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MINILS Confers Fellowship on Danbatta for Empowering National Workforce

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS) has decorated the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, with the award of Fellowship of the Nigeria Institute of Labour (NIL) under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

According to Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs, in a press release he signed on September 15, 2023, the conferment ceremony in Abuja recently, which was part of the series of events marking the 40 Anniversary/Founders Day of the Institute, the Director-General of the Institute, Isa Aremu, said Danbatta was being recognised for his exemplary contributions and that of his team to the betterment of the Commission and national workforce.

Alongside Danbatta, the Director, Human Capital and Administration of the Commission, Usman Malah, who is driving the effectiveness of the workforce at NCC was also honoured with a fellowship.

Speaking at the event, Danbatta, who represented by Malah, at the event, underscored the significance of collectively supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of Nigerian workers through increased access to affordable telecom services.

The EVC stated that only through a digitally skilled and informed workforce can Nigeria fast-track national productivity and development, alongside other initiatives being put in place by the Federal Government. Danbatta said the Commission would ensure affordable and ubiquitous telecom services to improve Nigerian workers’ daily activities.

While expressing gratitude for the recognition to him and Malah, Danbatta assured of his continued support to empowering NCC staff in improving skills, education and sundry capacity-building activities as well as stimulating the deployment of robust broadband infrastructure for bolstering job creation for Nigerians and improving national productivity.

Meanwhile, MINILS DG, Aremu, commended the Commission for promoting the deployment of telecommunications services to improve productivity and efficiency across different sectors of the economy.

“We have witnessed the amazing transformation in terms of broadband penetration, Internet subscribers and many other achievements recorded under the leadership of Prof. Danbatta as the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC and how the telecom sector, regulated by the Commission he leads, have improved national productivity,” Aremu said.

The DG of MINILS stated that the EVC has played a pivotal role in transforming and advancing the nation’s digital space and acknowledged that Danbatta’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and creating employment opportunities in the telecommunications sector has earned him accolades nationwide.

The anniversary, which featured conferment of Fellowship of the NIL on other Chief Executives and Heads of Human Resources divisions of some government agencies alongside the NCC Management executives, not only celebrated the events of the past but also set the stage for a brighter future, showcasing the importance of fair labour practices, knowledge and continued collaboration between various government agencies.

Aside from the new Fellowship of NIL, Danbatta is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Renewable and Alternative Energy Society; the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, and the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Food Security: World Food Programme To Fight Hunger in Nigeria With $2.5Billion

By Immaculate Ayawa

The World Food Programme, WFP, has pledged to support President Tinubu’s Zero Hunger Programme under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

According to Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair,(ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA in a press release he signed on the
13th of September, 2023, the Country Director of WFP, David Stevesson, made this known on Tuesday when he led a team of the United Nations, UN agency to visit the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu in her office.

Stevesson disclosed that 2.1 million Nigerians have already been captured as beneficiaries of the program with the hope to expand working with the minister of humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

He pledged WFP’s support to the Federal Government’s humanitarian and poverty intervention efforts including the food security agenda and the Zero Hunger Programme among others.

According to him, the organization was excited by the robust drive of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s government to eradicate poverty and reduce humanitarian crises in Nigeria and the new energy which the Monoater Dr Betta Edu is bringing into the space. The hope to accomplish a lot together.

Stevesson described Dr. Edu’s appointment as Minister as a well-deserved, noting that she has immediately hit the ground running with her humanitarian and poverty response Programmes which he is committed to give full support.

“I’ve been very impressed in such a short time to hear about the Minister’s leadership, putting together the strategy for the Ministry.

“We talked about zero hunger, we talked about the humanitarian hubs in every local government area in the country, we talked about the world food programs, the potential to support those hubs through buying food locally and also assisting in the cash transfer and food. These are very impressive”

“Let me announce here that the World Food Programme is committed to spending $2.5Billion To Fight Hunger in Nigeria in the next five years”, the WFP boss said.

Responding, Dr Edu commended the WFP Country Director for the visit and the kind comments about her.

The Minister informed Stevesson that there are over 133 million people in Nigeria affected by multidimensional poverty, stressing that WFP’s intervention of $2.5Billion for five years “will go a long way to address some of the biggest challenges the country is facing, which is hunger”

According to the Minister, “Zero Hunger” is one of the projects her Ministry has initiated as part of poverty and humanitarian response efforts, and appealed to the WFP to key into it by working with the Ministry to achieve results.

Edu explained that Homegrown School Feeding is one aspect of the Zero Hunger Project, as the Ministry will be working on different nutritional programs that will target both pregnant women, children under five, school feeding, feeding of persons who are affected by humanitarian crises, aged and the persons of concern, “including refugees that have found themselves within our space”

“We have over 80,000 persons as refugees presently, in Nigeria. The state I come from alone, there are over 40,000 refugees and these are just those who are registered.

“Part of the innovation which we are bringing on board is what we call humanitarian hub because we want to create 774 of these humanitarian hubs in each local government across Nigeria ” she added.

FUBARA Breaks Silence, Speaks On The Gruesome Murder of Sp Bako

By Emmanuel Daudu

Following the gruesome murder of the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada, SP Bako Angbashim,the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has promised to guarantee the security of all it’s residents as well as ensuring that the killer of Bako are hunt down and brought to justice

“As responsible government, we cannot fold our arms and allow criminals and crimes to rear their ugly heads and thrive in any part of our state”

The Governor disclosed that credible intelligence from the security agencies traced the entire incident to one Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and his criminal gang, who have established camps in the locality and are responsible for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State.

Upon the review of the entire incident and security situation in the affected areas with the security agencies, the state government has decided that the following measures be taken

First, the prime suspects, Mr Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and all members of his criminal gang are hereby declared wanted.

“Secondly, a bounty of one hundred million (N100,000,000.00) naira is hereby placed on his head for anyone who gives useful information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution.

Thirdly, the governor announced the indefinite suspension of a traditional ruler in the area, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi Eze Igbu Akoh II whom he accused for acts of complicity in “ceding control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.”

On behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, I hereby extend my profound condolences to the family of SP Bako, especially the wife and children and the State’s Police Command for this irreparable loss.

“SP Bako was a fine, brave and dutiful police officer, who gave up his life to keep us safe and secure. He died in active service to his nation and we remember him for his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

The Government of Rivers State will not allow his family to suffer the pains of his sudden and irreplaceable loss alone as we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” said the governor .

Ajia prays for the Nation as he celebrates birthday

Asks God to Guide Nigeria’s Leaders aright

Seeks Divine Succor to Ameliorate the Sufferings of Nigerians

The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Funab Group of companies Ltd, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia has marked his 2023 birthday with prayers and goodwill message for the nation. Ajia prayed God to guide Nigeria’s leaders aright, asking God to bring divine succor that will ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians in the face of subsidy removal and not the usual government palliatives that do no bring solutions to the economic crisis in the country.

Ajia, in a Press statement released on Friday through his Director of Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan and made available to Journalists in Abuja, stated that, “I want to use the occasion of my birthday to pray to Almighty God to ease the sufferings of ordinary citizens in Nigeria, particularly in the face of the current economic crisis arising from the removal of fuel subsidy. I also pray God to guide Nigeria’s leaders aright and to bring divine succor that will ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians”.

Ajia added in his prayer, “I pray to God to help Nigeria’s leaders to govern with wisdom and integrity, so that they can work

for the betterment of all citizens. I pray for a reformed judicial system that will gaurantee respect and confidence in the rule of law. I pray for an end to corruption and violence in Nigeria as well overcoming other challenges that stand on our way to becoming a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.”

He however calls on the government to pursue policies and programmes that will facilitate economic growth and development in the country.

As an insight into his wishes for Nigeria, he advised the government to go for policies that will have direct and positive impact on Nigerians.

According to the Ilorin born-politician, “It is essential for the government to implement policies that will create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, provide jobs and establish social safety nets that will cushion the effects of economic hardship on the citizens”

He emphasised the need for the government to prioritise the welfare of the citizens, noting that if the government implements policies that prioritise the welfare of the masses and encourages entrepreneurship, it will provide the needed impetus for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

The security expert alluded to that fact that, Nigeria is a land of great potentials and promises. He said, “I want to remind all of us that we are capable of achieving whatever we desire when we work together. Let us take pride in our history and culture and not to forget our roots or the struggles that have brought us to where we are today. Let us renew our commitment to building a brighter, more prosperous country for ourselves and our children. I pray that, our unity continues to be our strength to usher Nigeria into the Promised land.

Ajia’s birthday celebration was a call to action for the government and all Nigerians to work together towards a better future for the country. “As Nigeria is about to celebrate its 63 years of independence, come October1, it is essential that the government and citizens alike commit to working towards building a stronger and more prosperous nation for all”. He said

NASENI Boss Pledges efficiency of leadership

By Emmanuel Daudu

The new Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, has charged the management team to commit fully to the new direction being charted for the agency.

According to Segun Ayeoyenikan, Director, Information, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in a press release he signed on September 12, 2023, disclosed that Halilu stated this on Monday, as he began receiving operational briefings from the agency’s management and senior staff. He reiterated that under his watch, NASENI will run an open-door system that welcomes ideas and suggestions.

“We will learn from all mistakes of the past, and make adjustments that will be included in our strategic plans for the future. We are not here to witch-hunt anyone, or live in the past,” he stated.

During his inaugural management meeting upon assumption of office last week, the new EVC/CEO had asked for the preparation of detailed briefing notes for presentation by management team and senior staff on Monday September 11, 2023.

The briefings, which have now commenced, will be followed by a tour of NASENI institutes and facilities around the country, in the weeks ahead. Mr. Halilu was appointed as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 2, 2023.

The new EVC/CEO has listed his priorities to include ensuring that NASENI plays a central role in ensuring technology transfer to Nigeria from around the world, as well as achieving successful commercialization of NASENI’s research and innovation.

NiMet Boss attends 7th Aviation Africa Summit

By Emmanuel Daudu

At the Aviation Africa Summit, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu whose office hosted his colleagues said NiMet is very passionate about Aviation because the art of flying, all depends on the prevailing weather and NiMet has the state of art equipment including Pilot briefing rooms across major airports in the country stressing that precision is the key, giving no room for substandard services. This explains why NiMet embraced ISO certification.

In a few hours from now the 7th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition which is co hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation and the Times Aerospace Events Limited, all Chief Executives of the various aviation parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development have lend their support for the successful hosting of the global event.

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Capt. Musa S. Nuhu disclosed that Nigeria got the right to host the 7th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition last year during the 6th edition held in Kigali, Rwanda. He said the event is an opportunity to showcase Nigerian aviation to the international global aufience

On his part, the Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria Mr Kabir Yusuf Mohammad described the airport as a huge market and a gateway into the country.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Tayib Adetunji Odunowo sees the upcoming event as a networking event, with over one billion people in Africa, there is a huge untapped potential, adding that though NAMA is currently in a transition stage, Odunowo emphasized that his agency would take advantage of the event, and reiterated that it’s a networking event.

The Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt Alkali Modibo

said the NCAT ACT of 2022 has given the institution the leverage to become a tertiary institution, which empowers them to start conducting training as a polytechnic.

Interrogating the essence of accident investigation, the Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigations Bureau (NSIB), Engr. Akin Olateru explained that it is to prevent reoccurrence, that if investigated in good time and appropriate safety recommendation is issued and implemeted , it will prevent a re – occurrence. He emphasized that it is a combination of many things that has really helped Nigeria, including all the service providers.

OPHK CIMIC ACTIVITIES: COMMANDER 5 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY DONATE BOOKS TO 3 LGA IN BORNO

Inline with the ongoing non kinetic efforts by the military to sustain the war against insurgency as well as to win the hearts and minds of members of the various host communities, the Commander 5 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) Gubio, Brigadier General Mutiu Abiola Oloyede, has on Thursday, 7 September, 2023, donated 950 exercise Books and other teaching aids to 3 Local Governments under the Brigade’s Area of Operation (AOR), which include Mobbar, Magumeri and Gubio Local Government areas of Borno State.
While presenting the items, Brigadier General Mutiu Abiola Oloyede said the donation of the books is part of the Brigade’s little contribution to enhance the quality of education of the children in the area and to also strengthen the existing mutual relationship between the military and the host community. He added that the military cannot achieve much without the cooperation of members of the community in the area, and further disclosed that the war against insurgency is a collective responsibility which the military cannot fight alone.
The books were received by the Chairmen of Mobbar and Gubio Local Government respectively while the Chairman of Magumeri Local Government was represented at the occasion. Speaking on behalf of the Chairmen, the Chairman Gubio LGA, Honourable Mali Bulama appreciated and applauded the Commander 5 Brigade for his kind gesture, love and concern for the well-being of indigenes and their children’s educational pursuit.
He averred that the military is doing marvelously well and this effort has seen the return of peace, tranquility and normalcy to their various communities. The Chairman continued his remarks by extolling the quality initiative of the Commander for his pragmatic and proactive leadership approach in promoting civil military relations and therefore reaffirmed the unalloyed supports of the 3 Local Government areas to the Army and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency.

NAF Boosts Technical Manpower As 628 Personnel Graduate From AFIT

By Emmanuel Daudu

The technical manpower of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) received a major boost as 628 personnel successfully graduated from the 2022/2023 Sundry Technical Military Programmes offered by the prestigious Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).

According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force in a press release signed on the 9 September 2023, disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba, stated that sundry technical programmes offered by AFIT have continued to enhance the quality of skilled technical manpower of the NAF. This, he continued, has largely contributed to the NAF’s current status of being more self-reliant for its platforms and equipment maintenance. He went on to note that aside the prestige and confidence gained from such self-reliance, the NAF have also built internal capacity for some levels of training, leading to the elimination of the cost of foreign trainings in areas it possesses internal capacities, thus conserving scarce foreign exchange. Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the graduation ceremony aligns with his command philosophy of, “Transforming the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments”. In the same vein, he added, AFIT being NAF’s foremost training institution is well positioned to facilitate one of the key enablers of his philosophy which is “deliberate training and mission-oriented force development”.

To the graduands, the CAS reminded them of the importance of enhancing their professional competencies, which was necessary to guarantee optimum aircraft serviceability and availability in furtherance of Nigeria’s national security imperatives. According to him, “This is more so at a time like this when we need to operate optimally in order to effectively address the current spate of insecurity across our dear country.” He then went on to state that the era of treating criminal elements in our country with kids’ gloves is over, hence the need to continue on this trajectory until they are brought to their knees. The CAS then thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces and the NAF in particular, without which the current level of operational successes would not have been possible.

Earlier, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Sani Rabe, noted that the 628 graduands consisted of 37 officers, who have completed the Initial Officers’ Course, and 591 airmen/airwomen who have completed various Basic as well as Intermediate and Advanced Upgrading courses. He noted with delight that the Institute also trains foreign personnel from sister African countries as 4 officers from Ghana Air Force and 3 Airmen from Tanzanian Air Force were part of the graduating students. The Commandant further stated that AFIT has continued to serve the technical and logistics training needs of the NAF since its establishment as Technical and Supply School in 1977. He then noted that having gone through various stages of upgrades and accreditations, AFIT received Presidential Assent to the AFIT Act in 2017, followed by its accreditation by the National Universities Commission as a full-fledged degree awarding Institution open to students from across the Nation and abroad.

The graduation ceremony was witnessed by senior military officers from within and outside Kaduna as well as government dignitaries and traditional rulers.

TEIN JACK -RICH LAUDS PRESIDENTIAL TRIBUNAL JUDGEMENT, CONGRATULATES BOLA TINUBU

The Founder of Belemaoil and a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC ,from Rivers State,Tein Jack -Rich CON, has lauded the verdict of the Presidential Elections Tribunal, which affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu,in the February 25,2023 president election .

In a statement issued by his Media Team,Tein Jack -Rich commended the five member panel of the tribunal for upholding justice and resisting any form of intimidation .

The business Mogul appealed to all Nigerians both at home and diaspora to support the mandate of President Bola Tinubu,that way according to him,he will work to accomplish his electioneering promises .

The philanthropist ,added that by the judgement,the tribunal has made a notable contribution by not only rejecting intimidation but looking at the law objectively.

It would be recalled that last Wednesday, a five member panel ,presided over by Justice Haruna Tsammani delivered a unanimous judgement,dismissing petitions contesting Tinubu, s in the presidential election.

The People’s Democratic party, Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar ,alongside his Labour Party counterpart ,Peter Obi m,as well as the Allied People’s Movement,had submitted petitions challenging Tinubu,s victory under the All Progressives Congress.

Tein Jack -Rich Media Office

9th September,2023.

ECOWAS Commission Addresses Maritime Safety and Security Challenges

By Emmanuel Daudu

As part of the implementation of its strategy to combat maritime insecurity in the ECOWAS region, the ECOWAS Commission has organized a meeting of stakeholders from its Member States on maritime security and safety in Accra, GHANA, from September 5 to 7, 2023.

According to a synopsis signed by Mr. Kouadio Serge, programme officer IT and Communication, ECOWAS, the overall objective of the meeting is to strengthen coordination and collaboration between differentmaritime stakeholders with a view to strengthening the full operationalization of the ECOWAS maritime security architecture to combat illicit maritime activities in the region. ECOWAS.

This meeting brought together participants from the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Maritime Centers and representatives of ECOWAS Member States, on the one hand and

According to Kouadio,
Participants composed of mid- and high-level government officials, military personnel and civilians with extensive experience and expertise in the maritime domain, as well as representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Transport of Member States

In his opening speech, the Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace & Security of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, PhD, thanked the host country and highlighted the efforts of ECOWAS in the fight against maritime insecurity including terrorist acts, drug trafficking and piracy and other maritime

He encouraged the participants to provide solid recommendations which will be submitted to management for their adoption with a view to their applications in Member States.

Captain Ebenezer Yirenkyi, Director Naval Operations, Ghana Navy in his speech welcomed the participants and indicated the efforts made by Ghana in the fight against maritime insecurity which constitutes a scourge in the sub-region.

Furthermore, he pointed out that Ghana always remains available to support ECOWAS in the fight against maritime insecurity

In his opening speech, Honourable Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration ( Political and Economic )warmly welcomed the participants and thanked the ECOWAS Commission for choosing Ghana for this event.

He then praised Ghana’s good collaboration with other ECOWAS member states, wishing the participants and ECOWAS fruitful discussions for the success of this important meeting.

During these 3 days of work, the participants shared their experiences and strategies as well as recommendations which will be presented to the management of ECOWAS.