News Agency of Nigeria
Sallah: CAN chairman urges leaders to deepen sacrifices for Nigeria’s security
Religious

Sallah: CAN chairman urges leaders to deepen sacrifices for Nigeria’s security

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By Sarafina Christopher

The Christian Association (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the FCT has urged all Nigerians in positions of authority, particularly the political leadership, “to make a double sacrifice to secure Nigeria just as Muslims offer sacrifices in obedience to God during Sallah”.

The Chairman of the association, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, gave the advice in a Sallah message to the Muslim faithful as they join other parts of the world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

“This season, which honours Prophet Ibrahim’s total obedience and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of God, is a timely call for both leaders and citizens to demonstrate renewed faith, unity, and responsibility towards our nation.

“In this spirit, Northern CAN encourages those in positions of authority, particularly the political leadership, to make a double sacrifice to secure Nigeria just as Muslims offer sacrifices in obedience to God during Sallah,” he said.

The further advised the political elite to act in consonance with their constitutional obligation and moral responsibility in the interest of every Nigerian.

“Our leaders must likewise act in obedience to their constitutional duty and moral responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.

“The country is groaning under the weight of insecurity, economic distress, and social disillusionment.

“Nigerians are living in fear, and this climate of uncertainty is what gives room for enemies of peace to perpetrate evil without restraint.

“It is no longer enough to issue statements or make promises.

“The government must urgently remedy the conditions that have cast doubt on its commitment to the people.

“Let the leadership act decisively so that Nigerians will no longer have reasons to question or complain,” Hayab added.

According to him, the time has come for the Federal Government to take steps aimed at restoring public confidence and healing “our national wounds”.

“CAN calls on Nigerians to use this solemn period to pray for the peace and unity of the country, while also reaching out to the less privileged in the true spirit of Eid.

“We urge all religious and community leaders to continue fostering peaceful coexistence and to avoid making statements or taking actions capable of deepening our division.

The CAN chairman expressed warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, as well as a joyful and spiritually rewarding Eid-el-Kabir. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 
Metro

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to transform the country for the good of all.

Wike made the call in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” delivered  at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, on Thursday

He said that no leader, no matter how endowed, equipped or selfless, could truly succeed without the support and cooperation of the citizenry.

The minister advised Nigerians to wake up from years of cynicism, indifference and hopelessness and embrace a new era being birthed by Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, no nation has made any reasonable progress without the robust cooperation and collaboration of its leadership and followership.

“South Africa for instance, under Mandela, achieved independence and made progress as shown in his book’ Long Walk to Freedom’ through this cooperation.

“Dubai is also recording all these great feats through synergy between its leadership and followership.

“The time for belief is here; the time for action is also here. Together with President Tinubu, we can as a people begin the real process of building the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said

The minister also urged  Nigerians to reject the negative narrative that Nigeria would never change for good, stressing that “with the right leadership, nothing is impossible”.

He said that to reclaim Nigeria’s dream, the people must first reclaim the belief in the possibility that the country would be better and reject the defeatist narratives that nothing would change.

According to him, change does not come from the top alone; it bubbles up from the conviction of a determined people.

“The Nigeria of our dreams is not a utopia; it is a Nigeria that works; it is a Nigeria where merit trumps mediocrity, where justice flows like a river.

“The Nigeria of our dream is also where every child, regardless of ethnic group, religion, tongue, or class, has the opportunity to live with dignity and die with honour.

“It is a nation that listens to the heartbeat of its people and allows the soul of democracy to find expression, not only in periodic elections, but in the daily dignity of citizenship.

“It is a place where leaders are not predators on the public purse, but custodians of the people’s trust; where leadership is purposeful, and followership is responsible,” he said.

The minister added that the “Nigeria of our dream is a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where the rule of law is not a slogan, but a sacred covenant”.

Wike  emphasised that reclaiming Nigeria’s dream demands a rekindling of its vision and values, stressing that Nigerians must reimagine the country not as victims of its history, but as architects of its destiny.

He also stressed the need to rebuild trust between government and the governed, among ethnic nationalities and across faiths and generations.

The minister also said that to make meaningful progress, Nigerians must rediscover the dignity of labour, the sanctity of truth and the strength of unity.

“Most of all, we must believe again that our country, however flawed, is not beyond redemption.

“This work belongs to all of us. No one is too small to matter or too big to fail.

“Nigeria’s redemption will not be delivered by heroes on horseback, but by ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things: living with integrity, speaking truth to power, raising children with values, and holding firm to hope even when the night is long.

“The dream is not dead. It merely sleeps, waiting for those bold enough, brave enough, and burdened enough to awaken it,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Only Tinubu can lead us to Nigeria of our dreams – Wike 
General News

Only Tinubu can lead us to Nigeria of our dreams – Wike 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the country needs leaders like President Bola Tinubu to achieve the “Nigeria of our dreams”.

Wike said this in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” presented at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Thursday.

Wike pointed out that the greatest challenge confronting Nigeria and  militating against its development was the plague of bad leadership.

He agreed with Chinua Achebe, whose seminar, ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’, graphically captured the challenge, when he stated that ‘the trouble with Nigeria is fairly and squarely the absence of proper leadership’.

“This statement, damaging as it may appear, is extremely difficult to controvert.

“Our leaders have, in the main, emerged through self-serving conspiracies that have little or nothing to do with national interests and development.

“This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts,” he said.

He, however, said that Tinubu had stood out as the leader the people needed to drive Nigeria to progress and prosperity.

He explained that Nigeria needs a leader that was prepared to lead with sound character and resilience in the face of challenges.

He added that the leader must also be a person who believed in the infinite possibilities that the Nigerian nation exemplifies, while taking solid, proactive, logical and well-informed decisions that would maximally actualise her potential.

This leader, he said, must have the courage and audacity to act, build, innovate and generally expand the frontiers of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasise excellence over mediocrity.

He added that more importantly, the leader of Nigerians’ dream must create a society of free and responsible citizens whose potentials flowed freely and free enterprise thrived.

“Let me make bold at this juncture to state that today, in our country, we have such a leader in the person of Tinubu.

“He has shown in several ways and at different times, a stout commitment to the enthronement of democracy in our country, to the extent of even putting his own life on the line in the process.

“He has shown great capacity for engendering development as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state under his watch and even beyond,” he added.

He also said that Tinubu had demonstrated a rare courage by removing fuel subsidy on his first day, upon being sworn in as President.

According to him, leaders before him all spoke about the evil of fuel subsidy, but none had the courage to dare the blackmail of removing it.

“Tinubu did and is fittingly grappling with the inevitable, unintended and sometimes orchestrated consequences of this removal.

“Today, our states have far more resources to develop, the debts are no longer piling and the price of petrol is gradually but steadily adjusting downwards in tandem with the forces of demand and supply and the strict implementation of regulatory conditionalities.

“Also, the overwhelming cry of over-centralisation of power and resources at the national level and the attendant abuse of the doctrine of federalism is being systematically addressed.

“This is being addressed through the creation of zonal/regional commissions empowered to devolve developmental impetus to the respective zones and regions, so that power can truly return to the people.”

On security, Wike said that the situation was being addressed through proper funding and the training and retraining of security forces.

The minister added that Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of forest guards across the country to take charge of the nation’s forests, bandits and terrorists would no longer find incubation points and free territories to operate.

“Put simply, the era of banditry and terrorism will soon come to an end.

“These and many other policies and measures are being put together by Tinubu to reposition our country on the path of progress and development,” Wike said.

Earlier, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, described Wike as a straightforward politician, adding that his wealth of political experience and leadership style was exemplary.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, the governor said that the minister’s infrastructural transformation in the FCT was visionary.

Also, the Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof. Adebayo Bamire, said that the theme of the lecture, ‘’Nigeria of our Dream” was timely and thought-provoking.

“At a critical juncture when our nation’s democratic journey, when the challenges of governance, civic trust, and equitable development are at the forefront of public discourse, this lecture offers a vital platform for reflection, engagement and forward thinking.

“It calls us to interrogate the structures that uphold democracy, the principles that guide responsible governance, citizenship and the strategies that can unlock Nigeria’s development potential,” he said.

The Royal Father of the Day, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said he has deep respect for Wike because of his fearlessness.

He described the minister as an “upright politician” who “said things as they are.

“Hate him; like him – what will be will be.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Lagos State on course to achieving universal health coverage?
Features , Health

Lagos State on course to achieving universal health coverage?

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By Oluwafunke Ishola, News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)

 

In line with the global commitment toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Nigeria is pushing to ensure equitable access to high-quality and affordable health care for all citizens.

 

However, progress has been slow, evident in high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, poor health insurance penetration and low national and subnational health budgets.

 

Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-pocket healthcare spending in the world, with an estimated 77 per cent of healthcare expenses being paid directly by individuals, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

 

However, it is not only Nigeria, as the health agency submits the world is off track to make significant progress towards universal health coverage, a critical target of the Sustainable Development Goals of good health and well-being.

 

“This global pattern is consistent across all regions and the majority of countries.

 

“Protecting people from the financial consequences of paying for health services out of their own pockets reduces the risk that people will be pushed into poverty because the cost of needed services and treatments requires them to use up their life savings, sell assets, or borrow – destroying their futures and often those of their children.”

 

For a country as diverse and populous as Nigeria where citizens are grappling with a high cost of living, financial constraints and the rising cost of healthcare and medicines, paying out-of-pocket for healthcare services has become unaffordable that people now self-medicate, ignore symptoms, or pray it away.

 

Millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural and underserved communities, face challenges accessing healthcare due to systemic inequities and financial constraints.

 

The delay in seeking prompt medical treatment worsens the rate of morbidity and mortality among citizens.

 

To Nigerians, UHC is not just a goal—it is a lifeline.

 

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, while speaking on the achievement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the health sector during its second anniversary, discloses that only 16 million Nigerians were enrolled in health insurance at the commencement of the administration in 2023.

 

“We’ve been able to expand enrollment in health insurance across our country.

 

“For almost 25 years of health insurance in Nigeria, there were 16 million enrollees when this administration came, literally, less than a million a year.

 

“But in two years of this administration, four million Nigerians have enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

 

“If we had been doing this for the past few years, Nigeria would have had more than 100 million enrollees.”

 

Pate explains that the government is reforming the health insurance scheme in collaboration with state health insurance authorities to ensure it reaches more Nigerians, especially vulnerable populations.

 

In Lagos State, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), established in 2015, manages the state’s social health insurance tagged “Ilera Eko Scheme”.

 

It is designed to enhance access to effective, quality, and equitable healthcare services while providing financial protection from the cost of healthcare to all residents of the state.

 

Lagos State has an estimated population of 30 million residents, with a rapid annual population growth rate of six to eight per cent, placing a significant demand on its health system, requiring smart, scalable, and resilient solutions.

 

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, while giving an update on the second anniversary of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office, explains that currently, only five per cent of Lagos residents are enrolled in the state’s social health insurance.

 

Abayomi highlights a 30-year bold plan to improve the number of enrollees from five per cent to 90 per cent.

 

Acknowledging the importance of increased budgetary allocation from the current 8 per cent to 15 per cent target supported by dynamic reallocations throughout the fiscal year to attain universal health coverage.

 

The Ilera Eko health insurance scheme offers various plans with different price points for individuals and families, giving access to private and public hospitals statewide.

 

It covers 80 per cent of hospital needs including consultations, treatment for common diseases, maternal care, chronic disease management, and surgeries, among others.

