Page 1486 – News Agency of Nigeria

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Jul, Sat, 2023

Ondo, NIS collaborate on irregular migration, human trafficking

182 total views today

By Bridget Ikyado

Ondo State Government has pledged to work with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to mitigate irregular migration and human trafficking in the state.

Prince Boye Ologbese, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations made this known when he led a delegation from the state on a working visit to the Acting Comptroller-General of the Service, Mrs Caroline Adepoju in Abuja.

“We can develop initiatives that prioritise the best interest of our citizens, facilitate legitimate travel and immigration and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

The commissioner sought the assistance of NIS to track the statistics of indigenes who had left the state.

He also said that the state government would appreciate prompt issuance of passports to its officials on assignment outside the country.

Ologbese said the state established the Diaspora Relations office in 2021 to connect and engage indigenes of the state in the diasporas to promote socio-economic development in the state.

“As part of our responsibilities, the ministry is equally billed to discourage irregular migration and human trafficking, among others.”

According him, the ministry has been collaborating with foreign missions, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NAPTIP and the International Organisation on Migration, to achieve its mandate.

The commissioner said the collaborations has resulted to the repatriation of some youths trafficked by road to Libya.

“As we speak efforts are ongoing to rescue some of our youths presently trapped in Benin Republic and other locations, ” Ologbese said.

He appreciated the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender, headed by Mrs Olamide Falana, for its involvement in curtailing the menace.

“The office organises regular radio programmes to educate the public on snags involved in human trafficking”.

He said the ministry had finalised plans to organise sensitization programme across the three senatorial zones which the NIS would be included.

Responding, Adepoju expressed the service’s readiness to develop stronger bonds, meaningful partnerships and build a future where immigration processes are secure, efficient and welcoming to all.

She also said the NIS would welcome any support to curb the menace of trafficking in persons, and related criminalities.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Christian pilgrims who performed the exercise in 2023 together with the NIS Boss, have visited and congratulated her over the appointment.

Rev. Mutong Bitrus who led the group prayed for her success and confirmation as substantive C-G.

In her remarks, the C-G appreciated the group for the prayers and pledged to do her best in making the NIS more efficient and responsive.

“We will do anything we can to secure our borders from illegal smuggling, human trafficking etc,” she added.

Adepoju said NIS would work in synergy with schools to educate the youth about the dangers of illegal migration.

She advised Nigerians to follow the right processes in acquiring visas and passports. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

isaac aregbesola
Jul, Sat, 2023

Defence/Security , General News

Air Force flies out ex-CAS from service

204 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday, flew out of service, the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.

Amao was replaced as Chief of Air Staff by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, a development that led to his immediate retirement from service.

The president named AVM Hassan Abubakar, as Amao’s replacement.

The Fly Out is a ceremony usually organised by the Nigerian Air Force for exiting Chiefs after a successful service to the Nation.

The ceremony also involves march past by troops, and flying out the retired officer.

In his valedictory speech, Amao expressed gratitude to God as well as the officers and men of the air force for a successful service to the nation.

He said the event marked a significant milestone in his career, which was fulfilling and full of accomplishments, culminating to his appointment as the 21st Chief of Air Staff.

He commented the “capable and dedicated officers and men for the roles they played in ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

“Your professionalism, skills and unwavering commitments have truly made a difference in the defence of our skies.

“During my tenure, we faced numerous challenges both at home and abroad.

“From complex joint operations to humanitarian missions, the Nigerian Air Force has demonstrated unmatched capabilities and tenacity in addressing the contemporary challenges.

“We have maintained a state of readiness adapting to the ever evolving threats and ensuring the protection of our airspace as well as safety and security of our dear country.

“It has been a great honour as well as a very challenging and yet fulfilling endeavor,” he said.

Amao also commended the efforts of his predecessors for laying the foundation upon which he built on to achieve the successes recorded during his tenure as the CAS.

He also thanked the immediate past service chiefs for the enhanced synergy that helped them achieve results, urging his successor to tow the same path for the greater good of the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa and other service chiefs.

Also in attendance were ex-service chiefs, commanders from tri-service institutions and principal staff officers from defence and services headquarters, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Julius Toba-Jegede
Jul, Sat, 2023

Education

USOSA pledges commitment to advance public secondary education

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Unity School Old Students Association (USOSA) has reiterated its commitment to work with stakeholders to advance public secondary education in the country.

