By Angela Atabo

Former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has described the Nigerian Civil War period (from 6 July 1967–15 January 1970) as the most difficult period of his life.

Gowon made this known on Saturday in Abuja after being honoured with a Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had as its theme: “Men of Honour: Living with Integrity in a Culture of Deceit.”

Gowon explained that his decisions during the civil war were never driven by hatred, but by a difficult necessity to preserve national unity.

He urged people to always stand for the truth, and stressed the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity across faiths and ethnicities.

“I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life.

“It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together.

“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you,” he stated.

Reflecting on life after that period, the former Head of State stressed that his decisions had often been guided by prayers and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.

“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers.

“I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.

“That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added.

Gowon also lauded the progress Nigeria has made since the civil war.

He called on all citizens to support government’s efforts to uphold peace, love, and mutual respect.

The Chairman of the occasion, former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, congratulated the honourees for their consistency in living with integrity.

He said, “These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation.

“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”

Quoting Psalm 25:14, he called on men to live right and stand for integrity, regardless of the situation.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, who presided over the convention, commended the honourees and urged Christians to uphold truth, integrity, and courage.

According to him, the theme for the programme is apt because there is need to encourage Christians to stand for the Lord right from their homes.

He also encouraged Christians to stand strong in the society, in their workplaces and in their businesses.

The Anglican Primate said that Nigeria was in need of men and women of honour and integrity, leaders willing to serve the people and not corruptly pile up wealth.

“This is because when the home is strong, the church will be, and the society also. So, we want to encourage people to be unashamedly Christians.

“They owe nobody any apology for doing the right thing; many good people are not taking their stand, and that is why evil men thrive.

“They should stand unashamedly for the right, for the truth and also fight for that which is good, and I believe that with time, the light will shine brighter and brighter,” he said.

Quoting Psalm 15: 1-5, he stressed that God was still in search of men and women of honour and integrity, who are defined by what he described as the “four Hs”.

He listed the four attributes to include the Heart, Head, Habit, and Humility.

Mr Isaac Chukwudi, President, Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Diocese, said the choice of the event’s theme was informed by the prevalence of bankruptcy of integrity in the country.

“Integrity is so scarce, both at home and in government, and that was why we chose the theme to instil in men the spirit of the living well.

“We need to build integrity from the home, and these are the men to speak to where the leaders will emerge from to better the situation in Nigeria,” he said.

NAN reports that two other nonagenarians were also honoured in recognition of their exemplary service to the church, the nation, and humanity.

They are Dr Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, and Owelle Gilbert Chikelu, a former Minister of Establishment and Chairman, Guaranty Trust Bank. NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE) and Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their partnership on procurement practices.

Dr Adebowale Adedokun Director-General, BPE, made this known in a statement issued by Zira Nagga, Head of Public Relations at BPP in Abuja.

Adedokun, who received a delegation from the CIPS, UK, African Region and Asia Pacific, said the MoU was to deepen the existing partnership with CIPS- a lead in global procurement practice and a catalyst to support a national procurement practice in Nigeria.

According to him, knowledge of procurement processes is essential to navigating problems of life, as procurement practice is not only centred on awards of contracts but broader and wider in its practice.

Adedokun emphasised his vision and agenda to aid Nigeria’s development through proper training, knowledge, and best procurement practices.

“This will transform Nigeria into the “Dubai of Africa” whereby all countries will be represented in Nigeria, thereby growing our industries and local content.

“All these could be achieved by collaborating with different professional bodies, of which Nigeria needs support from CIPS for rightful procurement practice.”

The D-G highlighted several bureau projects, including the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project, which had positioned Nigeria in the global arena and created a significant impact worldwide.

Adedokun reiterated the importance of technology.

However, he said without adequate human development, it would become useless.

“Therefore, there should be a focus on human capacity development for officers to be trained and provided with the necessary certification that will enable them to compete globally.”

The D-G stated that BPP was promoting a career in procurement in Nigeria, with no fewer than 8,000 officers set to benefit from the partnership with CIPS.

“BPP as a regulatory body will institute proper regulatory framework to regulate procurement ethics, good governance and procurement practice in Nigeria, and I urge everyone to comply.”

Adedokun said the Price Intelligent Unit (PIU) and External Cooperation Unit (ECU) of the bureau would drive the MoU.

“The units would tap from the resources of CIPS on how prices are done in terms of consultancy, goods, works and services, to eliminate variations in prices.

“The MoU brings both entities together to uphold the principles of good procurement practices and reaffirms the shared commitment to building a stronger and prosperous Nigeria.”

In response, Ben Farrel, CEO of  CIPS, UK, commended the Nigerian Government for the recent impact Nigeria made on the world.

Farrel said he believed that procurement and supply chain professions must take centre stage and lead from the frontline.

He said that CIPS brought the best standard in terms of ethical procurement practices, and served as a benchmark around the world.

Farrel highlighted CIPS’s commitment to establishing a stronger presence in Nigeria to achieve the goals of capacity building and align with the national strategic vision for procurement.

“More people need skills in procurement because it is a profession that is relevant around the world and it is important for Africa and the world to strive towards development.

“We are determined to move the procurement and supply chain profession and CIPS forward into a future where they are global leaders, shaping the future of the planet,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu