By Deborah Coker

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, says the Federal Government is determined to revitalise the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

This is contained in a statement by Mr Hope Attari, Acting Director, Press and Public Relations, of the ministry.

Badaru said this when the Turkish Ambassador, Hidayet Bayraktar, paid him a courtesy visit at the Ship House in Abuja.

He explained that the revitalisation of DICON would enable the country to produce its military equipment and hardware.

He also said that Nigeria would continue to partner with Turkey on government to government platform on military intelligence sharing and Defence Industries Corporation.

The minister added that Nigeria would continue to maintain a bilateral relationship with the Republic of Turkey.

Earlier in his remarks, Bayraktar appreciated the minister for granting them an audience and expressed the readiness of his country to heighten the already existing defence collaboration through military intelligence and defence corporation.

Bayraktar congratulated Nigeria on its 63rd Independence Anniversary and invited the ministers to the forth coming Turkish 100th Anniversary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria and Turkey share identical views on regional and international issues such as disarmament, peacekeeping operations and International terrorism.

NAN also reports that those present at the event included the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim kana, and top management staff of the ministry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Dorcas Jonah

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Mr Francis Nwosu, has reiterated the council’s commitment to improve media performance in subsequent elections in the country.

Nwosu stated this at a workshop on Post 2023 General Elections Assessment held in Mararaba, Nassarawa State on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the NPC in collaboration with Aveesga International, to assess media performance of the 2023 general elections.

According to Nwosu, the gathering is to carry out a post mortem on the performance of the media during and after the 2023 general elections.

”What are the criticisms that trailed the coverage and reportage of the election processes that needed to be interrogated, with a view to chart a pathway of addressing identified shortcomings.

”This is with a view to improve media performance in subsequent elections alongside strengthening democratic values and institutions.

Also speaking, Dr Chris Isiguzo, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) said that democracy thrives when the media upholds the principles of fairness, objectivity, and accountability.

Isiguzo said the workshop would assess media compliance with constitutional provisions, electoral laws and codes of ethics as a pivotal for ensuring that the media remains a beacon of truth and transparency.

He said the 2023 general elections marked a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history.

The president said the media as a key stakeholder, was entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the electorate through the intricate web of our electoral processes.

He expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to a roadmap for enhancing media coverage of elections in the future.

Isiguzo said that criticisms are stepping stones to improvement, adding that, it’s through constructive dialogue and shared commitment that democratic values and institutions could be fortified.

He commended the NPC for promoting high professional standards for the media in subsequent elections through this workshop.

”The focus will reflect a dedication to introspection and improvement, a testament to the vital role journalists play in our democratic journey.

” This workshop focuses on a post-mortem analysis of the media’s performance, provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on our achievements and identify areas where improvements are needed,” he said.

Mr Isaac Nyam, in a paper on Appraisal of Use of Mass Media for Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections’ Mobilisation, said there was a need for the creation of law for rules and regulations.

He said that the nature of evolving of Nigeria ought to be taken more seriously, and reckoned with in relation to cogency of mass media use in Nigeria.

“There is an increasing need for respect for ownership types and performance models, as well as consciousness and conscientiousness about frames and framing.

” There is also the need for strict use of code of media conduct as guiding Modus operandi,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Debt Management Office (DMO) on Thursday, engaged financial market stakeholders on the 6th series of its “Sovereign Sukuk Issuance” programme.

The programme was organised to intimate Nigerians and the stakeholders about the benefit of investing in the Sukuk.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Oct. 3, the DMO announced an offer for subscription of its 6th, 10-year tenor Sovereign Sukuk for N150 billion, at a rental rate of 15.75 per cent.

According to Patience Oniha, Director-General of the DMO, the Sovereign Sukuk was in initiated in 2017 to aid the rehabilitation and construction of critical national infrastructure.

Oniha said that the Federal Government had raised and deployed N752.557 billion, through the Sukuk, for development of critical infrastructure since 2017.

She said that Sukuk helped in infrastructure development and also achieves associated multiplier benefits.

“The DMO, through the issuance of Sukuk, has raised and deployed N752.557 billion to the rehabilitation and construction of 4,000 km of roads and bridges across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Apart from infrastructure development, Sukuk encourages financial inclusion by offering ethical investors an opportunity to invest in government securities.

