By Christian Njoku

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has inaugurated a 70,000 litre solar-powered water project at Alesi in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is a Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation scheme, initiated by the COAS and implemented by Maj.-Gen. Hilary Nzan, the Commander, Four Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa.

NAN also reports that the strategic initiative is aimed at fostering improved relationship between the army and communities through the implementation of people-oriented projects.

The Nigerian Army had earlier provided solar-powered street lights in the community.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, the COAS said the project was designed to complement the existing infrastructure provided by the government and other stakeholders.

He said the water project would provide a sustainable source of clean water for the people of Alesi and its environs..

“This project will help to improve the people’s health, sanitation and overall quality of life,” he said.

Lagbaja said the army had implemented a number of people-oriented projects across the country to support the wellbeing of the communities.

He listed some of the projects to include construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools and laboratories, roads, town halls, water facilities, among others.

He pledged the commitment of the army to sustain initiatives capable of promoting the security of the nation and the wellbeing of the people.

Earlier, Nzan, said the army chose to implement a water project after consultation with the community.

He urged members of the community to ensure good maintenance culture while using the project to enable it to serve them better

Speaking on behalf of Alesi Community, Dr Odigha Odigha, a Community Leader, described the project as a good omen to the community.

He commended the army for the initiative and said that the water project would impact positively on the wellbeing of the people.

“This project is a huge relief to the community, it would help in the reduction of waterborne diseases such as cholera. It will also reduce the burden of long treks to the stream.

“We commend the Nigerian Army for its visionary interventions in the community, this has truly enhanced the relationship between the people of the community and the force,” he said

NAN reports that the inauguration ceremony was greeted with traditional dances and the conferment of the traditional title: “The Leader of People ” on the COAS.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker and Azubuike Okeh

By Fortune Abang

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has underscored the need for Nigeria to continually play key role towards sustainable peace, security and stability in the Sahel region.

Tuggar stated this while delivering a lecture titled: “Pathways to peace, security and stability in the Sahel: What Role for Nigeria?”, at the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the pathways to peace, security and stability in the Sahel are intertwined and interdependent.

Tuggar said: “We cannot have one without the other; no peace without security or stability, no security without peace or security and no stability without peace or security.

“The following is a precis of what I feel Nigeria should be doing to ensure a relatively safe and secure Sahel to its North and I say relative.

“By its very nature, history and etymology, the Sahel is a very dynamic region prone to fluidity that is often in conflict with centralised state systems.”

The minister explained the word Sahel as originated from the Arabic Al-Sahil to mean coast or shore of the Sahara.

He said that movement of people, goods, services and ideas within the Sahel and with the outside world led to the creation of a number of states and even empire.

He identified such states to include Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Kanem-Borno and Sokoto among others.

“There are lessons to learn from the rise and fall of these Sahelian States, in identifying role Nigeria should play in charting pathway to peace, security and stability in the Sahel.

“Nigeria must lead the way in relying on empiricism when analysing the Sahel. We must do away with certain exogenous and erroneous perceptions about the Sahel.

“The Sahel is not an empty ungoverned quarter, a terra nullius. Contrary to that, it has one of the fastest growing populations in the world. Niger currently has population of 24.2 million and is going to have 65 million by 2050.

“A large part of the Sahelian populace is Nomadic, which constitutes even more challenges in identifying and pathways to peace, security and stability in the region.

“There is often an over-simplification that goes thus: the Sahel is sparsely populated by nomadic groups Tuaregs, Bororo, Zaghawa, and many of them tend towards terrorism, and criminal activities.”

He reiterated that Nigeria must as hegemon in the region lead in providing more accurate and factual analyses, and interpretation of events in the Sahel.

He urged the NIA to pave way through its information collection process with more accurate taxonomy and labelling of conflict groups.

He said that not every act of crime, kidnapping for ransom, attack on community, and smuggling of weapons must be ascribed to stand-alone Jihadi or tribal group.

“We must develop our own insights to what is happening in our neighbourhood instead of relying on those of outsiders, to find pathways to peace, security and stability in the Sahel.

“Nigeria must lead the way in establishing the guard rails and we have seen the disastrous outcomes of allowing others frame the narratives in the Sahel.”  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Edith Nwapi

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has dismissed an application filed by  the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to travel to the UK medical treatment.

The EFCC charged Emefiele with criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

Among the allegations was that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated Jan. 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).

Besides he is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Emefiele in the amended charge was alleged to have, on Feb. 8, 2023 knowingly obtain, by false pretence, $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation vide a letter dated Jan. 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 “in line with Mr. President’s directive.”

