NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigeria’ll continue to play strategic roles in Africa- Tinubu
General News

Nigeria’ll continue to play strategic roles in Africa- Tinubu

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By Ismail Abdulaziz
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria will continue to play strategic roles in the affairs of the African continent at all times.

Tinubu said this on Friday while receiving the letters of credence from the Ambassadors of Egypt, Pakistan and Greece in Abuja.

He said that Nigeria would continue to play its role as the stabiliser on the continent towards ensuring lasting peace and progress.

Receiving a letter of credence from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Ahmed, Tinubu said both countries would emphasise on global peace and stability through collaboration within international organizations, such as the UN.

The President noted that since establishing diplomatic relations in 1961, Nigeria and Egypt had collaborated on key international priorities, including promoting regional peace, security, and stability.

Acknowledging Egypt’s role towards a truce in the crisis in Gaza, Tinubu said: ‘’We need to do more. Stability in the region is of paramount importance.’’

Ambassador Ahmed conveyed President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s willingness to bolster economic partnership with Nigeria, emphasizing Egypt’s interest in increasing trade and investments between the two countries.

‘’We need to complement each other on investments. Many Egyptian companies are interested in coming to Nigeria to invest,’’ the Egyptian Ambassador said.

In discussions with retired Maj.-Gen. Sohail Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan, Tinubu described the Ambassador’s military background as invaluable for exchanging ideas to expand security and defence cooperation.

‘’We must do more to stop extremists. We need to enhance our collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge in these areas.

‘’As a government, we will keep an open-door policy with countries and development partners on enhancing cooperation on security, economy, education, and the information and communication technology sector,’’ the President said.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan noted the demographic similarities between the two countries and expressed a desire to elevate the relationship to new heights.

‘’Pakistan has the fifth largest population in the world while Nigeria is the sixth largest. We have a significant youth population, and our national flags are similar.

“I would like to take our relationship to a new level, from strength to strength,’’ the High Commissioner said.

In a separate meeting with Ambassador Athanasios Kotsionis of Greece, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to an open-door policy that encouraged collaboration and progress.

He restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Greece and building bridges of cooperation to address common challenges.

The President assured the Greece Ambassador of Nigeria’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to socio-economic growth and development.

‘’Nigeria and Greece have good historic ties. We have shared priorities, including promoting democracy, and there is room to expand cooperation.

‘’The economic situation in Africa and Europe is still very unbalanced. We should build on the opportunities from our challenges and strengthen relations between the two countries.

‘’What I expect is an improvement in the relationship between both countries, and I look forward to us working on that.

‘’Our government is about renewed hope. Nigeria will continue to play its role as a stabilizer on the continent,’’ the President said.

Kotsionis outlined Greece’s efforts to finalise agreements with Nigeria in the areas of tourism, scientific exchange, technology, and maritime.

‘’We are ready to sign the agreements with Nigeria as soon as they are ready.

“There is a lot to be done between the two countries, and we will need the support of your government.

“We hope to achieve incredible things in Nigeria during my stay,’’ the Ambassador said.(NAN)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Body of Benchers’ll enforce discipline in legal profession – Awomolo
Food Security , Judiciary

Body of Benchers’ll enforce discipline in legal profession – Awomolo

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By Ebere Agozie

The Body of Benchers (BoB) will not fail in its duty to apply the Rules and enforce discipline no matter the status, position or rank of any legal practitioner involved.

The Body of Benchers is a statutory Body established by the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962 (as amended), Cap. L11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Section 3 of the Act stipulates that the Body of Benchers is the Legal Body of Practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession, which shall be responsible for the formal call to the Bar of persons seeking to become legal practitioners as well as disciplining of erring lawyers.

Chairman of the BoB, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, made this known in his key-note address at the ongoing 2024 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) on Thursday in Abuja.

The law week is with theme: `Developing the Law to Attain National Stability and Development’.