 

In a bold move to bolster health insurance coverage, Gov. Sanwo-Olu in July 2024, had signed an Executive Order for the compulsory subscription to the state’s social health insurance by all residents, employers, and workers in the state.

 

Moving forward, the government has disclosed plans to commence the full enforcement of mandatory health insurance for all residents by the third quarter of 2025.

 

At present, about 1.3 million residents are enrolled in LASHMA’s Ilera Eko health insurance.

 

The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, emphasises the importance of strengthening public awareness, affirming LASHMA’s commitment to reinforce the message that health insurance is not a privilege, but a necessity.

 

“We are committed to making sure that every Lagosian understands the importance of social health insurance and the fact that it is now a mandatory requirement,” she says.

 

Zamba highlights the agency’s strategic initiatives to expand participation in the Ilera Eko Health Insurance scheme to include the “ILERA ‘N TIWA Cooperative, designed to integrate the informal sector into the health insurance ecosystem.

 

She also explains that the initiative provides flexible payment plans for artisans, traders, and low-income earners, ensuring they are not excluded from healthcare services, mentioning the Ilera Eko Academy, an initiative aimed at training a larger sales force to boost public awareness and drive enrollment.

 

The Permanent Secretary notes that LASHMA has expanded its registration options to improve accessibility.

 

These include physical enrollment centres across Lagos, designated community pharmacies, USSD registration, and an online portal.

 

“The agency also achieved the rollout of an equity fund that guarantees healthcare access for over 300,000 vulnerable residents.

 

“The equity fund, supported by one per cent of Lagos State’s consolidated revenue, has set a benchmark as a first-line charge, ensuring funds are consistently available for vulnerable groups.”

 

On the affordability of social health insurance, Zamba states that the enrollment costs are N15,000 per individual, N55,000 for a family of four, and N80,000 for a family of six.

 

An enrollee, Mrs Funke James, says she received free treatment for a severe cough infection and medications worth over N80,000 under the scheme.

 

“My daughter also had a Caesarean Section without paying a dime. I am truly grateful to the government,” she said.

 

Similarly, Mrs Hassan Balikis, commends the initiative, recounting how she benefitted from three free medical tests after falling ill.

 

“I didn’t realise the extent of the benefits until I needed them. This programme is truly a lifesaver,” she remarked.

 

In spite of the laudable initiative of the government expressed by its commitment to improving health indices and the quality of care in Lagos State, the Ilera Eko still faces issues of long waiting times, low enrollment, and service accessibility, among others, as lamented by some enrollees and Civil Societies Organisations.

 

Agreeable, Lagos State has exhibited a strong political will and made commendable progress, but there is much more to be done in providing equitable, affordable and accessible healthcare services that ensure no one is left behind. (NANFeatures)

 

 

 

*****If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Wings of Pride: Celebrating Nigerian Air Force at 61
Features

Wings of Pride: Celebrating Nigerian Air Force at 61

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Since its establishment on April 18, 1963, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has played a vital role in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its airspace, and contributing to regional stability.

By many accounts, the NAF has demonstrated remarkable commitment to its mission, with personnel displaying exceptional bravery, skill, and professionalism.

From counter-insurgency operations to humanitarian assistance, the NAF has consistently risen to the challenge, putting the nation’s interests above all else.

The NAF has played a crucial role in supporting ground troops in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, and has also provided critical support during natural disasters, evacuating citizens and delivering aid to affected areas.

It has contributed to regional stability through its participation in peacekeeping missions and joint exercises with neighbouring countries.

As the NAF celebrates its 61st anniversary, it continues to modernise and adapt to emerging challenges.

The acquisition of new aircraft, upgrade of existing platforms, and investment in cutting-edge technology are some of the initiatives aimed at enhancing the NAF’s operational capabilities.

At the event commemorating NAF’s 61st anniversary, it showcased a lot of breakthroughs in platforms procurement and advancement in Research and Development (R&D) efforts as well as induction of the first batch of the newly acquired Agusta 109 Trekka Helicopters by President Bola Tinubu.

The president, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said he was very emphatic on assumption of office that security would be a top priority of his administration, as neither economic prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

He said the induction of the new combat helicopters marked another milestone in his unwavering commitment to strengthen the nation’s armed forces, particularly the Air Force towards a more secure Nigeria.

Tinubu said the acquisition was made alongside orders like the Diamond 62 Surveillance Aircraft, the T-129 Attack Helicopters, the King Air 360 aircraft, as well as others that will be delivered in the coming months.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure you all that my administration will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and indeed other security agencies by giving due attention and priority to fleet modernisation as well as training and welfare of our men and women in uniform.

“As your commander-in-chief, I understand that a well-equipped military is essential not only for securing our nation but also for preserving our democracy.

“A democratically stable Nigeria is fundamental to our national progress and regional peace and the defence of democracy requires a military that is well-prepared, well-trained and well-equipped,’’ he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the dynamic security landscape of the nation demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive air force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres.

He said the reality underscored the need for continuous investments in modern platforms to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver air power across all spectrums of warfare.

Abubakar said the successful acquisition of the Augusta Westland 109 Trekka helicopter was a significant leap in our modernisation efforts of the NAF.

The air chief said the helicopter was designed to operate in challenging environments, providing critical support to both military and civil operations, including disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

“By inducting this platform into the NAF, the service is further strengthening its multi-domain operational capability, making us more responsive and efficient in the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“It is noteworthy that from 2024 to date, NAF has received a total of nine brand-new aircraft into its inventory, comprising four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, as well as the two Agusta 109 trekker helicopters being inducted.”

Abubakar said the NAF was poised to receive 49 more aircraft within the next two years, in line with Mr President’s firm commitment towards Nigerian security.

He said the 49 aircraft being expected included 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

According to him, the acquisitions will significantly bolster precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities, to support counter terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations.

In the area of building local capacity through research and development, the air chief said the NAF was optimising strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicle research and development, small arms and rocket developments, as well as radar enhancements.

He said that NAF’s various research and development institutions, such as the Air Force Institute of Technology, were partnering with universities and government institutions towards accelerating their research and development capabilities.

“As part of efforts to optimise our employment of NAF platforms, we have recorded research and development breakthroughs, such as revalidation of the Alpha Jet aircraft ejection seats, retrofitting of unserviceable 68mm rockets, and the development of a test kit for determining the specific impulse of pyro cartridges, amongst several others.

“Also, just two weeks ago, I inaugurated a research committee tasked with initiating the local production of the C-5 57mm rockets integral to some of our attack platforms.

“These achievements highlight our shift towards self-reliance and resilience in defence technology,’’ he said.

During the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), with Lagos State University and a local defence firm, EPAIL Nigeria, the CAS expressed the desire of the NAF to pursue locally driven solutions in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

According to him, in a rapidly changing world, the ability to continue to anticipate, rapidly adapt and innovate is imperative for the transformation of the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.

Abubakar said the NAF had since 2015, flown over 8,000, conducted more than 80,000 sorties with only few verified incidences of collateral damage.

He said it represented an occurrence rate of less than 0.005 per cent, an exceptional record by global standards, particularly within the complexities of asymmetric warfare.

The CAS said that in the few instances where civilian casualties were reported, the NAF had promptly conducted investigations, accepted responsibility with deep regret, and taken necessary corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

According to him, the service has proactively invested in advanced technologies and robust protocols aimed at preventing civilian casualties.

In his remarks, the Vice President, Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), Ade Ogundeyin, commended the NAF for its continuous efforts in modernising air operations, enhancing research and development, and fostering civil military cooperation.

Ogundeyin said that DIAN was established to promote local industry, defence manufacturing, and enhance Nigeria’s military industrial capabilities, aimed to advance indigenous defence technology through innovation and strategic partnerships.

He said that by fostering partnerships between defence industries and institutions, research bodies, and the academia and private industries, Nigeria was positioning itself for self-sufficiency in aerospace technology and defence manufacturing.

Available data indicates that the NAF has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations, providing air support and transportation services to peacekeeping troops in addition to its internal security operations over the years.

By participating in global and regional security initiatives, the NAF has demonstrated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests and contributing to international peace and security.

The NAF’s global ranking is 54th in terms of airpower, according to the Global Firepower Index 2025 while ranking third in Africa, behind Egypt and Algeria, with a firepower index of 0.5771.

As part of measures to mitigate civilian casualties during air operations, the NAF also unveiled the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plans Document during the NAF Day 2025 Seminar.

The seminar was part of activities marking NAF’s 61st anniversary in Abuja.

Experts are of the view that with continuous training of its personnel, systematic upgrading and acquisition of modern combat equipment, the NAF will continue to prove its mettle in protecting Nigeria’s airspace. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria

Nigeria re-elected into international maritime council
General News

Nigeria re-elected into international maritime council

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By Aisha Cole

The President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Mrs Funke Agbor, (SAN), has been re-elected into the Executive Council of the  Comité Maritime International (CMI).

 

Agbor was re-elected for another three-year term.

 

The Publicity Secretary of NMLA, Mrs Omolola Ikwuagwu, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

 

Ikwuagwu said that the election took place during the General Assembly of the CMI, which held on May 18 in Tokyo, Japan.

 

She said that the re-election was a clear reaffirmation of the confidence of the global maritime law community in Nigeria.

 

She added that the council was particularly confident in the leadership and contributions of Agbor, who was first elected into the Council in 2022.

 

Ikwuagwu explained that Agbor also led a high-level Nigerian delegation to the 2025 CMI Assembly where major resolutions were adopted.

 

She said that the assembly adopted the Lex Maritima, a global guidance on the foundational principles of maritime law.

 

Ikwuagwu emphasised the NMLA’s commitments to advancing the development and promotion of maritime law in Nigeria.

 

The NMLA secretary said that the association would continue to serve as the country’s foremost professional body for maritime legal practitioners and stakeholders.

 

She added that the association would also be good ambassadors of Nigeria as a proud member of the Comité Maritime International.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Illegal mining operations attract jail term, not fines- Mining marshal warns
Defence/Security

Illegal mining operations attract jail term, not fines- Mining marshal warns

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have warned illegal mining operators across the country to desist or face imprisonment by a court of law.

The mining marshal Commander, Attah Onoja, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The commander emphasised that illegal mining offences attracted zero fine penalty but rather jail terms at the discretion of a Federal High Court sitting judge.

“You will hardly hear anything like fines in illegal mining offences although judgements and punishment are at the discretion of the court based on the circumstances of the case but I can assure you that the punishment is not palatable.

‘For now we are appealing to those engaging in illegal mining operations because they are citizens that have not been arrested yet.

“However, since they are not under the weight of the law yet, they have the opportunity to change and learn from the experiences of those carrying out similar illegitimate activities and have been arrested by the mining marshals.

“The mining marshals is a non-compromising unit so when you are finally arrested you will face the full wrath of the law and these offences are Federal High Court offences that will keep you in jail for your active period,” he said.

Onoja clarified that the marshals and the NSCDC are not responsible for licence allocation or renewal, rather, the squad are statutory enforcement officers.

He said that there are different types of mining operational license such as: the Exploration licence, Small Scale Mining Lease (SSML) and the Mining licence, adding that, all licences have validity dates.

“Illegal mining is not necessarily the absence of licence, you can have licence and be involved in illegal operations because the earlier mentioned three types of licences have their respective scope.

“For exploration, you are only on a voyage to ascertain what mineral deposit you can get at that site, pick them, analyse in a lab to know the composition and context then check for viability before proceeding to obtain a licence for mining.

“SSML gives you the opportunity to mine but not in commercial quantities as you cannot go seven meters deep but a mining licence allows you to do commercial or industrial mining.

“You can have this three and be operating within their scope but in a different location not assigned to you, that’s illegal mining,” Onoja clarified.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Children’s Day: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to Children’s Rights
General News

Children’s Day: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to Children’s Rights

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By Daniel Obaje

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rights and welfare of Nigerian children, as the country marked Children’s Day 2025.

 

He also called for a bully-free generation and enhanced child protection measures at all levels.

 

Represented by the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mahmoud Mariya, on Tuesday in Abuja, Tinubu highlighted the invaluable role of children in shaping Nigeria’s future.

 

“My dear children, the pride and nature of our future of our great nation, I join you to celebrate the 2025 National Children’s Day with immense pride and profound joy.

 

“On this special day, let me reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and protecting you as Nigeria’s future leaders, innovators and change makers.”

 

Tinubu emphasized the significance of this year’s theme  “Stand up, Speak up: Building a Bully-Free Generation”, he underscored the government’s determination to end all forms of violence against children.

 

“Violence, bullying and neglect have no place in Nigeria today. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.’’

 

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to protecting children’s rights.

 

“Children’s Day reminds us globally to uphold every child’s right to survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.

 

“Nigeria’s commitment is rooted in international frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and domestically through the Child Rights Act, which protects children from violence.”

 

She highlighted the urgency of addressing bullying, the theme of this year’s celebration.

 

“Bullying remains a serious threat to our children’s dignity, safety, and mental health. Nationally, over half of adolescents report being bullied, and many cases happen in classrooms.”

 

The Minister called for swift implementation of policies to ensure safe environments, while acknowledging other risks such as child labour, trafficking and early marriage that threaten Nigerian children’s wellbeing.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, underscored the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for children, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory,

 

“Our focus in the FCT is on community engagement, building a strong network of support for our children, and ensuring their safety and well-being.

 

“It takes a village to raise a child and we must all stand as that village to protect and empower every child in the FCT and across Nigeria.”

 

The event also featured an address by Hon. Rahama Waziri, Speaker of the FCT Children’s Parliament, who called for an end to bullying and for the empowerment of children’s voices.

 

She urged adults including parents, teachers and leaders to listen, support and protect children.

 

“Bullying isn’t just a word we hear in school, it is something many of us have felt, seen or even gone through.

 

“Enough is enough, we want to grow up in a world where we don’t have to pretend, a world where no one is afraid to be different, where kindness is louder than cruelty and where we all feel safe to just be ourselves.

 

“Let us make a promise today. We will not stay silent, we will not look away, we will stand up and together, we will build a bullying-free environment.”(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

SAN advocates ban on cross-carpeting
General News

SAN advocates ban on cross-carpeting

262 total views today

By Ebere Agozie

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), JB Daudu, has condemned the incessant carpet-crossing by elected political office holders in the country.

He described such act as unethical and capable of resulting to one-party state.

Daudu, the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation said this at the 13th Webinar series organised by the Foundation on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the webinar had as its theme: `Overview and Mid-Term Report of The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (May 2023-May 2025)’.

“We should speak up when elected officials from a specific political platform wander away from the platform that elected them and gravitate, for personal and selfish political and indeed commercial gains, to another political platform.

“The problem is that our constitution did not specifically outlaw the act of cross-carpeting from one party to another.

“Sadly, it will be a tall order to request beneficiaries of the massive cross-carpeting going on to champion the abrogation,” he said.

He, therefore, recommended an absolute ban on cross-carpeting, saying the will of the people and their verdict at elections should be sustained throughout the tenure of such an election.

“Our constitution is designed, and expects, our country to be governed through a multi-party democracy, and in any case, one party state is selfish, evil and counter-productive.

“We must take a detour from that route. When the centripetal and centrifugal forces in a one-party system eventually explode, things would have fallen apart. A word, the say, is enough for the wise,” he said.

He said that Nigerians must be deliberate in the fight against corruption, adding that it must be a collective effort.

“If we do not, we will continue to get the results that we are witnessing, which is a swift descent to the abyss of destruction and nothingness,” the senior lawyer said.

According to him, Nigerians have realised that politics is big business where millions and billions of ‘naira’ or even ‘dollars’ can be siphoned from the system into personal accounts.

“The irony of it is that those doing the siphoning will keep a straight face and even blame the people who are meant to be beneficiaries of these resources.

“True or real democracy can only survive where the leadership of the country observes its own rules or at least keeps within the boundaries of civilised politicking.

“We are now in an era of ‘anything goes’ in the practice of our own brand of democracy.

“Examples abound and the people must speak out and indeed resist when one or more of the forgoing events begin to happen,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Police: Ex-NBA president seeks higher entry requirements
Judiciary

Police: Ex-NBA president seeks higher entry requirements

336 total views today

By Ebere Agozie

A Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), JB Daudu (SAN), has advocated for a higher minimum entry requirement for the Nigerian Police Force, suggesting a university degree or its equivalent.

Daudu, who is the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, made the call at the 13th Webinar series organised by the foundation on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the webinar had the theme `Overview and Mid-Term Report of The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (May 2023-May 2025)’.

He suggested that a more educated workforce would be better equipped to handle the challenges of policing as well as improve performance and effectiveness

“This  will ensure that all entry level officers receive a mandatory course in the recognition and enforcement of fundamental human rights that have been enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“It will also ensure that they receive sufficient training in the handling of firearms to curb the wave of accidental discharge and all other cases of abuse of firearms that our citizens now suffer from.

“As far as many Nigerians are concerned, the police force is not only moribund, but a large percentage of its personnel are branded as corrupt.

“Most Nigerians don’t report crimes in which they are victims because of the fear that they may, in the course of pursuing their rights, be branded as the criminals, or be exploited for financial gain.’’

He called for improvement in their remuneration package, the provision of institutional support such as insurance cover, mandatory housing programme, promotions as and when due, affordable health services, and educational support.

The Learned Silk stressed the need to rewrite the disciplinary protocols of all security agencies and ensure that these rules are subjected to ordinary laws of the land through trials in the criminal courts.

“Offences by errant policemen amounting not only to civil disciplinary issues but are also criminal in nature, must attract punishments that fit the offence.

“Such offences as reckless misuse of firearms and police power leading to death or serious bodily harm of, and on, innocent victims must be appropriately punished rather than a mere slap on the wrist”.

He added that serious and immediate thought must be given to the decentralisation of the Nigeria Police Force.

“20 years ago, I championed the advocacy of an autonomous and independent state police completely severed from the umbilical cord of the federal police that is the Nigeria Police Force.

“I cannot in good conscience state today that I can still support the creation of a blanket State Police left in the hands of the Governor of a State.

“The reason for this shift in position is that the political maturity, and I say this with the utmost respect and humility, of our new set of leaders at the state level is not such as was in existence 25 years ago’’.

He noted that creating state police at this point in time is to encourage flashpoints in different parts of the country some of which may escalate into ‘civil wars’.

“I shudder to think of what would have happened if certain states which were recently plunged into political crisis had recourse to their police units during the political crisis that recently plagued their states.

“For now and until the political actors improve in their political maturity, the alternative would be and should be ‘community police’.

“I propose most respectfully a measure where every ward in a local government would have an office of the community police that will monitor and ensure the reportage of all crimes.

“This should include the movement of all suspicious characters who may likely pose a threat to the peace and harmony of the community.”

He added that where the threat is beyond the capability of the community, and escalates to the remaining wards and the Local government Headquarters, the State Police Command should step in.

“This means therefore that the local government councils must be made to be the centre point of the maintenance of law and order and the promotion of security in Nigeria.

“Note that there is still the corruption factor and strict or severe punishment must be meted on local community police officers who corruptly abuse their power.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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