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GOC 3 DIVISION COMMISSIONS NEWLY BUILT RSM HOUSE IN JOS, CHARGE TROOPS ON ADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF ARMY FACILITIES

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim has charged army personnel to develop maintenance culture and ensure adequate care of facilities placed under their care. He stated this on 24 March 2023, while commissioning a newly built three bedroom flat for the 43 Engineer Brigade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.

While appreciating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for his untiring efforts towards improving the welfare of troops, General Abdulsalami noted that the lack of maintenance of equipment and facilities coupled with nonchalant attitude of some personnel has been a serious setback in infrastructural development in the barracks. He warned that such attitude will no longer be tolerated.

The GOC/Commander OPSH revealed that the commissioning of the RSM’s residence is one of the numerous welfare packages approved by the COAS towards reinvigorating the prestige, pride and good reputation associated with the office of the RSM in military profession. He further appreciated the COAS for his leadership qualities and commitment to rejuvenate the spirit of regimentation, discipline and professional soldering through the RSM.

Welcoming the GOC/Commander OPSH and dignitaries at the event, the Acting Commander 43 Engineer Brigade, Colonel Saidu Iliya revealed that the building was approved by the COAS and completed within three months. He noted that furnishing, landscaping, installation of both generator and solar power, as well as fencing and water reticulation have all been completed in the building.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the RSM 43 Engineer Brigade, Master Warrant Officer Olakunle Stephen who appreciated the COAS for acknowledging the importance of RSMs in the NA also disclosed that ‘’RSMs all over the NA units are proud of the COAS.’’ He further pledged to reciprocate the gesture by discharging his duties professionally and with a high sense of regimentation.

Kenya: Westcom Maj Gen David Tarus joins service as St Mark’s AC Sunday School Classes dedicated At 9kr Eldoret

The GOC Westcom Maj Gen David Tarus joined worshippers of Moi Barracks Eldoret for a Church service at St Mark’s Anglican Church 9 KR.

The service was preceded by the official opening of Sunday School classes by the GOC and dedication by his lordship Rt Rev Dr. Christopher Rutto Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Eldoret on behalf of the Bishop-In-Ordinary to the KDF the Most Rev Dr Jackson Ole Sapit.

The GOC emphasized the need to empower children through Christian Education in order to mitigate lawlessnness of young people witnessed in our society. “Training children in the ways of God will go a long way in positively shaping their character for their own good and the good of our society.” He said.

The new Sunday School classes were handed over to the KDF Principal Chaplain of the AC Col Rev A K Lelei for use by the Military Episcopate.

The Principal Chaplain exibited his joy for the work KDF is doing in empowering Children through Christian teachings and mentorship. He informed the congregants that a similar event would be held across all KDF Units where AC Christians have build Sunday School classes and multi-purpose halls.

The Bishop applauded KDF Christian soldiers who served in Sierra Leone where he visited recently and was shown a permanent church built by Kenyan troops during their deployment there some years back.

He encouraged worshippers to honor God, authority, instituitions and leadership that God has ordained because the opposite breeds chaos while our creator is a God of order. He also echoed the ecumenism displayed by inviting Roman catholic Christians to the day’s ocassion.

NiMet Warns Of Possible Thermal Discomfort

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned of a possible rise in temperature across some cities in Nigeria, which may lead to thermal discomfort.

According to Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, GM/PR, in a press release signed on the 25th of March, 2023
the Agency said that observations from the source region indicates that temperature is expected to rise above 40 degrees in the next 48 hours.

According to the statement “parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa are expected to record temperatures greater than 40°C. While most parts of the Northern cities are expected to record temperatures between 35°C to 40°C, this includes parts of Oyo, Kwara, FCT, Nasarawa, and Benue”. It reads.

The statement further warned that cities like Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, and Yola are at risk of experiencing high thermal discomfort, while the following days, parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa are expected to experience temperatures greater than 40°C.

