UN-Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria calls for systemic fight against corruption

By Emmanuel Daudu, Abuja

The United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Raymond Edoh has called for a holistic and systemic approach to the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Raymond made the statement in an exclusive interview after the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC event was declared open by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari at the National Judicial Institute, Jabi, yesterday 26th January 2023.

According to H.E Ambassador Raymond Edoh, “Integrity, transparency, and the fight against corruption have to be part of the Nigeria culture. They have to be taught as fundamental values in our homes, and schools cutting across all levels of our formal educational institutions including religious establishments.

“According to Padmé Amidala, Star Wars,
There are still those of us who work to overcome corruption and believe it to be possible”. This is the reason why we are here today. We believe in our nation and we have confidence that assuredly, we will overcome the fight against corruption.

“Pope Francis once said, Corruption is paid by the poor. That is true. The rich get illegally richer at the expense of the poor. But this time, we the Nigerian youths have made up our minds to fight corruption and we remain focused on it. Nigeria would be better.

Dr. Raymond Edoh having a warm handshake with the representative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

“As a youth leader, we are Proud of President Muhammadu Buhari for this opportunity and decision to fight corruption.

“Similarly, I appreciate the Chairman of, the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, for his resolve in fighting corruption. He has shown prowess over and over again. We hope as a younger generation to take over the fight from where they would stop to the next level.

“Conclusively, I assure Nigerians that we will continue to fight corruption because it is against us, the poor masses, and the future of this great nation. We wouldn’t stop at only fighting corruption but to also fetch out corrupt leaders who have brought us to the mess the nation is in now.

“Corruption is one major reason why poverty is still prevailing. That’s why the youths of this nation and as an UN-Habitat Ambassador to this Nation, we will join hands with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to fight this pandemic and saboteur-called corruption to not only eradicate it but also eradicate poverty in this nation.

“The rich have always enriched themselves through these corrupt practices and the obvious is, they are head bent on perpetrating this act through the fashioned and even innovative means continuously at the expense of our dear nation. That we the youths of this nation wouldn’t accept again. Corruption must be stopped and we will stop at nothing until it is stopped”, he added.

The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption’s (PACAC) conference with the theme: “The Fight Against Corruption. The Past, the Present, and the Future” examined the anti-corruption campaigns and evaluated the fight against corruption in the country holistically.

Dr.Raymond Edoh with the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption’s (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay, SAN.

Dr. Raymond Edoh with the Executive Secretary, PACAC, Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that his administration would be leaving behind a legacy of zero tolerance for corruption disclosing that the fight against corruption has been in the front boner of his administration right from the onset.

President Muhammadu Buhari who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, stressed further saying, “as I depart office in a rely of months, I have left in the back of a legacy of zero-tolerance for corruption for our teaming youths and to each and every citizen. For me, corruption is Evil and must be vehemently rejected in all ramifications via all Nigerians anywhere, anytime.

“It is by using integrity, respect for rule of law, due process, and true patriotism that we will make Nigeria the kingdom of our dream.”

Earlier, giving a goodwill message, the Chairman of, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, lamented that the judiciary has not shown authentic dedication to the warfare in opposition to corruption.

He said, “I express regret to the several Judges in this who have tested their commitment to the struggle, solely to discover their patriotic efforts set apart and dismantled at the best level. This re-occurring phenomenon has no doubt dampened the enthusiasm of the decreased Courts.

“I have no intention of going into any detail about these judicial lapses in a public forum, however, I am compelled to request the Supreme Court to evaluate the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Justice Ngajiwa v. FRN [2018] four NWLR (PL. 1609) 301, in which that courtroom held that no judicial officer may want to be arrested and tried for a criminal offense committed in the route of his judicial obligations besides the rely being first referred to the National Judicial Council. In this case, the Judge did not even deny that he acquired the bribe, yet he used to be discharged.

“The reverberations of that decision have been genuinely devastating in the fight against corruption. All Judges under trial for corruption in quite a few courts had been discharged due to the fact of this judgment and thus, all back to their obligation stations consisting of the Supreme Court, to carry on as judicial officers.