He noted that corruption has reached alarming proportions in the legal profession and that the practice permits both the Inner and the Outer Bars.

“It is commonly believed that my colleagues of the Inner Bar perpetrate and involve themselves in unwholesome practices with impunity.

“I have challenged those I read and knew their authors on social media and I am waiting for proof on any of these allegations.

“There is need for all of us to be conversant with the Rules of Professional Conduct at the Bar published in 2023 and that are fundamental provisions that are a complete departure from all the previous Rules.

Awomolo, said that attainment of national stability and development can only be happen when the proper and the right instrumentality of the law is enacted, faithfully implemented, obeyed and enforced.

He noted that the law was only meaningful when it addresses the common goal of government of the people, by the people and for the people.

He said that Nigeria has remained stagnated, poorly governed, and underdeveloped because of a deficit in the quality of governance by the people we elected into political offices, and those appointed into public offices.

“The country’s problems include a dysfunctional socio-political structure, entrenched corruption, and an unproductive economy hence there is a dispute over whether Nigeria is a failed State.

“The late Fela Kuti’s words in his popular song “Suffering and Smiling” perfectly capture the Nigerian experience, highlighting the fact that problems persist, and continue to evolve in various forms.

“The country’s problems are not solved, but rather persisted.

“This has led to huge economic loss, massive brain drain and high loss of majority of Nigerian’s vibrant, intellectual and active youth in what is called the ‘Japa’ Syndrome.

“The effect of this unfortunate demographic loss in human resources manifest mostly in professional and technical sectors and industries because of the unemployment of educated and skilled youths’’.

Also speaking, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Chris Uche said Nigerians had lost hope in the legal profession.

Uche, who was the Chairman of the event said the lecture would afford his learned brothers the opportunity to have a rethink and help the society.

“People have lost hope in this our profession, so we want to see how our gathering today will help to give us hope as lawyers.

“It has always been said that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, but in recent times in this country that has become very debatable.

“This is an opportunity as practitioners to see how we can use the law to help the society, to help the country and also to help ourselves,’’ he added.

He, therefore, urged participants to be in the right frame of mind, have the right spirit to consume and to receive and to impact positively on the society.

Mr Afam Okeke, the Chairman of the Unity Branch in his address of welcome said the annual event was part of providing a platform to celebrate the vital role of lawyers in our society.

“It’s a time to reflect on our achievements, and contributions to the national discourse, and address challenges on our way to greater impact.

“The theme `Developing the Law to Attain National Stability and Development’ affords us the opportunity to evaluate our roles in upholding the rule of law and its impact on our society.

“Through this theme, we will once more be reminded of our shared commitment to justice, fairness, and the protection of fundamental rights’’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

LASG equips 1,400 prospective retirees for seamless retirement
General News

LASG equips 1,400 prospective retirees for seamless retirement

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By Rukayat Adeyemi

The Lagos State Government has equipped over 1,400 prospective retirees with the necessary knowledge and information to navigate their retirement processes seamlessly.

Mr Bode Agoro, Head of Service (HoS), Lagos Sate Government, said this at the 26th Retirement Documentation seminar for prospective retirees of the state public service, organised by the Lagos Pension Commission (LASPEC) on Friday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the prospective retirees were those due for retirement between July and December.

Agoro, represented by Mr Abdulrafiu Fasola, Secretary, Lagos State Housing Board, said that the seminar was a crucial step to transition to a well deserved and fulfilling retirement after years of dedicated service.

He implored the prospective retirees to quicken the process of their clearance from the appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ease further processing of their retirement benefits by LASPEC.

The HoS noted that retirement was eminent in the life of any worker and that in the public service, it came as either having attained 60 years or meritorious service of 35 years.

“Take advantage of the opportunities that will be provided by this forum, which serves as a testament in supporting you in the journey to the new chapters of your lives.

“As you prepare to embark on the new phase of life, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your numerous contributions; individually and collectively to the growth and development of the state.

