NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
CTA, NEITI urge stronger FOI Act to boost transparency
General News

CTA, NEITI urge stronger FOI Act to boost transparency

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By Naomi Sharang

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have called for stronger Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to boost transparency in Nigeria.

The Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, enacted in 2011, is an Act to make public records and information more freely available for public access to public records and information.

Executive Director, CTA, Faith Nwadishi and the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji made the call at “The North-Central Regional Roundtable on the FOI Act in Nigeria” held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The theme of the event is “14 Years of FOI and Extractives Transparency in Nigeria: Strengthening Access, Accountability and Citizen Engagement”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable is part of efforts under the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI).

It is a 12-month project CTA is implementing with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA.

In her address, Nwadishi said that the conversation was not just symbolic but was timely because the challenges around access to public information in Nigeria have reached a critical stage.

“Particularly in the extractive sector, which remains the economic lifeline of our country.

“Even with NEITI reports, it is still one of the most difficult sectors to obtain clear, timely and complete information from.

“The extractive sector—which includes oil, gas and solid minerals—is far too important to remain shrouded in secrecy with the huge revenue and foreign exchange earnings that come from the sector.

“It is also the sector most vulnerable to corruption, illicit financial flows, and opacity around contracts and revenue allocation.

“This is why NEITI’s reports are not just documents; they are vital instruments for FOI implementation,” she said.

She noted that there had been progress with the FOI Act since 2011 when former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Act into law but added that implementation remained weak.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji said that the FOI Act marked a transformative moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

He proposes an amendment to the FOI Act that introduces sanctions for those who weaponise it through falsehood, blackmail or institutional harassment.

“This law must protect access—and punish abuse. If we do not act, the FOI Act risks losing its moral force and democratic utility”

Orji recommended the enactment of legal penalties for FOI misuse involving false identities, misinformation and blackmail.

On her part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba said that the extractive sector relied heavily on transparency to foster sustainable development.

Jeddy-Agba was represented by Mariah Obafemi in the ministry.

She said: “The extractive industry is doing a lot well in the area of transparency and even in the area of complying with the FOI Act.

“The Attorney-General, by virtue of Section 29 of the Act, is mandated to submit annual compliance reports to the National Assembly.

“I can tell you that the extractive industry is doing well. They’ve been complying over the years,” she said.

Similarly, Programme Manager EU/RoLAC, Dr Emmanuel Uche, called for the deepening of the implementation of the FOI Act in Nigeria.

He urged civil society organisations and non-state actors to join hands again, to revive whistleblower’s laws, witness protection laws and public interest disclosure laws.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Tinubu approves N2bn for resettlement of flood victims in Niger
General News

Tinubu approves N2bn for resettlement of flood victims in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of N2 billion for immediate reconstruction of homes of people affected by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this when he visited the victims in Mokwa town, Mokwa Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

He assured that the Federal government would address issues raised by the affected victims of the flood disaster.

“The President specifically instructed me to come to Mokwa to commiserate with the people over the tragedy that befell the town. His heart is with the grieving people of Mokwa.

“All issues raised will be addressed by the Federal Government in collaboration with the Niger Government,” he said

Kashim disclosed that the President had also directed the Ministers of State for Environment and Agriculture to relocate to Niger to ensure immediate intervention under the ACRSAL project for drainage issues in Mokwa Town.

He added that 20 trucks of food items have been approved by Tinubu to be distributed to the actual victims in collaboration with the Village Head of Mokwa.

He commended the Deputy Governor and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their proactiveness in handling the situation.

In his remarks, Mr Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of the state, appealed to the Federal Government for quick intervention to address the impact of the disaster.

“We are saddened as a state due to the flood disaster; we commend NEMA DG for promptly responding to the disaster.

“We need quick intervention as the four collapsed bridges have cut down social and economic activities especially in Rabba as students cannot come to Mokwa when there’s rainfall, the bridge needs to be fixed,” he said.

He disclosed that over 2,000 houses were destroyed and victims were managing with people, adding that the state had available land that could be used to build houses for them.

Earlier, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in several road projects in Mokwa and across the state.

“There is an ongoing road project bypassing Mokwa Town, but because of compensation, the work has stopped. We appeal to the FG to fast-track the project as it’s making life unbearable for the people,” he said.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to complete the Mokwa-Brini-Gwari Kaduna Road, Lambata-Bida Road, Bida-Patigi Road, and Agaie-Match Boro Roads.

