NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
North-East wins APWEN engineering competition to empower girls in STEM
Science & Tech

North-East wins APWEN engineering competition to empower girls in STEM

278 total views today

By Angela Atabo

The North-East Zone has emerged winner of the “Who Wants to Be an Engineer” competition, organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).

The North-East defeated other geo-political zones to claim first place, with the North-Central and South-South Zones taking second and third positions, respectively.

The event was part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Girls in ICT, on Friday in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, APWEN President Dr Adebisi Osim, said the ICT Day, themed “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital”, was dedicated to the memory of former APWEN President, Funmilola Ojelade.

Osim described Ojelade as a leader whose contributions to engineering and girl-child empowerment continued to inspire the association.

“Today is not only a celebration; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that girls belong in tech.

“We must intentionally bridge the digital gender divide and equip girls with the skills to lead in this era of rapid technological advancement,” Osim said.

She noted that the digital revolution was transforming education, work, communication, and problem-solving, stressing that real transformation must be inclusive, involving every girl regardless of background or economic status.

“As engineers, we know that innovation thrives on diversity.

“When girls are given equal opportunities to engage with digital technologies, the solutions they create are more comprehensive, creative, and impactful,” she added.

Osim highlighted APWEN’s initiatives, including mentorship programmes, school outreaches, competitions, and capacity-building efforts aimed at promoting ICT education among girls.

She encouraged the participants to aspire to be innovators capable of building robots, designing apps, or creating groundbreaking tech solutions.

She also urged the government and stakeholders to support inclusive ICT policies, invest in digital infrastructure, and make digital literacy accessible to all Nigerian girls.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), represented by former APWEN President Dr Ini Usoro, emphasised the need to support schoolgirls in becoming globally competitive in STEM education.

“This move is crucial for enabling our schoolgirls to build a solid foundation and become the best they can be.

“By equipping them with strong ICT skills, we are opening doors to future careers and empowering them as innovators and leaders,” she said.

Oguntala lauded the late Funmilola Ojelade as a passionate advocate for engineering and girl-child education, calling on stakeholders to support APWEN’s efforts.

In her keynote address titled “Empowering Girls in ICT: Unlocking Nigeria’s Digital Future”, Valerie Agberagba noted the underrepresentation of women in the ICT workforce, describing it as a limitation to national development.

She called for quality education, training, mentorship, and strong parental and institutional support to encourage more girls to pursue careers in ICT.

“Empowering girls and women in ICT is crucial for Nigeria’s digital future.

“By working together, we can break down barriers and create opportunities for girls and women to thrive in ICT,” Agberagba said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

Bauchi stakeholders push for special needs in AGILE project
Health

Bauchi stakeholders push for special needs in AGILE project

243 total views today

By Ahmed Kaigama

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have called for the inclusion of persons with special needs in the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.

They emphasised that true educational reform must be inclusive and equitable.

The call was made at the conclusion of a two-day town hall meeting on Friday in Bauchi, organised by Info-Media Consultants in collaboration with the Bauchi State AGILE Project.

Hajiya Asmau Yahaya, one of the key speakers, stressed the importance of involving persons with special needs in policy development.

She noted that inclusive education recognised diverse learning styles, strengths, and challenges, and that educational policies must accommodate these differences rather than adopt a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Involving people with special needs ensures they are not left behind and that their voices shape the policies that impact their lives,” she said.

Prof. Mainasara Kurfi of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano, identified several factors contributing to school dropouts among girls, including child labour, gender bias favouring boys, lack of support for orphans, and peer pressure.

He urged parents, traditional leaders, and policymakers to prioritise girls’ education more strongly.

Also speaking, Prof. Munnir Kamba, a consultant, highlighted the wider benefits of educating girls, noting that it drove economic development, encouraged continued education among peers, and enhanced overall family well-being.

In his remarks, Dr Lawal Mohammed, Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to inclusive education.

He emphasised that the state was giving special attention to both girls’ education and the inclusion of persons with special needs in all educational policies.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that no child is left behind, especially those with special needs,” Mohammed stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ActionAid urges media support for inclusive food systems
Agriculture

ActionAid urges media support for inclusive food systems

241 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called on the media to step up advocacy for increased investment in inclusive and sustainable food systems to ensure food and nutrition security for all Nigerians.

Mr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of AAN, made the call during a media workshop on Inclusive and Sustainable Food Systems Reporting, in Abuja.

Represented by Mrs Suwaiba Dankabo, Deputy Country Director, Mamedu stated that Nigeria’s food system stands at a pivotal crossroads.

He outlined a truly inclusive food system as one that “empowers inclusive nutrition, livelihoods, and the future of millions, especially those engaged in food production”.

Mamedu stressed the media’s role in shifting the narrative, identifying climate change, economic shocks, conflict, and rising inequality as key stressors on the food system.

“Within these challenges lies a powerful opportunity to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient agricultural system. But this can only happen if we act boldly, collaboratively, and with intention,” he said.

Mamedu underscored the role of media professionals as agents of accountability and storytellers who amplify the voices of farmers, highlight their struggles and successes, and influence public discourse.

“Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public dialogue and influencing policy, yet there is a gap in specialised reporting on inclusive food systems”.

He emphasised that strengthening media engagement in this area is vital for driving awareness and advocacy, and for ensuring that the voices of smallholder farmers are heard.

“Your work shapes policy, mobilises communities, and brings visibility to critical issues. Yet agricultural and climate reporting in Nigeria remains under-resourced and underrepresented in mainstream media.

“This workshop is designed to address those gaps,” he added.

Mamedu reiterated that an inclusive food system not only guarantees better nutrition and livelihoods, but also secures the future of millions especially women farmers, young people, persons with disabilities, and the most vulnerable.

“It’s about who grows our food, who benefits from the system, and ensuring no one is left out whether in policymaking or in implementation,” he said.

He described ActionAid as an organisation committed to working with vulnerable communities, ensuring that all engagement is respectful, rights-based, and carried out with dignity.

Mamedu said the workshop aims to equip journalists to report effectively on agriculture, climate change, and food systems to inform, educate, and influence policy.

“The Inclusive Food Systems Project is part of our broader commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s agricultural transformation is not only sustainable but also inclusive especially for women, youth, and marginalised communities, including persons with disabilities.

“Through this initiative, we aim to empower smallholder farmers, enabling them to actively participate in decision-making and policy processes that affect their lives and livelihoods.

“However, this goal cannot be achieved without strong, informed, and supportive communication.

“Together, let us imagine a food system that works for everyone, not just the poor, but rural women and the youth. Let us transform not only how we eat, but how we grow our food,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised under the Inclusive Food Systems Project, funded by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and implemented by AAN. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

2025 UTME: JAMB withholds results of 96 candidates over infractions
Education

2025 UTME: JAMB withholds results of 96 candidates over infractions

566 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it withheld 96 results on account of examination infractions, a decrease from 123 in the previous year.

The Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, made the disclosure during a news conference on the official release of the results in Bwari on Friday.

Oloyede explained that while further results remained under investigation, he said the Board remained resolute in its commitment to eliminating any form of examination malpractice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 UTME saw 2,030,862 candidates registered across 882 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

Oloyede said that of these number, 1,957,000 candidates were verified to sit the exam, while 71,705 were absent.

Statistically, he said, of the 2,030,862 registered UTME candidates, results for 1,911,551 were released.

The registrar added that approximately, 39,834 results remained pending due to ongoing scrutiny, with 1,426 under active investigation.

According to him, 2,157 candidates experienced fingerprint rejections due to suspected registration infractions, a figure far above acceptable margins and currently under investigation.

“The 2025 UTME showed the prevalence of some particular types of infractions, which suggests systemic vulnerabilities or gaps in registration and examination administration or/and monitoring.