“It deepens the domestic financial market and also sets a benchmark corporates and sub-nationals,” she said.

She assured that the Sukuk was backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Joseph Edeh)

By Esther Paul/Gift Bayo

Some men in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed different views on marrying women with tattoos on their bodies.

The men made their views known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN reports that skin design or tattooing has become a trendy social ritual in reinventing the notion of the ‘self’ or perceived personhood.

Tattoos are a form of body modification that is made by inserting inks, dye and other colors to make drawings on the body, which may either be temporary or permanent.

NAN reports that while some described the trend as a sign of irresponsibility and religiously unacceptable, others opined that designing one’s body did not matter as long as they have good personalities and character.

Michael Peter, a business man, said that tattoos brought up negative impressions about a person.

According to him, women with tattoo can be perceived as cheaters, liars, irresponsible and wayward.

“Tattoo is a no-no for me; I will prefer to marry a lady with not so good qualities but without a tattoo, than having a lady that her body is covered with tattoos.

“In today’s society, people will always judge those with such on their bodies as morally undisciplined and they may see you, the husband, as irresponsible too, for marrying that kind of person.

“This class of people may even be calm and good but the society will always consider mingling with people without tattoos over the ones with it, that’s how I see it,” he said

Similarly, a parent, Mr Douglas Adebari, said that he would not allow his son marry a woman whose body has been pierced or designed permanently in the name of social trend.

“It shows a sense of irresponsibility and I will not accept it.

“The body is supposed to be a temple of God and therefore, must be kept sacred spiritually and physically as well. It is a definite no for me,” he said.

Also, Mr Philip John, a bachelor, said he would not marry someone with a tattooed body because his family would be against it, as his mother was a leader in the church and would never accept such.

However, Mr Okon Solomon, a businessman, said having a tattooed body should not automatically depict one’s personality and character.

According to him, people should learn not to constantly judge others by what they see on the outside and their physical appearance, but get to know them beyond the physical before judging them.

“I don’t have a problem with people having tattoos, especially women, as long as the person has the features am attracted to, like kindness, generosity, respectful and intelligent as well.

“This is because I might have a tattoo and still have kindness for humanity but the other person without a tattoo might be cruel, disrespectful and full of inhumane acts.

“So for me, it is not about how you appear but the kind of heart you have and how you treat others around you, he said,” he said.

NAN reports that in spite of the stereotypes that surround tattoos in today’s society, tattoos are not illegal in Nigeria and those wearing them are not criminals.

To some persons, it is just a fashion statement while to some it is a way of boosting self-confidence.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/ Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Deborah Coker

The Federal Government has expressed readiness to deepen bilateral relations with European Union (EU) on security cooperation.

The Minister of Defence, Mr Mohammed Badaru, said this in a statement by the Acting Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Mr Hope Attari, on Thursday in Abuja.

Badaru disclosed this when he received the delegation of the European External Actions Service ( EEAS), on Wednesday, at the Ship House.

He said that Nigeria as a nation was desirous of restoring partnership with EU and strengthening collaboration with the union in fighting violent extremism, maintaining peace and security as well as enhancing regional cooperation .

He noted that the country needed intelligence and security equipment from the EU to combat insecurity in the country.

According to him, the major challenges facing the country were banditry in the North West and North Central, Boko Haram in the North East, Oil vandalism in the South South, sectional agitation in South East and general insecurity at the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad region.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, said that Nigeria as the “Giant of Africa” needed the cooperation of the EU in the fight against insecurity bedeviling the country.

He noted that the safety of Nigeria was the safety of Africa, and therefore called for cooperation of the EU in the fight against insecurity in the country.

Earlier, the Head of the delegation, Deputy Secretary General of the EEAS, Helena Konig, said the purpose of the visit was to seek Nigeria’s area of priorities in terms of security issues where the EU could intervene.

Konig added that the priority areas would be discussed extensively at the forth coming high ministerial meeting.

According to her, EU wants to work extensively with Nigeria in counter terrorism, to stabilise the region, considering that the country was a strong supporter in maintaining the Africa territorial region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC) for deepening collaboration with other intelligence agencies, which he said had resulted in remarkable successes.

Lagbaja, who was represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammed, gave the commendation at the opening of the NAIC Training Seminar 2023 in Abuja on Thursday.