He further called for the deployment of an ecological team to address ecological issues in the town, while appreciating Tinubu for directing the Vice President to visit the locality to commiserate with the victims.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, Village Head of Mokwa (Ndalile of Mokwa), appreciated the Federal Government for the show of support to the community since the flood disaster. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited Deborah Coker

Community hygiene: Oba Elegushi urges govt. to reinstate monthly sanitation
General News

Community hygiene: Oba Elegushi urges govt. to reinstate monthly sanitation

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By Joan Odafe

The traditional ruler of Ikate Kingdom, Lagos State, Oba Saheed Elegushi, has called on the state government to reinstate the suspended monthly environmental sanitation to help restore hygiene and security in communities.

 

Elegushi made the call during an event to commemorate the upcoming World Environment Day on Wednesday in Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Oba Saheed Elegushi Foundation.

 

The programme, which is part of the foundation’s Green Mission initiative, is with the theme, ‘Community Clean-Up Initiative’.

 

The traditional ruler, while expressing concerns over the growing disregard for public cleanliness warned that the current neglect of communal spaces was worsening hygiene and weakening neighbourhood security across the state.

 

“There used to be a monthly sanitation every last Saturday for everybody to partake in the cleanliness of their environment.

 

“Even apart from the sanitation, it goes a long way, it also makes us know our neighbours.

 

“In terms of security, you know people that live next to you, next building to yours.”

 

The traditional ruler urged the government to consider appealing the judgment that stopped the exercise, adding that many Nigerians have since retreated into individual care for only their personal spaces.

 

Elegushi further urged Nigerians, not only the Ikate-Elegushi community and Lagos residents, to take matters of hygiene seriously, and not just concentrate on their individual environment alone.

 

“As residents, once every month, we should be coming out to clean our environment,” he said.

 

 

The coordinator for the ‘World Environment Day Clean-Up’ for the foundation, Mr Temidayo Farinu, said the event was aimed at creating awareness pollution.

 

Farinu said the initiative was also aimed at involving the community, to ensure that the people adopt a sense of accountability toward the environment.

 

“Waste is one of the challenges in Lagos; the situation of flooding that we do have sometimes is occasioned by maybe blocking of the water channels and the drains,” he said.

 

 

NAN also reports that about 70 volunteers, including Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), went into the community to clean up gutters and streets.

 

LAWMA and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) collaborated with the foundation to ensure the success of the project. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Lagos launches informal land mapping project
General News

Lagos launches informal land mapping project

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By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State  has launched a new land mapping project aimed at identifying and putting informal lands across the state to better use.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Sam Egube, spoke at the handing over of three operational vehicles to the Lagos State Informal Space Management Agency (LASISMA) on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LASISMA is the state government agency responsible for managing informal spaces and regulating informal businesses.

The governor said that the initiative would help the government to map and define informal land.

He added that the open spaces and setbacks not officially designated for any use  could be put to more productive and aesthetic use.

“The purpose of this unveiling is to let the public know we are beginning a new mapping project for informal spaces across Lagos.

“These are lands that were not considered part of formal development plan like incidental open spaces or road setbacks but they are still important.

“We want to define what they can be used for and ensure that they are used properly,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said that within the next six months, a pilot scheme would begin across the state.



According to him, the informal lands will be mapped, reviewed and their purpose determined by the state Ministry of Physical Planning.

He warned against using such spaces without permission, saying the project was also a call to stop unauthorised use of public spaces.

He said: “You are not allowed to use these lands as you please.

“They must be formally designated for specific purposes. This will help us to organise the city better.”

The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Olumide Oluyinka, said that the project was part of efforts to improve the environment of Lagos and better manage the state’s  limited land resources.

“Our land is our oil; so, we must make the best use of every space, even those not formally developed.

” Informal lands may be temporary, but we must know who is using them and for what purpose, as well as ensure they contribute value to the city,” he added.

He said that the state would still allow legitimate operations such as parks or transport hubs on informal lands but would regulate them properly and require payment for their use.

The commissioner explained that the goal was not to evict people but to ensure better organisation, increased safety and revenue generation for the state.

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, said that the project would end arbitrary use of land and bring order to how public spaces would be used.

“With this project, everyone will know what each space is meant for, so you won’t have someone trying to install a mast on a space meant to be a bus stop,” Babatunde said.

The General Manager of LASISMA, Mr Dasisi Osho, expressed gratitude to the governor for providing the agency with three vehicles to support the its operations.

He said: “These vehicles and tools will help us to move faster and work better.

“We thank the governor for his support, and promise to put every square metre of Lagos land to the best possible use.”

Osho said that LASISMA remained committed to transforming informal spaces across the state to benefit the residents and support the government’s broader development goals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ijeoma Popoola

NSE Lagos Branch donates toilets, solar power, others to schools
General News

NSE Lagos Branch donates toilets, solar power, others to schools

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By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lagos Branch, on Tuesday made donations to three schools in Lagos  State as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The branch donated  educational items and facilities to improve learning and inspire schoolchildren.

The items include exercise books, drums and solar systems.

The branch paid for West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fee for 16 students.

It also built toilets and partitioned classrooms for one of the schools.

During Tuesday’s visit to Akoka Nursery and Primary School, Yaba, the Chairman of NSE Lagos Branch, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, said that the society was committed to supporting education and child development through regular outreaches.

Kesha was represented by the Vice Chairman of the branch, Mr Bakare Opeyemi.

“We are here today as representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Lagos Branch, to give back to the community.

“We earlier visited this school, asked what it needed, and the authorities said they wanted a band set for pupils.

“We have now provided them with a full drum set as well as exercise books and biros, ” she said.

According to her, the society aims to make learning more lively and engaging for the schoolchildren, and wants them to remember that engineers contributed to their joy and growth.

“This is something we do monthly, yearly.  It is part of our commitment,” Kesha said.

The Head Teacher of the school, Mrs Vivian Okeke, expressed joy at the gesture.

She said: “The drum set will motivate the children to come to school early, pray and start their day with  full of energy.

“One of our pupils, the main drummer, always comes early and encourages others. Now they have drums to beat.  I am deeply grateful to NSE.”

She also appealed for more support, especially in terms of writing materials.

“Many children come to school without books or even a proper bags.

“Some siblings share a single bag and have to fetch books from each other during lessons,” she said.

A Primary Six pupil, Master Victor Usen, said the drums and books would make him and his classmates to look forward to coming to school early everyday.

“I am happy. I want to come early everyday and attend the assembly,” he said.



At Bright Achievers Academy in Bariga,  NSE, Lagos Branch, donated exercise books, partitioned classrooms with concrete blocks, built six toilets, and paid WASSCE fee for 16 students.

The Founder of the school and Creative Director of Footprints of David Art Foundation, Mr Seun Awobajo, said the NSE Lagos Branch had been consistent in its support for the school.

“The first toilets in our school and community were built by NSE, Lagos.

“It also helped us avoid being shut down by education authorities, by building partitions for classrooms.



“This school is a grassroots effort. We deliberately don’t seek grants or external funding – we want to test true community involvement.

“If not for NSE Lagos Branch, we would have shut down long ago. I am grateful to them,” he said.

Awobajo said that the biggest challenge facing the school was payment of teachers’  salaries.

He said: “We can build the best facilities, but without teachers, it is a waste.

“Minimum wage is rising, and retaining teachers in this environment is hard. Volunteers can’t replace trained educators.”

In her remarks at Bright Achievers, Kesha said the branch would not only look at the academic needs but also personal and home-related needs of the pupils.

“We have spoken with our spouses, and we would be mobilising support through them as well,” she said.

A JSS 3 student at the school, Miss Peace Akpan, expressed gratitude for the support.



At Eva Adelaja Girls Senior High School at Bariga, NSE, Lagos Branch, installed a solar system to provide regular power for the school.

The principal, Mrs Soyoye Ibunoluwa, said she was very glad.

“It is rare to find a solar system of this quality in public schools.

“I am happy this happened during my tenure,” she said.

She appealed for a school bus to help in transporting students for competitions.

“Our girls do very well at both national and international levels, but we always have to hire buses to take them around. A school bus will help us go farther,” she said.

A student of the school,  Miss Omowonuola Adekoya, said the solar system would greatly improve teaching and learning in the school.

NAN also reports that Kesha is an old student of the Eva Adelaja Girls Senior High School.

She re-affirmed the commitment of NSE,  Lagos Branch, to community outreaches to ensure better learning environments for children. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Tinubu confers national honour on Bill Gates
General News

Tinubu confers national honour on Bill Gates

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Lagos, praised Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Bill Gates Foundation, for inspiring leaders worldwide by consistently lifting the poor and underprivileged.

The President, who conferred the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Gates, noted the renowned philanthropist’s interventions in maternal health, agriculture and infectious disease research.

Tinubu thanked Gates for providing global leadership that prioritised ameliorating the lives and safety of the poor and underprivileged.

“Today, I would like to share my happiness and respect and acknowledge one of the greatest human beings in the world.