The President-General of the association, Mr Michael Magaji, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday, ahead of its National Education Summit billed for July 20.

Magaji said that the summit would bring about a policy redirection towards developing the entire education sector of the country.

“We are going to design a roadmap and work plan that will chat a way for stakeholders to address the numerous challenges facing the sector.

”We as alumni of unity schools have come together to advance the course of public education at the basic and secondary levels.

” We believe that in the public education today, quality has declined for many reasons- poor funding, lack of infrastructure, high enrollment without commensurate capacity in terms of teaching and infrastructural decay.

”So what we want to do as an association is to help in reversing this decline to promote and advocate public education where tax payers money can be effectively used for the good of everyone particularly the education sector.

”So at USOSA, we are in the solution mood around education to do something about it. We will continue to partner with the owners of the schools -federal government to see how we can improve quality and introduce digital innovation,” he said.

Some of the officials of the association at the event

Magaji described education as the responsibilities of all and should therefore not be left in the hands of the Federal Government alone.

”The education summit is targeted at bringing stakeholders together to design a road map that can address the challenges in the sector.

” In education, two key elements are important which are access and quality. So we are going to be working with the government on how to support them to improve access to infrastructure and infuse digital technology into learning experiences,” he added.

He, therefore, said that promoting the teaching of the curriculum in Nigerian languages would be the focus of the summit.

When asked about the proposed 12 years as minimum admission age for entry into JSS 1 of the unity colleges, Magaji said age should not be a barrier if the candidates could demonstrate an aptitude and behaviour that would enable him lead in the community of learners.

The president-general said that the association would be working with the Federal Ministry of Education to proffer strategies in transforming the sector in the next few years.

While acknowledging the efforts of some Nigerians in their inputs towards public and private services of education, Magaji said that awards would be given to them to provide inspirational model for others to follow. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Peace advocates commend Senate over service chiefs’ confirmation

isaac aregbesola
Jul, Sat, 2023

Defence/Security

Peace advocates commend Senate over service chiefs’ confirmation

140 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Peace Advocate (NPA), a civil society group, has commended the National Assembly (NASS) for the seamless confirmation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa and other service chiefs.

The Commander of the group, Mr Obinna Obiozor, gave the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Obiozor said the timely confirmation of the service chiefs was a testimony of the belief the NASS had in them.

He said that President Bola Tinubu made the right choice in the new service chiefs, as they have the potentials to sustain the synergy and drive against terrorists and bandits.

“The distinguish members of the Senate are not unaware of the sterling performance of the CDS during his time as Theater Commander (TC), Operation Hadin Kai, hence the confidence reposed in him to quickly get down to work.

“We congratulate the CDS and his team for the confirmation of their appointments by the National Assembly.

“For the CDS, Nigerians want to quickly see you repeat the magic that saw people of the North-East begin to return to their various means of livelihood during your tenure as Theatre Commander,” he said.

The group appealed to those causing crisis in the South-East to lay down their arms, saying that economic development of the region was being affected negatively.

According to the group, the people cannot continue to destroy themselves.

“We are confident that the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the CDS has an answer for those who don’t want peace and development to reign in the South-East,” the group added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

isaac aregbesola
Jul, Sat, 2023

Defence/Security

Isoni assumes command of AHQ Garrison

744 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The new Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, has assumed office following the recent appointment and redeployment of senior officers across Nigerian army formations and units.

Isoni took over from the erstwhile Commander, Maj.-Gen. Kabiru Garba, on Friday at Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja.

The new commander was until his recent appointment the Deputy Theater Commander Joint Task Force Northeast, Operation Hadin Kai.

He commended his predecessor for doing a good job during his tour of duty and urged officers and men of the command to support to him to achieve more.

The immediate past Commander, Maj.-Gen. Garba, in his valedictory speech appreciated officers and soldiers for their support, loyalty and commitment throughout his tour of duty.

He urged them to continue to work together as a team in order to make his successor’s tenure worthwhile.

Highlights of the event were signing of handing and taking-over notes, decoration of the new Commander with AHQ Garrison Insignia, hoisting of new command flag at the quarter guard and group photograph to signify a new era. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Maharazu Ahmed

UNHCR, Al-Habibiyyah partner to support IDPs

Salisu Sani Idris
Jul, Sat, 2023

General News

UNHCR, Al-Habibiyyah partner to support IDPs

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, a faith-based organisation, have entered into partnership to galvanize support for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

He said currently there were over 3.3 million IDPs in the country.