Justice Hamza Muazu,dismissed the application in a ruling, adding that though the applicant stated that he would be away from July 28 to Sept 10, there was no medical appointment or invitation brought before the court.

He held that though the court had the discretion to grant leave but the applicant is standing trial in various charges in three courts, two in FCT and one in Lagos.

” The letter of invitation for medical follow up is not attached. As it stands now, I can not use my discretion to grant the application and he is standing trial in three courts.

” The application is hereby dismissed and the adjourned date for continuation of trial still stands,” he held.

At the proceedings of June 25, Enefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, informed the judge of the defendant’s application for medical leave.

The judge adjourned the hearing of the application until July 8.

On July 8, Emefiele through his lawyer, Labi Lawal, urged the court to release his passport, previously deposited as part of his bail conditions, to enable him to travel to the UK for medical treatment.

However, the prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, argued that no medical report was presented to the court showing that Emefiele was suffering from an ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria.

He added that the defence did not present any medical report showing that an ailment plagued Emefiele.

Lawal told the court that there was also no evidence to show that his ailment cannot be treated in Nigeria.

He also stated that Emefiele posed a flight risk due to his connections with co-conspirators abroad and ongoing trials in three different courts.

However, the defence counsel faulted the prosecution’s arguments as speculative.

He said an international red alert could ensure Emefiele is returned if he did not comply after the medical trip. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng )

edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Rukayat Adeyemi

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has inaugurated an accounting club at Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School (LAGGS) and equipped the school library with accountancy and motivational books.

Mrs Hilda Ozoh, National Chairperson of SWAN, while delivering her keynote address at the inauguration of the club named it: “SWAN/ICAN Future Accountants Club”, on Monday in Lagos.

Ozoh said that the accounting club would help the students with foundational understanding of financial information structure and enhance their accounting literacy.

She noted that the club aimed to support all students, enabling them to work closely with their peers, develop soft skills, and gain practical experience.

“The club will help students develop a broad understanding of financial concepts and tools, boost their competence and self-discipline, and increase their awareness of ethics and social responsibility.

“It will assist students in acquiring knowledge on effective communication and interpretation of financial information and encourage the development of necessary traits and skills for entrepreneurship.”

Regarding the book donation, Ozoh stated that accountancy is a comprehensive profession and SWAN believes in extensive study.

“SWAN values knowledge, research, learning and improvement. Without knowledge, as a student or professional, you cannot fulfill your potential.

“That is why equipping libraries with professional books is one of our special projects,” she added.

According to Ozoh, a well-equipped library offers an excellent academic environment where students can concentrate and explore different subjects.

She said, “Libraries offer a good research background for aspiring students to learn, think, create, share, and grow without worries about affordability.

“Cultivate the habit of reading, and your knowledge base will increase. The wider your knowledge base, the stronger your confidence in facing everyday challenges.”

Mrs Ronke Akeredolu, Chairperson of the SWAN Equipping Schools’ Library Committee, said the project would positively impact the lives of the girl-child and give back to society.

Akeredolu noted that the donated books would promote the reading culture among students, while the accounting club would prepare them as future accountants with enviable integrity.

“This will encourage a learning culture and awareness of current affairs through quiz competitions and provide knowledge about SWAN, ICAN, and the accounting profession,” Akeredolu said.

She appreciated the support and donations from SWAN leaders and members as well as the cooperation from the school’s principal and officials.

Responding, the school’s Principal, Mrs Folashade Ogedengbe, commended SWAN for choosing LAGGS as a beneficiary.

She noted that the initiative would positively impact the students’ lives and career paths.

Ogedengbe pledged that the school would ensure students make judicious use of the books and support the club’s growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the society also presented gifts to winners of its quiz competition on the sidelines of the event. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Salif Atojoko

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation says the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted the Visa ban on Nigerians travelling to the country.

The Minister made the announcement while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

“You are aware that Nigeria has been discussing with the United Arab Emirates on the issue of Visa for Nigerian passport holders going to the United Arab Emirates.

“Today, an agreement has been reached on that, and effective from today July 15, Nigerian passport holders are able to obtain Visa to go to the United Arab Emirates.

“I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so,” said Idris. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Salif Atojoko

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, says the Federal Government is taking additional measures to ensure that the hardship experienced by Nigerians is drastically reduced.

The Minister said this while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

Idris said that the council deliberated on the state of affairs of the country, especially the shortage of food.

He said the council took note of some of the complaints by Nigerians in terms of transportation, food prices or food shortages in many homes around the country.

“After exhaustive deliberation, the Minister of Agriculture was directed to ensure that food is made available to Nigerians.

“And the understanding is that about 20 trucks of rice have already been supplied to each of the states of the federation, including the federal capital territory.