The Agency therefore advise people in these locations to drink a lot of fluid through this period.
NiMet assures of continuous monitoring of the weather and update Nigerians accordingly

Nasarawa Guber polls: INEC, Ishaya Tanko the reason behind crisis

…INEC And Its Influence On Derailing National Interest And Intergrity

The chaos in Nasarawa is tearing the state apart, and the man responsible for the mayhem is none other than Ishaya Tanko, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos and the INEC State Collation and returning officer. Tanko’s actions have resulted in protests, tears, and despair.

Tanko’s complicity in the gubernatorial elections has had a profound impact on the psycheof the people and activities in the state. In local governments such as Awe and Lafia, where the government holds sway, results were deliberately delayed, causing great anxiety among the populace. In the state capital, wards such as Ciroma and Gayam were unable to complete collation in two days, while other states had already concluded their elections in a single day. The 2 wards are less than 3 minutes drive or about 10 minutes walk from the collation centre, yet, collated Polling Unit results could not be delivered. They were being delayed for the dirty job. However, the chaos was compounded when the panel decided to proceed on break only for Gayam and Ciroma wards to be arbitrarily ruled inconclusive under suspicious circumstances. The police and other agencies appeared to be acting in cahoot with INEC and State Government officials.

The inconsistencies in the election results are also deeply troubling. For instance, the total summary in numbers of the governorship votes suspiciously rose from 540,566 to 650,357. Furthermore, in Lafia LGA, 154,677 votes were cast for the governorship, while only 70,000 votes were received for the House of Assembly election in the same election usungvthe same BVAS. It suggests that some voters only turned up at the polls to vote for the governorship, leaving the House of Assembly ballots uncollected?

The outcome of the election was undoubtedly influenced by Tanko’s tardiness. There appeared to be an extraordinary population explosion in all of the wards and local governments that were collated late, resulting in 109,791 new voters, with 91,000 of them coming from the two local governments whose announcement INEC had postponed. Tanko suspiciously reconvened the collation at 7am when PDP members and agents had already left the center as ordered and directed by INEC officilas, and declared AA Sule the winner.

The collusion between Tanko, Atiku, AA Sule, and other political heavyweights in the state is evident. Atiku allegedly supported AA Sule of the APC over David Ombagadu, the PDP candidate for governor, because of religious and ethnic sentiments and a long business history with AA Sule. Governor Yahaya Bello, Elrufai, and Tinubu’s running mate, Shettima, were also reportedly seen in Nasarawa at the time of the electoral heist, suggesting that there was more going on in the state than meets the eye.

The situation is worsened by the fact that Tanko’s wife is the secretary of the High Court in Abuja, and should the case go to court, she may have a role to play there. Even more disheartening is the fact that Professor Tanko, a native of Southern Kebbi, allowed himself to be used as a tool to subjugate other Middle Belt natives.

The outcome of the elections has left the people of Nasarawa in a state of despair. Women are protesting naked against what they call “their stolen mandate.” The tears and cries of these women reflect the pain and agony that the people of Nasarawa are experiencing. The electoral fraud has not only caused chaos but has also shattered the hopes and dreams of the people of Nasarawa.

Defence Headquarters Rounds Off 2023 Refresher Training Course

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) today, 24 March, 2023 rounded off this year Refresher Training Course at the Army War College, Abuja. The course which was inaugurated on the 21 March , was organized by ‘A Team’ Professionals from the DHQ to improve the staff duty skills of officers within the rank cells of Major to Colonel and equivalent drawn from DHQ, Service Headquarters and other military formations within Abuja.

In his remarks during the graduation ceremony of the participants, the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal OA Tuwase, represented by Rear Admiral DD Dangwel stated that the course was approved by the Chief of Defence Staff, ( CDS), General Lucky Irabor to achieve the objective of improving the inputs of officers serving within and outside DHQ whose schedules of duty also include serving as secretary of Military Boards and Committees, composing service papers as well as correspondences and other tasking duties.

