Chairman Aazik Group assures Nigerians of more social responsibility project, as Boss visits SGF

By Raychel Omaga

The Chairman, Aazik Group, United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria and the Secretary General of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Dr. Raymond Edoh has called on the federal government of Nigeria to ensure a fair and inclusive open door policy for the youths of the country pointing out that this would result to a coordinated and all inclusivity youth participation in the government of the day.

The Chairman, Aazik Group, Dr. Edoh stated this when he paid a working visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Monday.

Speaking on youth expectations from the government, Dr Edoh said that there are two key areas he would want the present administration to look into, which are “leadership and Education”.

He appealed to the SGF to keep his doors open for the youths to always engage with him.

He also assured the SGF of the unwavering support of youths who are willing to work with him and make sure that he succeeds in his task and comes out as the best SGF appointed in the country.

Dr Edoh also congratulated Senator Akume on his well-deserved appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He applauded Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, for considering Akume worthy to serve in that capacity.

In his response, the SGF, Senator George Akume said that Nations are great because of their youths.

He pointed out that the President is youth-friendly and believes in the capacity of Nigerian youths.

He also noted that the President believes strongly in youth diversity and the unity of the country.

He said that from the indication of the appointments made so far by the President, “There is an indication of what he has in stock for the Nigerian youths.

“This is your time, I have absolute confidence in the youth. If you think we are derailing tell us. If we are on the right path, also encourage us. We are not God. There is nobody that is infallible. We are determined to serve to the best of our ability. Yes, we could make such mistakes, genuine mistakes, correct us and not condemn us. There are others who don’t see anything good in a leader when they are not involved” the SGF said.

He called on the Ambassador to use his office to attract more scholarships for youth in the country and also support the present administration to take many youths off the street.

In an exclusive interview immediately after the courtesy visit, while speaking regards the company, Edoh said, Aazik Petroleum Limited is a leading supplier of wholesale and retail automotive gas oil (AGO/Diesel) in Nigeria, Its strength lies in understanding the regional and local market and also with the ability to identify supply-demand gaps, which enables the company to provide savings to its clients through effective management and synchronization of Trade, Finance, and Operation.

He stressed further that Aazik Petroleum services have a wide range of customers including International Oil companies, Government Agencies, Manufacturing Industries, Hotels, Banks, and many more private businesses in Nigeria.

He pointed out that its services are not limited to Diesel Delivery,
Haulage, Sales of Machinery, Supply & Logistics, Consultancy, and Product Sourcing.

“Aazik Petroleum with over a decade of experience in providing a wide area of specialty services works and also provides volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) directly to end consumers. Its priority is to ensure that its customers have their needs met on request and on demand, with timely delivery.

“Aazik Petroleum Limited can manage multiple distribution channels across all sections of the downstream Oil and Gas value chain. The company has developed extensive knowledge that enhances its activities over the years.

“The greatest desire of the company is to implement technologies to give added value to the materials extracted in its home country, applying international standards and norms to be competitive and helping to bring the country to a level of respect and equality. Its strength lies in the large available market for petroleum products, in understanding the regional and global marketplace and ability to identify supply and demand gaps and opportunities”.

Earlier, he mentioned that Aazik Petroleum Limited, its mission is to provide sustainable & efficient energy solutions that drive business growth and develop human capital while ensuring customer satisfaction. Effective management and synchronization of trade, finance, and operations which enables it to maximize efficiency and profitability while minimizing risks.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Aazik Group, Frank Azikiwe, has this to say, “We help source for heavy equipment, consisting of more than 500 machines. Consequently, we can deliver the equipment you want anywhere in the world at very short notice.

“From our state-of-the-art facilities, we coordinate the distribution of products to end-users including major oil companies and airlines via barges, road tankers
and aviation fuel bowsers.

“Our operations cover the entire downstream supply chain and are driven by innovative technology and infrastructure in Product Procurement & Trade, Warehousing & Storage, Marketing & Distribution, and Retail.

“From our state-of-the-art facilities, we coordinate the distribution of products to end-users including major oil companies and airlines via barges, road tankers, and aviation fuel bowsers.

“We also help source for heavy equipment consisting of more than 500 sundry categories of machines”, he added.

Jigawa Youth Applauds Tinubu As He  Nominates Former Governor Badaru, Others for Ministerial Appointments

The youth under the umbrella of Youth and Civil Society Coalition for Development YCSCD said the announcement of Badaru’s nomination for the minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from Jigawa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave them a huge sigh of relief.

This, the National Coordinator of the YCSCD Comrade Aminu Aminu said was because progressive youth in Jigawa were disturbed by the fake ministerial list in circulation earlier in the country containing names of those considered by the majority of citizens as political liabilities to the state and its people.

The feelings of disappointment and betrayal were however demystified on Thursday when the authentic ministerial list was transmitted to the National Assembly by our beloved president for screening and confirmation.

This nomination Comrade Aminu Aminu said, did not just console the youth in Jigawa State but also reflect the long-held principle of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of rewarding loyalty, patriotism, and hard work irrespective of one’s ethnicity, religion, or region.

Comrade Aminu Aminu who went down the memory layin to recollect the electioneering campaign activities said, Badaru’s job as All Progressives Congress (APC) Northern Regional Campaigns Coordinator for Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 elections was hugely facilitated by the director General NITDA’s supported Youth and Civil Society Coalition for Development which did everything possible to ensure that Tinubu was elected the Nigerian President to succeed former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Director General NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi (KIA) was Secretary Data/Management  Committee APC Presidential Campaign Council  (PCC 2023)

His support for the Grassroot Mobilization for Asiwaju (GMA) 2023, and Youth and Civil Society Coalition for Development in improving the lots of youth across the country in organizing vocational training for the youth in various areas of self-development, particularly in ICT.

The national youth leader under the YCSCD Comrade Aminu Aminu said courtesy of the NITDA Boss Kashifu Inuwa, his organization is made to be one of the most structured in the country whose activities have impacted positively the overall success of APC at the polls. This he said was because as youth coordinator for the nineteen Northern States, he inaugurated the nineteen Northern states’ coordinators, these states’ coordinators went and inaugurated their local government and wards’ coordinators to build a well-structured organization with a network of foot soldiers that would ease the rigorous campaign responsibility that YCSCD shouldered.

The organization did not just leave the coordinators on their own but ensured that they were trained on the best methods and strategies to lead a successful campaign that could deliver for APC and that was achieved.

The YCSCD Comrade Aminu further said has written a book titled ” 101 Fundamental Reasons For  Supporting Asiwaju in 2023″ which was necessary at the time when opposition parties were trying to capitalize on religion in the rural areas against Tinubu with the support of our beloved ministerial nominee Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.

Comrade Aminu Aminu noted that apart from being the National Coordinator Youth and Civil Society Coalition for Development (YCSCD) has also been appointed by the Independent Campaign Council (ICC) as Director of Contact and Mobilization in Jigawa State while also serving in seven (7) different committees under the ICC and PCC.

Comrade Aminu Aminu has during the electioneering campaign worked under Three Ministerial Nominees comprising
His Excellency Muhammad Badaru Abubakar is our grand patron for Grassroot Mobilization for Asiwaju (GMA) 2023.

Imaan Suleman Ibrahim National Coordinator ICC, Special Duties
and Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo Director of Youth Mobilization Committee North West PCC.

All these personalities were nominated as ministers, this shows that our struggle, our efforts, and our sacrifices for the APC did not go in vain. Comrade Aminu Aminu assured that Nigerians would not regret their presence in President Tinubu’s cabinet God willing.

Comrade Aminu Aminu said he has committed his resources to purchasing vehicles, renting office edifice, the inauguration ceremony of the nineteen States coordinators, and twenty-seven local government coordinators and training them on the best way to achieve success and above all the reception of over fifty thousand decampees from other political parties into All Progressives Congress (APC).

Comrade Aminu Aminu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making the right choice in the ministerial nomination so far assuring Nigerians that more best hands are on the way coming.

Comrade Aminu also congratulated his grand political mentor His Excellency Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Hajiya Iman Suleman Ibrahim, and Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo all of whom are ministerial nominees. He wish them well and prayed that God guide them through these onerous national tasks placed on them by the President.

He noted that all his energy, his resources, the sleepless nights he had, and all the other nasty experiences he endured through that electioneering exercise till the victory was achieved were at last not a waste since his mentors and close associates are been rewarded for the sacrifices made.

He also expressed his unreserved gratitude to the Director General NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi for all the moral, financial, and spiritual support for the GMA and YCSCD that enable them to record the successes they achieved before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.

New Force Commander Visits Executive Secretary Lake Chad Basin Commission, Restates Commitment To Achieve Mandate

By Raychel Omaga

The new Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali has affirmed that the force has a requisite capacity to achieve its mandate. This statement comes amidst renewed confidence in the task force’s effectiveness in fostering regional peace and security.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Military Public Information Officer – Ndjemena, in a press release he signed on the
26 July 2023, said, he made the assertion during the maiden courtesy visit to Headquarters Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), Ndjemena – Chad today 26 July 2023.

General Ali maintained that to restore law and order in Lake Chad basin region, all hands must be on deck to achieve the force mandate. He appealed for more support from the Head of Mission to deliver his tasks of commanding the joint forces appreciating LCBC for leading the political angle of the mission.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, LCBC Ambassador Mamman Nuhu acknowledged the new commander’s enthusiastic and inclusive style of leadership. This style, he said, sets a positive precedent for the MNJTF, reflecting a clear commitment to the task force’s mandate. The general encompassing leadership approach has been seen to boost morale within ranks, promoting a unity of purpose towards achieving set objectives.

Ambassador Nuhu who is also the Head of Mission, MNJTF highlighted the unwavering commitment exhibited by the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs). He noted that their continued support is a testament of the collective will to establish and maintain security in the region. He lauded their dedication, declaring it as a pivotal factor in the progression and success of the MNJTF’s operations.

Recalled that Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali took over recently as the tenth Force Commander, MNJTF. He pledged to bring his more than three decades of experience to tackle the Boko Haram menace in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Theatre Commander Tours Sector 2 Area Of Responsibility…charges troops on vigilance, alertness

The Theatre Commander (TC) Major General GU Chibuisi, on Tuesday, 25 Jul 2023, embarked on an operational tour of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Damaturu, Yobe State.

He was received during the visit by the Commander Sector 2 JTF (NE) OPHK, Maj Gen MLD Saraso, where he was also briefed on activities of the sector.

Addressing troops during the visit, at Headquarters Sector 2, the TC charged them to always be at alert and remain vigilant against emerging threats. He also urged them to decisively deal with insurgence and other criminal elements in the AOR.

The TC further enjoined troops to remain committed in the fight against insurgency and other criminal activitivies just as he urged both officers and soldiers to always maintain very good relationship with the members of public, in order to get positive information that will assist in ongoing operations across the Theatre.

TC however warned troops against involvement in any act of misconduct which could jeopardize operations, assuring that he will do the best he can to address the challenges facing the various sectors within the theatre of Operations.

Highlights of the visit were group photograph, tour to level 11 Field Hospital, New Barracks, and Detention facility within the Barracks. There after proceeded to other Units under Sector 2 AOR.

NCC alerts public on Fraudulent LinkedIn Account Impersonating Executive Vice Chairman

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) wishes to draw public attention to a fraudulent LinkedIn Account impersonating the person, and office of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta.

Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs in a press release he signed on July 27, 2023, said, the account was obviously created by some unscrupulous and criminal elements with a view to defrauding unsuspecting members of the public and users of social media who may think that such an account belongs to the EVC of NCC.

For the avoidance of doubt, the EVC/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has no LinkedIn Account. Therefore, any such account found on social media or any other platform, purporting to belong to the EVC of NCC, is fake!

We are working with appropriate security agencies to investigate the source of this fraudulent act with a view to nipping it to the bud.

We urge members of the public, and our esteemed stakeholders to be cautious, and vigilant, while on social media platforms, or in the cyberspace as many of these fraudulent individuals and groups abound, looking for unsuspecting users to defraud.

The Commission has a presence on the Internet with the official website (www.ncc.gov.ng), and key social media platforms. All information about our activities, programmes and reports are verifiable on our website and on our verified social media handles.

We also encourage everyone to follow our official social media accounts for credible updates and announcements.

Members of the public are advised to be carefully guided when accessing or using information from social media.

Just In: Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralized 59 terrorists, arrests 88 criminals

By Emmanuel Daudu

Recently,  the Armed Forces of Nigeria is engaged in several operations across the 6 geopolitical zones to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation.

Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, in a press release signed on 28 July 23, the military has neutralized 59 terrorists and arrested a total number of 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen, and 19 suspected oil thefts. Troops have also rescued 88 kidnapped hostages.

In the course of operations across the country troops recovered a total number of 68 weapons and 1,364 ammunition. Troops recovered 26 AK47 rifles, 1 GPMG, 1 AKMS rifle, 1 FN rifle, 4 pump action, 5 pistols, and 19 Dane guns. Also, recovered are 1,083 rounds 7.62mm special, 228 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully loaded AK47 magazines, 9 rounds of 9mm ammo, and the sum of N41,915.00 only, and CFA 49,000.  Others include 323,650 liters of stolen crude oil, 128,700 liters of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 liters of DPK. While an estimated sum of N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts.

Additional details of the operational activities conducted by the military are herein attached as part of the press release.

NiMet Bags Service Provider Of The Year Award

For any organisation big on service delivery, the objective is to consistently meet and even exceed customers’ expectations.

So when stakeholders in the industry recognize such organisation, it is no mean feat.

This is the view of stakeholders about the Nigerian Meteorological Agency as the Agency was awarded the Service Provider of the year 2022 award by the League of Airport and Aviation Corespondents (LAAC).
The award, which was in recognition of NiMet’s improved service delivery, was presented at the 27th annual conference of LAAC that held at the Providence Hotel, Lagos this Thursday.

Earlier in his address at the event, the Director General/CEO of Nigerian Meteorological Agency Prof Mansur Bako Matazu described the role of the media in nation building as very important and requires courage, selflessness and truth, which he ascribes to LAAC in the aviation industry.
“The role of the media in nation building is very important and it requires courage, selflessness and truth while being patriotic. Such is the role of LAAC in the Aviation industry.
As the nation’s aviation media umbrella body with the responsibility of ensuring adequate coverage and reportage of activities within the industry, LAAC is strategic to the visibility, relevance and growth of the industry”, he noted.

Prof. Matazu who was represented by the Director of Research and Training, Prof Effiom Essien Oku described the aviation industry as dynamic vulnerable and fast paced in terms of changing technology.

The Aviation industry is one of the fastest growing industries with tremendous contribution to the GDP by providing revenue to the nation; livelihoods for workers; catalytic support to other sectors and growth for the nation among others.

The event was well attended by stakeholders in the Aviation sector and featured paper presentations, panel discussions and the presentation of LAAC magazine, Travelwatch

GOC 2 DIVISION TOURS 22 BRIGADE ILLORIN

In continuation of his familiarisation visits to formations and units under his Division , the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army Ibadan Maj Gen Valentine Okoro recently visited 22 Brigade Illorin. He was received and briefed on arrival by the Commander Brig Gen Adebayo Babalola.

In his address to troops, the GOC thanked them for their service to the nation and urged them to put in more effort in their avowed role of keeping the nation at peace at all times. Maj Gen Okoro informed the troops of the readiness of the Chief of Army Staff in tackling their welfare needs and urged them to reciprocate in working extra hard to keep the nation safe.

At the Government House Illorin, the Deputy Governor Kwara State Mr Kayode Alabi who received the GOC congratulated him on his appointment and promised the continued support of the government and people of the state towards ensuring a more peaceful Nigeia

In the same vein, the Emir of Illorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji( Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari praised the Army in the fight against terrorism and criminality in the country. He assured the GOC of his domain continued support for a peaceful and prosperous nation.

The high points of the visit includes the commissioning of observations posts to aid security in the Barracks, visit to FOB Pategi.

Police set to  investigate  Comedian Abdulgafar Abiola Over Skit

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Police Force has said that in as much as the law grants Nigerians the right to enjoy their fundamental human rights, the same law prohibits an individual, under whatever guise, from rubbishing the police institution or grossly violating its provisions with regards to the use of uniforms.

According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra
Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters Abuja, in a press release he signed on Thursday said, “We, therefore, vehemently condemn the contemptuous act displayed by comedian Abdulgafar Abiola, popularly known as “Cute Abiola,” in two recent skits posted on his social media handles on 20th and 24th July, 2023. The skits in question show a highly disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police uniform, an action that is in direct violation of Section 251 of the Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law. Such acts are not only offensive but also undermine the integrity and dignity of the men and women who wear the uniform in service to the nation.

“Abdulgafar Abiola will be investigated and possibly prosecuted for his deliberate acts as the NPF had already warned skit makers and filmmakers to desist from desecrating its uniform or accoutrements. The Force is committed to upholding the sanctity of the uniform and will pursue due legal process to ensure accountability for any individual or entity that seeks to bring disrepute to the uniform or the institution it represents. We call on all members of the public, including media personalities, to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly and avoid engaging in actions that could erode public trust in our revered law enforcement institutions”.

Taraba APC Stakeholders laud Tinubu for nominating Sen. Danladi as minister

The top players of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, led by the party’s leader, Sen. David Jimkuta, have commended President Bola Tinubu, for nominating former Acting Governor of Taraba, Sen Sani Danladi as minister.

The stakeholders include former Acting Governor of Taraba, Alh Garba Umar UTC, former Gubernatorial Aspirant, Chief David Sabo Kente, Sen. Yusuf A Yusuf, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim and Muazu Jaji Sambo.

Others include; Sen. Dalhatu Sangari, Gen A.T Ibrahim, Chief Ezekiel Afukonyo, Bobboi Kaigama, Sen. Anthony George Manzo and Hon. Jerry Manwe.

In a statement signed by Jimkuta on Thursday, the Taraba APC stakeholders expressed gratitude to Tinubu for rewarding the party loyalist with such nomination.

”We are expressing our gratitude to President Tinubu for recognising Sen.Sani Abubakar’s competence and loyalty to the party.

”This appointment is well-deserved and a testament to Sen. Abubakar’s commitment to serving the people of Taraba State.

”We also commend the President for his leadership and vision in selecting competent individuals to drive the agenda of the party at the national level.

”We are expressing confidence in Sen Abubakar’s ability to deliver on this new role as minister, to bring positive change to our dear Taraba State.

”Furthermore, we pledge our support and cooperation to Sen. Abubakar, and assure him of our readiness to work together for the development of Taraba State,” the Taraba APC stalwarts said.

The stakeholders therefore, called on all party members in the state to unite, close ranks and rally behind Abubakar, to enable him deliver effectively on his new mandate.

”In conclusion, we are expressing our optimism that Sen. Abubakar’s appointment would bring about the much-needed unity, peace development and progress to the Taraba State Chapter of the APC.

”We urge him to be diligent, dedicated, and proactive in fulfilling his responsibilities as minister.

”We also reiterate our commitment to the success of the APC in Taraba State and pledge to work tirelessly towards upholding the values of the party in Taraba State,” the statement read.