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Humanitarian Affairs Ministry Loses Director Special Needs

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has been thrown into mourning following the death of its only female Director , Mrs Nkechi Onwukwe.

According to SA Media to the minister,Nneka Ikem Anibeze, in a press release on the
29-01-2023, the Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq expressed shock at her sudden demise when she paid a condolence visit to the family in Kado, Abuja at the weekend.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo mni. NPOM led the management staff of the ministry, including Directors, the National Cordinator-National Social Investment Programmes NSIP , Cluster Heads, Special and Technical Assistants to the Minister as well as union members to commiserate with the family.

Umar Farouq stated that the untimely and unforeseen death was a rude shock having held a management meeting with the deceased on Thursday.

“Indeed, we received the sad news with great shock. This is somebody who is our family member and we always pride ourselves in the ministry that we work as a family.

“Madam Nkechi Onwukwe was a strong family member and will remain a family member even in absentia. Her death has touched all of us. She was a very nice and amiable person. We enjoyed our working relationship with her and with all the good memories she left behind, we will continue to celebrate her.

“On behalf of all of us in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, we condole with the Onwukwe family and we pray that God will console and provide for the family she left behind “

In his remarks, the National Cordinator -National Social Investment Programme Dr Umar Bindir eulogized the late director, describing her as a natural civil servant who went about her work diligently.

“She was a professional who worked so hard and diligently without crossing anybody’s path. I hope
you, the children of the late Mrs Onwukwe will imbibe the character of your mother. She will be sorely missed”.

Mrs Onwukwe who died on Friday January 27, 2023 was the Director Special Needs of the ministry. She started her career at the Ministry of Women Affairs in 1992 before joining the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in 2019. She is survived by three children and was aged 56 years.

2023 Elections: Abuja Online Publishers Brace For Urgent Task Of Nation Building

…Suspend Membership Admission Till Further Notice

Membership admission into the nascent professional Association of all Online Publishers in the nation’s capital, Abuja has been suspended to allow the forum focus on the all important task of nation building weeks to the General Elections.

According to a press release e-signed on the 28th January, 2023 by the acting secretary, Sola Akingboye, the position was reached by the Steering Committee after the Association reached fifty-member milestone barely a week after its inauguration.

The Steering Committee unanimously resolved to temporarily suspend membership admission to allow us concentrate on the onerous task of Nation Building weeks to the General Elections. During this window, we will perfect our incorporation and compile our digital register for reference purposes.

Also, the various adhoc committees are working assiduously to meet their timelines. The Finance Committee had turned in its recommendation, the draft constitution will be out next week as well as our logo which will be ratified in a General Meeting to be announced soon.

Overwhelmed by the wide acceptance of the association by all online Publishers, the Acting Chairman of the Association, Martins Odiete thanked all members for hearing the calls and heeding with their presence.

“On behalf of the Steering Committee, I would like to extend my utmost gratitude to you and your hard work.
Your dedication helped us reach our goals. I deeply appreciate every member of this team for showing relentless effort for this project.

“This progress would not be possible without your contributions. I value your commitment to this vision and look forward to achieving all our milestones together” he said.

Four weeks to the polls, we will devote our far reaching platforms to educate, inform and sensitize Nigerians and the global community about the activities of all stakeholders as we count down to the general elections with a view to reporting: fair, balance and accurate updates.

Abuja Online Publishers is an association of all online media with the aim of advocating the invaluable place of verifiable and trusted online news media in a democratic society, encourage diversity, inclusion and to be a reference point for high editorial standards.

Change Of Baton In OPHK: Major General Is Ali Takes Over Command As General Cg Musa Leaves To Head The Infantry Corps

Following the recent redeployment of senior officers and officers across various Theatre of Operations, Formations and Units across the country, the Theatre of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has witnessed yet another Change of Command between Major General Christopher Musa and Major General Ibrahim Ali in a grand style at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East OPHK.

On Saturday 28 January, 2023, Major General Ibrahim Ali has taken over the mantle of leadership as the 12th Theatre Commander of OPHK from Major General Christopher Musa who is proceeding to Headquarters Infantry Corp Centre as the Commander Infantry Corp.

Speaking during the Handing and Taking ceremony at the Headquarters OPHK, in Maimalari Cantonment, the out-gone TC, Major General CG Musa expresses his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General F Yahaya for the opportunity given to him to serve as the Theatre Commander of OPHK as well as for his redeployment to head the Infantry Corps.