He pointed out that going by the capacity of erudite resource persons invited to coordinate the course, the participants no doubt, have gained much knowledge that will enhance their performances in their various offices . Rear Admiral Dangwel therefore commended members of the ‘A Team’ Professionals for devoting time to impact their wealth of knowledge and experience on the participants . He urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained from the course in their respective offices at the DHQ and other military formations.

A total number of 36 officers of the ranks of Major to Colonel and equivalent participated in the course. Highpoints of the graduation ceremony featured presentation of certificates to the participants and an award to the best overall participant, Major Aderemi Adams Kasali from Headquarters Guards Brigade.

ECOWAS-ERCA to hold a 3-days technical meeting in Senegal

By Emmanuel Daudu

The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) will hold a technical meeting on a draft
communication plan which is aimed at ensuring greater visibility of the ERCA’s activities.

According to the Executive Director, ERCA, Dr. Simeon Koffi in an electronic statement to journalists during the weekend stated that the ERCA’s Communication Plan review is scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal from 29-31 March 2023.

“Participants are expected to review the draft document and provide input during the Working Group
meeting which aims to pool the contributions of the invited experts and recommend avenues for
possible improvement”.

Retrospectively, in 2008, ECOWAS adopted a Regional Competition Policy and in the same vein, the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) was established to implement the policy. The objective of this regional initiative was to support and promote open competition within the ECOWAS region, including the protection of consumers’ economic interests, through the implementation of Community Competition Rules.

The awareness, information, and advocacy activities carried out during the second half of 2021 in eleven (11) Member States revealed a low level of knowledge of the regional competition mechanism and the ERCA among the majority of national stakeholders. Having actually started its activities in 2019, the relative operational infancy of the ERCA could partly explain the low awareness of its existence and activities. In order to strengthen dialogue and information sharing between all stakeholders, and to raise awareness of this mechanism for promoting competition within ECOWAS, the ERCA has decided to strengthen its communication activities.

Thus, the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), with the support of a regional expert designed a Communication Action Plan, which is intended to be proactive, for improving knowledge of the regional competition framework and visibility of its actions in ECOWAS Region.

This plan should include information and awareness-raising activities that would significantly improve knowledge of ECOWAS and ERCA’s competition policy among all private and public economic actors operating in the regional market as well as among consumers.

In 2014, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government designated the Republic of Gambia as the headquarters of the ERCA. The official launch of the ERCA took place in May 2019, following a meeting of the Technical Committee of Trade and Competition Experts in Banjul, The Gambia.

The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority was therefore established to implement the regional competition rules adopted by the ECOWAS Authority in 2008. These rules essentially promote, maintain and encourage competition while improving the economic efficiency of regional production, trade and business.

ECOWAS is a regional economic space of 15 West African Member states, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

The ERCA is headed by an Executive Director, assisted by two Directors and the staff necessary for its proper functioning. It has the following divisions; Mergers and acquisitions, Analysis of competition and economic research, Law, investigation, compliance and enforcement, Communications and advocacy, Administration and human resources, and Finance.

The ERCA’s Consultative Competition Committee (CCC) is a thirty (30) member committee composed of two (2) competition experts from each Member state appointed for a four (4) year term. The CCC acts as an advisory body to the ERCA in the area of competition and consumer protection. In particular, the CCC: Reviews and makes recommendations on all draft policies, guidelines, directives, instruments, rules and regulations submitted to it by the ERCA; Makes recommendations requesting ERCA to undertake studies or research relevant to the formulation of competition and consumer protection policies; and
Evaluates reports on the status of implementation of competition and consumer protection principles and policies in the region submitted to it by the ERCA, intending to make the necessary recommendations.
The CCC is assisted by a Bureau elected from among its members, consisting of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson, and three (3) Rapporteurs.

Activist Commends Senegalese Citizens for Defending Democracy

By Maryam Aliyu, Abuja

A development activist, Professor Barika Saro-Laka, has alerted the world of a possible outbreak of civil war in Senegal, if the impunity of its President, Mr. Macky Sall is not urgently tamed.

Prof. Saro-Laka who is also the African Coordinator of Unseen Forces, an international coalition fighting against slavery and lawlessness, said Sall’s action is unpopular and evil.

He described the intimidation of his people using the Police to declare interest to run as a third term President in Senegal as illegal and dangerous for democratic governance and peace in the country.

The professor said Unseen Forces is determined to do everything to bring President Sall, to his kneels and ensure that the people are not forced into modern slavery.

He commended the progressive masses in Senegal led by the opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, for their solidarity and patriotism towards saving Senegal’s democracy and crushing down the walls of slavery by iconoclasts.

The activist emphasized the stance of Unseen Forces to work underground in ensuring that no dictator secures Third Term leadership in Africa against their constitution and collective will.

1,506 Boko Haram, ISWAP, terrorists surrender to troops – DHQ

…Several terrorists neutralized

Emmanuel Daudu, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, says 1,506 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families have again surrendered troops in the North-East zone of the country.

Major General Musa Danmadami, the Director of the Defence Media Operations (DMO), made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the bi-weekly briefing on troops activities and operational successes recorded in the various operational theaters within the 6 geo-political zones of the country.

Danmadami noted that in the past 2 weeks, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were conducted in the various theatres of operations, with significant results recorded.

He said in troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai and other operations in the North East zone have sustained and continued to dominate their general area of operation.

He therefore disclosed that several terrorists were neutralized, while others and their families members to surrendered troops. He also said that large cache of arms and ammunition, including cash and live-stock were recovered within period under review.

He said,”Operational activities were conducted in villages, forest, mountains, towns and cities of Gwoza, Askira – Uba, Kukawa, Monguno, Damboa, Mobbar, Konduga, Ngala, Bama, Dikwa and Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State and Yunusari, Geidam, Karasuwa and Damaturu Local Government Areas of Yobe State. Operations were also conducted in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. Several raids, fighting patrols and ambushes operation were conducted to curb the activities of terrorists and other criminals elements within the Area of Operation.

“Notably, between 10 and 11 March 2023, troops while acting on credible intelligence ambushed Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at locations within Askira-Uba, Kukawa, Gwoza and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno State. At these locations, troops made contact with the terrorists, during which 7 terrorists were neutralized while other fled in disarray with gun shot wounds. Troops exploited these areas and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 64 rounds of 7.62mm special, 128 rounds of 7.62mm belted ammo, 1 pump action gun, 1 PKT machine gun, 13 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 1 jack knife, 1 mechanic tools box, military camouflage uniform, 1 boafeng radio, 6 motorcycles, 1 blanket, 4 mobile phone and 1 sack of groundnut.

“Equally, on 12 March 2023, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted a vehicle and arrested 6 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist logistics suppliers at Kalari Abdul village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops recovered 1 vehicle, 8 mobile phones, the sum of N2,226,450.00 only amongst other items. On the same day, troops conducted search and rescue operation at suspected kidnappers hideout at Moyaladi, Miya and Gaya villages in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and Modori and Gurusulu villages in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State. Following the operation, 4 suspected kidnappers were arrested and 6 kidnapped victims rescued while troops recovered 1 AK47 rifle and 6 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

“In another development, on 14 March 2023, troops conducted clearance operations to terrorists enclaves within Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and following a fire fight, 6 terrorists were neutralized. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 10 dane guns, 12 dummy rifles, 118 rounds of 7.62 x 50mm NATO ammo, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm NATO ammo, 1 round of 12.7mm NATO, 41 livestock, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N4,000.00 only. Troops also rescued 49 kidnapped civilians comprising 26 adults and 23 children. Additionally, between 15 – 22 March 2023, troops on fighting patrol to Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province enclaves at villages within Biu, Gwoza and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno State encountered terrorists. Following fierce fire fights, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 5. Troops exploited these various locations and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 7 AK47 magazines, 1 x 60mm mortar, 1 firing pin, 102 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 donkeys, 10 mobile phones, 10 sachets of Axzol tablets, 199 sachets of tramadol tablets and the sum of N4,370.00 only as well as also rescued 64 kidnapped victims. Equally, on 12 March 2023, troops conducted operations to a terrorists leader hideout at Zodie village in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State but no contact was made. Troops however, search the area and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 5 sim cards, NIMC printout and 81 cattle suspected to belong to the terrorist leader.

