey, to challenge outdated norms and to contribute meaningfully to road safety, transportation and national development.

“It is my fervent hope that this initiative will not end here. “Women on Wheels” will now become an annual programme, providing consistent support, training, and recognition for women in mobility across Nigeria.

“The corps remains committed to supporting and licensing qualified female drivers. The Federal Road Safety has developed standard curriculum for all driving,” he said.

The corps marshal said that FRSC has already recruited female drivers into its operational team and encouraged more women to see driving as a dignified and promising vocation.

He assured that the outcomes of the programme would be reviewed for potential adoption in future FRSC policy decisions.

“Women are naturally careful and responsible on the road. This initiative is a step toward positioning them not just as drivers but as leaders in transportation and road safety,” he added.

In her remarks, the President of the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA), Dr Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, announced plans to take its “Women on Wheels” programme to the grassroots.

This, she said, would be part of efforts to reach more women with road safety education and empowerment.

She emphasised the need to extend the programme beyond urban centres to ensure rural women benefit from the campaign.

She added that sensitising grassroots women would help improve awareness of road safety, licensing requirements, and driving skills, particularly among those who have not undergone formal training.

“We’re just kicking off in Abuja, but in the near future we intend to hold it twice a year and take it to the grassroots.

“Many women in rural areas do not have access to phones or digital platforms. Reaching them directly is vital, because that is where the masses are,” she said.

In her goodwill message, President, National Council of Women’s Societies, (NCWS), Mrs Ednah Azura, expressed its commitment to expand the reach of the “Women on Wheels” initiative through nationwide mobilisation and advocacy.

Azura described the event as a landmark step toward empowering Nigerian women, especially in the transport and road safety sectors.

“As the umbrella body of all women’s organisations in Nigeria, we see this as a model initiative. With what ROSOWA has done, our job now is to focus on mass mobilisation.

“We’ll take this message to every part of the country and ensure it is heard even at the global level,” she said.

She urged women to become more informed and proactive in areas beyond mobility, including politics and self-representation during elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “Women on Wheels” campaign, initiated by ROSOWA in collaboration with the Corps Transport Safety Office (CTSO) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), seeks to reduce the number of unlicensed and untrained female drivers on Nigerian roads.

This would be done through advocacy, training, and support programmes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Sadiya Hamza