“I congratulate you in advance, on your successful transition into retirement and encourage you to cherish memories, celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to the new challenges that await you in retirement,” he said.

Agoro lauded the management and staff of LASPEC for always providing helpful information and guidance to the retirees, as well as being effective in the discharge of their duties.

In his remark, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, Commissioner for Establishments and Training, said the state government had continuously prioritised the welfare and interests of pensioners in the public service.

Ayantayo noted that the state does so, by ensuring the prompt payment of pension obligations within the available limited resources.

“Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has shown his commitment to the financial freedom of retirees in the state, by ensuring the monthly payment of retirement obligations.

“The Lagos State Government is dedicated to maintaining its leading role in the Nigerian pension industry, by its goal to promptly pay retirees’ pensions upon disengagement from the public service,” he stated.

The commissioner charged the prospective retirees to ensure that all pertinent documentation had been submitted by their MDAs and their personnel files accurate, adding that addressing these matters after retirement may prove challenging.

“I also wish to advise you to embrace the joy and challenges of this new phase of life. Be wary of fraudsters and seek advice from competent and reliable sources.

“In this regard, please do not hesitate to contact LASPEC or the Ministry of Establishments and Training, should you require clarifications or advice regarding the modalities surrounding your retirement benefit matters.

“I congratulate every prospective retiree present and wish you all the best. I pray that God will give you good health to enjoy your retirement,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Babalola Obilana, Director-General, LASPEC said the commission brought in experts and professionals to guide the prospective retirees through the important aspects of their retirement documentation, to help them make well-informed decisions.

Obilana stated that by planning and documenting their pre-retirement affairs meticulously, the prospective retirees were taking a significant step toward ensuring that their retirement years were successful.

He noted that retirement could be a time of immense joy and fulfillment, but could also pose challenges.

He said, “Retirement is not an end, but a new beginning and a time to explore passions and spend quality time with loved ones.

“It is also a time to pursue dreams that were unfulfilled during working years due to time constraints.”

NAN reports that the seminar covered a range of topics related to pre-retirement documentation, financial planning, legal considerations and healthcare, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Olawunmi Ashafa

Inter-agency collaboration critical in protection of oil assets  –  Stakeholders
Defence/Security

Inter-agency collaboration critical in protection of oil assets  –  Stakeholders

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By Deborah Coker

Stakeholders in the security sector on Friday in Abuja, stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration in the protection of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas assets.

The stakeholders spoke as discussants at the two-day 13th National Security Seminar, organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar which commenced on Thursday, had as its theme ‘Curbing Oil Theft and Illegal Crude Oil Refining in Nigeria’.

Speaking on the topic, “Protection of Critical Oil and Gas Infrastructure in Nigeria: Issues and challenges”, the discussants were unanimous in calling for joint action and collaboration of security agencies in protecting crude oil and gas resources and other national assets.

NAN reports that the lecture was delivered by Dr Benito Eze, an Assistant Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

According to AVM Sayo Olatunde, one of the discussants, there is need for collaboration and jointness in operations to effectively safeguard the resources.

He identified bad governance, abject poverty and unemployment as some of the root causes  of attacks on the oil and gas assets in the country.

Mr Kamoru Busari, another discussant from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, said that community-based security outfits should be deployed in protecting oil assets because of their knowledge of the terrain.

Busari said this would eliminate strife from local communities and vandalism of oil infrastructure.

He also recommended the use of technology to reduce person-to-person interface, and the utilisation of hydrocarbon fingerprinting in tracing the origin of crude oil products.

Also, Prof. A.O Ahmed, Provost CSRS NDC, said  poverty and hunger have contributed to the  damages being recorded of oil and gas facilities.

He added that the degradation of the environment due to exploration activities and oil spills has deprived communities of access to their traditional methods of livelihood.

According to him, this has led to hunger and drug abuse among youths in oil producing communities.

“There is therefore the need to tackle poverty and other factors if we are serious about protecting our crude oil and gas and other national assets,” he added.