“Consequently, within the weeks in focus, troops in the North East zone recovered 16 AK47 rifles, 1 x 60mm mortar bomb, 10 dane guns, 12 dummy rifles, 1 pump action gun, 1 PKT gun, 280 rounds of 7.62mm special, 118 rounds of 7.62 x 50mm NATO, 13 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm NATO ammo, 1 round of 12.7mm NATO, 17 AK47 magazines, 1 firing pin, 1 mechanic tools box, 2 knives, 6 motorcycles, 24 mobile phones, 41 live stocks, assorted food items, 1 vehicle, 4 sim and other sundry items as well as the cash sum of N2,234,820.00 only. Troops neutralized 13 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, arrested 6 logistics suppliers and rescued 119 abducted civilians, while a total of 1,506 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families comprising 154 adult males, 514 adult females and 838 children surrendered to own troops at different location within the theatre of operation.

“All recovered items, rescued civilians, and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families are been profiles for further action.”

Danmadami conveyed the military high command commendations on the unrelenting efforts of troops and other security agencies in the various theatres of operations across the country.

He appreciated the media community for their partnership and continued cooperation with the military and other security agencies, in “our quest to restore peace and security to our dear country”.

Danmadami also appreciated the entire populace for the support given to the members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the conduct of “our various operations across the country, while also urging them to continue to provide prompt and creditable information on the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements, in their respective areas”.

NiMet Commemorates 2023 World Meteorological Day as DG reiterates investing in younger generation

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), unites with the globe to celebrate the convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation.

This year’s celebration was held at the NiMet headquarters Abuja, and had in attendance representatives of the World Meteorological Organisation, (WMO), FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other critical stakeholders.

The 2023 World Meteorological Day is adorned with the theme The Future of Weather, Climate and Water Across Generations.

Explaining this in his remarks, the Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu who was represented by the Director, Research and Training NiMet Prof. Effiom Oku, said the theme reflects topical weather, climate and water-related issues.

Describing NiMet’s effort in meteorological services, DG/CEO NiMet revealed that, with the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, NiMet has invested in meteorological data generation over land, water and atmosphere, for past assessments and future predictions including nowcasting.

Furthermore, he noted that the Agency renders services targeted at building sustainable economic development in Nigeria for stakeholders in aviation, agriculture, construction, tourism, defence, water resources management, as well as telecommunications, and environment.

He added that the Agency has a culture practice of public private partnership and have signed memorandum with universities and different organisations to promote the science of meteorology and enhance the fulfilment of its mandate.

The DG further stressed on the need to encourage the creation of awareness on the dangers of climate change and provide opportunities as well as proffer solutions that mitigate climate disasters in the world.
Reiterating on the need for partnership, the World Meteorological Organisation’s representative for North, Central and West Africa, Dr. Gomez Bernard disclosed that strong partnerships are required for the successful implementation of the Early Warning for All initiative, tailored to enable adequate preparations for extreme weather events and consequently mitigate climate disaster impact as enunciated by WMO.

Dr. Bernard further noted that the WMD anniversary serves as a reminder of acceleration in climate change and emphasized on the need for urgent action to ensure the survival of future generations on the planet.

Highlights of the event include drama presentation by Young Met Ambassadors which comprise students from some secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory. Prizes were also awarded to schools that excelled in the essay competition organised by NiMet.

The 2023 WMD celebration coincides with WMO’s 150 anniversary.

1,506 Boko Haram, ISWAP, terrorists surrender to troops– DHQ