“It used to be a terrible blow to the anti-corruption agencies and the hostilities against corruption. How does a Judge discharge on technical grounds in a charge of corruption deal with a man or woman charged earlier than him for corruption? What will be the destiny of the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, if each expert association is given the pre-emptive proper to deal with crimes committed by its members alternatively than being charged and tried in a court?
“The hostilities towards corruption can’t be successful in these circumstances. The Judiciary has to be dedicated to it, otherwise, the conflict cannot be won”, he urged.

Dr. Raymond Edoh with the Representative of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Also speaking at the event, Abubakar Malami, SAN, CON Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice at the High-level Stakeholders’ Conference in a keynote address fashioned innovative ways to which corruption can be inhibited if not totally curbed.
According to him, “engage with the anti-corruption agencies to improve investigation and prosecution of corruption cases. Engage with judges to address delays and other constraints. Build effective consensus among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
Ensure compliance with due process and rule of law in the fight against corruption”.

APM Leadership Kicks Against Mortgaging Party In Osun State

By Emmanuel Daudu, Abuja

Ahead of the APC Presidential Candidate’s campaign flag-off in Osun State, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 2nd February 2023, the National Chairman of Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), ALHAJI MUHAMMAD MUSA BAGANA warns against the illegal negotiation going around the state by one MR. WALE ADEBAYO who parades himself as the Osun state Chairman of the party, promising to mortgage all candidates of the party seeking elections into the National and State House of Assembly during the 2023 general elections to declare support for the APC.

The report further states that MR. WALE ADEBAYO is not the authentic APM State party Chairman in Osun State as he along with the former National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and indeed the entire interim officers of the party at all levels were sacked by the declaratory judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja dated 20th May 2022 which declared the offices of all party officials at all levels vacant and directed that the affairs of the party be handed over to the Registered Trustees of the party, and further mandated them to conduct congresses and convention to democratically elect officers of the party at Ward, LGA/AC, State/FCT, and National levels.

The National Chairman disclosed that Hon. Adegboyega is the duly elected APM State Chairman in Osun State who participated in the party congress following the mandate of the Federal High Court.

You will recall that APM has been in the news since February 2022 as a result of a leadership tussle in the party which led to the suspension of the former National Chairman and Secretary, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and Ayodele Oyadeyi Adebayo, respectively for abuse of office, fraudulent activities, flagrant disobedience to INEC guidelines on party administration and incompetence before the Federal High Court Judgement in May 2022 sacked the entire interim leadership and ordered for elections to democratically elect party officials.

The National Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bagana cautioned those dealing with Mr. WALE ADEBAYO as the Party State Chairman in Osun to desist from that because he parades himself as such for his personal gains.

He added that Mr. Adebayo and his cohorts are negotiating to mortgage the interest of the candidates seeking elections to the National and State Assembly and the party at large to perpetuate their desire to only use the party platform for negotiation with candidates and to also mortgage the party to the APC presidential Candidate by declaring support for him.
“This is not the decision of the party and anyone committed to doing any negotiation with Mr. Wale Adebayo does that at his or her own risk. Their action is against the motto of our party which is INTEGRITY, SACRIFICE, AND SERVICE. They are not committed to ensuring that candidates win the election or for the sustainability of the party but are more interested and concerned about what they can get for their pockets”.

He decried the continuous recognition of the sacked National Chairman and Secretary by INEC despite the judgment of the Federal High Court which was denied the stay of execution by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

He, therefore, called on INEC to revisit the Declaratory Judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja made on 20th May 2022 and execute it to compliment the good work it is doing to reform the electoral process because internal democracy in the administration of the political parties would strengthen our democratic processes.

He urged all members of the party in Osun state to the team. up and resist every attempt by unscrupulous members within and outside the party that would drag the name of the party in the mud.

Alhaji Bagana applauded the good work of Hon. Adegboyega, the Osun state APM chairman for being vigilant and committed to the genuine course of the party upholding her motto of INTEGRITY, SACRIFICE, AND SERVICE.

Birland Prime Minister Says Birland Is A Fresh Humanitarian Economic Peaceful Country

By Gloria Yakubu, Abuja

The Prime Minister of the State of Birland, and Secretary General United Global Kingdoms, H.R.M. Queen Eden Soriano Trinidad, LPT., MAP., DDIP., PhD. FOPd has stated that the 55th African Country, Birland is a fresh humanitarian economic peaceful country.

