NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Adopt non-kinetic approach to addressing security challenges– ACF
Politics

Adopt non-kinetic approach to addressing security challenges– ACF

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By EricJames Ochigbo

Secretary-General of Arewa Consultative Forum, Mr Murtala Aliyu, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a non-kinetic approach to addressing insecurity in the north.

Aliyu stated this while featuring at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Wednesday.

The ACF scribe expressed regret that the zone, which used to be a quiet and nice place to live in, had now become an epicenter of insecurity.

“From Boko Haram in the North-East to farmer-herders crisis in the North-Central and banditry in the North-West, various governments had made efforts. Though we have achieved some milestones, there is still a lot to be done about the insecurity in the country.

“In moving from one place to another, like from Funtua to Gusau, Gusau to Kauran-Namoda, Kaduna to Birni-Gwari, parts of Danbua to Maidugiri, Biu to Damaturu, pray that you are not kidnapped for ransom. There is still the risk.

“So there are still challenges in the security of the nation and government must take steps to finding solutions to it; government has mostly used the kinetic approach and I think there is a need for expansion beyond the kinetic approach.

“I know there were cases where bandits were engaged; some of them had given up and captives were released,” he said.

According to Aliyu, insecurity in the north is already affecting food production, as farmers are not allowed to go to their farms, adding that even where they farm, they have to pay some unofficial taxes which add to the prices of food.

“Free movement is affected; the confidence of community members is affected; these are some of the challenges that government needs to sit down and address,” he said.

The secretary-general said that as a socio-cultural group, the forum was marking efforts to ensure security of lives and property in the zone.

He said that ahead of the 2023 general elections, the forum met with the five leading presidential candidates and presented papers to them containing its major concerns.

Aliyu said that this papers contained actions requiring urgent attention, including security, education and poverty alleviation.

Aliyu said that the forum tasked all the candidates to prioritise the issues raised, adding that the north covers almost 80 per cent of the country’s landmark and hosts more than half of the population.

“If you have about 75 per cent of land mass submerged in insecurity and over half of the population in a tensed environment, then you are in trouble,” he said.

Although the secretary-general acknowledged that there had been great progress under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, he, howeve, said that there was still much to be done to secure the zone.

He said that the report of the forum’s security committee, headed by a former Chief of Army Staff, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazau and a former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, would be ready soon.

“We have done similar things on peace and reconciliation among communities in the north, between farmers and herders, on religious tension and so on.

“That committee is working and soon, the draft report will be ready and when we finish finetuning it, it will be out for the public,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

DICON’ll meet demands of military, other security agencies- FG
Defence/Security

DICON’ll meet demands of military, other security agencies- FG

542 total views today

By Muhammad Tijjani
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) would meet the demands of the military and other security agencies.

Matawalle said this at the DICON’s end-of-year celebration and Director-General’s
(D-G) Productivity Award ceremony on Friday in Kaduna.

He said that the recent assent of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu has paved the way for the corporation to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

Matawalle emphasised that the defence ministry would continue to limit procurements outside the country.

The minister said, “Any requirements of the military or other security agencies have to come to DICON for supply.

“Before now, we send our money to other countries, devalue our currency which makes the dollar go higher because we don’t have a productivity plan.

“Today, we thank God that with the leadership of the DICON’s director-general, the industry is seeing a lot of changes.”

Matawalle said that DICON would reach its peak in military and paramilitary requirements particularly in the production of arms and ammunition.

He said he earlier never believed that DICON could produce 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

“Today, DICON is able to produce so many rounds of ammunition and forward to the military.

“Our target is to produce 300 million rounds of ammunition.

“We  will also be producing other military equipments like MRAPs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other equipment for the military and paramilitary agencies,” he added.

Matawalle said the end-of-year celebration and  productivity award was supposed to be held annually so as to engender motivation to the staffers.

He commended the director-general, his management staff and other workers for their dedication and  hard work.

Earlier, the DICON’s boss, Maj.-Gen. Anaedi Edet, said the celebration and award were to mark the successful conclusion of the corporation’s 2024 activities and production year.

Edet said that DICON was established with the mandate to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces by ensuring Nigeria’s self-reliance in essential military hardware.

He, however, said the mandate was not just for defence, but a strategic move to foster technological advancement and industrial development within Nigeria.

Over the decades, he said, DICON had evolved significantly to meet the dynamic needs of the armed forces.

“Initially focused on the production of small arms and ammunition, we adapted to address the increasingly complex and contemporary threats facing our nation.

“As the landscape of defence technology and industry expanded, so too did our scope, including venturing into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities,”he said.

Edet said the corporation had resumed productive activities in spite of the numerous challenges.

In spite of the recorded successes, he said that the corporation has continued to face significant challenges.

These, he said, include funding constraints, outdated equipment, skill gaps and the pressing need for staff training and certifications.

“Looking ahead, we are focused on securing new funding opportunities, investing in modern production lines, and prioritising the training and development of our workforce.

“With a clear vision and dedicated team, DICON is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and achieve even greater success.

“Our ‘All DICON factories must produce’ initiative reflects our commitment to technological innovation and collaboration for the security and prosperity of our nation.

“The DICON end-of-year celebration is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements, but also a call to action for all employees and stakeholders,”he said.

Edet, therefore, said the event was also a time to recognise and celebrate the exceptional staff who distinguished themselves in 2024.

He addedbthat it highlighted the hard work and dedication of those who have contributed to DICON’s successes.

He assured that DICON would remain unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director
Foreign

Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Ms Rose Lereece, Director Customer Finance, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, has said that security structure is crucial  in obtaining aircraft lease.

Lereece made this known at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global in Dublin, Ireland, on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the director described structure as a “Stand-by Letter of Credit (SBLC),’’  serving as a security provided by a commercial bank and covered by a confirming Banking and an Insurer.

According to her, SBLC provides a short-term guarantee (immediate and irrevocable) which allows the lender or lessor to cash-in an amount to the value of six to 36 months of payments in U.S. Dollars.

Lereece said that the payments were envisioned to include both rentals and maintenance reserves.

She listed SBLC Security features to include, immediate availability and irrevocable funds, US Dollar settlement and further security in the form of confirming and or third-party insurance.

She said that others were more entities that implied more security and fees, giving lessor or lender the ability to cure and continue or severe and repossess.

“`Collateteralisation by the airline of a fraction of the agreed SBLC value may be required by the commercial banks, “ she added.

According to her, airline pays commercial banks a single rate that embeds all fees including insurance where applicable while commercial banks pay lessor in the event of an issue.

The director explained that commercial banks obtained SBLC insurance support from the confirming bank while the confirming bank obtained SBLC insurance support from the insurance provider.

She further explained that the insurer provided insurance for the confirming bank or the commercial bank

Contributing, Mr Moor Ibekwe, Boeing Sales Director Africa Region Commercial Airplanes, said that the value of the SBLC, measured in payments due, could be six to 36 months for both rental and maintenance reserves.

He explained “playout term“ as one-off or monthly according to the severity of the underlying issue.

“Continued utilisation or restoration would be at the behest of the lessor or the lender, confirming bank support needed for the lease or loan traction.

“Insurance support needed for the lease/ loan transaction while tenor is the period for which the SBLC must be available to the lessor or lender in the first five years of a 12-year lease,“ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

FCTA bans scavenging, suspends pantaker operations in Abuja
Defence/Security

FCTA bans scavenging, suspends pantaker operations in Abuja

786 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned scavengers from operating in the territory.

The Commissioner of Police in FCT, Olatunji Disu announced the ban while briefing newsmen after the FCT Security Committee Meeting in Abuja on Monday.

Disu said that the scavengers were allowed to operate only on dumpsites located in the outskirts of the city and the suburbs.

“All security agencies have been tasked with ensuring that this order is enforced, beginning from Jan. 14,” he said.

The commissioner added that the committee also banned the operation of pantaker markets for two weeks, beginning from Tuesday across the FCT.

Pantaker is a market for the sales of fairly used items and scrap iron, including furniture and home appliances.

He explained that the two weeks suspension was to allow security agencies to profile the pantaker operators.

This, he said, would ensure that only legitimate operators operate in Pantakers across the FCT.

He said that the committee had concluded that everybody arrested for vandalising public infrastructure would be charged to court and tried for economic sabotage and if possible, attempted murder.

He noted that because the punishment for such offences was usually community service or fine, the offenders return to commit more crimes.

“The punishment given to them is so menial that we notice that we are recycling these criminals.

“The activities of the vandals are enough to kill residents of the FCT because when they remove manhole covers on the road, it can cause the death of people driving at night,” Disu said.

According to him, anybody vandalising public infrastructure is vitalising the joint property of all residents of the FCT.

“Numbers have been given out; if you see anything, say something.

“Let’s join hands to ensure that we protect all government infrastructures.” (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Niger govt deploys experts for food security
Agriculture

Niger govt deploys experts for food security

487 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

Niger Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has deployed its agric experts to promote best practices among farmers to improve crop yields.

 

Dr Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said this during a visit to Niger Foods Green House and Edozhigi Irrigation Scheme in Gbako Local Government of the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team also inspected the 57.3 hectares of land allocated to permanent secretaries for rice production in Kakankpagi as part of efforts to promote farming among civil servants.

 

The inspection was conducted in partnership with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Synergos Nigeria.

 

Ahmed said the exercise was to assess the current practices of farmers and provide guidance on adopting more impactful and innovative methods to improve crop yields.

 

“We want to ensure that our farmers are aware of the latest technologies and innovations in agriculture, and ensure they adopt best practices to improve their yields,” he said.

 

He said that the team would also monitor the African Development Bank-funded ATASP-1 intervention, which built irrigation canals to enable farmers to grow crops three times a year.

 

Ahmed emphasised that the overall goal of the visit was to improve the livelihoods of farmers, increase yield production and reduce food security challenges in the country.

 

He assured the farmers that the state government was tackling the challenges posed by herders, adding that the government would soon establish the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs and the Ministry of Homeland Security.

 

Malam Alhassan Umaru, Coordinating AGRA Intervention in the ministry, said the exercise was to improve policy implementation, stakeholders’ coordination, data monitoring and evaluation of all AGRA programmes.

 

He said the exercise was also to assess farmers’ application of technology, their challenges, to amend policies if need be and realign strategies to ensure smooth project implementation.

 

Mrs Caroline Aro, Farm Manager of Niger Foods Green House, said the house specialised in producing high-quality vegetables such as tomatoes, belle pepper, super abenero, and seedless baby cucumbers.

 

She said the house had recorded significant success in vegetable production, with over a tonne of cucumber harvested within a short period.

 

“We planted the cucumber on Nov. 16, 2024, and we have harvested over a tonne,” she said.

 

Also, Alhaji Yahaya Umaru, a rice farmer, said before the ATASP-1 intervention, farmers were unable to engage in irrigation farming, but with the construction of irrigation canals, they could farm three times a year.

 

Umaru added that with the support of ATASP-1, farmers in the area now harvest about 70 bags of 75kg rice per hectare.

 

He noted that farming, which was previously seen as a heritage, was now a profitable business with the state government intervention. (NAN)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Joe Idika

Tchiani: Traditional rulers, border communities refute military camp claim
General News

Tchiani: Traditional rulers, border communities refute military camp claim

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By Habibu Harisu
Traditional rulers and residents of border communities in Sokoto and Kebbi states have refuted claims by Nigerien leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria is host to French military base and training camps.

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited border communities in the states on Friday report that there was no evidence of the claim.

Tchiani in a Christmas Day interview had claimed that Nigeria had provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad.

He also claimed training camps had been established for terrorists in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, all aimed at destabilising Niger.

Findings by NAN, however, indicated that there was no training camp in any of the states bordering Niger as claimed by Tchiani.

Alhaji Aminu Aliyu, the District Head of Balle, a border community with Niger, in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State, dismissed Tchiani’s claims.

He described the Nigerien leader’s claims as baseless, saying none of his subjects had reported the presence of foreign soldiers or camps in the area.

According to another community leader, Malam Abdurahman Usman, Marake, Kurdula and Bikini communities are located between eight and 35 kilometres from Niger and residents have not sighted any military camp.

Usman stressed that residents of Balle and other communities were relating well with their counterparts in Nigerien border communities and had at no time reported military presence.

Malam Kabiru Muhammad, a resident of Ruwa-wuri community in Tangaza Local Government Area, acknowledged the presence of Lakurawa bandits some times, but not foreign military camps in the area.

” Lakurawa terrorists are being chased away by personnel of the Nigerian Army stationed in our area, but there is no foreign military camp in the area, ” Muhammad said.

Adamu Bagobiri, Yusuf Abubakar and Ibrahim Kadadi, all residents of Tangaza, also denied seeing any military training camp in the area.

They, however, urged the Nigerien leader to cement the long existing relationship between Nigeria and Niger as many engage in intermarriage and business relationships.

On his part, the Sarkin Arewan Araba, Alhaji Abubakar Yusufu, dismissed claims of a village or forest called Gaba in his domain.

NAN reports that Araba is a border community in Illela Local Government Area less than two kilometres away from Konni in Niger.

He also debunked the allegation of foreign military camp in the area.

“There is no such forest in Araba district or Illela Local Government and we are yet to see any foreigner in our villages.

” These are tea joint discussions. Instead, it is the Nigerien military operatives that have been coming into our area every night,” he said.

The district head cautioned the Nigerien leader against making baseless allegation capable of severing historic ties.

Another resident of Araba, Malam Muhammadu Danladi, said the allegation of training camps was meant to smear the image of Nigeria.

“It is a lie, there is no presence of foreigners in our community. It is just a mere allegation which is unfounded,” he said

He also said there had been a deliberate attempt by Nigerien soldiers to harrass Nigerians in border communities in the last six months.

“Their security operatives at the border areas have been harassing our people, seizing their goods for no just cause.

” Their people are, however, having free access into our country.

” They have been coming to buy goods and leave, and nobody is harassing them.

” We want our government to do something about this,” he said.

In Kebbi State, Alhaji Murtala Muhammad-Kaka, the District Head of Bayawa in Augie Local Government Area, also dismissed allegations of foreign military camps in the area.

Muhammad-Kaka described the Nigerien leader’s allegations as an attempt to jeopardise the peace and stability enjoyed by border communities in Niger and Nigeria.

Condemning the Nigerien leader’s claims as divisive, Muhammada-Kaka called for more initiatives to promote cooperation between both countries.

Muhammada-Kaka, who acknowledged the presence of Lakurawa terrorists in the area, however, commended the Nigerian Army for tackling the menace.

According to him, Bayawa community shares borders with Silane, Gidan Sami, Rundi, Karami and Binji communities in Sokoto State as well as Kwaidu and other communities in Kebbi State.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Muhammad Salah, the District Head of Kasaki, a border town in Bagudo Local Government Area in Kebbi State, has commended the Federal Government over its efforts to secure the vast borders.

Salah said no fewer than eight communities share border with Benin and Niger, with residents speaking the same Dandi dialect.

The traditional ruler said residents engage in farming activities as well as attend the weekly markets and social gatherings in the area.

According to him, communities in the border areas have interwoven relationships.

He said his mother hailed from a town in Benin Republic, adding that many of his subjects have such marital relationships.

He denied knowledge of any foreign military camp and enjoined residents across borders to live in peace with one another.

Another resident, Malam Sidi Mustapha, stressed the need for increased preparedness to address trans-border security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, smugglingas well as proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

NAN reports that Nigeria had rejected allegations made in the viral video by Tchiani, claiming collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday that the claims existed solely in the realm of imagination.

He said Nigeria had never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France or any other country to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise Niger.

The minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, had demonstrated exemplary leadership.

He said the president had kept the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger inspite of the political situation in that country.

” Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

” Nigeria’s armed forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region,”he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Plateau’s security improved in 2024, says Mutfwang
General News

Plateau’s security improved in 2024, says Mutfwang

438 total views today

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State stated on Friday that security in the state had improved significantly in 2024, with no major breaches reported.

Mutfwang made this remark while speaking to State House correspondents following his visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

“I came to see the President, who has been very concerned about the security situation in Plateau. You will recall that in 2023, around this time, Plateau State was in mourning.

“The President has been deeply concerned, and now we’ve been able to celebrate Christmas with relative peace, moving towards the New Year,” Mutfwang said.

The governor noted that the security situation in the state had improved significantly this year compared to last, due to the efforts of the security forces.

“The security forces are on the ground and doing their best.

“We have also invested heavily in technology and mobilised our communities,’’ he said.

Though acknowledging that not all challenges had been resolved, with a few incidents still occurring, Mutfwang emphasised that the overall situation was improving.

“With the support of Mr. President, I can assure you that we will not take our foot off the pedal,” he said.

He further assured the public that his administration would continue to make it harder for criminal activities to thrive within the state’s borders.

“Our goal is to reassure our people and instill confidence in Nigerians, especially those who are considering investing in Plateau.

“I want to tell them that the climate is right, the environment is conducive, and I believe that 2025 will be an even better year.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Security: Alia inaugurates civil guards, donates vehicles
General News

Security: Alia inaugurates civil guards, donates vehicles

626 total views today
By Emmanuel Antswen

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue on Saturday launched a 5000-man new security outfit known as the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG).

Alia also unveiled a Joint Security Task Force named “Operation Anyam Nyor” to tackle the security challenges bedevilling the state.
The governor during the ceremony in Makurdi announced the donation of 100 Hilux security vans and 600 special combatant motorcycles for their effective operations.
He assured Benue residents that security remained his top priority, adding that the stability of a community leads to meaningful and sustainable development.
Alia stated that the state made strategic investments aimed at fortifying the capacity of security agencies.
According to him, the goal is to combat criminality and create an environment where people can live and thrive without fear.
He said the BSCPG was established by law to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in the state by way of synergising and comparing notes.
Alia stated that an additional 5000 guards would be recruited in due course to bring the total to 10,000.
“To further strengthen our security framework, I am pleased to announce the launch of the Operation “Anyam Nyor” Joint Security Task Force.
“This operation represents the largest and most comprehensive security collaboration in the history of our dear state.
“The operation has the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps working together.
“They will deploy personnel across all local government areas in the state.
“This joint effort will ensure that security concerns are not only addressed comprehensively but also decisively,” he said.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to his administration, especially his security efforts.
He also commended the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatyse, and the Catholic Bishop of the Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, for their dedication to peace-building in the state.
Alia further thanked the officers for responding to the call for service and urged them to always operate in accordance with their mandate.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, said the 19 northern governors would support the Benue security project.
Yahaya said the efforts of the Benue governor were in preparation for the coming of the state police, adding that Benue has taken a step ahead of other states.
Also, the Tiv paramount ruler, Prof. James Ayatse, said the Benue traditional institution would support the security initiatives of the governor.
Ayatse said that the recruitment of 5000 BSCPG was not for political reasons and charged the officers to operate within their set mandate.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by governors, Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and other party chieftains.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Peter Amine
FG promises advanced digitisation to enhance aviation safety
Aviation

FG promises advanced digitisation to enhance aviation safety

526 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development says the Federal Government will advance digitalisation in the aviation sector to enhance safety and security.

Keyamo made this declaration at the inauguration of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Flight Data Centre (FDC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to modernising various sectors, moving from analog to more digital and efficient systems.

Keyamo explained that the FDC would help NCAA to regulate more effectively by improving efficiency, saving costs, and enhancing the customer experience within the aviation sector.

“One of our five-point agenda is to improve safety within the sector. This initiative directly contributes to that goal,” Keyamo said.

He emphasised the importance of the FDC in enhancing safety, noting, “This system is not just for handling incidents or serious events; it can be used routinely to track flight patterns, human errors, and mechanical issues during flights.”

Capt. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director-General of NCAA, added that the FDC was a vital part of modern aviation, responsible for collecting, processing, and analysing vast amounts of flight data.

He outlined the key components of the FDC, which include data acquisition, data processing, event detection, and a feedback loop.

Najomo stated that the FDC would help enhance Nigeria’s global credibility by aligning NCAA with international best practices and boosting global confidence in Nigeria’s aviation safety standards.

“As an ICAO Contracting State, Nigeria is obligated to ensure the highest safety standards, and the NCAA’s collaboration with APS Aerospace Corporation supports this effort,” he said.

He further explained that APS Aerospace, with over 100 years of combined experience in Flight Data and Cockpit/ATC Audio Analysis, worked with the NCAA to train selected staff in Flight Data Analysis (FDA) and Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems.

“These systems systematically collect, process, and evaluate flight data to identify trends, anomalies, or safety issues, which are crucial for modern aviation safety management systems (SMS)’’.(NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Abiemwense Moru

NOA, stakeholders engage on security, tax reform bills
General News

NOA, stakeholders engage on security, tax reform bills

393 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Niger has engaged stakeholders to discuss the nationwide sensitisation on security, tax reform bills and get-rich-quick syndrome.

 

The Director General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the meeting was a nationwide sensitisation campaign on five critical issues affecting the nation’s well-being, unity, and development.

 

Issa-Onilu was represented at the meeting on Monday by Mrs Onuoha Uchenna, Assistant Director, Finance and Account of the agency.

 

He said that the campaign focused on World HIV/AIDS day, security awareness, discouraging get-rich-quick syndrome, world human rights day, and tax reform bills.

 

“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians,” he said.

 

He said the government had intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counselling services nationwide as well as ensure antiretroviral treatment was available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS.

 

He added that government has also partnered with local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination.

 

On security awareness, Issa-Onilu said the government was strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies.

 

He also emphasised the need for citizens to reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and opportunities provided through government initiatives.

 

The NOA boss further explained that the government was implementing reforms to make the tax system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.

 

He called on stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to amplify the messages and extend their reach.

 

In his welcome address, Malam Yahaya Gbongbo, the state Director of NOA, said the agency launched the campaign on Nov. 6 in Niger to make people understand that security was everyone’s business.

 

He noted that NOA’s mandate was to communicate government programmes and policies to the people, adding that the agency was committed to doing that especially at the grassroots.

 

In his remarks, Mr Eze Pampas, Eze Ndigbo of Minna and Chairman, Resident Community Traditional Leaders Association in Niger, lauded NOA for its sensitisation programmes aimed at promoting national development and unity.

 

He attributed the prevalence of get-rich-quick syndrome among Nigerians especially the youths to injustice, corruption, and unemployment in the country.

 

Also Malam Bala Musa, Deputy Director in NOA in Niger, said the issue of tax reform bills has been a contentious issue and urged Nigerians to study the bill and understand its benefits.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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