The theme of the seminar is, “Improving Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps Proactiveness in Support of Nigerian Army Operations within a Joint Environment.”

He appreciated the sister intelligence agencies for their support to the corps, adding that the seminar would further deepen their partnership “as we all collectively confront the security challenges confronting the nation.”

The COAS said the seminar was one of the major training activities lined up for the year and was designed to enhance the intelligence corps’ capability to provide optimum intelligence in support of the operations of the army.

He said the theme of the seminar also emphasised the necessity for preemptive action, which remained the key factor for success in today’s constantly evolving threat environment.

“It is gratifying to note that the theme falls in line with my command philosophy, which is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

“The topics to be discussed during the seminar have been carefully selected to address the emerging intelligence related issues encountered in our operations.

“I am, therefore, pleased that the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps is providing this important forum where some persons and members of the intelligence community will discuss critical issues of our intelligence efforts, which is due to improving them accordingly.

“I am optimistic that the lessons and solutions that will emanate from the deliberations will positively shape the future of our intelligence operations,” he said.

Lagbaja urged the participants to take advantage of the seminar to share ideas and also disseminate the knowledge gained to others at the end.

“I wish to use this opportunity to appreciate sister intelligence agencies for their support to Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps.

“I have received several briefs on collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps and other intelligence agencies, which have resulted in a remarkable successes.

“I am glad this seminar will further deepen our partnership as we all collectively confront the security challenges confronting our dear nation,” he said.

The army chief thanked President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army and reaffirmed the loyalty of the army to the Commander in Chief and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Acting Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Brig.-Gen. Thompson Ugiagbe, said the seminar was designed to equip participants with the needed skills and mindset to better address the nation’s security challenges.

Ugiagbe said the move became necessary with the changing nature and character of threats to national security and military security in particular.

He said the topics for this seminar, which revolved around loyalty, information management and positive behaviours, had been carefully selected to reinforce the vision of the COAS to ensure that personnel gave their best while carrying out their duties.

The lectures, according to him, are in line with the pillars of the COAS command philosophy, which are leadership, operational effectiveness and sound administration.

He said the event was an opportunity to reinforce comradeship, collaboration and synergy and implored participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the seminar to become better informed.

Ugiagbe thanked the COAS for providing the resources needed for seminar and assured him of their unwavering commitment and support towards taking the army to greater heights. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government has announced a special grant of N25,000 each to improve the lives of vulnerable pensioners in the country.

The grant, will be disbursed under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The Minister, Dr Betta Edu, announced this when she met with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC), led by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero in Abuja.

“President Bola Tinubu mentioned very clearly that vulnerable pensioners should be immediately captured on the National social Register and benefit from the CCT.

“As part of social safety net, this was made clear in his speech on Independence Day where he committed 25000 Naira for 15million household for three months”, she said.

Edu informed the leadership of labour union that the desire to expand the national social register to include vulnerable pensioners in the CCT scheme was encapsulated in the renewed hope agenda.

She therefore appealed to the NLC to help fast-track the process of collating Data of would-be vulnerable pensioners beneficiaries so that they can start receiving CCT.

“I want us to fast-track this, so that we are sure the expected beneficiaries can start receiving their stipends from next month which is November”  Edu said.

The minister commended Ajaero for being a team player.

According to her, the task of moving Nigeria forward was a collective one.

She therefore urged NLC leadership to continue to have faith in the Tinubu Administration.

In his response, Ajaero expressed delight at the various poverty alleviation and job creation schemes rolled out by the Humanitarian Ministry.

The labour leader however said, identifying the root cause of poverty would go a long way in addressing the challenge in the country.

“Let’s look at not only how to solve this problem, but the cause of the problem, Let us look at other social welfare interventions and job creation that will go a long way to support families” he said.

He urged the federal government to create more productive economy by creating more Jobs to ensure prosperous nation.

Ajaero thanked the Minister for being the first member of the federal executive council to visit the labour house in President Tinubu’s Administration.

”For finding time to visit the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we will work with you to achieve success in this process and your impact will be felt” Ajaero said.

Also speaking, President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Godwin Abumisi, thanked the federal government for finding the retirees worthy of government social  intervention programme.