“The new trends observed were in the Registration and Examination processes and they were mainly in the following categories: Identity Fraud, and Biometric Fraud of Combined Thumbprint of Candidate,” he said.

Other infractions, he said, were impersonator at the point of registration with the active involvement of few CBT Centres, double registration, and attempted substitution of self by candidates.

Oloyede added that 244 candidates were caught engaging in “WhatsApp runs,” subscribing to rogue groups promising leaked questions.

He said their results had also been withheld to set a stern example.

In some cases, he said, the entire syndicates colluded with CBT centres to register using multiple fingerprints.

According to him, as a result of this, 3,656 candidates with “extraneous fingerprints” have had their results withheld, and some CBT centres implicated will face sanctions.

He identified the centres as Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja, Wudil Computer Information Technology, Wudil, Kano State and Penta M &Amp; Centre 2, Tambuwal LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

Oloyede added that 80 suspects were being interrogated by the police for their involvement in the examination malpractices and most of them would be prosecuted.

“The Board has identified the presence of extraneous fingers in the registration details of some of these candidates. This raises concerns regarding potential strategies for impersonation.

“A total of 3,656 candidates fall within this category. Consequently, the results of the candidates have been withheld.”

Speaking on underage candidates, he explained that following the Ministry of Education’s decision to enforce a minimum age of 16, an exception was granted for “exceptionally gifted” underage students.

The registrar said that of the 41,027 underage candidates who registered, only 467 met the high-performance criteria, with one disqualified due to examination malpractice.

He said that the board remained committed to providing the necessary support for persons with disabilities aspiring to pursue tertiary education.

He said that for the 2025 UTME, a total of 501 candidates were successfully examined by JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) across 11 centres nationwide.

According to Oloyede, the results are also being released but sadly, one of them was also involved in impersonation.

The registrar also said that due to substandard performance, four centres had been delisted and blacklisted for technical deficiencies.

He listed the centres as: Adventure Associate, Behind Sheshe Supermarket, Kano, Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria.

Others are Soronara Ventures Nigeria Limited Foundation Road, Umudagu Mbieri, Mbaitoli, Imo State and HSS Amazing, Holy Saviour School 30/32, Old Ota Road, Adeleye, Aparadija, Isunba, Lafenwa, Itele, Ogun State.

He, therefore, said that a list of those blacklisted for fraudulent practices would soon be made public with details of their nefarious activities.

Oloyede maintained that in spite of challenges, the 2025 UTME had been hailed as one of the most successful in recent years.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to zero-tolerance stance on malpractice and pledged continued innovation to protect the credibility of public examinations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre, Epe
Metro

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre, Epe

241 total views today

By Aderonke Ojediran/ Kemi Akintokun

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Friday inaugurated the state’s newly-constructed Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre at Epe, describing it as a vital step toward expanding access to quality emergency healthcare.

Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Epe.

The governor applauded Custodian Investments Ltd. for sponsoring establishment of the centre through its Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation.

He also praised Lagos State Ministry of Health and the project team for delivering what he called a ‘world-class facility’.

“This centre stands as a symbol of what is possible when vision, planning and execution align; this is a world class facility.

“We are not just handing over a project, we are empowering the Epe Community with a vital facility that can make the difference between life and death,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is equipped with triage units, emergency wards, diagnostic centres, staff lounges and waiting areas.

It is designed to offer swift and efficient care in critical situations.

The governor emphasised that the facility would not only improve patients’ healthcare outcomes but will also boost staff efficiency and strengthen public trust in the state’s healthcare system.

“This project is a clear manifestation of our vision for a progressive Lagos, where health is treated as a priority,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said that the emergency centre would serve not only Epe but also nearby communities.

He added that it would ensure quicker interventions during medical emergencies and reduce preventable deaths.

Sanwo-Olu pledged continued investment in health infrastructure across the state, especially in emergency response, maternal care and disease prevention.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the essential role of healthcare professionals assigned to the new facility and said that the state government would support their welfare, training and professional growth.