The Prime Minister, made this known in Abuja Nigeria on Tuesday, 17th of January, 2023 at the Labour House, CBA, Near Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja during the First Ever National Seminar on Effective Strategies for Female Political Party Candidates to Win 2023 General
Elections organised by Hospitable Empowerment For Lively People Organizations in conjunction with Zudors Education Centre, Canada.

H.R.M. Queen Eden Soriano Trinidad said,
The State of Birland is between Sudan and Egypt in the land called BirTawil.
“Birland is between Sudan and Egypt in the Bir Tawil land, not within any country it has its own international border and map. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bir_Tawil#Geography”.

While speaking through the Birland African Media Director, Emmanuel Huleji Daudu who represented her at the occasion said, the mission of the country is to establish a real new, fresh humanitarian economic peaceful country, (non-political country) as demanded by native local stateless people, and greening the land and building energy to provide to our neighboring nations and tribes.

H.R.M. Queen Eden Soriano Trinidad said, the country’s vision is to prepare the land to be livable by building homes/shelters and providing services for inhabitants,
Refugees and Stateless (for permanent and temporary residences) such as livelihood, water
system, energy system, educational and health facilities such as schools, hospital, etc.
“Goals: To make Birland the Dubai of Africa.
To seek for good international relations, recognition and cooperation.
Current Status in terms of existential features

“Both Sudan and Egypt did not claim this area and it is not inside the border of both neither under
control by any authority of them.
To know more about Birland please visit our websites:
https://birlandgov.org http://www.birland.net http://www.birland.info and our social media twitter, FB, linked in, tiktok, and others. I also encourage you to support us in establishing this newest country in the making. Be a co-creator of the State of Birland.
My main message:
Allow me to share some points on the necessity for women inclusion at elective and appointive
positions in Nigeria (and in any country) based on what I gathered from my readings

It will empower women young and old to develop self-confidence
Women’s views and ideas matter
Equal participation of women in all levels
Women’s perspective is vital
Visible engagement in decision-making
“To empower the young girls, to have women to protect the rights of every girl child.
Women’s political participation is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy. It facilitates women’s direct engagement in public decision-making and is a means of ensuring better accountability to women.”
For More diverse problem solving
Increase organizational collaboration
Higher employee engagement
Improved financial performance
In my own assessment, and this is based on what I see in my country’s political elections, what
are the strategies for females to win in a local, or national election in your country? This may be too late now because the election in Nigeria will happen soon.

“I strongly believe that public service is not only for those who are in governmental positions. If one wants to join the government, hosts of political leaders one must start early. Early means, you don’t need to be an official public servant before you do public services. Serve the public without thinking about running as a government official. There are many creative ways to do
that, it is by intuition, it is rooted from the love for others. It is in the condition of one’s heart on why and how you can serve the interests of the public, or you countrymen without planning at the back of your mind that you are going to serve and help others so that one day you can run as a mayor or Senator or even the President of your country.

“What I’m going to advise the candidates and every woman who wants to run to be a government official is this When we want to run to a government position;
Let’s imagine and put ourselves into the shoes of the voters for we are also going to vote and ponder upon the following questions.
For candidates and voters;
What are the qualities that I am looking for or expecting in a woman leader or women leaders?
Is being truthful enough, being strong willed enough, or is being rich enough?
Will these women serve for the best of our people and our country men?
I am not from a political party–Birland is a purely humanitarian country in the making, we will not
have political parties but humanitarian organizations.

“For the second time we have another woman Vice President in my country, the Philippines.
I have evaluated how she won by landslide.
By Popularity.
She is very popular for her good leadership as a mayor of her city
From mayor to a vice president of the Philippines? Yes, indeed, surprising right?
Her name is well known because of her father, our former President and because of her strongwilled nature and good leadership as a mayor too in her city.
So, it means, popularity and good leadership is very important, people elect those whose names
are familiar and popular especially those they have classified as future savior to their present conditions.
Strategy 1. Serve your people as early as possible without thinking and planning to run.