In the same vein, General Musa gratitude to all commanders, officers and troops of OPHK for their unalloyed loyalty and commitment in performing their primary responsibilities as well as sustaining the onslaught against the terrorist which brought about the unprecedented and unparralel successes recorded in the recent past stressing that the victory is for all and not him alone.

While calling on all officers and troops not to relent in their efforts in actualizing the mandates of the Operations, stating that the country is counting on us to end the war against insurgency, he charge them to keep the faith and fight vehemently to ensure all the remnant marauding elements of the terrorists are completely destroyed so that total peace and tranquility will be restored. To end his remarks, he used the medium to urge the troops to accord his successor Major General IS Ali same cooperation, support and determination shown to him while in the Theatre.

During his remarks, the Theatre Commander OPHK, Major General IS Ali appreciates the out-gone TC for the legacies he is leaving behind and promised to build upon these legacies towards ending the fight against the insurgents. He added that all hands must be on deck to see to the end of terrorism in the NE.

The climax of the occasion includes the presentation of Commendation letter to LCpl Timothy Yakubu for exhibiting act of gallantry in the recent onslaught against the terrorists which led to the recovery of MRAP, weapons and saving the lives of other colleagues. Others were signing of the Handing and Taking over notes, decoration of the incoming TC with the OPHK insignia, presentation of Command Flag, inspection of quarter guards and the farewell address to troops as well as brief interview with members of the press.

Present during the ceremony were the Deputy TC, Major General KA Isoni, GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General W Shaibu, Sectors and Component Commanders, Principal Staff Officers of HQ TC and 7 Division Nigerian Army.

MAJOR GENERAL LANDER SARASO TAKES OVER COMMAND OF SECTOR 2 OPERATION HADIN KAI

In line with the recent redeployment of senior officers across Nigerian Army Formations, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso has assumed Office as the new Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
The seasoned Infantry senior officer took over command on Friday 27th January 2023 at the Sector Headquarters in Damaturu the Yobe State Capital after being conducted round various troops’ locations within 27 and 29 Task Force Brigades by the outgoing Sector Commander.

Speaking during the Handing and Taking-Over Ceremony at the Sector Conference Room, the outgone Commander, Major General Koko Isoni while thanking officers and men of the Sector for their support, loyalty and commitment through out his tour of duty, sued for same and even more support to enable his successor carry out his assigned task of securing the Sector 2 Area of Operational Responsibilities without hitches.

He noted that the change in batton came at a very critical time when the nation is inching towards the conduct of the 2023 General Elections and therefore urged troops and units under command to remain dedicated to their duties and avoid all forms of crimes and misconduct.

He further expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for giving him another opportunity to further continue in the service of the motherland by appointing and redeploying him to go as the Deputy Theatre Commander JTF NE OPHK.

Similarly in his address, the new Commander Sector 2 JTF NE OPHK Maj Gen Lander Saraso while appreciating the efforts of the outgone Commander in the area of operations and infrastructural developments also promised to continue with the good legacies. He assured officers and men of the Sector of his zeal to build upon the successes recorded by his predecessor.

Highlights of the ceremony was the signing of the Handing and Taking Over Notes, decoration of the Commander with the Sector 2 Insignia and presentation of the Sector 2 Flag of Authority to the new Commander.

2023 Elections: Defence Minister Lauds NAF Airlift Readiness To Support INEC

By Aliyu Oyiza Juwairiyat

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its readiness to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to airlift its staff and logistics before, during and after the 2023 general elections.

Air Commodore Wap Maigida, Director Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force, in a press released on
26 January 2023, said, The Defence Minister gave the commendation during the roll-out ceremony of C-130 Hercules aircraft (NAF918), held on Wednesday 25 January 2023 at the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, NAF, Ikeja, Lagos.

Maj Gen Magashi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said he was pleased to recognize NAF’s preparations towards the forthcoming elections. This, he said was exemplified by the timely completion of the in-country Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of the NAF C-130H aircraft to boost its airlift capacity to support INEC.

The Defence Minister congratulated the NAF for the technical breakthrough, noting that it further demonstrates the Service quest for capacity development and self-reliance in equipment maintenance.

He added that the achievement is an indication that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has enormous potentials for technical capacity development in- country ventures.

The Minister extolled the NAF immense contributions in combating terrorism, insurgency and other forms of security threats in the country as well as its non-kinetic campaigns in various theatres of operation.

He reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and capacity development of the AFN in order for them to effectively perform their constitutional roles of defending the nation against adversaries and criminal elements.

He further disclosed that Government has placed orders for the acquisition of airlift, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft as well as ground attack, advanced jet training and combat multi-role helicopters for the NAF. These additional platforms, he said would further boost the Service operational capabilities. He urged NAF personnel to remain loyal and committed as well as ensure safe operations and maintenance of the Service platforms.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao stated that the roll-out ceremony of the C-130H aircraft resonates with his vision to enhance and sustain NAF critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives.

According to him, “the platform could not have been reactivated at a better time, as the NAF is now better positioned to support INEC to airlift electoral staff and logistics in the forthcoming general elections. It is on this note that we welcome NAF 918 back to operational readiness to achieve its logistics assignment,” the CAS stressed.

He further remarked that in-country periodic maintenance has improved NAF aircraft serviceability as well as significantly reduced maintenance cost of carrying out such maintenance overseas, while conserving foreign exchange for the country.

Air Marshal Amao averred that the NAF aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians involved in the PDM project are more exposed to the requisite expertise and high quality maintenance practices.

He revealed that the aircraft have been test-flown by NAF pilots who confirmed that the engines, instruments and avionics parameters are within standard safety limits.

He maintained that the NAF C-130 fleet have since fulfilled troops and logistics airlift roles in several combat and humanitarian operations within and outside the shores of Nigeria.

He assured that deliberate efforts are being made to improve aircraft serviceability across all the aircraft fleets in the NAF, adding that the welfare and safety training of pilots, engineers and technicians is receiving attention in order to ensure that the aircraft are operated optimally.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Emmanuel Shobande described PDM as series of in-depth maintenance activities which is carried out on a aircraft within an interval to extend the life span as well as enhancing the operational safety and effectiveness of the aircraft.

The AOC revealed that NAF C-130H undergoes PDM every 4 years where extensive disassembly, inspections, change of some components, overhauling and reassembling amongst others.

AVM Shobande further disclosed that the PDM was jointly conducted and completed by NAF aircraft engineers and technicians in partnership with Shaheen Foundation, a reputable maintenance repair organisation certified by Lockheed Martin, the Original Equipment Manufacturer of C-130H aircraft.

Suspected Bandits Gunrunners Arrested By Troops Of Operation Forest Sanity

By Aliyu Juwairiyat

On 27 January 2023, troops of OPERATION FOREST SANITY deployed at Danali in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State on patrol arrested two gunrunners in a Golf vehicle at Yahaya vill near Maidabino general area. Suspects on interrogation, claimed they were in search of their missing brother. Items initially recoverd from suspects include 1 x Golf vehicle, 3 x Techno Mobile Phones, 3 x ATM cards, 1 x NIN card 1 x Driver licence, transaction receipt and the sum of Sixty Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Naira (#64,650) Only.

However further search on the vehicle revealed, 6 x AK 47 rifles and 27 x AK 47 magazines were discovered hidden in the vehicle. Suspects in custody for investigation.

Major General Musa Danmadami, Director
Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, in a press released on 27 January 2023, said, The military high command commends troops of Operation FOREST SANITY and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities.

SDP Presidential Campaign Team Pays Courtesy Visit to HRH Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola Ajibise Ogo 1

The Social democratic Party (SDP) has promised to reduce the rate of poverty in Nigeria and provide opportunities for the youths if elected into office.

The Vice presidential candidate of the party, Yusuf Buhari made this known while representing his principal, Prince Adewole Adebayo on a visit to HRH Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola Ajibise Ogo 1 (Ogunsua of Modakeke) of Ile Ife, Osun State on Wednesday, 25th January.

While speaking to the traditional ruler, he said the SDP is inspired by chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria which states that sovereignty belongs to the people, hence when leadership is set up by the people, their job is to look out for the welfare of the people.

He highlighted some of the problems faced by citizens of Nigeria as a result of poverty, saying these are the things the party aims to address if elected.
He said, “We are trying to keep it as simple as possible. We have major problems in this country kabiyesi, poverty is all over the place.
“In the north, some of them go to the dustbin to pick the back of the watermelon, scrape it, they will just leave the white part, cut it like yam put salt and that is what they will boil for their children.
“If you go around some areas at night, you’ll see some people sleeping everywhere on the streets, no shelter. If you go to the hospitals, patients are all over on the floor, no bed, only one doctor with thousands of patients. Nigerians do not deserve this. Nigeria is a blessed country. We have resources, we have professionals, If we can put our house together, all of these things we are seeing, we’ll not be seeing them Kabiyesi”, he added.