He urged Epe residents to take ownership of the centre, support its staff and safeguard the facility as a community asset.

“As we hand over this facility today, I urge all stakeholders to work together in ensuring that this centre fulfils its purpose and enhances the well-being of our people,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, lauded Custodian Investments Ltd. for its partnership with the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Ijeoma Popoola

Group tasks journalists on positive reporting of suicide
General News

Group tasks journalists on positive reporting of suicide

198 total views today

By Deborah Akpede

The International Visitor Leadership Programme Alumni Association (IVLPAA), in collaboration with the United States Consulate in Lagos, has called on media practitioners to adopt responsible and ethical approaches when reporting suicide cases.

The call was made on Friday in Ikeja during a capacity-building workshop for journalists with the theme: “The Role of the Media in Suicide Prevention.”

President of IVLPAA, Mr Dapo Oketola, said that media reports on suicide had the power to either trigger further incidents or promote healing.

“Irresponsible media coverage can lead to suicide contagion, but responsible reporting can save lives,” he said.

According to Oketola, suicide is preventable, but silence, stigma, and sensationalism continue to fuel the crisis in Nigeria.

He urged journalists to use their platforms to promote hope, resilience, recovery, and help-seeking behaviour.

“Media stories that highlight individuals overcoming suicidal thoughts, accessing support systems, and recovering from mental health challenges can significantly reduce suicide rates,” he said.

“Shift the focus from tragedy to resilience. Use strength-based, positive language and present a balanced perspective.”

According to him, responsible reporting not only helps those at risk but also provides solace to grieving families, breaks the silence surrounding mental illness, and contributes to public awareness.

“Let us report with empathy, ethics, and impact,” Oketola added.

He identified the root causes of suicide in Nigeria as mental ill-health, socio-economic stress, substance abuse, domestic and emotional abuse, stigma, and cultural beliefs.

Also speaking, Mr Sola Fabiyi, a former editor of Punch Weekend Titles, described suicide reporting as a delicate aspect of journalism that must be handled with sensitivity.

“Poorly reported suicide cases can stigmatise, encourage copycat behaviour, and worsen public health outcomes,” he said.

Fabiyi advised against sensationalising suicide stories and recommended that journalists use non-stigmatising language.

He urged media professionals to replace the phrase “committed suicide” with “died by suicide”, and avoid sharing graphic visuals or detailed descriptions of suicide methods or locations.

“Do not grab attention at the expense of dignity and sensitivity,” he warned.

He further urged the media to always provide help-seeking information in their reports.

“A story that ends in tragedy without offering a lifeline can feel hopeless to someone already struggling,” Fabiyi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Police, stakeholders agree to tackle farmer-herders conflicts in Adamawa
Agriculture

Police, stakeholders agree to tackle farmer-herders conflicts in Adamawa

268 total views today

By Ibrahim Kado

The Commissioner of Police in Adamawa, Mr Morris Dankombo, along with other stakeholders on security have resolved to collaboratively tackle the farmer-herder conflicts in the state as the rainy season sets in.

Dankombo said that the stakeholders’ meeting was necessary because of the Police Community Engagement to prevent security breaches in Yola.

He said the meeting was organised to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and to collectively chart a path towards sustaining peace in the state.

According to him, rainy season often witnesses increased tensions between herders and farmers, primarily due to the struggle over land, water, and grazing reserves.

“In the light of this, if not proactively addressed, it can escalate into violence, disrupt livelihoods, and threaten the peace and security we all work hard to preserve,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to remain resolute in promoting peace, security and mutual respect across the state.

The Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri on Peace and Security, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan, gave assurance that the 2025 farming season would be different due to the stakeholders’ commitment to ensure peace in the state.

He said that government would also recover all the grazing reserves that were tempered with to enable herders to get space for grazing without conflicts with farmers.