Strategy 2. Popularity, be visible, be very active, helpful and supportive, do not only focus on women, remember voters are men and women, millions of youths too.
Strategy 3. Have a mechanism… must have strong, loyal faithful supporters who will be with you whether you give them funds to support your candidacy or not.

“I know what I’m talking about, because I have seen it with our present VP and President and other political candidates in the past, local or national elections. In my country the Philippines, I have seen that money is not the key to winning an election.

“And in my town, one of my former high school classmates won three times in the mayoral election. He is not rich he is also not the most intelligent when we were in high school.

“He won by landslide because of his popularity (he helped people a lot even though he was not
running yet, he also had a good strategy, and worked with the local people, the people in the rural areas, marginalized people.) He beat the richest man in our town. The wealthy man lost in the election over a poor candidate. (and he won 3 consecutive elections, he finished his terms too.) You must have a feel of what your countrymen are looking for in a new government leader.
Without the support of the citizens and voters, and your team or party it’s not possible to win. Because you also need them to watch the casting of votes, electoral returns until you are officially declared winner or loser.

“Furthermore, Must have a viable program, focus on promoting yourself, never bad mouth your opponents or
the other candidates.
What you can do that others cannot do, what are your strengths and weaknesses, what are the qualities (personal) and services that you have?
And make sure In Conclusion
Basis and your track records
I have observed patterns of strategies and plans of some candidates-they just keep doing good, creating projects to benefit their constituents and jurisdictions despite many oppositions. They may not win on the first and second attempts, that’s fine, In my personal experience, every time I choose my candidates, they are the winners. I even make my own choice (bet) for candidates in other countries when they are conducting their elections.

“Mine is and are Simple, not complex strategies. Simplicity is beautiful. Attainable and realistic.
Plant as early as possible—but don’t sound so churchy please. You are not running to be a
preacher or a minister of a church. You are going to lead a government, a nation, not a church.
Of course, our plans are always good, but man plans and God directs.
“A person plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps”. So, do your very best and pray for
God’s will to prevail.

“Thank you, dear women leaders, thank you for your great interest to serve your country. Like me I am leading, I am a co- creator of a newly emerging country and it is harder than just running to be elected, because to establish a new country from scratch is truly a huge
challenge.

“I hope that with the simple strategies, truths and facts which I shared with you today it will benefit you if not for this coming election it will prepare you for the next to come.

“Have a blessed and fruitful symposium.
With royal respect, HRM Queen Eden Soriano Trinidad”, she said.

Dignitaries at the event were the Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Dame Pauline Tallen, and several others.

REMAIN PROFESSIONAL IN THE CONDUCT OF YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL DUTIES- Gen Chinade

The outgone General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Aminu Chinade has enjoined troops of the Division to remain professional and disciplined in the conduct of their constitutional duties.

Major General Chinade stated this in his farewell address to troops at the Divisions Headquarters after handing over the mantle of leadership of the Division to Major General Mohammed Takuti Usman. He charged the troops to remain apolitical especially now that the elections are around the corner, as well as warned the troops to desist from any act or action capable of tarnishing the image of the Division, Nigerian Army and the country in general.

The former GOC called on the various Commanders of the Division, Staff officers and troops to extend same support, cooperation and team work enjoyed during his tenure to the new GOC. He used the occasion to thank the Chief of Army Staff for giving him the opportunity to command the Division and others who contributed to his success during his tour of duty. Gen Chinade is expected to take over the 82 Division Enugu as the new GOC.

The highlights of the ceremony includes the signing and exchange of Handing and Taking over note, Decoration of the new GOC with the 2 Division insignia, handing over of the Command flag and the hoisting of new flag.

Major General Mohammed Takuti Usman the new GOC 2 Division was the immediate past Commander Guards Brigade, Abuja.

I will host Birland flag in Canada soon- Zuwaira Doreen Yusuf

By Aliyu Juwairat

The Chief Executive Officer, Zudors Education Centre, Canada, Her Excellency, Dr. Zuwaira Doreen Yusuf has stated that she would in no distance time host the Birland flag in Canada pointing out that the 55th African country would soon establish its open University in Nigeria.