According to him, Pensioners recieved as low as between five and ten thousand Naira a month.

”Twenty five thousand Naira is a big money to them”, Abumisi said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, has tasked Human Resources (HR) practitioners to deepen their professional knowledge to tackle the disruptive demands of the ever-changing business environment.

Okunbor said this at a forum organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) in Lagos on Wednesday.

The Shell MD said the advice was critical because Human Resources took a central role to help organisations transit and prepare for technology and other disruptive business realities.

According to him, business realities is underpinned by volatility and uncertainty, therefore organisations require the best degree of HR resilience to cope with with happenings.

“Today’s business realities involve volatile and uncertain globalisation, inflation, war for talent, technology disruptions and artificial intelligence advancements.

“2023 and beyond demands a high level of HR innovation and disruption hence the need to rethink HR.

“This involves rethinking organisations culture and leadership, pushing boundaries to power organisational agility, acquire cross functional aptitude, unleash digitalisation, elevate HR decision science, prioritise inclusion and embrace perpetual work reinvention,” he said.

Okunbor also tasked HR professionals to align strategies with organisational goals and ensure that talents were properly managed and preserved to save the future of organisations and government.

“What worries me the most is how much we spend training children abroad and talents exported with no plans of their coming back.

“If care is not taken, talent may become a big issue for us in the future in corporate organisations and even government.

“HR professionals must begin to leverage data science to drive credible people outcomes,” he said.

President, CIPM, Mr Olusegun Mojeed, said the forum was organised to help the institute connect better with the business community in Nigeria.

“One major priority to me and the team is stakeholders engagement at various levels.

“We did our stakeholders mapping and realised that we needed to connect with business owners and leaders who employ people.

“As the leading people management institute, our core function does not end with just engaging our members and providing the needed professional support.

“It also involves connecting with people managers across board, especially those who may not necessarily be HR professionals,” Mojeed said.

Malam Ibrahim Dasuki Arabi, Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, urged the CIPM on the professionalism and certification of HR profession in the public sector across all levels- states and local government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Mr Chukwudi Ezugu, the National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), says both concrete and asphalt pavements are good for road construction.

Ezugu made this clarification on Wednesday in Abuja, on the sidelines of the 21^st International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Institution.

The theme of the conference is “Trends in Sustainable Civil Engineering Infrastructure for Economic Growth’’.

He spoke against the backdrop of the trending debate about the use of concrete or asphalt pavements in the construction of the nation’s highways.

According to Ezugu, the two are different road pavements and are used for different conditions of roads.

“If the load on the road is quite high concrete pavement would be preferable, it is also more durable but the cost is much higher but flexible pavement also has a life span of 20-25 years.

“So, basically there are some roads which are arterial for high traffic you may have to make that decision to do that investment.

“Basically, what we are saying here is that this will depend on the study, because there are experts that study each of this situation with the client agreeing based on the economies and its serviceability.

“Nothing is actually permanent so, if you have to do a project that has to last for 20 to 25 years, it is possible that after that, you may even like to restructure the project in itself, redesign for one thing or the other.

Speaking on the relevance of the theme of the conference, the national chairman said it was geared toward economic development taking into cognisance new technologies and new materials.

“Including local ones and also ways of funding infrastructure, it must be sustainable infrastructure.

“We need infrastructure, which we develop and which will not constitute a problem to the future generation.

“In other words, the materials you use should not endanger the environment or the future and all these is geared toward forming the bedrock for economic development,”Ezugu said.

He further said that adequate civil infrastructure was known to be the foundation of any vibrant and strong economy and the socioeconomic status of any nation was measured by its degree of infrastructural development.

He said the conference would look at the challenges of impoverished civil engineering development and proffer solutions to change the narrative through the use of innovation, local material and alternative funding.

Also speaking at the conference, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, said the worth of any society was dependent on the infrastructure it parades.

He was represented at the conference by Mr Chinasaokwu  Okoli, Vice President, NSE.

He said it could be engineering infrastructure, medical infrastructure, economic infrastructure, legal or financial stressing that  all the infrastructure resolve around the engineering infrastructure.

‘This is because it is what gives the platform on which a society can boast that they are okay.  What we doing here is that the experts are speaking to themselves and at the end of this conference there will be a communiqué.