“Each of the trucks of course is carrying about 1,200 25kg bags of rice,” said Idris.

He explained that this was part of the measures the government was taking to ensure that the hardship experienced by Nigerians was drastically reduced.

“This is a first step and the federal government will continue to support all the state governors and local governments, so that the hardship being experienced by most Nigerians in terms of shortage of food supply is reduced.

“It is expected that the state governors will distribute the food items to the most vulnerable so that the hardship will be brought down significantly,” he said.

The minister said that the government was also making fertiliser supply to farmers as part of such measures.

“Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria had earlier made available over 2.1 million bags of assorted fertiliser to the Ministry of Agriculture for onward distribution to the states. So that is also in progress,” he said.

On transportation, Idris said that the council directed the presidential Committee on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to expedite its activities to supply buses and make conversion kits available at affordable costs to Nigerians.

“Already, they have started but the council asked them to redouble their efforts so that conversion kits that we need for the CNG initiative will be made available.

“Also, the conversion centres that have earlier been approved will also be significantly upgraded so that Nigerians will have more conversion centres,” said the Minister.

According to him, the Federal Government has directed that the compliance level of CNG should go up to reduce over reliance of Nigerians on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He added that this would in turn aid the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

“Now, you are also aware that last week, the National Labour Congress met the president. This, of course, was part of the consultation that the President has agreed to carry out.

“Recall that he had met the Organised Private Sector (OPS). He had also met subnationals after the tripartite committee on minimum wage had submitted its report,” he said.

He explained that the consultation was to ensure that there was a thorough analysis of the situation, so that government would come up with a minimum wage that worked for all Nigerians.

Idris said the Federal Government had also directed the ministry of budgets to come up with additional support for the 2024 budget.

He said this was to cover any differential or gaps in the 2024 budget that was approved. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Fortune Abang

The African Union (AU) has restated its position against external interferences in the Sudan war situation.

Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Chair, AU High-Level Panel of the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan (HLP-Sudan), stated this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

Chambas, also AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, spoke on the outcome of the first phase of the preparatory meeting of the Inter-Sudanese Political Dialogue that started from July 10 to 15, in Addis Ababa.

According to him, the dialogue organised for stakeholders of the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) sought to peacefully resolve the armed conflict situation in Sudan.

Chambas said, “the danger of any of these plans, of course is that outside interference is always a factor that is why Sudanese must also put supreme interest of their country over any other consideration.

“Otherwise, the longer this conflict lasts the more you will see external interference multiply that can only lead to detriment of Sudan, as they seek diverse interest rather than Sudanese people.

“The AU and IGAD have severally called for end to external interference, which fuels the war; if the belligerent of Sudan really want to be helpful, they should be providing assistance.

“They should provide for the vulnerable Sudanese population, not sending weapons and other war materials which only lead to more sufferings, more killings and more destruction of Sudan.

“AU’s position is non-interference by outsiders that fuels the war and leads to more armament to belligerents. AU calls for end to external assistance to the belligerent which only prolongs the war.”

Chambas, a former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and Head of the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA), promised to meet Sudanese stakeholders unable to participate in the dialogue.

He said the next phase of the meeting would be held with Taqqadum, SLM Abdul Wahid, SPLM-North-Al Hilu, the Radical Bloc and other Sudanese political and civil actors unable to attend the meeting.

He mentioned others to include Sudan Liberation Movement, Abdul Wahid, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, El Hilo, and then what is called the Radical Bloc, and Addis, for similar consultations in Addis Ababa.

“We believe political and civilian actors can also play role to get the belligerent groups to stop the fighting, because right now the fighting is done by the army and the rebel Rapid Support Forces.

“We have not brought these belligerent groups to the dialogue process yet, because the ceasefire talks are a different track, which is supposed to convene in Jeddah.

“We believe the political talk is important to mobilise political class, civil society, Sudanese youth, women professional groups, that way they would have set the view of all the important stakeholders.

“Specifically, set a small team of all the representatives who will constitute the planning committee for the all-inclusive, comprehensive Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue.

“By so doing we can have inclusive process with no one left behind, when we bring all the actors together,” he added.

He said bringing stakeholders together would enable the participants set agenda and timing of the political dialogue that they would determine themselves, in conformity with the principle of Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led process.

“There can be no military solution, this has to be political, therefore to be dialogue of all Sudanese actors in a process that has commenced and this has been on since past five days.

“We are quite satisfied with the outcome of the consultations, because the group we met here has come up with 17 recommendations, which will guide on proper ways to have successful inclusive Sudanese dialogue.