According to her, the open university would start with Diploma courses of 6months, and certificate courses in relevant skill acquisition fields that would help achieve goal 1 (No Poverty) of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

Zuwaira made this known while inspecting the Nigeria-Birland Embassy Office alongside the Birland Ambassador on multilateral purposes to the United States, Prof. Barika D. Saro-Laka JP, that she donated to Birland for correspondence.

The inspection which took place on Wednesday 18th of January 2023 was in the company of Her Majesty, Queen Amb. Dr. Mrs. F.O Anusionwu, the Queen of Amaigbo and Queen mother, Ndigbo Women in FCT, and The Birland African Media Director, Emmanuel Huleji Daudu.

Prof. Barka D. Saro-Laka while appreciating Dr. Zuwaira Doreen Yusuf for the donation of office for Birland assured her of being incorporated into the country’s team of officials stating that her efforts to make Birland recognized in Nigeria wouldn’t go unnoticed.

SDP Supporters Stage Solidarity Walk For Adebayo, Other Candidates

Daudupress

SDP Supporters Stage Solidarity Walk For Adebayo, Other Candidates

Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Monday embarked on a road walk in Lagos State to canvass votes for their presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo and other candidates of the party.

The supporters initially converged at the SDP Secretariat in Yaba at around 8 am from where they moved to Ebute Meta, Obalende, Iyana-Oworo, Maryland, Ikorodu Road then to Computer Village in Ikeja, soliciting votes for their candidates.

Addressing the residents in Obalende and other areas, the vice-presidential candidate of the party Mr. Yusuf Buhari, urged those who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to take advantage of the deadline extension by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do so.

Buhari said the party chose ‘Walk for Democracy’ as part of the Lagos presidential campaign rally to reach out to the grassroots and educate voters on why they need to vote for SDP as the best alternative that would transform Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists, the Deputy Director General for SDP presidential campaign council, Mrs. Khadija Okunnu-Lamidi, said the party is one of the oldest political parties in the country, urging Nigerians to vote for Adebayo as the next president.

Okunnu-Lamidi said “This is the party that gives mandate to Late MKO Abiola. The democracy at that period was truncated. This is thirty years later, poverty is getting worse, insecurity now has a grandchild called kidnapping, and all metrics you can use to measure poverty have increased. The number of people and the level of poverty itself also increased.

”We are here to eradicate poverty and insecurity. These things, once we take care of them, solve the whole issue, solve healthcare problems, and give dignity back to the citizens. Where there is dignity of lives, our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will increase. We have the number, we just need to get productivity out of them. A hungry man can’t work and strategize and these are the things to fix in order to boost productivity and boost the economic status of everyone.

”I urge Nigerians not to sell their votes but vote their conscience and presidential candidate that would assist in reposing confidence in Nigerians”.

She added “We expect Nigerians to make a choice devoid of money, as you know the money that is being spent in politics, most of the politicians are not spending their money, rather they spend your money to campaign to you, to continue doing the same things. I expect Nigerians to listen to issues and stop getting swayed by the theatre they are bringing into it.

The walk was led by the Presidential candidate of SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo, running mate, Mr. Yusuf Buhari, the Deputy Director-General of SDP Presidential Campaign Council, Mrs. Khadija Okunu- Lamidi and other Chieftains.

The presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on 25th February while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will be held on 11th March

SDP Presidential candidate Faults CBN’S Naira Redesign Policy

Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has faulted the currency redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Adebayo opined while speaking on Channels Television in an interview on Sunday.

Recall, on October 26, 2022, Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, announced the plan to redesign the biggest denominations of the country’s currency to control the money supply and aid security agencies in tackling illicit financial flows.

Emefiele had said the new notes (N200, N500, and N1000) would be effective from mid-December 2022, advising customers to deposit their old notes before January 31, 2023, when they would cease to be legal tender.

The January 31 deadline sparked controversies as many Nigerians could not access the new naira notes.

On Sunday, Emefiele said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the extension of the phase-out to February 10.

“Based on the foregoing, we have sought and obtained Mr President’s approval for the following: a 10-day extension of the deadline from January 31, 2023, to February 10, 2023; to allow for the collection of more old notes legitimately held by Nigerians and achieve more success in cash swap in our rural communities after which all old notes outside the CBN loses their Legal Tender Status,” the CBN governor had said.