He explained that the IDPs cut across different regions of Northeast, Northwest, and Northcentral.

” As a part of this partnership, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society will organise fundraising activities to mobilise resources to support internally displaced persons in Nigeria.

” This partnership with UNHCR is an expansion of the work Al-Habibiyyah is doing to support the less privileged in society. In Ramadan, we fed at least 2,000 people every day with our Food Bank Programme in Abuja.

” Moreover, we have over 20 years of experience in fundraising as evident in our annual distribution of Zakat,” Adeyemi said.

He said that the perennial farmers-herders clashes in the Northcentral as well as the banditry and kidnappings in the northwest added to the displacement emergency in the northeast caused by non-state-armed groups.

” These displaced communities are in dire need of support for basic amenities such as shelter, health, education, access to clean water, and protection from sexual violence.

” UNHCR has been at the forefront, responding to the needs of these IDPs, but the increasing number of displaced persons in Nigeria has exacerbated resources.

” This partnership between UNHCR and the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society intends to mobilise support from Nigeria’s Muslim community and galvanise the spirit of Islamic philanthropy as a tool to support some of the most vulnerable populations amongst us.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society is a faith-based organisation in Nigeria whose mandate includes the propagation of Islam in Nigeria and beyond.

The society also promotes Islamic and secular education, inter-religious dialogue and provision of social services such as health care, education and welfare assistance to people in need

The organisaion also ensures advancement of Islamic culture in all facets of human activities.

Al-Habibbiyyah collaborates with fellow Muslims, Islamic organizations and other reputable impact-making organizations whose vision and mandate match theirs to deliver interventions that promote the well-being of the people and human dignity. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Why we staggered our online verification- PTAD

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Sat, 2023

Economy/Business

Why we staggered our online verification- PTAD

219 total views today

By Francis Onyeukwu

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) says staggering “I am Alive Confirmation Solution” for pensioners’ verification is to avoid network failure.

Dr Chioma Ejikeme, Executive Secretary, PTAD, gave the explanation at the South-East Stakeholders Engagement Forum in Awka.

Ejikeme said the agency came up with the “I Am Alive Confirmation Solution”, to transit from manual to automated system of verification.

According to her, for efficient and effective delivery, and prevention a heavy traffic on the website, PTAD has staggered the use of the Confirmation Solution as follows.

“Police Pensioners (April 14 to October 13, 2023), Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pensioners (June 1 to December 31), Civil Service Pensioners ( July 1 to January 31, 2024) and Parastatals Pensioners; August 1 to February 28, 2024”, she said.

She urged pensioners to note the scheduled dates as they concern their respective departments.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by pensioners and Stakeholders from Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and Anambra.

Ejikeme, who reviewed the activities of the agency since she took over four years ago, said PTAD had achieved a lot in 10 years of its establishment.

“No pensioner who is alive should be left out of this very critical and important exercise that would determine a pensioner’s eligibility to continue to receive pension.

“Our resolve is to ensure that no eligible pensioner is left out. PTAD wishes to inform all our pensioners in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, that a survey is being carried out by the Directorate to ascertain the number of pensioners in those countries,” she said.

She advised pensioners living in those countries to visit the PTAD website and take part in the survey, saying “they should log on to our website – www.ptad.gov.ng to access the link for the survey”.

Chief Godwin Abumisi, President, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), commended the transformational leadership of PTAD, saying that pensioners are better treated now than before.

Abumisi particularly praised the “I Am Alive Confirmation Solution” initiative by PTAD, noting that the policy has reduced the sufferings of pensioners.

Mrs Nneka Obiamulu, a director in the agency, said there was a lot of mistrust and aggression in the way pensioners related with pension managers, but said that much has improved.

She noted that the huge debt owed pensioners due to challenges in the verification and profiling of pensioners before the establishment of the agency have been resolved.

“We have visited more than 800 pensioners who are incapacitated in their homes and hospitals and our plans is to continue to improve,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SCI inaugurates campaign to mitigate effect of climate change on children

Salisu Sani Idris
Jul, Sat, 2023

Environment

SCI inaugurates campaign to mitigate effect of climate change on children

177 total views today

By Angela Atabo

Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria has inaugurated a campaign to build the resilience of children and amplify their rights on the adverse effect of climate change.