He called on the traditional leaders to support government in addressing the problem of tempering with the grazing reserves through awareness creation.

A representative of the Chairman, Adamawa Concerned Citizens, Alhaji Gambo Nakira, recommended the banning of the underaged from cattle rearing to avoid the destruction of crops and tempering with grazing reserves.

Nakira described the meeting as timely and commended the police for being proactive toward ensuring peace and security in the state.

The representatives of the Muslim Council and Christian Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Batu and Rev. Victor Sajo, urged the government to promote justice between farmers and herders as well as meet their needs.

“These would help to boost their activity and the economy and ensure peace and security in the state,” they said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Sam Oditah

Lagos pays N978.6m insurance to families of deceased workers
Metro

Lagos pays N978.6m insurance to families of deceased workers

210 total views today

By Grace Alegba

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with LASACO Assurance Plc, on Friday presented cheques worth N978.62 million to 510 beneficiaries as insurance death benefits for the dependents of deceased public servants in the state.

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi, who led the presentations, said that N978.62 million was presented to provide relief for families of the deceased workers.

He commiserated with the families of the deceased and explained the role of government in ensuring the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of citizens.

L-R: The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Finance, Mr Mahmud Alao; Mr Femi Saheed, Chairman, House Committee on Finance in the Lagos State House of Assembly; Mrs Constance Ajayi, a deceased worker’s widow and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi during the presentation of cheques as insurance death benefits to dependants of deceased public servants in the state on Friday in Alausa.

Oluyomi asked for forgiveness from beneficiaries who had anticipated the payments earlier than they came, while acknowledging their difficulties after losing their beloved ones who were in active service of the state.

According to him, all the staff of Lagos State know that the government is taking care of them, whether they are alive or not.

“So, today, in consideration of what this particular government has been doing, we are going to be giving out cheques to over 510 people, totalling close to one billion Naira,” he said.

He called for financial prudence from beneficiaries and patience on the part of those not captured in the current phase, adding that another batch will come up in three months.

The commissioner, who earlier called for a minute’s silence to honour the departed, prayed for the repose of their souls and the wellbeing of those they left behind.

He commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for huge investments in the workforce and assets for the overall wellbeing of Lagos residents.

“This year alone, we paid a premium of over N3 billion to LASACO Assurance Plc for people and assets insurance,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr Mahmud Alao, called for financial diligence, urging the beneficiaries to shun the temptation of lavish spending that may jeopardise the intent of the funds as succour.

He said the 510 beneficiaries received N978.62 million in this first batch of the exercise for 2025, adding that other phases would follow in quick succession.

Lagos State officials and some beneficiaries of insurance death benefits paid to dependants of deceased public servants on Friday in Alausa

 

Mr Femi Saheed, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance in the Lagos State House of Assembly, explained the lawmakers’ oversight function in ensuring the government’s compliance with its insurance obligations.

Saheed praised the executive arm for its diligence while urging civil servants to take out insurance policies to complement the government’s efforts for their welfare.

 

The Managing Director, LASACO Assurance Plc, Mr Rasaq Abiodun, commended the state government for its consistency in the payment of insurance premiums on its workforce.

He advised beneficiaries to invest wisely while assuring that the company will continue to support the course of the state government and workers.

The Chairman, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Mr Segun Balogun, also thanked the state government for its commitment and consistency regarding workers’ welfare, while also demanding financial intelligence from beneficiaries.

Mrs Constance Ajayi, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked the state government for coming to their aid while explaining the difficulties arising from the demise of her husband. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Olawunmi Ashafa

National Communication Team reviews mid-term performance, sets targets
General News

National Communication Team reviews mid-term performance, sets targets

231 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo

The National Communication Team chaired by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Friday in Abuja conducted a comprehensive review of its mid-term performance.

 

The review, which forms part of the team’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public communication, evaluated the effectiveness of its strategies in disseminating government policies, programmes and achievements to Nigerians and the international community.

