By Ibironke Ariyo

Media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are crucial in driving reforms in Nigeria’s correctional centres, an independent investigative panel scribe has  said.

Dr Uju Agomoh, the Secretary, Independent Investigative Panel of Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, Cruel Inhumane and Degrading Treatments against Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), stated this during the second public hearing of the panel with the media and CSOs in Abuja.

According to her, the media and CSOs are vital change agents and pressure groups that can ensure lasting reforms.

Agomoh, who doubles as the Founder of the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), said that the media was a very important partner in ensuring sustainability of reforms in the nation’s correctional centres.

This, she said, was the reason behind letting the media make recommendations to the panel.

She added that the media was part of the CSOs working to end corruption, inhumane treatments and all forms of abuse allegations against the correctional system in Nigeria.

“As part of the panel’s work, we have a daily briefing with the media because if we want reforms, we must ensure that the frequency and the quality of reportage on issues being discussed on correctional reforms are well presented.

“This is also because the only time the policy makers will take correctional service reforms very seriously is when they get the right information.

“This doesn’t come easy but it can be achieved through coordinated media reportage.

“This is a golden opportunity for the NCoS and Nigerians to understand these issues affecting the agency and the panel is open to hear inputs from everyone,” she said.

Responding to issues on the lack of access to correctional centres by journalists for ‘on the site’ reports or eyewitnesses, Agomoh explained that the custodial facilities have always been restricted.

She said this also included CSOs, adding that years of advocacy had opened up a little space in terms of access to such facilities.

“I quite understand how challenging it is to be allowed into custodial centres because PRAWA’s very first audiovisual titled ‘Echoes from Prisons’, was shot inside the correctional facility.

“Subsequently, we tried to organise some kind of trainings in partnership with the NCoS for 52 journalists from 51 media houses.

“It was part of this training that some journalists for the first time went into the facilities.

“So, it is a very good synergy between the media and NCoS to advance the partnership,” the panel secretary said.

She said that some CSOs raised concerns over allegations that correctional officers were not giving inmates donations made for their upkeep.

These, she said, were in the forms of food, medical supplies and toiletries donated for their use, alleging further that they took them for personal use.

“CSOs have emphasised the need for a reliable database to track all interventions, including donations, made to correctional facilities.

“This database would promote transparency and acknowledge the efforts of supporters, encouraging them to continue their contributions,’’ she said.

Earlier, Acting Controller-General (ACG) of  NCoS, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, maintained that CSOs and media were critical partners of the service.

Nwakuche, who was represented by Assistant Controller General (ACG) Ibrahim Idris, described CSOs and Media as change agents that often spoke on germane issues concerning the NCoS.

“This is because the officers as civil servants may not be able to take on the government on certain issues.

“These set of organisations, the media, NGOs and CSOs, are our lifelines. Our partnerships and collaborations with them cannot be underestimated.

“While we are not overruling the existence of ‘bad eggs’ in the service, donations made to inmates are handed over to the inmates,” he said.

Additionally, other key areas of focus were highlighted, including the vital role of academia in enhancing the service’s capabilities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Deji Abdulwahab

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Nigerian Army has advised residents of Enugu State not to panic upon witnessing heavy movement of troops and equipment, or hearing gunshots, between March 17 and March 20.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, gave the advice in Enugu on Thursday.

According to Unuakhalu, the activity is part of a week-long range classification exercise by Nigerian Army personnel.

“In line with the Army Headquarters Training Directives for 2025, the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army will conduct its first range classification exercise of the year from Monday, March 17 to Thursday, March 20, 2025.

“The range classification will take place at the Army Training Area in Udi Local Government Area (LGA), located just outside the Enugu metropolis.

“The exercise is designed to sharpen the shooting skills of officers and soldiers in the Division, as well as assess the serviceability of weapons that have not been deployed in operations,” he added.

Unuakhalu further assured the public, especially residents of Ogbede, Ukehe, Umoka, Affa, Ochima, and Onyohor communities in Udi LGA, that there was no cause for alarm.

He urged them not to panic on sighting heavy movement of troops and equipment or hearing gunshots during the specified dates.

“Additionally, locals are advised to steer clear of the range area throughout the exercise, as it will involve the use of live ammunition,” he said.

“Thank you for your usual cooperation, and please accept the warmest regards of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army,” Unuakhalu added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to develop world-class medical infrastructure and trained professionals to support its operations.