“All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity. It is highly remarkable. It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you.

“I thank you very much. It is a great thing to honour you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

Gates, in his response said he was honoured by the conferment of the CFR by the President.

“I am very happy to receive the honour for myself and the incredible team at the Foundation. From the beginning, the Foundation’s goal was to support improving Nigeria’s health sector.

“Nigeria had some ambitious goals for improving health, and three people here today are great champions of that cause.

“Of course, the President is making health a priority. Pate, we’ve worked together to handle great challenges, including the incredible progress on polio.

“Then, Dangote, I got to know, and we have done great work together. So, in the 25 years in Nigeria, we have achieved a lot. As was mentioned, the child death rate has gone down, and that’s because new vaccines were received to boost our efforts,” Gate said.

He stated that much work was done to increase the coverage and get vaccines to every child.

He added that the effort to eradicate polio was one of the Foundation’s toughest.

“A lot was learnt, and partnerships were built with traditional institutions.”

He said the Foundation had already rolled out HPB vaccines to reduce the 7,000 annual deaths of women from cervical cancer, and that a single dose of the vaccine taken by girls ages 9-14 could give them lifetime protection.

“Nigeria achieved a better result than any other country in getting out the vaccine to young girls,” he noted.

Gates told President Tinubu that he was dedicated to cutting malnutrition and spreading vaccines that could end malaria in Nigeria.

“Some of our goals will seem ambitious; for example, in the next twenty years, we hope to eradicate malaria,” he added.

Gates assured the Nigerian leader of his continued commitment to improving health in Nigeria, aiming to invest his entire wealth in this cause in the next 20 years.

Earlier, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Development, said Gates’s recognition was well deserved, considering his long-term involvement in Nigeria’s national development.

“Bill Gates’ friend, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been working with him to transform lives across the country.

“From that time until now, the Gates Foundation and through other channels have invested more than 2 billion dollars of its capital in various arenas that directly affect our people, whether in health care, agriculture, or the digital economy.

“Importantly, when he came into Northern Nigeria, there were challenges with immunisation, people refusing because of ignorance, and with Mr Gates and Alhaji Aliko, they mobilised the entire traditional ruler’s committee,” he stated.

Pate said the strong support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation eradicated polio in Nigeria.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Centre urges support for less privileged communities
General News , Metro

Centre urges support for less privileged communities

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By Angela Atabo

The Centre for School Health, Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH), an Abuja-based non-governmental organisation, has called for more support to enable it meet the needs of underprivileged schools and communities.

The Executive Director and Founder, CSHEEH, Dr Folasade Olusola Momoh made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 10th anniversary celebration of the NGO.

She noted that the support would enable the organisation to continue to champion personal hygiene, school health education, and environmental sanitation across Nigeria.

Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Momoh described it as both exciting and challenging, noting that funding had remained a significant hurdle in achieving it’s goals.

“It’s been quite exciting and at the same time challenging. As an NGO, we desire to do so much, but because of the paucity of grants, we’ve not been able to start accessing grants, even though we’ve made a few attempts.

“So most of the things we do is through the support from friends, family, and also from my own resources,” she said.

She explained that CSHEEH had made notable strides in promoting sustainability through its health awareness campaigns.

According to her, the organisation focuses not just on giving health talks but on leaving a lasting impact behind.

“In orphanages and schools, we distribute hygiene kits containing ten essential items like soap, sponge, toothpaste, toothbrush, nail cutters, vaseline, and more.

“These kits are designed to ensure children continue good hygiene practices long after our visit,” she said.

The executive director noted that in spite of limited resources, CSHEEH had continued to make its mark through collaborations.

Mrs Grace Emoefe, CSHEEH Board Chairperson, expressed deep gratitude for the progress made over the past decade driven primarily by personal sacrifices, commitment, and unwavering faith.

Emoefe described the milestone as a testament to grace and resilience.

“We started this just like a small family gathering. 10 years have passed so quickly, and everything we’ve achieved has been by God’s grace and personal effort.

“We go to schools where the toilets are in deplorable condition. We’ve had to contribute from our own pockets to build toilets, install wash basins, and provide basic items just so our outreach makes practical sense,” she said.

She said in spite of its accomplishments, CSHEEH faced enormous challenges, especially in sustaining its operations.

“We employ staff and pay them out of our own pockets. “We are non-profit, non-political, and non-governmental.

” Even when corps members are posted to us, the first thing they ask is: Do you have accommodation? How much are you paying?”

“We need support. We need real partnerships to reach more communities and save more lives,” she added.