 

In his opening remarks at the meeting, the minister expressed profound satisfaction with the growing synergy between key communication stakeholders within the government.

 

Idris commended the collaborative efforts between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Agency as well as the heads of public information agencies, and presidential aides responsible for media, information, strategy, and communication.

 

He noted that this unity of purpose and coordination had significantly enhanced the quality, coherence and reach of public messaging on the policies and achievements of the Tinubu Administration.

 

According to the minister, the strengthened partnership has ensured that government communication is more strategic, evidence-based, and responsive to public concerns.

 

Idris also emphasised that the improved collaboration had contributed to building public trust and increasing awareness of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s impact across critical sectors.

 

The minister urged stakeholders to deepen the cooperation, maintain high standards of professionalism, and continue to speak with one voice in promoting the administration’s successes both nationally and internationally.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Communication Team resolved to intensify efforts in showcasing the achievements of the Tinubu Administration.

 

NAN reports that these achievements were in sectors such as rural economy, infrastructure development, agriculture, and the ongoing fight against insecurity among others.

 

The team noted that these areas reflect tangible improvements in the lives of citizens and were central to the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

To complement this effort, the minister urged the team to fine-tune its strategy toward the continuation of town hall meetings across the states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

 

He said the town hall meetings would serve as platforms for direct interaction between government representatives and the public, thereby fostering transparency, trust, and participatory governance.

 

Through the expanded outreach, he said the National Communication Team reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive national conversation.

 

This, he added, underscored the impact of government efforts while promoting civic participation and national unity.

 

The meeting was attended by the Managing Director of NAN, Ali Muhammad Ali, Directors General of NTÀ, Abdulhamid Dembos; FRCN, Mohammed Bulama, National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, VON, Jibrin Baba Ndace, and ARCON, Olalekan Fadolapo.

 

Others were the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dili Ezegha, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and Special Adviser to the President, Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.

 

Also present were the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz.

 

The rest were the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, Otega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Strategic Communication, Linda Akhigbe, and Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Ali Audu.(NAN)

(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Navy launches ORBANGAME Express 2025
Defence/Security

Navy launches ORBANGAME Express 2025

238 total views today

By Oladapo Udom

The ORBANGAME Express 2025 will focus on curbing small arms trafficking and enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), says the Nigerian Navy.

Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Micheal Oamen, representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, launched the exercise aboard Nigerian Navy Ship KADA.

Oamen stated that the exercise, taking place from May 9 to 13, would feature anti-smuggling and narcotics operations as key components of maritime security efforts.

“The Nigerian Navy will deploy six ships, two helicopters, maritime domain awareness assets and elements of the Special Boat Service (SBS) for this sea exercise,” he said.

He added that the exercise would unite partners from the GoG, the Americas, and Europe to evaluate Nigeria’s capacity for joint maritime security operations.

“Over time, this exercise has greatly improved Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and contributed meaningfully to regional stability,” he said.

Oamen noted that Exercise ORBANGAME EXPRESS is an annual multinational event initiated by the U.S. Navy in partnership with GoG nations’ navies.

He explained that since its inception in 2010, the exercise has grown, now including reputable naval forces from Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

“We are pleased to welcome the Spanish warship ESPS RELAMPAGO to this year’s edition of the exercise,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the exercise would enhance operational readiness and deepen international naval collaboration.

“At its conclusion, we expect to further strengthen our collective response to maritime crimes in the sub-region,” Oamen affirmed.

The FOC recalled that in March 2022, the International Maritime Bureau removed Nigeria from the piracy-prone list due to reduced incidents in its waters.

“According to the Nigerian Shippers Council, improved safety in the GoG has boosted trade, thanks to consistent naval operations and support from maritime stakeholders,” he noted.

Oamen expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued backing and to the CNS for providing essential logistical support to the Navy’s operations.

“As a Navy, we appreciate our partner navies, especially the U.S. and Spain, for their enduring commitment and key contributions to this exercise,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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