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FG Commends Sightsavers For Exceptional Service,Seeks More Humanitarian Supports In Nigeria

By Emmanuel Daudu

Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, says Federal Government of Nigeria is pleased with the contributions and impacts of Sightsavers in Nigeria and their services in the last seven decades.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, FMHAPA on Tuesday in a press release said the minister made the commendation when she attended the seventy years anniversary of the international organisation held at the Transcorp Hotels Abuja.

Dr Edu who was a special guest of honour at the event,said over seventy years of Sightsavers in Nigeria,has provided significant impacts in eye cares and surgeries as well as other interventions to prevent blindness and boost literacy rates, across the country ,thereby reduce poverty and humanitarian crises especially among the people with disabilities (PWDs).

“You have also supported girls and children with disabilities,this inclusive approach will ensure more persons with disabilities contributes effectively to nation-building.

“Sightsavers Nigeria as you commemorates your seven decades of collaborative work to protect sight and campaign for disability rights, i bring you greetings from Mr President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is very pleased with what you are doing.

“Since 1953, you have been collaborating with national and state governments as well as other partners.

“It is on records that you have delivered over 60,000 cataract surgeries, and 590 million treatments to eliminate five neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

“These diseases, which affect millions of people in the country, can cause excruciating pain, permanent blindness, and long-term disability, and can sometimes be fatal”she added.

The minister called for more support in the humanitarian space which she says will save more sight of affected communities ,the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)and Prevent more people from falling below the poverty line.

On his part, the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disability,Hon James Lalu, said the positive impact of sightsavers to Nigeria disabled community cannot be overemphasized.

Lalu who said Sightsavers have treated millions of persons with disabilities from chronic ailments and diseases, which could have caused permanent blindness,and permanent long-term disability.

He called for more interventions and partnership between Sightsavers and the commission, urging other International partners to emulate their efforts to reduce humanitarian crises and poverty challenge in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sightsavers,Caroline Harper said: “As we look back on the past seven decades of Sightsavers working in Nigeria, what is clear is that collaboration and partnership have been intrinsic to our success.

“I am optimistic about the future of eye health, inclusion, and the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in the country. We’re committed to reaching the most marginalized communities, the disabled community in Nigeria, and I look forward to many more years of collaboration and life-changing work” she explained.

Sightsavers regional director for West Africa Fatoumata Diouf,said the organisation has helped to advance eye health services in Nigeria, promote inclusive education for children with disabilities, and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to be able to participate fully in society.

“In the past seven decades, the organization has trained 11,000 teachers and community health workers to provide vision screenings for children and also screened 130 million children for visual impairment in north-west Nigeria.

“In 2023 alone, we equipped 1,000 service providers to support people with disabilities” she said.

Other Speakers at the event includes,the
The Diirector of public health, Federal Ministry of Health and social welfare, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, , and the World Health Organization country representative Dr Walter Mulombo who commended Sightsavers for their impact in Nigeria for seven decades.

Sightsavers has been at the forefront of advocating for disability rights to among other things create awareness on their access to education, employment, healthcare and full participation in society without stigma or discrimination.

FG To Revitalize Ajaokuta Steel Company -badaru

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was committed to the revitalization and repositioning of Ajaokuta Steel Company that will be capable to produce Military hardware to support the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director ( Information), in a press release he signed and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister disclosed this when he received the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu and the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Mr. Sumaila Abdul Akaba in Ship House, Abuja.

Badaru said that Ajaokuta Steel Company was known for the local production of Military hardware and that there was the need to partner with Ministry of Steel Development because 80/90 per cent of what is required for the production of Military hardware was Steel.

He said that strengthening the Company to produce Military hardware instead of relying on foreign production would boost the nation’s fight against insurgency and other related crimes.
“Local production of Military Hardware is critical because the crisis we have in the country at present will not allow us rely on other countries for Military hardware,” he said.

To actualize the revitalization of the Company, the Minister has directed that a Technical Committee be set up to determine what to produce, the raw materials to use, cost of reviving the production centre as well as to determine sources of funding.

He urged the Permanent Secretary, Director- General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria ( DICON) and the Managing- Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company as members of the Technical Committee to work vigorously and ambitiously and come up with a report on the way forward in two weeks time.

In his remark, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, said that reviving Ajaokuta Steel would be a game changer to Nigerian Industry and the economy as a whole.

He said that due to paucity of funds, production was stalled. “But I believe that if initiatives are put in place, Ajaokuta Steel will be revived and work will resume within the first four years of the Present Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He stated that the Company has about 48 production units and one of such units was for production of Military hardware, adding that if Ministry of Defence collaborate with the Company, it would have the capacity to produce Military Hardware that the nation will need.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar kana, mni said that the essence of the meeting was to take the discussion to the stages where the Company is and develop a step by step approach on how to actualize the dreams of reviving Ajaokuta Steel in the next four years.

Counter- Terrorism: Nigeria To Deepen Cooperation With United Nations Drug Crime office

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on their Counter- Terrorism Project work with Nigerian Armed Forces.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director (Information), said, the Minister made the commendation when he received the Representative of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Oliver Stolpe, in his office at Ship House, Abuja.

Badaru stated that Nigeria welcomes any effort that would help in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
“Thank you for doing a good job in Maiduguri. We will give you maximum cooperation needed to sustain the fight against Boko Haram and other forms of criminalities in Nigeria.

On the rehabilitation of the repentant Boko Haram members, the Minister said in addition to what they have done, there was the need for Tracking Mechanism to ensure that the released Boko Haram members are fully integrated back to the society.

Badaru expressed gratitude for UNODC’s continuous support in enhancing Nigeria’s capabilities to combat terrorism.

In his remark, Mr. Stolpe pointed out that the UNODC is collaborating with Nigerian Armed Forces in area of counter- terrorism and Maritime security.

He said UNODC in partnership with Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri, Borno State has successfully reviewed over 2,900 case files leading to 2,400 prisoners released.

Insecurity: FG Has Undertaken Comprehensive Efforts To Curb Terrorism- Defence Minister

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has undertaken Comprehensive efforts to curb the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminalities and restore normalcy to all parts of the country especially in the North East geopolitical zone.

He disclosed this during the book launch by the Nigerian Air Force, titled: “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower” recently in Abuja.

According to Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, Director (Press & PR), the Minister stated that the Ministry of Defence as the vanguard of the national security has played a pivotal role in coordinating the Armed Forces and executing strategies to counter terrorism effectively. He added that there was the need for a multi-faceted approach of combining Military precision with socio- economic initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization.

Speaking on the title of the Book launched, Badaru said that in a bid to pursue a whole society approach to the issue of terrorism, the book was developed by leveraging strong partnership between Nigerian Air Force and the academia.

He commended the book launchers saying that it would serve a valuable resource for policymakers, Military Strategists and scholars in understanding the evolving dynamics of terrorism in Nigeria and to explore the imperative of airpower in the nation’s counter- terrorism efforts.

The Minister said that the scourge of terrorism was not confined within national borders alone, but that it was a global challenge. “The Sahel region with its vast and diverse terrain, has become a hotspot for terrorist activities, posing a significant threat to regional stability. In this context, the collaboration of intergovernmental organizations including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and others become imperative to address the root causes and manifestations of terrorism in the Sahel,” he said.

The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio in his address said that the book launch was not just an academic exercise but a call to action that would serve as a reminder that we have a shared responsibility to fight against terrorism and protect the lives and liberties of our fellow citizens.

The Governor of Bornu State, Professor Babagana Umara Zullum who was in attendance appreciated the Armed Forces for exhibiting professionalism, synergy and commitments to ending insurgency.

The host, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar noted that the book was developed in collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and Babcock University to serve as a guiding light for policy makers, military strategists and practitioners in formulating holistic solutions that go beyond the realm of military operations.

ECOWAS Commission to organize workshop for adoption of ECOWAS Maritime Procedures Manual

By Emmanuel Daudu

Abuja, 20th November 2023 – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, under the SWAIMS project, is set to organize a pivotal workshop aimed at advancing the adoption and promulgation of the Manual of Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures for ECOWAS Maritime Centres. This significant event will take place in Abuja from 20th to 21st November 2023.

According to a press statement signed by Mr. Kouadio Serge, Programme Officer IT and Communication, ECOWAS on Sunday, disclosed that the workshop will bring together esteemed participants including the Heads of ECOWAS Maritime Centres CRESMAO, MMCCs Zones E, F, and G, representatives from the Regional Security Division of ECOWAS, and the Heads of Operations and Administrative and Finance from CRESMAO and the MMCCs.

The primary focus of the workshop is to achieve the following expected results:

Adoption of the final version of the Manual of Procedures for the ECOWAS Maritime Centres.

Submission of the Manual of Procedures to the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, for promulgation and ultimate implementation in the ECOWAS Maritime Centres.

Speaking about the upcoming workshop, Dr. Axel Klein,Team Leader of the SWAIMS project expressed, “This workshop serves as a critical milestone in enhancing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of ECOWAS Maritime Centres. It underscores our commitment to promoting maritime security and safety in the ECOWAS region.”

The ECOWAS Commission remains resolute in its dedication to developing and implementing best practices for the ECOWAS Maritime Centres, in alignment with the overarching goals of the SWAIMS project.

-END-

About SWAIMS Project:

The Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria, and Niger Delta suffer from major and regular maritime insecurity that range from piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping to illegal oil bunkering, trafficking, and smuggling.

The Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) programme is a multi-country intervention, covering member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the European Union-West Africa regional Indicative Programme—Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, as well as Mauritania with a specific focus on coastal countries.

Sample Activities
Strengthen integrated maritime governance, policies, laws and systems to support maritime security.

Assess the impact of illicit financial circuits generated by maritime crime.

Strengthen regional operational training.

Improve coordination with the private sector and participation of civil society in fighting maritime insecurity.

Sample Results
Supported the preparation of the background material for the grant to ECOWAS Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), and the preparation of the background material for the grants to Académie Régionale des Sciences et Techniques de la Mer (ARSTM), Interregional Maritime Security Institute (ISMI), and to the Regional Maritime University (RMU).

Formulated a civil society organisation (CSO) engagement strategy to provide a framework for the programme activities that involve civil society.

To tackle the impact of COVID-19 organized via videoconferences national webinars on raising awareness of CSOs in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea Bissau, and Togo to promote wider engagement of the civil society in maritime security.

Launched the international tender procedure for supply of equipment to ECOWAS Maritime Centers and ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Center.

Formulated a private sector strategy, supported the development of an Alert Bulletin, and organized a webinar to launch the strategy and foster the engagement of the private sector in maritime.

Established a functional project management unit to coordinate the implementation of the different components of the project and to ensure monitoring and timely reporting on project activities and results by the implementing partners (UNODC, CILCL, ARSTM, ISMI, RMU, GIABA).

Acted as the Secretariat to the first Steering Committee, coordinated visibility actions, and liaised with other EU-funded projects in the Gulf of Guinea to ensure coherence of action.

Conducted a detailed survey of maritime security stakeholders, delineating roles, and responsibilities in each member state.

Assessed the legal framework and existing legislation governing maritime crime.

Contributed to the drafting of model manuals and work packages for developing integrated maritime policy and the planned maritime security workshops.

Submitted a draft juridical report itemizing the legislation relating to maritime crime in ECOWAS member states.

Nigerian Army Mourn Former Chief Of Army Staff Major General Chris Alli

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Nigerian Army (NA), on the passing of former COAS, Major General Mohammed Chris Alli (Rtd).The former Army Chief succumbed to a brief illness in the early hours of today, Sunday 19 November, 2023 at the Military Hospital, Lagos.

Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu
Director Army Public Relations, in a press release he signed on the
19 November 2023 disclosed that Major General Alli (rtd), a revered senior officer, served the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation with honour and dedication in various capacities, leaving enduring prints on the sands of time. His commitment and zeal to duty manifested evidently, as he rose through the ranks to become the Director Military Intelligence (DMI), amongst several other key appointments in the Nigerian Army, climaxing his military career as the 9th COAS in November 1993, until his meritorious retirement from active service in August 1994.

Born on 25 December 1944, in Koton Karfe, Kogi State. Gen Chris Alli’s sojourn in the NA began on 20 October 1967, as a member of the Emergency Short Service Combatant Course. He served diligently in various capacities, cutting across Staff, Instructional and Command. Gen Alli was at a time, the Military Administrator of Plateau State.

The COAS Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on receiving the disheartening news of his demise, has profoundly expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Late former COAS, praying for the repose of his soul and the strength and solace for the family in this difficult time.

Police Recruitment: 547, 774 Applications Received; 358, 900 Successful; 190,741 Rejected

By Emmanuel Daudu

…Anambra With 1664 Applicants Maintains Its Last Position

Five hundred and seven thousand, seven hundred and seventy four (547,774) applications for recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force have so far been received in the Police Recruitment portal which closes next Sunday, November 26, 2023 which will be exactly the 6weeks mandatory requirement for such exercise by the Federal Character Commission. The Portal was opened on the 15th of October 2023, five weeks ago.

According to a press release signed by Ikechukwu Ani
Head, Press and Public Relations on Sunday, 19th 2023, out of the 547,774 applicants, 358,900 were successfull and have qualified for the next round of the recruitment process which includes the physical, credentials, medicals and strict background checks of the applicants.

A total of 84,606 applicants were rejected for over age. Applicants are expected to be between the ages of 18 and 25.

Kaduna State maintained its first position as the state with the highest number of applicants with 40,272 with Anambra Still stuck in the last position with 1664. Adamawa State is second with 36,398 applications, Bornu State third with 32,048. Benue State with 31,122 is fourth, Katsina state with 30,202 is 5th, Bauchi State with 30,604 is 6th while Kano with 30,004 is 7th.

Ebonyi State with 2132 applications is next to Anambra from the rear, followed by Lagos State with 2324 applicants. Bayelsa state is 4th from the rear with 2651 while Abia has 2796 and 5th from the rear.

Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police expressed his satisfaction with the number of applications already received. He observed that it is obvious that Nigerian youths have decided to show incredible interest in pursuing a career in the Nigeria Police, a development he said augurs well for the “new Police we are building”.

He appealed once again to the youths of the South-East to change its indifference to Police work, insisting that embracing anti-government criminal gangs will not lead them anywhere.

He advised that they should be concerned on what becomes of the region in the future as no development can thrive in a terror ravaged communities.

He noted that the Commission will do its best to ensure that the recruitment is strictly based on defined criteria with merit and justice prevalent throughout the processes.

Humanitarian Minister Flags Off Construction Of 40 Modern Toilets For Persons With Disabilities In Yangoji, Abuja Communities

By Emmanuel Daudu

Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has flagged off the construction of 40 units of modern toilets for Alheri Leprosy Colony in Yangoji Kwali Area Council, of the federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA, in a press release on Friday stated that the flag-off was in fulfillment of the Promise made to the community in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said President Tinubu has a special interest in making persons living with disabilities and was committed to ensuring that they play critical roles in society.

Edu who was represented by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Olanrewaju described the President as a man ready to sacrifice all for the well-being of the disabilities community, stating that the President does not in any way see them as persons with disabilities but “persons with special abilities”.

She stressed that the days of total neglect of the disabled community in Nigeria were gone for good.The Minister reiterated President Tinubu’s resolve to make persons with disabilities part of society.

Dr. Edu assured the PWD community that the Ministry has approved 10 percent of all social interventions programmes for persons with disabilities as beneficiaries, saying with this, it was obvious the PLWDs are part of the society and should not suffer discrimination of any kind.

“Your positive journey has just begun today, you are bonafide citizens of the country, do not allow anyone to dampen your spirit, be assured that you are part of us, and you won’t be discriminated against, the president is concerned about you, I’m passionate about your well-being”, Minister said.

According to Dr Edu, she was eager to see the project completed and commissioned in a record time.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James David Lalu assured that the project would be completed in two months and asked the contractor to put all machinery in place to ensure the project was completed in time.

He thanked President Tinubu for fulfilling the promise he made to Alheri Leprosy Colony during the electioneering campaign, saying the Alheri community and persons with disabilities contributed to his emergence.

The Executive Secretary said with the help of Dr . Edu as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, he was sure that the Alheri Leprosy Colony and other people with special needs would no longer be neglected, describing the Minister as one who shows much regard to those with disabilities and ready to resuscitate all the rehabilitation centers in Nigeria.

He also thanked the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyosom Ezenwo Wike for providing a conducive environment for the Alheri community and emphasized that the project would be replicated in all the Leprosy Centres across the country.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the president on Disabilities, Alhaji Muhammed Abah Isah described the occasion as remarkable and said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu was paying needed attention to persons with disabilities.

Isah emphasized that President Tinubu has no agenda of leaving people with special needs behind and frowned at the stigmatization of the disabled community by some members of the society.

He appealed to Nigerians to always see PLWDs as those who need care and regard them as assets and not liabilities to the country.

On his part, the representative of the FCT Minister, Ibrahim Aminu Masari, said Yangoji remains part of FCT and must not be abandoned.

Masari, who is the Mandate Secretary of Social Development, said FCT under Nyesom Wike would not fail to include the community in the developmental agenda and applauded Dr Betta Edu for such laudable projects.

He advised the community to see the project as their own and to ensure adequate protection from vandals

Other speakers at the event include the Director Social Welfar FCT, Dr Sani Umar, Head of Alheri community Alhaji Dikko Dogo among others who commended President Tinubu and the Minister for fulfilling the Promise made, through the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

Child Support Scheme Platform Does Not Exist, Link is Fake- Betta Edu

By Emmanuel Daudu

The attention of the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has been drawn to a circulating bogus child support scheme with the title “FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S ₦50,000 CHILD SUPPORT FUND FOR ALL NIGERIAN PARENTS IS ONGOING”

According to a press release signed by Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA on Sunday, the said scheme and the accompanying link are fake as they did not emanate from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

All social intervention schemes of the Ministry are well documented, in the public domain, and are brought to the notice of Nigerians through proper, channels.

The so-called “Child Support Scheme” is fake and is not and Can never be any of the Ministry’s schemes.

The general public is hereby alerted that undesirable elements whose sole agenda is to mislead and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians are behind the fake scheme advertisement and the link.

While security agents have swung into action to unmask the unpatriotic elements behind the intended scam, Nigerians are advised to ignore the link to avoid being defrauded of their hard-earned money.

More Gains As Air Strikes Neutralize Terrorists In Kaduna

By Emmanuel Daudu

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Aircraft under Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) have sustained air strikes against terrorists operating in the Northwest and North central Region of the Country leading to the decimation of several terrorist elements at Tsauni Doka at Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The strikes became necessary following credible intelligence revealed the presence of terrorist kingpin known as Boderi and his foot soldiers at Tsauni Doka. Subsequently, air strikes were carried out on the location in the early hours of 16 November 2023, with devastating consequences on the terrorists. Similar strikes with positive outcomes were also carried out at a location about 500 metres east of Boderi’s hideout, believed to be the hiding place of Boderi’s brother, Nasiru. Both strikes were termed very successful as several terrorists were neutralized and their motorcycles destroyed.

According to a press release signed by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force on Sunday, Boderi and his brother Nasiru, alongside their cohorts, have been blamed for several attacks and abductions along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road as well as in several communities in Niger and Kaduna States.