Abubakar said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of the NAF Medical Conference 2025.

The conference has as its theme: “Enhancing Effective Medical Services in Support of NAF Operations by Evolving Strategies for Sustainable Healthcare Management”.

He said the world had undergone profound changes, bringing new challenges and heightened demands on military healthcare, adding that medical preparedness was not just a support function but a force multiplier.

According to him, one principle remains constant; a healthy force is a capable force. Ensuring the well-being of our personnel is not just a duty but a fundamental pillar of mission success.

“This enduring connection between quality healthcare and operational effectiveness will form the crux of our discussions over the next two days.

“Our goal is to explore innovative strategies and strengthen this critical nexus, ensuring that NAF’s medical services remain agile, resilient, and responsive to the evolving airpower demands of national security.

“Our airmen and women operate in high-risk environments that demand peak physical and mental readiness.

“We must align our medical services with the contemporary realities of modern warfare, where rapid response, trauma care, and mental resilience are just as critical as air superiority.

“As we expand our capabilities with the procurement of new platforms, it is imperative that we have a medical framework capable of supporting our evolving operational demands.”

The CAS said that NAF took pride in its nearly 2,000 medical professionals, and its extensive network of 54 medical establishments across the country.

He added that the facilities comprised of 13 hospitals, 41 well-equipped medical centres and clinics, and two renowned schools of medical sciences.

According to him, this comprehensive healthcare infrastructure not only provides top-notch medical care to serving and retired personnel, but also extends services to members of the public.

“It fosters a spirit of civil-military cooperation and underscoring our commitment to the security and well-being of all Nigerians.

“Under my leadership, we have taken deliberate steps to strengthen the Medical Services Branch.

“We have prioritised the training and development of medical personnel, equipping them with the necessary skills to meet modern healthcare challenges.

“Several NAF medical professionals have undergone specialised training in aviation medicine in the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan, and India, ensuring they are well-equipped to support and sustain the health of our air and ground crew.

“Our doctors are undergoing residency training in specialised fields at various tertiary institutions, bolstering our medical expertise,” he added.

Abubakar said that NAF had implemented several other initiatives in the area of training and capacity building to boost its medical services across the country.

He said that the revitalisation of the 061 Aeromedical Centre, which now boasts of the state-of-the-art facilities, was one of their significant achievements.

According to him, NAF is in the process of re-accreditating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for pilot certification, with the goal of transforming the centre into a hub for aerospace medicine that meets international standards.

“Additionally, we are nearing completion of a trauma centre at the 465 NAF Hospital in Kano, which will provide specialised care for personnel engaged in ongoing operations in the Northwest and Northeast.

“We have expanded and upgraded medical facilities across various NAF bases, including the recently established 065 NAF Hospital in Abuja, ensuring better healthcare access for our personnel and their families.”

The Chief of Medical Services, NAF, AVM Anthony Ekpe, in his remarks, said that the conference aimed to articulate ways of providing efficient medical services in support of NAF operations in line with the command philosophy of the CAS.

Ekpe said that the theme of the conference reflected their commitment to addressing the pressing issues in healthcare delivery within NAF.

He thanked the CAS for his unwavering support to the medical services branch, adding that the branches had achieved milestones in recent times. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, has condemned the use of a worn-out tyre on one of the corps’ patrol vehicles in Ondo State.

Mohammed ordered the immediate sanction of the Sector Commander, under whose jurisdiction the infraction occurred.

The FRSC boss said that the Corps had zero tolerance for any form of compromise against its core values and safety standards.

He explained that a vehicle intercepted was booked for infraction, but the Sector Commander would be made to pay the fine for his negligence, in addition to being sanctioned.

“The FRSC has been inundated with a very disturbing video that has gone viral on the information environment.

“This is particularly on social media; regarding one of its patrol vehicles, under the Ondo State Sector Command, captured operating with a worn-out tyre.

“While we commend the public for their watch dog role over the services we provide, it is important to state without any delay that this very act is a complete negation of the corps’ core values.

“This includes, as well as operating procedures on maximum safety standards for all operational and administrative vehicles of the Corps,” he said.

The FRSC boss reiterated the corps’ commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, especially in vehicle maintenance, and pledged to continue enhancing its safety protocols.