Earlier, Eze in his lecture said that protection of oil and gas infrastructure was necessary, just as the safeguarding of communities from man-made and natural disasters.

He said the government should deploy special equipment, and create a forum to ensure unlimited cooperation with locals.

Eze also said there should be a robust framework for arrests, investigation and prosecution, as well as coordination and synergy among security agencies.

He recommended collaboration among relevant formal and private security agencies, including the armed forces and intelligence services to stem crude oil theft.

According to him, there should also be  improved relationships between oil producing communities and International Oil Companies to protect oil and gas assets in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

FCTA disburses First Lady’s N10m grants to 20 women farmers
Health

FCTA disburses First Lady’s N10m grants to 20 women farmers

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By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun the disbarment of N10 million grants to 20 women farmers in the FCT.

The grant is under the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) Women Agricultural Empowerment programme.

Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, explained during the disbursement in Abuja on Friday, that each of the beneficiaries would receive N500,000.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who is also the FCT Coordinator of the RHI, said that the disbursement marked an important milestone in the efforts to support vulnerable women to expand their micro investment in agriculture.

She explained that the N500,000 grant would significantly help each of the beneficiaries to expand their agricultural production as a sustainable means of livelihood.

According to her, the Women Agricultural Empowerment programme was designed to support and empower women in the North Central zone of Nigeria.

Benjamins-Laniy said that the women were selected from the six Area Councils of the FCT, under the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative’s women Agricultural Support Programme.

She added that each of the women would also get a free health insurance scheme from the Health Secretariat of the FCTA.

“This is not a palliative, but a grant to show that President Bola Tinubu-led government cannot shine without touching the lives of the people at the grassroots.

“It is through women that the government can touch most communities. This is the message of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady.

“The women secretariat is investing in women, and we are unifying them for global impact,” she said.

Group photograph of beneficiaries of the First Lady’s N10 million grants and officials of the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, during the disbarment of the grant in Abuja on Friday.

The mandate secretary said that the women would be closely monitored to ensure efficient use of the grant.

Benjamins-Laniyi also announced a N7.5 million reward for the women that recorded the best yield during harvest.

She said that the woman that recorded the best yield would receive a N5 million reward, the second best would get N1.5 million while the third best would go home with N1 million.

According to her, the reward was designed to encourage the beneficiaries to expand their investment and grow their agricultural businesses to macro level.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the secretariat, Alhaji Adetoyi Kolawole, noted that the grant attested to the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to financially empower women.

According to him, the support will not only enhance the livelihoods of the women, but also impact positively on their families and communities.

He said, “The initiative aligns with the secretariat’s mission, which aims at promoting gender equality and empowering women.”

Kolawole advised the beneficiaries to utilise the grant judiciously, adding that the secretariat would monitor the utilisation of the fund.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Victoria Sani, a poultry farmer from Kurudu community, Abuja Municipal Area Council, commended the First lady for the support, which she described as life changing.

She also thanked the women affairs secretariat for implementing different interventions to improve the livelihood of women, their families, and communities. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Bello should’ve appeared in court even if arrest warrant illegally obtained – Judge
Judiciary

Bello should’ve appeared in court even if arrest warrant illegally obtained – Judge

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By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court in Abuja has asked the former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to appear in court for his trial.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that even if an arrest warrant issued against him was illegally obtained, the defendant (Bello) should still show up in court.

The judge had, on April 23, fixed May 10 for the ruling on the ex-governor’s application to set aside the arrest warrant against him.

The EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had, on April 17, moved the ex-parte application for the arrest warrant.

But Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, on April 23, prayed the court to set aside the arrest warrant against their client

He said that the arrest warrant had become unnecessary since their lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, had accepted the service of the charge on behalf of the ex-governor.

He argued that the arrest warrant order, having been made before the charge, ought to be set aside suo motu (on its own accord, without any request by the parties involved).

The senior lawyer argued that contrary to the submission of the lawyer who appeared for EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, that the ex-governor must be in court first before any application could be entertained as a criminal case.

He said that the anti-graft agency also made an application on April 18 after the warrant arrest was issued to EFCC on April 17 and that the court granted it.

The lawyer submitted that the arrest warrant was issued in favour of the EFCC by the court in violation of fair hearing to their client.

He noted that the complainant made an application for substituted service on April 18, after the arrest warrant had been issued on April  17 and “today, my noble lord granted it.”

“The court must satisfy itself that the defendant (Bello) will not be prejudiced in fairness if the warrant of arrest continues to hang on his neck, having been made before service of the charge contrary to Section 394 of ACJA,” Adeola argued.

He argued that justice should be a three-way traffic; that is, justice to the prosecution, the defendant and the public.

He said for Bello to appear in court, he must have the notion that he would get justice.

Adedipe also argued that the EFCC was an unconstitutional body because its establishment was not ratified by the 36 states of the federation.

He said that for the EFCC to become a constitutional body, the 36 states of the federation must ratify the law establishing it as against the current position, that the EFCC Establishment Act was unilaterally ratified by the Federal Government.

He, therefore, asked the judge to vacate the arrest warrant against the former governor.

But Pinheiro vehemently opposed the application.

The senior lawyer argued that for the arrest warrant to be vacated, the former governor must be arraigned and take his plea in compliance with Section 396 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, the judge agreed with the argument of the EFCC.

He said that the order of the court subsisted until it is set aside, even if there is irregularity.

The judge said Yahaya Bello’s staying away amounted to disregard to the sanctity of the court.

“Therefore, the application by the counsel for the defendant cannot be moved unless the defendant is present in court.

“Bello should come to court on his own, not through EFCC for arraignment on the next adjourn date,” the judge declared.

Meanwhile, shortly after the ruling, Mohammed, who appeared for the former governor, informed the court of a motion on notice filed on May 9.

He said the motion prayed the court to stay further hearing of the alleged money laundering suit filed against Bello until the Court of Appeal decides a pending case relating to the same matter.

The senior lawyer said the anti-graft agency had, by a motion ex-parte, got an order of the Appeal Court stopping the contempt proceedings filed by the ex-governor against the agency at the High Court sitting in Lokoja.

He said the appellate court had already fixed May 20 to hear the case.

He said it would be important the Federal High Court, Abuja awaits the outcome before going further with the trial.

But the EFCC’s lawyer, Oyedepo, disagreed with Mohammed’s submission.

In a short ruling, Justice Nwite refused Mohammed’s application.

The judge said that the matter had generated controversy all over the world and was unnecessary.

Reacting, Mohammed responded that the former governor was not afraid to come to court but was only afraid of his life.

Justice Nwite, however, said that Bello should not be misguided but should be advised to come and answer to the alleged charge.

“It is just a charge. It has not been proven. Counsel, it is your duty to bring him and you prepare yourselves.

“We thank lordship. We will take your admonition to him because that is just his fear,” Mohammed said.

He assured that efforts would be made to contact the former governor to appear in court at the next adjourned date.

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until June 13 for arraignment.(NAN)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Guns, bullets alone cannot end insurgency – Expert
Defence/Security

Guns, bullets alone cannot end insurgency – Expert

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Dr Sani Abubakar, National Patron, Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism, Insurgency and Terrorism (BRAVE-IT), says the fight against security challenges in Nigeria will not end with guns and bullets.

Abubakar, a scholar in Military Studies, said this at a Breakfast Meeting on National Security organised by the group on Friday in Abuja.

The theme of the meeting is ‘Exploits of the Armed Forces in Countering Insurgency, Insecurity, and Terrorism in Nigeria Through Non-kinetic Operation’.

He said that the military option alone, using guns and bombs, must be complemented with efforts to address the root causes of the insurgency and other security challenges in the country.

Abubakar identified bad governance, which leads to poverty, deprivation and discontent, as a major cause of insecurity in the country.

He commended the leadership of the military for the successes being recorded through the combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, specially in the North East.

The patron also identified ignorance, religious extremism, revenge, exclusion as other factors precipitating the security threats.

“All these are things that we, as civilians, need to begin to speak about. We need to add our own voices so that we could play our own part to make the systems work.

“We are trying to use this platform to speak to either bandits or Boko Haram or whatever name they call themselves, that we condemn their act, that we. as Nigerians, do not support them and we are not with them.

“We are calling on them to release people being held in captivity, without condition, without any receptor or transfer of any money in the name of ransom,” he said.

Abubakar expressed optimism that the military and other security agencies could win the war with the support of the people through timely and accurate information on the criminal elements in their midst

The National Coordinator of BRAVE-IT, Aysha Rabo, said the event  was a call to discuss the current security landscape of the nation and to laud the commendable efforts of the armed forces.

Rabo said that BRAVEIT had always advocated for the non-kinetic strategy employed by the military in combating insurgency and addressing many security challenges, saying that the strategy had proven to be highly effective.

She urged the military to enhance its non-kinetic operations, adding that the group envisioned a future where people would recognise and value the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, and motivate them to continue such dedication and professionalism.

In his remarks, the Director of Campaign Planning, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Albert Lebo, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, commended BRAVE-IT for the feedback on the military operations across the country.

He said the ideas to include the non-kinetic approach into military operations was borne out of the need to win the hearts and minds of the populace in their areas of operation.

According to him, what military men understand as combatants is go, destroy, eliminate, annihilate and capture.

“But, as you know, the military has been evolving  in operations across the country.

“To be frank, in the Nigerian Defense Academy, where we were trained, there is no aspect of non-kinetic operations that is in the syllabus.

“But, because of the challenges that we have had and the gaps that we have identified on the need for non kinetic approach to be exploited, we in the military decided to take it upon ourselves.

“Accordingly, the Department of Civil Military Cooperation was created in the defence headquarters and also across the services.

“So, the task is to coordinate or collaborate with the field commanders, the formations and units to carry out some intervention projects.

“It is just a minor aspect to close up the gap in the field, but the main aspect of what you call non-kinetic aspect is that of the civil authority.

“I assure you that the chief of defence staff and members of the armed forces will not relent in our effort towards fighting insecurity and insurgency.

“Also, I want to assure you that we will continue to collaborate with organisations such as yours, and other well meaning members of the society, to ensure that we stamp out this menace from our society,” he said.

Deputy Coordinator, BRAVE-IT, Dr AK Peters, announced that the organisation had acknowledged the contribution of the Nigerian Air Force to the fight against insurgency in the country.

Peters said the Air Force was rated high in its activities in combating insurgency, banditry and oil theft with precision in air bombardments of criminal enclaves across the country.

He said that NAF had been awarded the Force of the Year by BRAVE-IT, adding that the award would be presented through the Chief of Defence Staff. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

Nigeria’s Defence Chief receives Prince Harry, Meghan in DHQ
Defence/Security

Nigeria’s Defence Chief receives Prince Harry, Meghan in DHQ

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan have visited Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters,  as part of a three-day private visit to Nigeria.

The visit, on the invitation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, was also in relation to the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sport competition for wounded service personnel and veterans, founded by Prince Harry in 2014.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Duke and Duchess arrived Abuja on Friday, and immediately visited the Light Academy in Wuse, an institution supported by Archewell Foundation before moving to the defence headquarters.

On arrival at the DHQ, they were received by wives of military officers led by the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Musa and top officers of the Nigerian military.

The visitors went into closed door meeting with the defence chief, at the end of which they declined to speak with newsmen.

The royal couple had left Abuja for a visit to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna to interact with wounded soldiers receiving treatment.

