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CONYSSA, FCT To Speak on the Society Approach In Combating Contemporary Internal Security challenges

Maryam Aminu

The FCT Administration has nominated the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs CONYSSA, FCT to speak on the Society Approach in Combating Contemporary Internal Security challenges for enhanced operational effectiveness at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Nigeria study Tour to FCT

In a statement by the FCT Coordinator, Zaka Nehemiah, he said “the Coalition was nominated by FCT Administration for their activities and swift responsiveness to all Security challenges across FCT

The event is schedule to hold on 27 November to 3rd December 2023 at FCDA conference Hall, Abuja

The program which aims to address security challenges has its theme as : the whole of Government/ Society Approach in Combating Contemporary Internal Security Challenges for Enhanced Operational Effectiveness

All is set for Governor Uba Sani Unity cup in Kaduna state

Barring any last minute change, all is now set for the commencement of the much talked about Governor Uba Sani Unity cup, this Saturday, 25/11/2023 in Kaduna state.

The competition will see teams from the twenty three local government area compete for honour in the about two weeks football fiesta with the winner going home with a giant trophy and other prizes.

More so, the competition is geared towards raising a new football club for the state.

Chairman of the tournament, ex-International, Tijani Babangida told the media that the organization would be top notch as everything has been put in place for a smooth organization of the event.

He thanked the Governor for given him such wonderful opportunity to midwife a football club for the state, maintaining that with the tink tank technical committee he has put in place he is very confident that only the best players would be selected at the end of the day.

“I want to assure our amiable Governor, Senator Sani Uba that we are going to come out with a very formidable squad that would be capable of representing Kaduna in any of the leagues. you know Kaduna state is blessed with untapped football talents, and with the technical team that we have put in place, they would definitely select only and nothing but the best players, and I am very sure that we will have a good football competition,”

The matches are expected to be played at three centers which are, the Kudan Township stadium, Kudan, the Ahmadu Bello stadium, Kaduna and Kafanchan Town stadium, Kafanchan.

KOGI DEMOCRATIC RIGORS: COURT SET ELECTION TRIBUNAL

Usman Aliyu

The Kogi off-cycle governorship election petition tribunal, constituted by the president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Bolna’an-Dongban, is set to begin sitting this Saturday

David Umar-Mike, the tribunal secretary who disclosed this to journalists in Lokoja today said: “By God’s grace, the tribunal will be sitting this Saturday, November 25. David Umar-Mike further explain that they will take expart motions; this is because all they have at hand right now are the exparte motions that will be taken on that Saturday.
“But the work proper may take a few more days because counsels will have to go and start looking for documents at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the rest of them before they file their various petitions.”

He said the constitution of the election tribunal was in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act (as amended).
Mr David Umar-Mike who responded to the question of how ready the tribunal is said: the tribunal registry has since opened for business at the state High Court of Justice complex, Lokoja.

Youth Minister Assures Nigerian Youth of Sound Mental Health Condition

Maryam Aminu

The past few years have been a time of adaptation to major changes, especially in terms of mental health. As a Nation, we have faced disruptive and stressful events including kidnapping, financial stressors, insurgency, a high level of violence situations that many were unprepared to deal with.

Many factors have come to surface in the recent years that are stress- and anxiety-inducing. Protecting our physical and mental wellbeing is paramount not only to the quality of our lives in general, but also our ability to function at work. Due to the Minister’s passion for the well-being of Nigeria Youth, she spoke about her commitment to ensuring Nigeria Youth enjoys sound mental health.

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim made the disclosure at the Nigerian Air Force Conference and Suites, during a ministerial roundtable and launching of policy document on mental health, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Thursday 23rd November, 2023 in Abuja

Dr. Ibrahim described the National Mental Health Act of 2021 as a milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to mental health, which provisions for the promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental health conditions.

She said the key provision of the act include Integration of mental health into primary healthcare, protection of the rights of persons with mental health conditions, and strategies for community based mental health services. Adding that it is pivotal to include mental health in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

She called on all stakeholders to collaborate and tackle the challenges of mental health . She said, “it is time to draw all stakeholders together to engage in conversation surrounding mental health as it is fundamental to overall health care.”

The Minister noted that the theme of the conference, ” Achieving Universal Health coverage for mental health,” was apt because the mental health of a person affects how he thinks, feels, and acts adding that it is the first step towards a healthy society.

She observed that achieving universal health coverage for mental health means ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality mental health services without facing financial hardship.

She disclosed that the Ministry was planning to establish a professional department that would be dedicated to the mental well-being of the youth.

Dr. Ibrahim acknowledged that implementation, collaboration, and sustained efforts are key to realizing the vision.

Also Speaking,the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, while launching the policy document on mental health, said that his Ministry, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, facilitated the process of enacting the National Mental Health Act to promote and protect the rights of persons with mental health conditions.

He therefore encouraged all healthcare practitioners and facilities to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their standard of care for people with mental health conditions in Nigeria.

In his goodwill message delivered via Zoom, the Director General of World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pledged the support of his organisation to Nigeria in her stride towards a healthy mental condition in the country, noting that there is no health without mental health.

ECOWAS, ENACT to launch WENDU report, see registration link

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the ENACT (Enhancing Africa’s capacity to respond to transnational organised crime) project are pleased to announce the official launch of the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) Report. This significant event will take place on November 27th, 2022, and will offer valuable insights into the statistics and trends on illicit drug supply and use in the West African region.

According to a media summary made available to journalists by Mr. Kouadio Serge Programme Officer IT and Communication, ECOWAS, said, the comprehensive report will provide extensive data on drug seizures and arrests, including the types and quantities of drugs seized, as well as the number of individuals arrested, categorized by gender. The insightful discussions during the event will cover the latest estimates and trends concerning drug abuse, drug supply, and trafficking in substandard and counterfeit medicinal products across West Africa.

Click to register : https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89420501993?pwd=VMqs9fbwbbcaJQdRADkHA36yj0xrpe.1

Contact : +2348069219029

Date: November 27th, 2022

One of the key highlights of the report pertains to the efforts made by national governments and their responsible institutions in curbing the supply of drugs within the sub-region. The data from 2020 to 2022 revealed that a total of 157,130 tonnes of drugs were seized, indicating an upward trend in the quantity of drugs seized in the sub-region. Notably, the report showcased that cannabis accounted for 68.96 percent of the seized drugs, followed by pharmaceuticals at 19.21 percent, cocaine at 2.23 percent, heroin at 1.96 percent, tramadol at 1.81 percent, and other substances at 0.8 percent.

The official launch event will serve as the platform for unveiling the insightful 2020-2022 report of the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU). It is expected that the report, through its detailed and significant findings, will contribute immensely to the collective efforts in addressing and managing the challenges associated with illicit drug supply and use in West Africa.

A notable observation highlighted in the report is that cannabis remains the primary drug for which individuals seek treatment in West Africa. In the years 2020-2022, cannabis accounted for over fifty-five percent (55 percent) of all treatment admissions.

The official launch of the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) Report will be a groundbreaking event, serving as an invaluable resource for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders actively engaged in addressing the complex issues related to illicit drug supply and use in the West African region.

Performance Bond: Marine & Blue Economy Minister, Oyetola, Perm Sec, take the lead in making CEOs sign on

By Emmanuel Daudu

The era of not having a specific person to be held responsible for performance gap and service failure in the Maritime and Blue Economy Sector may soon be over as the Honourable Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola supported by his Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani have replicated the performance bond, which they both signed with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, with the Chief Executive Officers of the Agencies under the Ministry.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola charged the heads of agencies under the ministry to work assiduously to realise their deliverables as captured in the Performance Bond signed by him noting that the execution of the performance bond, in addition to the completion of key projects within the ministry would no doubt position Nigeria as one of the maritime nations in the world.

In a Report by Jefe Precious Ufuoma Jeremiah signed by
Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press & Public Relations on Thursday, Oyetola reiterated the charge from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ministers to “unfailingly demonstrate innovative thinking and an unrelenting focus on results,” the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was set to position Nigeria as a premier maritime nation. The same charge was given to the Heads of Agencies under the Marine and Blue Economy.

The laudable event was held today, 23rd of November, 2023, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos following from cascading down of the performance bond to the Directors of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and Heads of Agencies and their directors through a Ministerial Deliverables, from 21st to the 23rd of November, 2023.

Minister Oyetola and his Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ajani sat through the Cascading Retreat with the Chief Executives of the Agencies of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector, guided the latter to come up with their respective contributions to the Ministerial Deliverables for the Sector, critique the submissions, cleaned them up and got each Executive to adopt and sign.

The signing-to was led by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)’s Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, followed by Nigeria Ports Authority ( NPA)’s Dr. Muhammed Bello Koko.

The others that signed in quick succession are the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Commondore Emmanuel Duja Effedua; the Acting Registrar of the Council for Freight Forwarding of Nigeria (CRFFN), Chinyere Uromta; Akutah Pius Ukeyima, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of Nigeria Inland Waterways (NIWA) couldn’t sign because he was unavoidably absent, and his representative at the event, Olawale Adetola could not sign on his behalf.

The highlight was when the Chief Executives were invited to the podium to display their deliverable documents so as to be seen to be committed to, by all present.

NAF Bolsters Counter-insurgency Efforts With Winging Of 12 Combat Pilots

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has charged 12 newly winged pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to justify the efforts and resources invested in their training by contributing their best towards sustaining the successes recorded in the various theatres of operation within the country. According to Air Marshal Abubakar, the Service has continued to conduct independent and joint operations aimed at not only decimating the criminals and denying them freedom of action but also shaping the operational environment in the various theatres. This, he said, can only be sustained with the injection of new and vibrant pilots to add energy and bite to the operations. The CAS stated this today, 23 November 2023, at the winging ceremony of Basic Flying Course-20 at the 403 Flying Training School (FTS), Kano.

Air Commodore
Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force, in a press release signed on 23 November 2023
Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the winging ceremony was significant, coming at a time when the NAF has immensely benefitted from the Federal Government’s determination to provide necessary platforms and equipment in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality. According to him, the acquisition of new platforms comes with the attendant consequences on manpower, training, and operating costs. This challenge, he said, is further exacerbated by the anticipated arrival of an array of new platforms such as the M-346, AH-1Z, A-109 Trekker, and the remaining T-129 ATAK helicopters. He therefore added that for the NAF to bridge the manpower gaps currently experienced, a 3-year training plan to commence from January 2024 must be sustained amid the availability of funding. It was in view of this projection, according to the CAS, that the graduation of the Basic Flying Course 20 was gladdening, as it serves to bridge the pilot deficiency gap.

Air Marshal Abubakar further reminded the newly winged pilots of the current security environment of the Country which has remained fluid and unpredictable due to threats posed by terrorists in the North as well as an upsurge in banditry and kidnapping activities across the entire country. He noted that there still exist some threats to Nigeria’s unity and cohesion as posed by secessionist groups in the Southeast, just as the theft of crude oil in the South-south has continued to threaten the economic wellbeing of the Country. He therefore reminded the pilots that the journey was far from over, hence the need to continually strive to elevate the NAF to greater heights.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba, stated that the graduation ceremony represented the final phase of a series of training activities aimed at producing fully qualified pilots for the NAF. According to him, “Beyond merely producing qualified pilots for the NAF, the objective of the flying course is to produce pilots that are significantly knowledgeable to operate the new and highly technical platforms being inducted into the NAF.” He went on to add that since the establishment of 403 FTS Kano in 1967, the School has trained over 207 pilots for the Nigeria Air Force and other sister Air Forces. Speaking further, Air Vice Marshal Ananaba noted that the addition of 12 fast jet pilots is a significant boost to NAF preparedness to receive and operate the significant number of platforms expected to be inducted into service.

The ceremony was witnessed by the representative of the Governor of Kano State, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (Rtd), who is also the Director-General Special Duties, Branch Chiefs as well as several retired and serving officers.

FG, UN Agencies, Dev Partners, Ambassadors Others Commit To Coordinated Approach, Durable Solutions for Humanitarian Response in Nigeria

…To Raise $5 billion annually for Nigeria’s Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund

It was the first humanitarian coordination meeting in Nigeria which featured a heart-to-heart frank discussion at the United Nations House, Abuja Tuesday as Nigeria’s Minister For Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu engaged Ambassadors, UN agencies, Development Partners, International and and other NGOs on their Commitment to Humanitarian crises in Nigeria.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR),Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, FMHAPA, in a press release signed on
21/11/2023, disclosed that the meeting, which was at the instance of the Minister, brought all the humanitarian responders in Nigeria under one roof, where they all committed to a durable, smart, and coordinated approach to humanitarian response.

Part of the resolutions of the meeting, was the commitment to raise $5 billion annually for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund in Nigeria by the federal government, other countries, private sector, donor agencies and the Development Partners,. The hosting of the African Humanitarian summit, which is a follow-up to the World Humanitarian Summit of Istanbul in 2016, joint field assessment by government and partners,Quarterly humanitarian coordination meeting and Nigerian humanitarian report, creation of the Nigeria Humanitarian Dashboard amongst others

Dr. Edu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation to UN agencies and development partners for their immense contributions to easing humanitarian challenges in Nigeria. She, however, stressed that the era of uncoordinated, unaccountable, and silotic approaches to humanitarian response in Nigeria was over.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does appreciate the effort of the UN agencies as well as other organizations that are working in the humanitarian space. but we just need to bring this effort in a more coordinated manner so that we can achieve more, especially in the face of dwindling resources.

“There is a need for the government to take the lead and properly coordinate.The days of uncoordinated responses to the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria should be over.

” The days of operating in silos and duplicating efforts that lead to wastage amongst other things should be over. The government must take the lead to coordinate, to ensure that we are first in line with government priorities, and then secondly, we are meeting our targets.”Plan with government, implement with government, and let’s get the right results in the right direction.

“Government will follow up. The government will be proactive, and the government will monitor because we want to see results. Like I told you, We signed a bond, so that bond, we will deliver on it together as a team. Yes, we will.”the Minister said.

She emphasized the federal government’s commitment to reduce, prevent, mitigate, and respond adequately to the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria in a more coordinated manner, thereby reducing poverty by 50 per cent.

On his part, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale who spoke on behalf of UN agencies expressed absolute support to the government of Nigeria in its effort to tackle humanitarian challenges facing the country and commended Dr.Edu for providing dynamic leadership in that regard.

“We’ve heard very clearly from you, honourable Minister, that humanitarian needs of course span the rest of the country.We are here as United Nations Agencies to support in ensuring proper coordination, develop review and implementation response plan, mobilise resources for country response as well as align to Federal Government priorities.

The UN chief was optimistic that the “Renewed Hope Agenda of the government is leading the way forward in terms of Nigeria being able to deliver on the SDGS, and address humanitarian needs”

The Ambassador of Malaysia, Norway and United Arab Emirates, amongst other Ambassadors present, committed to supporting Nigeria in a more strategic way to address humanitarian crises in Nigeria.

Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement and Development visit NEMA

Senior Special Assistants to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement and Development for the six geo-political zones today paid a joint visit to the Director General National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mustapha Habib Ahmed at the headquarters of the Agency in Abuja.

In their separate remarks, the Presidential aides commended the Director General NEMA and his management for remarkable achievements by the Agency. These, they said included the agency’s relentless efforts in the areas of proactive disaster management, efficient resource utilization, timely humanitarian interventions and creating awareness on disaster preparedness amongst communities nationwide.

Responding, the Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed appreciated the presidential aides for their visit and highlighted some of the recent activities by the Agency that include regular and special disaster management interventions.

The Presidential aides and DG NEMA further discussed how they can work together to enhance the delivery of NEMA’s mandates and promote the Federal Government’s support to Nigerians in distress.

The SSAs-P that visited NEMA were Abdullahi Yakasai (NorthWest), Chioma Nweze Esq (South East), Abiodun Essiet (North Central), Nuru Nyaku (Northeast) Moremi Ajudu (Southwest) and Gift Johnbul (southsouth)

New Act Will Guarantee Impactful Future – DG NiMet

The Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that the Agency’s Establishment Act 2022 which was signed into law by the former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on 16th August, 2022 can pave way for an effective and impactful future for the Agency.

Prof. Mansur disclosed this on Wednesday in his welcome address during a one -day Management Sensitisation workshop on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Establishment ACT 2022
“The enactment of this legislation marks a major milestone for the Agency, paving the way for a more effective and impactful future. This legal framework enhances the Agency’s capabilities, adaptability, and overall effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.”
Prof. Matazu said he was happy to approve the programme because of its significance in empowering staff to navigate the new legislative landscape of the Agency and the new roles and responsibilities it brings.

In his opening speech, the Director of Human Resources, Alhaji Saleh Yusuf Tukur who represented the Director General, /CEO emphasized that understanding the Act is not just about comprehending our individual roles but also how each department and individual contributes to our collective success. He added that the workshop is an opportunity for the Management staff to delve into the intricacies of NiMet Establishment Act, to decode its provisions and implications.

Earlier in his speech, the Director, Legal/Agency Secretary, Hamza iIdris Yamel Esq thanked the DG for giving the Legal Department thie opportunity, to explain the amendments in the NiMet Act, 2022 to Management staff, describing it as critical to effective implementation of the statutory functions of the Agency. He stressed that the workshop is intended to apprise the Management of the new amendments, and explore how they will affect the day to day operations and overall legal landscape. He expressed hope that the new amendments will be explored and their implications for the Agency,as well as stakeholders and the public at large.

The major objectives of organising the sensitization workshop is to acquaint Management staff with the key new and enhanced provisions in the NiMet Act 2022 as well as to explain the implications of these provisions and to suggest way forward for the effective implementation of the Act.

The workshop is the first step in the process of setting and establishing guidelines for sector -specific regulations for the implementation of the provisions of the new Act for compliance , monitoring and enforcement.