He noted that the past 16 years have not improved the welfare of ordinary citizens, and the ruling party has no intention of making things better. He added that the SDP is on this journey in order to make things better for Nigeria.
“16 years have gone 8 years have gone, we notice that it only gets worse every four years. Now again they’ve come with stories telling us that they will improve our welfare but then but before God, before man, before all of us, right on international TV, they are accusing each other of criminal activities.
“I think this is the only time we should pay attention to them and actually listen to them. These criminal accusations that they’re making against each other has nothing to do with us. Kabiyesi, we are on this journey because we make a difference and we are convinced that Nigeria will come first”.

He noted that his principal, prince Adewole Adebayo has decided to dedicate the rest of his life to public service in order to change things for the better in Nigeria.
“My principal Prince Adewole Adebayo said he has dedicated the rest of his life to public service. I share in that vision of what he’s saying, I share in that. This is why we are on this journey.
“We are here to assure you of all the plans that we have set out, even when we get there we’re going to achieve them. We know it’s going to be difficult but we will achieve them by the grace of God”.

While addressing journalists, the Vice Presidential candidate assured that Nigerian youths would have a lot to benefit from the party because they believe the youth are the ones making great achievements for Nigeria as it stands, despite the failure of the government.

In his response, HRH Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola Ajibise Ogo 1 prayed for God to help the SDP accomplish its race.
He said, “Well once again I welcome you all. Iwure is better done in Yoruba than in English,so I’m going to do it in Yoruba. But I must say that I am touched by your plan and your vision, so I pray that God will help you to accomplish your race”.
He further gave his ‘iwure’ (royal prayer) for the SDP presidential campaign team.

The campaign team entourage consisted of Dr.Olu Agunloye – National Secretary of SDP, Mr Silas Alani – National Vice chairman south west, Chief Godwin Osigbeme – Director of protocol, Sen. Ugochukwu Uba – Director of Finance and Prof Femi Olufumilade.

Lagos youth passes vote of confidence on Hon. Mr. Segun Dawodu

By Emmanuel Daudu

As Nigerian general elections draw closer, the Lagos State Chairman, Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, Comr. Adeyemi Adewuyi has called on Lagos State youths to remain supportive of the resilient efforts of security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in ensuring a smooth transition of power in a few weeks from now.

The NYC state chairman Comr. Adeyemi Adewuyi made the call while passing a vote of confidence on the Lagos State commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mr. Segun Dawodu over immeasurable heights attained in the development and empowerment of youths in the state.
” Hon. Mr. Segun Dawodu has severally demonstrated his love and passion for the youths of Lagos state and the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, can’t play ignorance. We have been watching closely his programs and activities and we are glad to proudly Identify with him, to tell him that we have noticed all your good deeds and passionate dedication to the upliftment of the youths in the state.

Outlining a few remarkable projects of the Commissioner, Adeyemi said, The Chicago Exchange Programme which is one of the commitments of the state government to further build the capabilities of the youth and transform them from local champions to global citizens that can compete favorably with their peers from any part of the world, is a remarkable one.
” The State Government under the direct supervision of the Commissioner of Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mr. Segun Dawodu sent a lot of youths to Chicago and today these youth beneficiaries are doing well in their sundry endeavors.

“Also, the Ibile Youth Academy is a leadership training platform designed to inculcate in young people the virtues of citizenship, leadership, and volunteerism for the development of our personality, society, the state, and by extension the nation. The leadership training will also ignite our personal development and transformation required for a bright future. All of these we don’t take for granted. Thousands of youths have benefited and more would continue to benefit. What can we say than say thank you? We are grateful to you, Hon. Commissioner, Segun Dawodu”.

Speaking on PVCs collection, Adeyemi Adewuyi urged youths in the state to be determined to claim theirs at INEC offices pointing out that the purpose of production is to be used by the owner to cast their votes.

NYC Lagos State Chairman, Comr. Adeyemi Adewuyi

However, he charged INEC to increase the number of staff or volunteers to help hasten the distribution speed to avoid unnecessary population in the collection centres.