“This includes issues on what agenda should be, who should participate, transitional justice, what kind of government to have, security sector and reform programme for youth and women,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Fortune Abang

The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have urged Sudanese political and civilian actors to put supreme interests in their country above other considerations.

They also urged Sudanese people to work closely together to end the war and return their country to normalcy.

Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Chair, AU High-Level Panel of the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan (HLP-Sudan), spoke at the closing of the preparatory five-day meeting of the Inter-Sudanese Political Dialogue in Addis Ababa.

Chambas, also AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, highlighted the outcome of the meeting held to peacefully resolve the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan.

He said that the participants of the meeting presented 17 recommendations on a number of critical issues to be considered at any inter-Sudanese political dialogue.

“The 17-recommendations pertain to issues such as ending the war, humanitarian access to relief suffering Sudanese population, inclusivity of the dialogue, agenda, transitional justice, form of transitional governance.

“I should emphasis recommendations put forth by participants in this meeting; we expect other Sudanese and civil actors to be convened next; and also, make recommendations on the convening inter-Sudanese dialogue.

“IGAD and AU urge all Sudanese political and civilian actors to put supreme interests of their country above other considerations in working together to end the war and return to normalcy.

“IGAD and AU would like to reiterate our commitment, and determination to accompany Sudanese stakeholders in their endeavors, to reaching negotiated and consensual solution to the current crisis.”

Chambas, a former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and Head of the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA), described the meeting as one in a series of consultations.

According to him, the meeting is one in a series of consultations that will be held with other Sudanese political and civil actors who were not able to participate this time.

“It will be followed by consultation with Taqqadum, SLM Abdul Wahid, SPLM-North-Al Hilu, the Radical Bloc and other Sudanese political and civil actors unable to attend the meeting.

“We shall also continue to engage women, youth, professional groups, traditional authorities.

“We will then envision bringing together representatives of all stakeholders to constitute a planning committee for the comprehensive, inclusive Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue.

“The agenda, participants and timing of the political dialogue shall be determined by Sudanese themselves in conformity with the principle of a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led process,’’ he said.

He commended the participants for responding to the invitation by IGAD and AU, saying their recommendation was important to ending the war, tackling humanitarian situation in Sudan and returning the country to peace.

Chambas promised to bring together all stakeholders to constitute planning committee for inclusive Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue in the country, said to be one of the founding Member States of the AU and IGAD.

Highpoint of discussion at the meeting by the stakeholders of AU Commission, IGAD and international organisations was Sudanese-ownership and Sudanese-leadership, inclusiveness and reconciliation among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

The lingering crisis in Sudan has displaced 10 million people while two million others have become refugees, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas has said.

Chambas, Chairman of the African Union High-level panel on the resolution of the crisis, told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in a telephone interview that the situation in the war-torn nation was critical.

“There is a very serious humanitarian crisis there; it is a very worrisome situation,” Chambas said.

He expressed regrets that the media was not reporting the scary situation in Sudan.

“The unfortunate thing is that the Sudanese situation doesn’t get to the front pages. It doesn’t get to the news. It is not Gaza or Ukraine.

“It is necessary to tell this story. The world needs to hear the Sudanese story. Any African coverage of this tragedy will be welcomed,” he said.

On the mediation efforts toward ending the conflict, he said that the warring groups were invited to Addis Ababa for talks.

“What we have done is to launch a preparatory meeting for Inter-Sudanese dialogue. We need to end the war and return Sudan to peace.

“We are calling the groups one at a time. We are reaching out to political and civil organisations in the country.

“In the next meeting, we shall be discussing with the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement.

“We shall meet the youth, women, civil society organisations, professional groups, traditional authorities.

“We shall seek views of all groups. We shall ask them to send their representatives. We want an inclusive process that will leave no one behind.

“More importantly, we want to have recommendations on how to end the war. There is a need for a political solution to the crisis. That process has commenced and we are happy with the stage of consultations.

“We are looking at successive inclusive dialogue, transitional justice, security reforms.

“All groups want peace. What we are saying is that they must all play their roles to bring it.”

Chambas decried the role of external groups in worsening the crisis.

“Yes, external groups are playing a huge role in prolonging the violence. But the more the crisis lasts, the more you have the outside forces seeking to fuel it.

“We want these outside forces to support the quest for peace instead of bringing arms.

“We want all groups involved in the crisis to place the collective Sudanese interest above their personal considerations,” he said.

NAN reports that Chambas’ panel had held a five-day preparatory meeting of the Inter-Sudanese political dialogue at the African Union Commission building in Addis Ababa.

During the meeting, the panel reminded participants at the mediation that the focus was on Sudanese ownership and leadership.

It also made reference to inclusiveness, neutrality and transparency in the mediation efforts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin