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The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), at a joint press briefing held with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on 19 June 2023, restated its commitment to strengthening efforts in drug prevention, treatment, and control in Nigeria. UNODC Country Representative, Oliver Stolpe, emphasized the importance of international cooperation and addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking networks.

In a press statement yesterday, Oliver Stolpe outlined the top priorities for UNODC in the coming year. These include:

1. Strengthening International Cooperation: UNODC aims to dismantle trafficking networks involved in the drug trade through enhanced international cooperation with justice systems worldwide.

2. Improving Drug Counseling and Treatment: UNODC will work towards training public and primary healthcare providers to effectively provide drug counseling and intervention. Efforts will focus on increasing the availability of treatment centers and preventing the spread of drug use disorders in Nigeria.

3. Conducting a Drug Use Survey: UNODC will collaborate with the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics to conduct a drug use survey, updating information on drug use and control in Nigeria.

4. School-Based Drug Prevention: UNODC seeks to equip Nigerian children with life skills and knowledge to resist drug use. Existing programs will be expanded to reach a larger number of children, with a special focus on secondary education.

5. World Drug Report: UNODC is eager to learn about the latest developments in the global drug situation. The report will provide insights into the surplus of cocaine production in Latin America, its potential influence on Africa, and issues related to drug use disorder.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd) also disclosed that the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking has yielded significant results in the last 29 months with the arrest of 31.675 drug offenders; 5,147 of them prosecuted and convicted while over 6.3 million kilograms of assorted drugs were seized within the same period. According to him, ‘This year’s theme, “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention” is in furtherance of the whole-of-society approach to taming the drug scourge. This theme is especially pertinent to the Nigerian situation at the moment. In the past two and the half years, we have strengthened our law enforcement efforts to cut down on the supply of drugs in society.

While charging the society to drop the stigmatization that discourages drug users from seeking treatment, the NDLEA boss expressed appreciation for the partnership between NDLEA, NGOs, development partners, and the various groups, institutions, and relevant professionals in society, including media professionals, who have been very supportive of the renewed war on drugs.” He further thanked UNODC for its “unquantifiable support that has contributed to the rapid evolution of NDLEA” and added “we are thankful to the European Union (EU) and the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, France, India, Germany, who have all boosted our capacity to cope with the demands of our mandate.”

Oliver Stolpe expresses gratitude for the strong collaboration with NDLEA and other Nigerian partners, including NAFDAC, the Federal Ministries of Health and Education, Civil Society Organizations, and the private sector. As the drug epidemic continues to affect millions of people, he stressed the need for all partners to take a people-centered approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices. This year’s theme for the World Drug Day is therefore “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”

The Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology, Katsina (MBMIST) has been granted full accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer National Diploma programmes in Meteorology and Climate Change Science.

This accreditation is contained in a letter signed by Mr Sama’ila Tanko, the Director, Monotechnic Programme Department on behalf of the Executive Secretary of (NBTE) Prof. Idris M. Baguje.

” With reference to the accreditation visitation carried out by the Board to your institution from 10th to 13th May, 2023, I am directed to inform you that the National Board For Technical Education has granted accreditation to the underlisted programmes with effect from 19th May, 2023,” the letter reads.

The accreditation, which is for ND Meteorology and ND Climate Change Science is for two streams of 40 students per programme and is due for another visitation by 2028 upon invitation of the Board by the institute.
The MBMIST was founded in 2019 under the leadership of Senator Hadi Sirika , the former Minister of Aviation. It commenced academic activities in the 2020/2021 academic session with in-kind donation of a campus by the Katsina state government through the former executive governor Rt Honourable Aminu Bello Masari and was officially commissioned by Muhammadu Buhari, the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The MBMIST which has as it’s motto, Safety, Innovation and Excellence, prides itself as the premier technological tertiary institution for studying Meteorological and Climate Science related programmes, has all the resources for teaching, learning infrastructures, academic curriculum and operations designed to meet with the standards of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and International Standards Organization (ISO).
The purpose of the institute is to transform students’ knowledge of weather and climate change science into a love of the subject.

A total of 200 personnel trained in sundry courses graduated yesterday, Friday 23 June 2023, from the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) Kaduna. The graduates comprised 9 officers and 191 airmen/airwomen, who successfully completed one of the 9 courses organized by the institute. The courses include Initial Personnel Administration Management Officers Course, Integrated Basic Clerical Course, Basic Physical Education Course, Basic Catering Course, Basic Military Band Course, and Basic Information Assistant Certificate Course; all of which lasted for 6 months. Others include the Admin Upgrading A1 Course, Admin Upgrading A2 Course, and Advance Physical Education Course that lasted for 3 months.

Representing the Chief of the Air Staff as the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, the Director of Administration, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Yusuf, disclosed the incumbent NAF administration is poised to give adequate priority to training across all specialties with a view to developing robust capacity geared towards effective employment of air power in furtherance of national security. AVM Yusuf, therefore, urged all NAF training institutions to be proactive in their pursuit of capacity development in order to bridge the current skill deficiency across all trades and specialties in the NAF. While congratulating the personnel for the successful completion of their respective courses, the Guest of Honour urged them to exhibit high level of professionalism in discharging their assigned tasks as the course they just concluded has provided them an opportunity to contribute more to the efforts of the NAF in national security.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC,  at the weekend in Lagos, lifted the Platinum Award of the Nigeria Academy of Engineering (NAEng.) being a reward for his leadership of the nation’s telecom regulator for its contributions to the development and growth of engineering profession in the technological and economic development of the country.

According to Reuben Muoka, arpa, fnipr, Director, Public Affairs in a press release he signed on June 25, 2023, stated that President of the Academy, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, said during the award presented by doyen of engineering and Former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Vincent Maduka,  that the Commission deserved the award as it has done the profession proud in its telecom regulatory process and promotion of engineering as shown in its strong support for the NAEng.

While handing over the award at the 2023 Annual Technology Dinner of the Academy, Maduka said, “Prof. Danbatta has contributed immensely to the sustainability of all initiatives of the professional body, just as his role to the development of engineering profession in general is being felt in Nigeria, through his effective regulation of the telecommunications sector.”

Danbatta, a professor of electrical and electronics engineering, who is a member of Council, and a fellow of NAEng, while receiving the award, expressed appreciation to the illustrious institute for considering the Commission worthy of the award.

Danbatta dedicated the award to the ‘hardworking and diligent staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission’, who, he said, have continued to demonstrate commitment to supporting his vision to promote regulatory excellence toward sustaining growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“I could not have done the good work you credited me with, without the support and cooperation of NCC staff and we are delighted that the public is watching, listening and observing what we are doing and a testimony to this fact is the platinum category award we have just been given by the apex engineering body in the country,” the EVC stated.

Danbatta further said: “I want to assure the public that the NCC will do whatever it can, within its mandates, to bring out impactful initiatives that will drive the digital transformation process that will ultimately make telecom services pervasive and affordable to all parts of the country.”

He used the opportunity to speak about some of the initiatives of the Commission that have struck a rhythm in the socio-economic development of the nation.

These, he said, include the one targeted at the Nigerian youths across the country where the Commission trains the youth, provides them with laptops,  and other equipment that can make them access the internet with a view to equipping them to develop their skill and earn a living.

Danbatta assured of the Commission’s commitment to driving digital connectivity aimed at bridging extant clusters of access gaps in Nigeria. “We have a target of 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP). We are around 50 per cent currently and I can assure you that we are hopeful that we will achieve and surpass that target,” he said.

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering was established to pursue excellence in science, technology and engineering as well as provide a national platform for experts to harness their experiences and insights and make input into public and private technical policy.

By Emmanuel Daudu

As the risks facing our natural world increases by the day, environmentalists are always looking for new ways to tackle issues such as flooding, deforestation, climate change, and carbon emissions. Whilst many organizations are busy rallying volunteers to bang the drum for the environment, there is perhaps an unsung hero patiently waiting on the sidelines – the mangrove tree. Planting mangroves has been proven to help with environmental issues.

Mangroves are magical. Planting more of them could help restore the health of the planet’s lands, seas, and climate.

It is against this backdrop Compassionate Advocacy For The Poor Initiative, CAPI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Bayelsa State embarked on a two days mangrove planting exercise in Opume Kingdom to curb future flooding in the State.

The event which commenced on the 9th to 10th June 2023 is aimed at enhancing living on land as one of CAPI’s aims and objectives is to protect the former and serve as a frontline defense for the people and property along the coasts.

While declaring the event open in Bayelsa State, the founder and Executive Director, of Compassionate Advocacy For The Poor Initiative, CAPI,
Dr. Edet Umoh, stressed the need for the help the federal government and international organizations to come to the aid of Bayelsa State statistically stating that over 1.3 million people have been displaced over the years.

The first day which was characterized by community engagement activities, and stakeholder dialogues on a series of topics around flooding mitigation exposed lots of challenges the Bayelsa state indigenous people are going through and lots of lives and properties lost over the years.

Also speaking, the Director Climate Change/
Programs, CAPI, Rukaiya Mahmoud, has this to say, “The black mangrove is a species of tree that can typically be found growing in coastal areas. It is characterized by its dark leaves and deep, knotted roots, which help anchor it firmly in the muddy soil of tidal flats and mangrove swamps.

“But why is this tree so important? Well, for one thing, black mangroves provide vital habitats for many different types of animals. Fish, birds, and other wildlife rely on the shelter of mangrove forests to survive, and many species use the trees as nesting sites, feeding grounds, and breeding areas.

“But the benefits of black mangroves go beyond just providing homes for animals. These trees play a crucial role in reducing coastal erosion and protecting against storm surges and other natural disasters. They also help to filter and purify the water in which they grow, removing pollutants and other harmful substances.

“In addition, mangroves are known to sequester large quantities of carbon, making them a valuable tool in the fight against climate change. By capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mangroves help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down global warming.

‘Unfortunately, black mangroves and other species of mangrove trees are under threat from a variety of human activities, including deforestation, pollution, and development. As we continue to expand and encroach upon these fragile ecosystems, we risk irreparably damaging some of the most important ecosystems on the planet.

“That’s why we must take steps to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems. We must work to reduce our carbon footprint, prevent pollution, and promote sustainable development that balances the needs of people and the environment.

“So let us remember the important role that black mangroves and other mangrove species play in supporting life on our planet. And let us commit ourselves to doing all that we can to protect and preserve these precious habitats for future generations”.

The representative of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Wakedei Davidson Ere, Director of Climate Change hampered on the need for stakeholders engagement stating that it is essential for success in any sphere of life.
“By involving all parties affected by decisions, we build trust, foster transparency, and improve outcomes. A structured approach that regularly checks in with stakeholders is essential, and we must commit to ongoing collaboration to achieve common goals”, he said.

The 2nd day which was Mangrove planting witnessed a lot of participants including community leaders out of which were Festus Egba Director of Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Bayelsa State, Diete-Spiff Michael O., Director, Mitigation, Ministry of Environment, Bayelsa State, Frank Azibaobeh, CAPI staff, Susan Enemughan, Asst Director, Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Bayelsa State amongst many others.

Deputy Army Commander Major General David Tarus visited Kenya Defence Forces Quick Reaction Force and Kenya Signals Company as they entered the homestretch phase of their pre-deployment training.

The troops will soon deploy to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

Major General Tarus commended the troops for their dedication and commitment in undertaking the rigorous pre-deployment training that is geared towards making them mission ready.

‘‘The hard work and dedication I have witnessed in your various facets of this pre-deployment training is testament of commitment to duty of the Kenyan soldier. As you continue with the remaining elements of the training, maintain the momentum and even push your limits harder for you to be able to operate with ease in the mission area,’’ said Major General Tarus.

The Deputy Army Commander further urged them to be good ambassadors of the Republic of Kenya by hoisting the Kenyan flag high through upholding professionalism, discipline, high sense of integrity and adhering to the United Nations Code of Conduct.

“For many years now, the Republic of Kenya has deployed troops in various peacekeeping and enforcement missions and have performed commendably well in the duties. As you prepare to deploy, you have an enormous task of protecting the image of the country owing to the high standards that have been set by your predecessors,” said Major General Tarus.

During the visit, the troops demonstrated impeccable skills in conducting various drills like ambushes and crowd control, among others. The Quick Reaction Force and Kenya Signals Company will be the third and second contingents to deploy to DRC under MONUSCO, respectively.

No fewer than 50 officers graduated from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, after undergoing rigorous training of Senior Course 8, which lasted for six months.

Addressing the graduands during the ceremony that took place on Wednesday 21st June 2023, at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall of the college, the Comptroller-General of Customs, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Jack Ajokwu, felicitates with the graduating students and implored them to be more committed and be good representatives of the college.

DCG Jack Ajokwu, who is also in charge of Exise, Free-Trade Zone and Industrial Incentives, said that “it is with great honour and privilege to be part of this graduation ceremony of Senior Course 8 2023. It is without a doubt that you have spent six months having a rigorous training. I congratulate you for your tenacity and commitment which has led us to today’s occasion.”

“From the onset, you and your fellow participants were challenged by the curriculum and external class activities, but you have come out on top with a sense of fulfilment and admiration. I am seeing this as an opportunity to break new ground.” He said.

According to him, organising such training is one of the cardinal principles of the Nigeria Customs Service to build competence and capacity corresponding to rising demands of Global best practices of Customs related matters.

He tasked them to put all they have learned during their training at the college, as the country awaits their positive contributions in the area of maximizing the security at the borders, suppressing smuggling and generating revenue.

DCG Ajokwu however described their graduation as ‘timely with the commissioning of the Service’s Modernization Project’ – which according to him, competent hands amongst them will be selected to pilot the affairs of the Service.

“I have no doubts in my mind, that considering the quality of training you have received, you all will be good ambassadors of the College and the Service at large – and I wish to implore you to exhibit your competence to your subordinates, when you go back to your places of work.”

On his part, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Al-Bashir Hamisu, while delivering his opening remarks, congratulated the graduating students and conferred them with the title of Pass Senior Course (PSC).

“I stand here today with an uncommon joy and gratitude to welcome our special guest of honour and all our guests attending this ceremony.”

He recalled that the Service had, in 2017, institutionalized the Nigeria Customs Staff College to train the principal level staff of the Service, which according to him, had contributed enormously in the area of boosting capacity building of the officers.

“The graduation ceremony we are witnessing today is for 50 officers who satisfied the requirements of the five-star course PSC. During the course, our graduands achieved impressive results both in terms of academic performance, weapon handling and other activities.”

Certificates and Awards were also presented to the graduating students, and the best overall participant of the Senior Course 8.