They are expected to watch a novelty volleyball match between CDS Invictus and Team Duke on Saturday, hold strategic meetings, and proceed to Lagos on Sunday, before their departure. (NAN) (www.mammews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed

NIMC captures 107.3m persons in its database
General News

NIMC captures 107.3m persons in its database

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has so far captured over 107.3 million persons in the ongoing National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment.

The Director-General, NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote said this at the Maiden Media Interactive Session of the Commission on Friday in Abuja.

Coker-Odusote said there was need to fast track the enrolment process to capture more people into the national identity database.

“An increase in the enrolment rate will help to reduce the processing time for enrolees.

“Obtaining NIN should be as minimal as possible because the system has been upgraded, and the capacity is not that bad.

“We are working on increasing the capacity that we have, we are trying to increase it from 100million to 250million, the process will take us a minimum of between 6 months and 9 months,” she said.

She said the commission had equipped all its enrolment centres, saying however that most of the equipment were outdated, as the systems were acquired as far back as 2011.

The DG said that although the equipment were donated to the commission, the number of equipment donated were minimal compared to what was required.

She said that Nigerians would have to pay a certain amount of money to access the New General Multipurpose National Identity Card through their finance institutions.

Odusote also said that although NIN was free, the card would not be issued free of charge.

“It is just like how you pay to access your ATM cards in the banks, Nigerians will pay through the banks to access their cards within 48 hours after payment to get the digital multipurpose card.

“Application for the card will be based on request with individuals getting their NIN through self-service online portal or through the banks and the applicants will have to pay through the banks to acquire the card.

“The proposed general multipurpose National Identity Card will be convenient, and it eliminates the need for multiple cards,” she said.

She said that the cards had multiple use and can be used for payments/financial, government intervention/services, and travel.

The DG said that NIMC was also working with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System to ensure hitch-free roll out of the cards.

“Applicants for the card will have to request with their NIN through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks

“The card will be issued through the applicants’ respective banks in line with existing protocols with the issuance of the debit/credit cards.

“The card can be picked up by holders at the designated center or delivered to the applicants at the requested location at an extra cost to be borne by the applicants,” she said.

Coker-Odusote said the commission was in partnership with Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited and Galaxy Backbone to access efficient access to internet connectivity to the 774 Local Government Areas ( LGAs) of the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Ali Baba-Inuwa

U.S. unveils 56 young Nigerians for 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship
Foreign

U.S. unveils 56 young Nigerians for 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship

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By Mark Longyen

The U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria has unveiled 56 distinguished young Nigerians selected for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mandela Washington Fellowship is a programme of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by global education and development group, IREX.

The prospective fellows will travel to the U.S. as part of the 10th Anniversary of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the U.S. embassy spokesperson, Aishah Gambari, said on Friday.

They will travel to 28 U.S. cities from June 19 to Aug.1, and engage with U.S. leaders in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors at a summit in Washington D.C.

Gambari added that, after the summit, three of the fellows would participate in a four-week Professional Development Experience programme at a U.S. organisation before returning to Nigeria.

According to her, the fellowship offers a comprehensive programme that includes academic coursework, leadership training, and networking opportunities, and is a testament to the U.S. enduring commitment to invest in Africa’s future.

She said the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, David Greene, had welcomed the beneficiaries and emphasised the rigorous selection process and their ability to lead and inspire others.

He highlighted the fellows’ diverse achievements and encouraged them to share their culture in the United States and use the fellowship to expand their influence in Nigeria.

“The Chargé d’Affaires expressed appreciation to the Public Diplomacy team and the State Department for their efforts in identifying future leaders and reminded the fellows of the importance of sharing their knowledge upon return to their communities.

“He said that since the fellowship’s inception 10 years ago in 2014, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has had the privilege of supporting 569 young Nigerian leaders through the programme.

“The envoy said the U.S. Mission in Nigeria eagerly anticipates the Mandela Washington Fellowship’s continued success and its positive impact in shaping Africa’s future, as the cornerstone of the U.S. Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), she added. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

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