Speaking during the interview, the SDP presidential candidate said there were no policy or project management parameters behind the currency redesign initiative.

He said the process of currency swap should not be “chaotic”, noting that the currency is central to the economy.

“There is no policy behind it. There was no planning, definition of stakeholders, or project management parameters. No timeline and simulation done,” he said.

“The process is not supposed to be chaotic. The economy is a sensitive thing. Currency is so central to the economy because it is the means of exchange.”

Adebayo criticised the CBN governor for seeking the approval of the president for a one-week extension, adding that the apex bank should not be “subject to political interpretation”.

The SDP presidential candidate said Emefiele should have consulted with the board of the apex bank on the currency redesign rather than the president, who he said is a “political leader”.

“The CBN is not supposed to be allowing itself to be subject to political interpretation,” he said.

“Even this idea of going to the president to take permission for a one-week extension, none of that is …there is a board of governors for the CBN that is supposed to deal with the internal business of the CBN.

“With all due respect, for every ailment of this election, there is INEC, DSS, and police. You don’t want to give the CBN a role to play in the management of the election.

“To say, I have gone to take instruction and permission from the president to add more 10 days, that is not how to run the CBN with all due respect.

“The idea is not something that the changing of currency is emanating from a political person, which is the president.

“The idea is that the CBN belongs to all of us whether there is a change of government, party, or person.

“It looks like the governor of the CBN should rather be working in the presidency as a special adviser or something.

“I don’t want the CBN to look like an extension of the politics of Nigeria”.

Acting Director Defence Information Visits DINFO Nigerian Navy: Seeks For Maximum Cooperation

In continuation with his familiarization visit to the Services Directors of Public Relations and Information, the Acting Director Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Tukur Ismail Gusau Ph.D mni today Monday 30 January, 2023 paid a courtesy call on the Director of Information (DINFO) Nigerian Navy , Commodore Adedotun Olukayode Ayo – Vaughan.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba
for Acting Director Defence Information
Defence Headquarters, in a press release on
30 January 2023, said, during the visit, the Acting DDI seeks for continuous cooperation and partnership in the area of information management between Defence and services Headquarters. The Acting DDI urged the Naval image maker to continue to offer the existing synergy with the Directorate of Defence Information . He thanked him for the support and partnership rendered to his predecessor, with the call to improve on the splendid gesture to jointly project the good image of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According General Tukur Gusau ” jointness, improved partnership and synergy are very vital in the information management of the current security challenges facing the country” .

Therefore, he assured the DINFO of his assistance in the area of timelly information sharing in the interest of the AFN and national security.

Responding, the Director of Information Nigerian Navy, Commodore Adedotun Ayo – Vaughan welcomed the Acting DDI and his entourage to the Headquarters Nigerian Navy. While congratulating the Acting DDI on his well deserved appointment . He assured him of his full support and unalloyed loyalty to the very end. The DINFO promised to continue to interface with the Acting DDI for suggestions and direction. The DINFO pointed out that, ” operating in silos doesn’t yield positive result in the information management”. He therefore assured the Acting DDI of his total support and cooperation for him to succeed in the well deserved appointment.

Blessing Akinlosotu appointed Executive Director/National Commandant of the International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc, USA

By Emmanuel Daudu

…..promised to use office to support Nigeria’s Security Architecture and Peace Keeping

Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu has promised to support the Nigerian Security Architecture in all areas of operations aftermath of his appointment as the Executive Director – Nigeria of the International Police Chaplin Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement, Inc. (IPCSL).

Blessing Akinlosotu was also promoted to the rank of a Captain within the framework of the implantation and deployment of the Chaplaincy program on the African continent and has been charged with responsibilities which include ensuring the coordination of national activities under the command and supervision of the African coordinators, to follow up with the government to obtain the authorization for installation and operation and or the headquarters agreement, to coordinate the recruitment and training process in collaboration with the Africa Coordinator in all official meetings with the country’s authorities, to represent the African Coordinator in all official meetings with the country authorities, to send periodic reports to the Africa coordination on the progress of activities, to mobilize human, material and financial resources to carry out the mission of the IPCSL in the country amongst many others.