The campaign tagged; “Generation Hope” is also to galvanise Federal Government’s commitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The Country Director, SCI Nigeria, Mr Famari Barro, said at the inauguration in Abuja on Thursday, that the campaign was necessary in view of the harsh realities of climate change.

Barro, who was represented by Mr Amanuel Mamo, Director of Advocacy, Campaign, Communication and Media of the organisation, noted that women and children bear the brunt of the adverse effects of climate change.

“Many children are experiencing the devastating impact of climate change first-hand, such as extreme temperatures, flooding, erosion, landslide, and drought.

“These results in an increase in inequality, displacement, or migration of communities, including crop failure, low food production, hunger, and extreme poverty.

“Others are malnutrition, conflict, and lack of access to basic social and development services particularly education, health, and social protection services,” he said.

He described the climate crisis as “a global emergency”, and stressed the need for government at all levels to develop strategies that would minimise the effect of climate change.

According to Barro, the main objective of the Generation Hope campaign, is to enhance climate actions, secure the commitment of the Nigerian governments, and mobilise stakeholders to invest in child-sensitive interventions.

He said that through the campaign, SCI would significantly contribute to building climate resilience for children, their families, and communities through shock responsive interventions.

He also said that SCI would drive political commitments and accountability initiatives to address the imminent climate crisis, by limiting global warming and promoting effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The Country Director added that SCI would also empower children to carry out climate campaigns and advocacies, particularly the most affected by inequality and discrimination.

In his remarks, Mr Amanuel Mamo, Director of Advocacy, Campaign, Communication and Media, SCI, said that the campaign was inaugurated in recognition of the impact of climate change on almost all aspects of children’s lives.

Mamo, who was represented by Mr Ifedilichukwu Innocent, Advocacy, Campaign and Policy Manager, SCI, said that Nigerian children participated in a worldwide consultation to get their views on the climate crisis.

This, he said, gave birth to the Generation Hope flagship report.

He described Generation Hope as a “global campaign for and with the children” and called for urgent action on the climate crisis and inequality.

According to him, the move will create a safe, healthy, and happy future for children.

“The campaign envisions a world that cares for children and their planet by demanding action to address the connected crises of economic inequality and the climate emergency.

“SCI will mobilise relevant stakeholders to amplify the voices of children, their rights on the climate agenda, and advocate for social accountability in climate action.”

He called on all duty bearers, families, religion, traditional leaders, government, and private sectors to act for a sustainable future.

On her part, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, said that climate change was responsible for rising temperatures, and erratic weather patterns.

“These effects have a devastating consequence on floods, drought, and land degradation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Philip Yatai

Lagos bye-election: LP reads riot act to aspirants, pledges best primaries

Vivian Ihechu
Jul, Fri, 2023

Politics

Lagos bye-election: LP reads riot act to aspirants, pledges best primaries

161 total views today

By Adekunle Williams

The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State has read a riot act to all aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket ahead of the Surulere Federal Constituency I bye- election, slated for Aug. 19.

The party, at a news briefing on Friday evening at its state secretariat in Ikeja, cautioned the aspirants against patronising illegal factions for the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms.

Speaking, Pastor Dayo Ekong, the Lagos State Chairperson of LP, told newsmen that the party was committed to justice and fairness and would organise credible primary to produce candidate capable of winning election.

According to Ekong, there is a departure from the old order in party administration and processes to give everyone a deserved voice.

“The LP State Working Committee is standing distinct to make sure that the old order is removed that the new order is put in place.

“It is not about who you know but your competence and capability should count. If you are bale to showcase what you have, you should be recognised.

“You don’t need any god-father to be relevant in the chapter but making yourself distinct. Nobody’s voice will be suppressed,” Ekong said.

“I want to sound a note of warning because we know some people are parading themselves as Labour Party executive, there is only one Lagos State LP State Working Committee.

“If any aspirant fall prey and purchase form from these illegal groups, he or she does it at his or her own peril. Be warned, don’t fall victims of their antics,” Ekong said.

She said that some people were clamouring for adoption of a candidate but in the spirit of fairness, the party wanted every interested aspirant to test popularity in the primary.

According to her, the LP State Working Committee would soon unveil the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms for interested aspirants obtainable at the party’s secretariat.

The chairperson stated that the party leadership was aware of infiltration from opposition parties to destabilise the LP, but would rest until all distractors are shown the way out.

“We are not going to give them that opportunity to destroy Labour Party. Enough is enough, it is not going to be business as usual. We stand by good leadership and integrity. We are people’s voices.

“If there are issues to be resolved, we will resolve them but there is hierarchy to ensure orderliness. Members should realise the party is supreme and we should not work against the party.

“Everything we are doing should align with what the party represents. Our interest should be what the party represents,” Ekong said.

She explained that some expelled or suspended party leaders had been going around to create factions within the party to disrupt the party.

Speaking further on the Surulere Federal Constituency Bye Election, Ekong said that political parties in democracy should not resort to violence and intimidation of voters but allow the electorate to choose their representatives in a free and fair election.

Urging electorate not to sell their votes, Ekong said that people should rather install leadership that would turn thing around for them and their unborn children.

Commending stakeholders’ efforts in making the party remains relevant in the country, Ekong expressed hope that the party would reclaim its alleged stolen mandates in the state.

She said that the chapter would continue to stand fully with the Mr Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of LP to ensure that the right thing was done.

Ekong said that the party remained the main opposition and biggest fast growing political party in Nigeria, saying “our membership drive is getting a lot of responses.

“We stand for the people, we stand for the downtrodden to end suppression and repression and maligning of the people. The idea behind LP is to be the people’s voice.”

Urging the youths not to be frustrated but strongly believe in the country, Ekong said that the party was concern about the youth and ensuring a Nigeria that works for all categories of people.

“We know a lot of youths are distressed. We have hope that Nigeria will be rescued and the mission would be accomplished. We want the youth not to give up.

“We are training the youths in different professions. We are going to continue to do this with our limited resources,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released timetable and schedule of activities for bye-elections, including that of Surulere Federal Constituency 1 of Lagos State.

The seat became vacant following resignation of Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, who occupied the seat until his recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chief-of-State.

Gbajabiamila, the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives was re-elected for the six term into the Green Chamber during the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections before his resignation from the house. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

GOC assures officers, soldiers of adequate welfare package

Vivian Ihechu
Jul, Fri, 2023

Defence/Security

GOC assures officers, soldiers of adequate welfare package

195 total views today

By Raji Rasak

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, has assured officers and soldiers of 15 Engineer Regiment, Topo Barracks, Badagry, of adequate welfare package.

Ajunwa gave the assurance during the commissioning of Commanding Officer’s House and other projects at the Barracks on Friday.

According to the GOC, the welfare of officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army is the utmost mind of our Chief of Army Staff which conforms with his command philosophy.

“We have come to commission the projects, look at them, move around and then make sure the rightful owners get it.

“And also to tell others that their welfare is the utmost priority of our COAS,” he said.

Addressing the wives of the soldiers in the Barracks, Obinna assured them that the renovation of quarters would be done, accordingly.

“We value the life of everyone in the Barracks no matter how small you are.

“I want to assure you that we will be picking some of your quarters one by one and renovate them gradually. So, if they didn’t renovate it now, they will do it later,” he said

Ajunwa appealed to the soldiers’ wives to take care of their children and homes.

The newly inaugurated Commanding Officer’s Residence at 15 Engineering Regiment Barracks, Topo, Badagry.

“Importantly, you must take care of your children, make sure they go to school because your husbands are always out.

“Also take care of your homes, so that your husbands will have peace of mind,” he said.

In his remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Liadi, the Commanding Officer of the Barracks, said some of the projects to be commissioned include the new Commanding Officer’s residence and renovated Officers’ Mess.

“Others are Regiment Headquarters and four blocks of Corporal and Below Quarters, as well as solar-powered borehole.

“These projects are among the numerous interventions of the COAS in fulfillment of his commitment towards improving structures and facilities throughout the NA.

“The various projects have undoubtedly motivated this Barracks community, thus achieving one of the cardinal pillars of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.

“The philosophy is “To Transform the NA into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.

“It is important to add that the projects would not have come to fruition without commitment and excellent leadership of our amiable GOC,” he said.

Liadi, on behalf of the officers, men and the entire Topo Barracks community, expressed profound appreciation to the GOC for his unflinching support and commitment towards improving their well-being.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the GOC was accompanied on his visit by three Principal Staff Officers from 81 Division Headquarters, two Brigade Commanders and three Commanding Officers, all from Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ROR/BEKl/AWA

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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/ Olawunmi Ashafa