Earlier, Mrs Ramatu Ajuji-Habu, Director of Special Duties at the Education Secretariat, FCT, commended the NGO’s efforts and called for stronger collaboration between public institutions and NGOs in the education and health sectors.

“This programme is very apt and timely. Teaching and learning start with the environment—cleanliness, student hygiene, and classroom arrangements. And what CSHEEH is doing touches all of that.”

Ajuji-Habu assured the NGO of ongoing government engagement and impactful projects especially in rural areas.

“On the part of the government, we will continue to speak and act. When I get back, I’ll brief my boss.

“We will see how the government can step in meaningfully to support CSHEEH’s work,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members
General News

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members

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By Daniel Obaje

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of N44,000 minimum wage arrears to former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The commencement of the payment fulfills an earlier promise tied to the recent upward review of corps members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.

The payment applies to those who completed their service before the new allowance took effect earlier this year.

Former corps members have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm receipt of the payment, expressing their gratitude and relief.

One user, @Kingpin_black1, posted: ”Thank you NYSC. Thank you President Tinubu. Nigeria will be great again.”

Another user @pharmacist_shezzy shared: ”44k don land. NYSC no carry last. God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬.”

Similarly, @ifeoluwa_X wrote: ”Just got my alert. I almost deleted my NYSC account. Thank you FG.”

The payment, widely seen as a fulfillment of the government’s earlier pledge, has sparked excitement online, with many praising the move as a sign of renewed trust and accountability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Kwara forum hails NNPC CEO Ojulari at 60
General News

Kwara forum hails NNPC CEO Ojulari at 60

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By Akpan Glory

The Kwara State Indigenes Forum, Abuja (KWASIFA), has congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.), Mr Bayo Ojulari, on his 60th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum, Mr Ben Duntoye, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, described Ojulari’s diamond jubilee as a celebration of remarkable achievements, integrity, and leadership in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

He said Ojulari’s appointment as Group CEO was a reward for years of dedication, professionalism, and contributions to national development.

“His rise reflects tireless commitment, resilience, and a track record of results,” Duntoye said.

He noted that Ojulari had brought credibility, transparency, and innovation to NNPC Ltd., in line with government reforms in the public sector.

The forum also lauded his humility and commitment to mentoring young professionals, describing him as a role model whose life inspires hope.

It prayed for continued good health and greater accomplishments for Ojulari.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Eid-el-Kabir: CP orders visibility policing, intelligence-led raids in FCT
Defence/Security , General News

Eid-el-Kabir: CP orders visibility policing, intelligence-led raids in FCT

208 total views today

Raids

By Monday Ijeh

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Ajao Adewale, has ordered heightened visibility policing and sustained intelligence-led raids on black spots in the territory ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh,  disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

Adeh said that the CP gave the order during a strategic security meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and heads of Tactical Teams in the command.

Adewale said the meeting was to ensure a safe and secured FCT ahead of the forthcoming Inspector General of Police (I-G) Award Night, the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the June 12 Democracy Day commemoration.

He said the focus of the meeting was to fine-tune operational deployments, reinforcement of professionalism and accountability in policing efforts during the period.

“You must strengthen security within your respective Areas of Responsibility (AORs) and ensure heightened visibility policing, particularly at all strategic entry and exit points into the city.

“This is in anticipation of the arrival of very senior police officers and other dignitaries from across the country for the I-G’s event,”he said.

The CP ordered the deployment of Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teams to sweep worship and recreational centres ahead of expected events.

He directed the senior police officers to sustain intelligence-led raids on identified black spots known for illicit drug activities in a professional manner, devoid of abuse.

The CP warned the officers against any form of extortion and urged the officers to be smartly dressed, disciplined, and courteous in their interactions with the public.

“You must not be involved in civil disputes, particularly land-related matters and your continuous raids on identified spots must not serve as a cover for harassment or illegal financial demands.

“You must reinforce the standing order that bail is free; any officer found requesting money for bail will be dealt with in accordance with established disciplinary procedures,”the CP said.

He ordered the DPOs to ensure strict supervision and accountability of all personnel under their command, adding that searching of mobile phones without appropriate legal authority was prohibited.

The CP ordered all officers to be camera-friendly, approachable, and uphold the image of the force and ensure swift and efficient response to distress calls.

He ordered crackdown on vehicles bearing fake or fraudulently acquired diplomatic number plates and urged the DPOs to initiate youth engagement programme.

Adewale said the idea was to foster close collaboration with local communities to promote community policing and crime prevention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Bayo Sekoni

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