The letter of appointment which was signed by the IPCSL Africa Coordinator, Amb. Col. Johaness M. Makouvia for the High Council of Staff, Florida, USA, and Co-signed and Authenticated by Amb. Dr. Wilkenson CESAR, Vice President of the Senior Staff Council, IPCSL Florida, USA Head of Headquarters also in the letter expressed optimism in the capacity and capability of Blessing Akinlosotu, stressing that he is a young Nigerian known for his hard work and sincere passion for the youths who are always there for his dear country to make it a better one, daily.

Those also appointed along side Blessing Akinlosotu includes Dr. Raymond Edoh, Deputy Executive Director, Northern, Nigeria and Mr. Samson Adeosun, Deputy Executive Director, Southern, Nigeria.

Earlier, the IPCSL has communicated with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, introducing the organization, its aims and objectives in a letter signed by Dr. Tardieu RIDORE, President/General in Chief High Staff IPCSL. Florida, USA.

According to the letter, “we act as strategic partners to help the UN mobilize the ideas, people, and resources it needs to deliver and develop a diverse and sustainable base for collective action. We focus on issues at the heart of the sustainable development Goals, build initiatives across sectors to address issues at scale, and engage influencers and citizens seeking action”.

The letter also admonished President Buhari to ask relevant authorities to deal with the officers of the organization with confidence.

Humanitarian Affairs Ministry Releases Post Disaster Damage Estimation Report Of 2022 Floods In Nigeria

A Post Disaster Assessment report on the 2022 Flooding in Nigeria has been released by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

SA Media to the minister
Nneka Ikem Anibeze, said, presenting the report on Friday in Abuja, the Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq said that the objective of the Global Rapid Damage Estimation Note, developed by the World Bank’s Disaster-Resilience Analytics and Solutions team, was to assess the economic impact of the June-November 2022 floods in the country.

She said that the GRADE assessment gives an overview of the nature of the flood disaster and its impact across Nigeria as well as sectoral and State-by-State effects critical for planning.

“The GRADE Note is a fast first-order approximation of the economic impact, and provides a rapid high-level estimate of damages used to inform ongoing decisions in a timely fashion. It was developed using the empirical data defined in this document, calibrated against historical data and experience, including the 2012 Nigeria Floods PDNA (Post-disaster Needs Assessment). The period of analysis is from June 2022 to 25th November 2022”

According to the Key findings of the GRADE report, all the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory were affected by the 2022 flood in Nigeria with varying degrees of damages and people affected.

“This analysis estimates that the total direct economic damages, based on currently reported statistics as of November 25th are in the range of US$3.79 billion to US$9.12 billion with the best (median) estimate at US$6.68 billion. This includes damages to residential and non-residential buildings (including building contents), as well as damages to infrastructure, productive sectors and to cropland”.

The Minister explained that the number of persons affected rose above 4.9 million as of November 25th, 2022 with significant damage to infrastructure including roads, irrigation and river infrastructure as well as WASH and electricity infrastructure with around $1.23 billion ($0.959-$1.724 billion) in damage expected.

Umar Farouq called on the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to utilize the GRADE Assessment to plan the recovery and rehabilitation of victims of the flood as well as the responding MDAs in Federal, States and Local Governments to also use the report to ameliorate the plight of victims of the 2022 flood.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr Nasir
Sani -Gwarzo mni. NPOM. stated that the Ministry and NEMA jointly sought a preliminary and quantitative spatial damage assessment which was considered to be faster than a traditional Post Disaster Needs Assessment and fairly accurate with the technical support from the World Bank Group.
“The GRADE approach was with the collaboration of many stakeholders including NIMET, NARDA, NIHSA, NSCDC and the GRADE assessment was conducted between Nov 14-28, 2022 after the flood water had receded in most parts in the country from June to November 2022.
“The World Bank delivered the Grade Report on time in November 2022 and the Ministry through NEMA has started implementing some of the findings of the report”.

The GRADE report becomes a vital tool to understanding the effects of the flood on people, their coping capacity and who are the most vulnerable groups. It can also be used to identify the most urgent recovery needs and the best methods of the reconstruction of critical sector/infrastructure.