“Which will be passed on to the government, the people that formulate the policies and drive the policy there are people that implement it and there are people that monitor it.

“So we are all stakeholders at the end of the day the conference will come up with a communiqué on which subject experts must have brainstormed and bring the way forward.

On the issue of concrete or asphalt he said nothing is wrong with either of the method, adding that the society was planning on organising a national discourse on it soon.

“There is nothing wrong with flexible pavement there is nothing wrong with rigid pavement but when the core subject experts meet they will advise on which one is advisable.

“It is not a one fit all solution, there are places we see that rigid pavement is more economical, there are places that flexible pavement is more economical.

“Whatever an engineer is doing he is looking at the economy with functionality and durability, sustainability casts it all, so we will be coming up with some statements that will advise the government as subject experts.

“It will be a win-win for all of us, and kudos to the Minister of Works for bringing up this issue, this is what happens all over the world that is because he is a subject expert,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
PUO/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has challenged operational level commanders of the armed forces to demonstrate intelligence, integrity and character in the conduct of their missions.

Lagbaja gave the charge at the Graduation Dinner and Awards Night for participants of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 7/2023, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The COAS was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, at the event.

He said that strategic leaders had an understanding of the intricacies of the environment, adding that it required the ability to craft and communicate a vision, demands astute leadership and selfless commitment to mission and subordinates.

According him, it requires that they demonstrate both competence, character and consistency in every action taken in order to earn the trust and confidence of their subordinates.

“Most importantly, it requires that you take on the development and mentorship of the next generation of young leaders.

“Therefore, I urge you to be men of intelligence, integrity and also gentlemen of character as you go back to the field.

“Distinguished graduating participants as you prepare to leave the college, I am sure you are aware that the nation still faces various security challenges.

“The challenges facing the nation includes terrorism, armed banditry, vandalism, kidnapping, herders and farmers conflict, cultism and secessionist aggitation amongst others.

“These asymmetric security challenges which have impacted heavily on our collective well-being have greatly posted a considerate threats to our national cohesion,” he said.

The COAS said that a lot of progress had been made in ongoing military operations in both the North East, North West and other theatres with large number of terrorists surrendering in the northeast and the gradual return of calm in other parts of the country.

He commended the troops in all theatres of operations who, he said, had exhibited unparalleled  determination to decisively deal with the security challenges across the country.

He said their loyalty, commitment and doggedness in the various theatres of operation deserved every commendation and support from all Nigerians.

According to him, the federal government, is ever committed to supporting the armed forces in the effort to develop the right set of skills and knowledge of its personnel to be better prepared to tackle security threats that confronts us all.

“Although there will be uncertainty, but one thing is sure that the nation will overcome its challenges partly because of you as you join your compatriots in the field, put in your best and make the nation proud,” he added.

The Commandant, AWCN, Maj.-Gen. Ishaya Maina, said the purpose of having a dinner along with the award night was to further engender a sense of professionalism in the college and celebrate with participants after the rigorous academic session.

Maina said the event also provided a unique opportunity for the college to honor and publicly recognise deserving recipients.

He said that the recipients outstanding dedication and sacrifice had enabled them to set high standard for the college that had been acknowledged locally and internationally.

He expressed confidence that the participants were well prepared to help develop options for overcoming the myriad of issues facing the nation, say0ing the college had provided them with valuable tools to tackle contemporary challenges and implementable practical options.

“We expect that you will knowledgeably take up your positions and play critical role in the evolution of 21st century military thinking required to meet these challenges.

It should not come to you as a surprise if you find yourself returning to one operational theatre or another.

“The COAS sir, I feel proud to tell you that the packages that the participants have undergone has made them operational ready and battle ready to be deployed into any operational field as they leave the college.

“I encourage you to understand the system appreciate the huge investment gone into your teaining and the value that your predecessors have added to their respective services.

“Therefore, there will be high demand for excellence, knowledge, ideas, options, quality service among others from you,” he said.

The commandant encouraged them to proudly stand on the solid foundation provider at the college and make their professional marks.

He irged them to always strive for excellence and not tolerate or encourage mediocrity, as well as be compassionate and apply empathy to their subordinates.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awards of excellence of research papers were presented to deserving participants who distinguished themselves during the period of study as well as some directing staffs for excellence service to the college. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza