daudupress

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS: CIVIL SOCIETY DECRIES INACTIVITY OF MINISTRY, STRESSES NEED FOR MINISTER

Humanitarian Crisis: Civil Society Council decries inactivity of ministry calls for appointment of minister to take charge

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), says the unfortunate stampede that occurred during the distribution of subsidised rice in Lagos on Feb. 23, will have been averted if a minister had been appointed to oversee the affairs of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The NCSCN stated this in a communique it issued at the end of an emergency meeting to deliberate on the state of the nation and other issues on the front burner of national discourse.

According to the council, the inactivity of the Ministry over lack of a substantive minister, can be said to be largely responsible for the Feb. 23 unfortunate incident.

”The Nigeria Custom Service would have been relieved of the burden of the distribution of intervention items and saved itself from any attendant complications.

”The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation should have been active enough to play its mandatory role.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been without a minister since the *suspension* of Beta Edu by President Bola Tinubu, over the scandal and crises that rocked the Ministry.

According to the council, in the communique jointly signed by its Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu and Maxi Oscar Kalu, its Director of Programand Organization, food insecurity, living below standard, closure of industries, leading to loss of jobs, were responsible for the current state of things in the country.

It further listed other issues such as low productivity, occasioned by high exchange rate and inability of farmers to access their farms due to banditry, kidnapping and insurgency; as the bane of Nigeria’s current challenges

”The adhoc committee report on the issues of stampede at the point of Rice sales in Lagos, revealed that the goodwill of the Nigeria Customs, aimed at widening the population of beneficiaries led to re-packaging of the 50kg bags to 25kg bags, and to be sold at N10,000 each.
.
”The committee then discovered that the inactiveness in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is due to the unfortunate absence of a Minister.

”The Ministry once witnessed an unflinching commitment of a minister in the standing of Beta Edu, her patriotic zeal, and the willingness to deliver on the mandate of the ministry.

”While we await a quick resolution, we expect that justice would have been done and lessons learnt and a rejuvenated Ministry will commence delivery on its statutory mandate.

NCSCN, however, commended the impressive performance of the NCS, under the new C-G, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, towards fighting Smuggling and Smugglers head-on, with intensified vigour which has yielded remarkable results and positive dividends.

”The drastic reduction in the influx of contraband goods and illegal exportations of domestically needed produce and products from our borders within past few months is clear testimony to this monumental achievements of the new C-G.

”The monthly contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service to our Tax Earnings and Internally Generated Revenue has reasonably increased since the inception of Office of the new Comptroller General.

”And from available indexes, the figures are believed to be on steady increase in coming months and years.

”This accomplishment, if sustained has potency of reinvigorating the nation’s ailing economy,” the NCSCN said in the communique.

NSCSN appeals for the strengthen and reinvigoration of the Ministry and need for a Young and capable Minister with performance records as was observed in Dr Beta Edu, before the unfortunate development.

BADARU PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR THE AREWA TRADERS ASSOCIATION

The Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has assured the Arewa Traders Association of support to boost their businesses.

According to Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe, Director Press and Public relations, Badaru gave the assurance when he received the Arewa Traders Association led by the Acting National President, Alhaji Adam Hassan Ibrahim in Ship House, Abuja.

He pointed out that the Association has been very supportive during the 2023 Local Government, State Government, National Assembly and the Presidential general election where APC won most of these elections.

Consequently, the Minister promised the Association of his support knowing full well of the Association’s strategic support during the last elections.

Speaking on the importance of the Association to national development, Badaru pledged his unalloyed support saying: ” I am one of you, hence, I understand your areas of challenges.”

He promised to convey their good will message and their demands to President Bala Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Arewa Traders Association is an umbrella body for all legitimate traders across the nineteen Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)and the largest registered Association in Nigeria.

Earlier, the leader of the Association, Alhaji Adam Hassan Ibrahim congratulated the Minister for his appointment, saying it was well deserved.

He said that the purpose of their visit was to come and commemorate with the Minister on his appointment and to launch appeal for the welfare of members of the Association.

He therefore appealed to the Minister to carry along the Association in Federal Government’s Social Welfare schemes.

OVERSIGHT VISIT: DEFENCE MINISTERS HARP ON HARMONIOUS WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH NASS

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni and his counterpart, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON have harped on the harmonious working relationship with Nigerian National Assembly as exemplified in the oversight function of the House Committee on Defence.

According to Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe
Director (Information and Public relations), Badaru stated this during the oversight visit by the House Committee on Defence to Ministry of Defence.

Badaru commended the harmonious working relationship saying that it enhanced the smooth running of the activities and programmes of the Ministry adding that the modest achievements recorded so far would not have been possible without their cooperation.

Reiterating Mr President’s position of eliminating terrorists and insurgents from our society, the Minister said that with the cooperation of the National Assembly in terms of appropriation to the Ministry, the Nigerian Military has recorded tremendous successes in the fight against the various security challenges that have plagued the country especially the cases of banditry, kidnapping, Oil theft and terrorism.

Speaking further, he said that the Ministry will do everything within its power to ensure that the Armed Forces welfare and entitlements are adequately given at the right time saying that it would serve as a motivating factor for them in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the country.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni presented the context, achievements and challenges of the Ministry.

The Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Honourable Babajimi Benson said that the purpose of the visit was to identify the areas of challenge with the view of assisting the Ministry in actualizing its mandate and also for a better planning strategies for 2024.

PRODUCTION OF MILITARY HARDWARE: DEFENCE AND STEEL MINISTRIES TO PARTNER MATAWALLE

The Hourable Minister of State for Defence Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, has commended the planned partnership between the Ministries of Defence and Steel Development for the production of Military hardware in a section of Ajaokuta Steel Company.

According to Henshaw Ogubike mnipr,
Director ( Information and Public Relations) in a press release disclosed that the Minister made the commendation during the meeting on the proposed partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Steel Development at Ship House, Abuja.

The Minister stated that Federal Government was committed to actualizing the light steel mill of the Steel Complex to be able to produce iron which would be used for the production of several Military hardware and equipment.

Matawalle stated that there had been series of engagements between the two Ministries on how to perfect plans for the production of Military hardware in Ajaokuta Steel.

According to the Minister, the Ajaokuta Steel which was a massive project built over 40 years ago would boost employment generation for Nigerians when the partnership between the two Ministries on revamping it comes to fruition.

“Ajaokuta Steel Company will become source of iron to be used for the production of Military hardware locally and with the combined efforts of the two Ministries, production will commence soon,” he said.

Dr. Matawalle said that reinforcing the company
to produce Military hardware to full capacity wouldl boost the nation’s fight against insurgency and other related crimes.

In addition, he urged the Permanent Secretaries of both Ministries to come up with a draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to kick start the implementation of the project.

In his response, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Abubakar Audu commended the efforts of the two Ministers of Defence and added that the administration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was committed to resuscitating the Ajaokuta plant inline with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President’s administration.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar kana mni appreciated the Honourable Minister of State for Defence for this good initiatives and promised to work hand in hand with his counterpart at the Ministry of Steel Development for a successful implementation of the MOU for the good of the project.

In attendance at the meeting were the two Ministers, the Permanent Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, his Steel Development counterpart, Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Sumaila Abdul- Akaba, Director- General of National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Professor Linus Asuquo and some Management Staff of Defence Ministry.

Democracy is working in Nigeria-Matawalle

…As he warns those calling for truncation of Constitutional Government

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON has described those calling for the undemocratic change of Government as agents of darkness. He warned coup mongers calling for the unconstitutional change of government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to desist from their inglorious calling, warning that Government would not treat those behind it with kid glove.
“The call for violent change of government by the Military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the Military has come to reality with democratic Government in Nigeria and are focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.”

According to Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, FCAi, fsca,fcpe, Director Information, Press and Public Relations, the Minister warns against the dangerous allure of coups, stating, “Those calling for coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present Government, there will be no Military takeover of power.” He emphasizes the need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the constitution.

The harbingers of this evil thought are agents of distabilization as Nigeria has a democratic Government in place and democracy is in action under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the dividends of democracy are being delivered.

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided a level playing ground for people to express themselves which is one of the pillars of democracy and fundermental human rights are being respected.

In addition, some mischief makers posted viral videos and inciting statement on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the Military to truncate the constitution of which they will never do because they have been aligned with democratic culture which makes coup no longer fashionable.

However, consequent to this and other extenuating factors, the Ministry of Defence is warning all the propagators calling for truncation of the constitutional Government to desist from it and face the democratic reality on ground as the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has directed Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to go after the criminals and enemies of democracy and bring them to justice.

Nigeria is a peaceful country where citizens enterprise, no uprising, no mass protest, and just because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country, is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to call for military intervention which has no place in modern realities. The military is highly professionalised with good Civil-Military relationship and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as a top priority.

I urge all Nigerians to come together to support and keep faith with the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in his efforts at making Nigeria great.

Consequently, Dr. Matawalle reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend the constitution and uphold democracy. He assures the public of the military readiness to ensure the safety and security of the nation.

Dr. Atanda’s Death: UNESCO Laureate mourns, says he was one of the first set of PhD holders in Iwoland

Gloria Yakubu

A global figure making impact in the academic macrocosm globally, the UNESCO Laureate, His Excellency Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu has mourned the death of Dr. Oluremi Atanda, OFR (1939- 2024).

According to a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Abuja-Nigeria by his Media Director, Emmanuel Daudu, on the 7th of March, 2024, disclosed that the Late Dr. Atanda until is death was an illustrious son of Iwoland.

“Dr. Atanda’s passing is a great loss to the academic community and to Iwoland, where he was one of the first set of PhD holders. His contributions to education and research will be sorely missed, and he will be remembered as a dedicated scholar and a true and Patrotic Nigerian. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time”.

Prof. Aremu, while giving a background about the late Atanda, has this to say, “Dr. Mufutau Oluremi Ademola Atanda was a Nigerian agricultural scientist, administrator, and holder of the Nigeria’s Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

“Born on September 22, 1939, in Iwo, Osun State, Atanda attended Amin Training Centre, a foremost Quraanic school in Iwo until 1946. He started his primary education in 1946 at the Baptist Day School, Oke Odo, in Iwo and graduated in 1952.

“For his secondary school education, he attended Molusi College, Ijebu Igbo. After his higher school certificate examination in 1958 at the Government College, Ibadan, he proceeded to study Agricultural Science at the University of Nottingham in England.

“He subsequently earned his PhD. at the University of Newcastle, UK, at a very relatively young age, and he was the first Iwo indigene to bag a PhD.

He began his research career at the West Africa Cocoa Research Institute in Ibadan in 1964 and worked there until 1972 when he joined the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria. In 1975, he left the council to serve as the Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture.

“Between 1976 and 1979, Atanda worked with the National Cereals Research Institute.He later worked as the Director of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria between 1979 and 1980.

“Between 1980 and 1983, he was the Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission. He has also consulted for other bodies including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. He was on the board of trustees of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), between 1976 and 1978.

“After serving as a member of National Committee on Subsidies to Nigeria Agriculture between 1986 and 1987, Atanda retired from the public service after nearly 25 years.

“An educationalist par excellence, Dr. Atanda was the proprietor of Atanda Group of Schools.

“Until his death on March 4, 2024, Dr. Atanda was the Eketa Oba of Iwoland and Ekerin (Prime Minister) of Ikire -Ile and he was also the immediate past President of Iwo Board of Trustees.

“May Almighty Allah forgive and grant our baba, Dr. Oluremi Atanda, OFR al- janaat fridaous…Amin”, he prayed

AEA & Abaji area council kickstart six months free fashion vocation training for youths

As part of its moves to tackle unemployment and reduce youths’ restiveness in the FCT, Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) on Monday March 4, 2024 flagged-off a free six months fashion design training in collaboration with Abaji Area Council and AFS Vocational Training Hub at the AEA Fashion Hub and Liaison Office in Abaji Area Council.

This was contained in a Press Statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Head, Corporate Communications of AEA, Mr. Emmanuel Tortiv.

The statement quoted the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Mr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe as commending the efforts of the Honorable Minister of FCT, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for ensuring the smooth inclusion of the rural populace in line with the renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He also commended the Executive Chairman of Abaji Area Council Honourable Abubakar Umar Abdullahi for partnering with AEA to establish the Training Center with a vow to strengthen the existing bond between AEA and the Council.

He also thanked the Council for showing interest in empowering her people using the noble objective provided by the Agency for the Training.
He challenged the participants to show their commitment, tenacity, dedication, zeal and understanding in the course of attending their training exercises.

According to the CEO, “the trainees have to subscribe to the rules and regulations of the trainers because this training center is not a center that participants will be walking in or out of the hall at anytime they feel like.”
He concluded by saying the agency has put in place a provision to award the best outstanding participant, while wishing them the best of luck.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Abaji Area Council Honourable Abubakar Umar Abdullahi who doubles as the ALGON National President and was represented by the Vice Chairman of the Council, Honourable Isah Makkah, while declaring the training programme open said the participants will also acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills from the training.

He noted that by engaging the youths with vocational skills, the incumbent government of Abaji Area Council will continue to partner with Abuja Enterprise Agency and other agencies to increase entrepreneurship, attract investment and create a sustainable and prosperous future for the indigent people of Abaji Area Council to reduce unemployment.

Hon. Isah thanked the Agency for partnering with them and also assured them that his boss, Hon. Umar’s administration will continue to promote skills development, create job opportunities, empower the youth at any given point in time and create wealth.

In an interview, a beneficiary, Oyelade Hannah, said she felt blessed by the opportunity that is going to transform her life. She expressed the desire to make the best use of the training to be a better citizen. Also speaking, another beneficiary, Summaya Abubakar thanked AEA, its partners and Abaji Area Council for empowering her with skills. ‘This is a renewed Hope as far as I am concerned. This training is going to change my life and that of the youths who are involved. I pray for more good things to come.” Stated a visibly excited Summaya.

The Agency is still sourcing for assistance to Flag-Off similar training centers across the remaining five Area Councils. The success of the programmes was made possible through sponsorship by the GIZ and the Abaji Area Council just as the training aims to be a continuous process.

Strategic leadership is critical to military Operations-Badaru

By Emmanuel Daudu

… Charges Course participants to be professional in their duties

The Honorable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has said that Strategic leadership is critical to Military Operations in decision making across all levels, adding that it is important in navigating complex scenarios and ensuring cohesion in the execution of Military strategies.

Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe
Director (Information, Press and Public Relations), said, the Honourable Minister disclosed this during the 2024 Senior Course 46 Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency in Nigeria (CTCOIN) Seminar at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji in Kaduna State.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister emphasized the impact of strategic leadership on officers and charged the participants of the Course to imbibe excellence and professionalism in discharging their professional callings.

Acknowledging the on-going insurgency challenges, he commended the dedication and sacrifice of the Armed Forces in maintaining national security, reiterating Federal Government’s commitment to defeating insurgency through a comprehensive security strategy and community engagement.

Badaru called for holistic government approach in handling counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-driven operations and the protection of civilian population.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with local communities, international allies, and other security agencies to enhance collective security efforts, pointing out the significance of joint operations collaboration and the adoption of emerging technologies in modern Military strategy.

Consequently, he expressed his satisfaction with the drive towards joint operations by the current Service Chiefs and he encouraged innovative thinking and adaptability among Military personnel.

He, however underscored the importance of upholding ethics, standards, and core values within the Military, stressing the need for integrity and honour in maintaining trust and cohesion within the ranks.

In another development, the Minister inspected the facilities for the training and equipping of the first batch of 800 personnel as SPECIAL OPERATION FORCE for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

As part of preparation for the training, the Minister inspected some of the facilities at the camp kabala which included; accommodation for both students and instructors, catering facilities, class rooms with standby generators for the 44 expected instructors.

Also inspected were the upgraded shooting ranges for pistol and long range demonstration as well as the Mork Village and Repelling Tower for training.

Also of note was the inspection of the Command Centre for NIGCOY 2 United Nations Information Special Force (UNISFA), dedicated to the mission in Abyei, South Sudan.

The Minister said he was satisfied with the scope and level of work done at the center and reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commitment to enhancing Military capabilities and fostering a culture of excellence within the armed forces.

FG affirms commitment to implement UNMAS in North East

The Federal Government has reiterated commitment in implementing the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in the North East region of Nigeria, as efforts are being intensified to realize this crucial initiative.

According to Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe Director (Information & Public Relations) in a press release on Monday, 5th March, 2024, the assurance was given by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, during a meeting with the delegation from the United Nations Mine Action Service, led by Director Ileen Cohn, at his office in Ship House, Abuja.

Dr. Matawalle emphasized the government’s dedication to collaborating with UNMAS to facilitate the reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers into society for improved livelihoods.

“We are focused on developing action plans that will facilitate the return of IDPs and farmers to their lands,” he said.

The Minister stressed the importance of Federal government providing necessary technical support for the establishment of a national Mine Action Center in the North East, reiterating its importance in enabling IDPs to access education and reintegrate into their communities.

Earlier, in her response, Cohn commended the Minister’s efforts in bringing the Government of Borno state to support and facilitate this initiative by providing both residential and office accommodation and also highlighted the ongoing progress in establishing the Mine Action Centre in Maiduguri.

She affirmed UNMAS’s commitment in supporting rehabilitation efforts for displaced IDPs and farmers in the region.

NiMet’s University Network Programme Promotes Early Weather And Climate Warnings To Farmers…Prof Charles Anosike

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike has said that the university network programme of the agency is aimed at promoting early weather and climate warnings to farmers around the university’s vicinity in order to boost agricultural yield.

Professor Anosike while speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between NiMet and Greenfield University, Kaduna State, on Monday, 5th March 2024, charged the relevant parties to the MoU to endeavour to fulfill all obligations contained in the MoU.

“NiMet is exploring more avenues to reach Nigerian farmers. This will guarantee that all citizens are protected by early weather and climate warnings against the vagaries associated with climate and weather disasters”, Professor Anosike said.

“NiMet is fully committed to assisting farmers with weather information to ensure food security. This is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government”, Professor Anosike concluded.

The MoU covers data sharing between NiMet and Greenfield University, staff development, and establishment of an automatic weather observatory within the University. The weather observatory will form part of NiMet’s network of weather stations transmitting data to the Agency’s general server, which would be analyzed for the overall benefit of Nigerians and critical sectors.

The Vice Chancellor of Greenfield University, Professor John Aiyedogbon, accompanied by the immediate past Vice Chancellor now a consultant, Professor John Gambo Laah, and the Registrar, Muhammad Bashir, applauded Professor Anosike and NiMet’s management for the successful presentation of the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).

Professor Aiyedogbon said that the information contained in the SCP document will help to ensure that all sectors, especially the Agriculture sector, are better prepared for any weather-induced disaster. He added that Greenfield university is looking forward to a robust relationship with NiMet where the students, university community and the entire Kaduna State would benefit.

“We will also leverage on the university’s network of collaborations and influence to support the development of meteorology within the university’s area of influence”, Professor Aiyedogbon concluded.

The MoU signing was witnessed by the Director, Legal Services of NiMet, Barr. Shola Gabriel and other staff of the Agency. The VC of Greenfield University, Professor John Aiyedogbon signed the MoU on behalf Greenfield University while Professor Charles Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.