Mohammed said that the corps’ management would continue to supervise field commands diligently, while commanding officers were expected to uphold the corps’ ideals.

“It is, therefore, apt to remind the motoring public that the FRSC remains a pace-setter amongst agencies in Nigeria and we will continue to enhance on the mileages achieved in that regard over the years,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Ayudantees Empowerment Initiatives (AYI), a civil society group, has faulted the recent report by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), ranking Nigeria as the 6th most affected by terrorism in the world.

The Executive Director of AYI, Mr Amechi Oyema, stated this while briefing newsmen in reaction to the GTI report on Monday in Abuja.

Oyema said the report did not reflect the situation on ground, and questioned the methodology used by the organisation and the authorities involved in the study that led to the report.

He questioned whether the Nigerian authorities were carried along and whether the report considered that the bandits and terrorists were under pressure as a result of intensive operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“Did they consider the number of bandits, terrorists among others that have surrendered to our troops and the number that have been neutralised in battlefield?

“Did they consider the aggression with which our troops are pursuing the enemies of our country?

“Today, we stand with the Defence Headquarters to declare that the report is not valid because we believe the GTI should have considered reports on ground and analysed them critically before submitting the report,” he said.

Oyema expressed concern that the recent GTI report could cause apprehension in the society, adding that the people must be considered before reports like this were released.

“Our troops making sacrifices should not be demoralised. We need to support them.

“Hence, AYI like the DHQ is advising the public, especially the media, to ignore the report.

“The troops under the able leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, must be supported.

“We must not generate reports that don’t reflect what is on ground,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Obinna Unaeze

The Anambra Government says it has begun the digital registration of hotels and entertainment centres in the state as part of measures to tackle insecurity in the state.

Mr Don Onyenji, the state Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, said this in Awka, during a one-day interactive session with hotel owners in the state.

“One of the major factors that is critical to tourism and entertainment industries is security.

“Therefore, we have started the process of digitalisation of hotels and entertainment centres in Anambra State to know where you are, what you are doing and how you are doing it.

“This will help us to know your challenges, proffer solutions to them, and also improve your services,” he said.

According to him, the Anambra State Government wants to make the state a place where people can come, invest and relax.

Onyenji said that no nation could grow without these industries being restructured, responsive and well managed.

He said that the state government was poised to make the industries function to international standard.

He added that government had embarked on construction and rehabilitation of 700 kilometres of roads across the state to support the sector.

The commissioner said that out of the roads, 400 kilometres had been completed.

“Right now, Anambra State has taken a different shape, that is why more hotels are being established.

“The state government is currently developing five tourism centres in the state.

“Beyond these, we are going to do a master plan that will encourage the development of rural tourism,” he said.

He stressed the need for hospitality industry in the state to adhere to international standards, hence the digitalisation and the “Homeland Security Law” of the state.

Similarly, Mr Gilbert Ibezim, Deputy Governor of the state, urged the hoteliers to read and digest the Homeland Security Laws of the state to enable them implement it to tackle insecurity and attract investment.

Ibezim tasked the hotel owners on functional Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in their hotels to also help ensure security.

Earlier, Mr Christian Udechukwu, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, urged the hoteliers to set aside money to upgrade their facilities.

According to him, this is to ensure compliance with international standards and the Homeland Security Law of the state.

Mr Kingsley Ezika, Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Security (anti-cultism) said the Homeland Security Law, enabled the state to profile and digitalise hotels and entertainment centres in the state.

Ezika said that with the new law, guests in hotels across the state must present valid identification issued by the government.

“All hotel guests must present valid identification such as the National Identification Card, international passport or voter cards, among others.

“Upon registration at the hotel, the details of the guest will be downloaded and forwarded to the government,” he said.

Chief Ifeanyi Nwokoye, Chairman, Association of Hotel Owners in the state, assured government that members of the association would comply with the government laws and regulatory bodies.

Nwokoye, represented by the Vice- Chairman, Mr Taiwo Ogunshola, appealed to the state government to help improve power supply to enable them save cost of running generators in their hotels.

He urged the government to tackle the issue of multiple taxation against the hoteliers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government enacted the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, on Jan. 17; to combat criminal activities.

According to Soludo, the law will address the root causes of crime and restore the state’s reputation for moral integrity.

NAN also reports that the police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency were part of the meeting. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Greg Maduakolam/Maureen Atuonwu