Review Nigeria’s education curriculum to global standards—UNESCO Laureate tells FG

UNITED Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, Laureate, and Vice-Chancellor, Crown University International Incorporated, USA, Prof Bashiru Aremu, has called on the Federal Government, FG, to urgently review the educational curriculum to meet objectives of global education standards.

Aremu in a press statement personally signed by him, and obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, stated that the country needs a review of education curriculum to appreciate, values, diversity, equity and full implementation of global sustainability standards.

The statement partly says: “Prof Aremu sees agenda 2030 as United Nations 17 SDGs- Sustainable Development Goals, precisely goal number 4 on global quality education as a universal plan for all countries, a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.”

He stated that curriculum helps to standardize the learning goals for an entire school and provide a clear path for students to progress from one grade to another.

The UNESCO Laureate defined a review as a formal assessment, critical investigation, appraisal, evaluation, judgement, critique of something with the intention of instituting change if necessary.

He sees Curriculum as a specific course; program, lesson, academic content, inventory activities, interactive system of instruction; strategies, measurement and resources, plan on education and training, and a multitude of learning experiences taught by a school to its Students.

He added that the main objectives of global standards is to ensure that social work education adheres to the values and policies of the profession as articulated by the IFSW, IASSW in line with the international Sustainability Standards Board.

While enjoining stakeholders to ensure that curricular and methods of instruction are consistent with the school’s program objectives, he explained that the five elements of Standard Authentic Instructions, ASCD that should be considered while instituting change in curricular activities should include amongst others are: Higher-order thinking, dept of knowledge, connectedness to the world beyond the classroom, substantive conversation, and social support for students achievement.

The statement reads in parts: ” We enjoin education stakeholders all over the world to work towards adhering to global standards by constantly reviewing their curriculum if need be to meet global educational objectives.

“The benefits of new curriculum development or planning are enormous. Curriculum documents should include practical guidelines as it helps centres, faculties, departments in schools to meet international guidelines or standards on education resources management.

“It gives practical expression to teachers, schools, students, IASSW. It helps for the formulation of international standards for social work and training as core business of IASSW or International Sustainability Standards Board.

“The reasons for global standards in education and why education stakeholders should develop new curricular activities are emphasized here. Curriculum helps for consumers protection, impacts on globalization, facilitates articulation across the globe, facilitates the movement of social workers from one country to another, Benchmark National Standards against International standards, promotes partnership, international students and staff exchange Programmes, gives a clear distinction between social and non- social workers.

“Educational Institution(s) ready to adhere to international guidelines must embrace practical training; specify a classification, acknowledge, recognize learning experiences, identification of core competencies, knowledge and Skills, as applied to context specific realities.

“New curriculum development that is of international standards must embrace school core purpose and mission statement; program objectives and outcome, program curriculum and field education, core curricular with local, national, regional and international needs and priorities; adequate professional staff, social work students: Admission criteria; Good education structure, administration, governance and resources; standard ethical conducts, codes; gender inclusiveness, cultural, ethnic diversity and equity.”

Barr Aisha Galadima Gana storms Bauchi alongside others canvasses support for Tinubu/ Shettima

By Emmanuel Daudu

The feminine political voice is personal. It’s intimate. It’s caregiving and life-enhancing. It’s about bringing more love, caring, and justice into the world. It’s also fierce and determined. It is a voice that doesn’t go unnoticed, it influences, it changes strong hearts, and lobbies its way through to the unseeing realms of the mind.

These and much more all these achieve as women have taken the political lead as Nigeria draws closer by seconds of the clock to the days of its general elections.

The Director General, ANG Associates, member PCC, APC Presidential Women Campaign Council, Matron Women for Tinubu & Shettima and National Trustee Member Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society, Barr Aisha Galadima Gana has in Bauchi urged the people of the state to support and Vote His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima as President and vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the forthcoming presidential election, pointing out that the only way corruption, poverty, insecurity, and the dwindling economy can be averted is by having in power these two political warlords in as chief pioneers of the affairs of the nation.

Ran a made stated this in an exclusive interview with newsmen at Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi on Monday, 24th of January, 2023.

In her words, ” Sai Jagaban, Sai Tinubu, Asiwaju Loma je President Insha Allah. Sai Marshall a Bauchi No doubts”.

Speaking further, she urged the people to come in mass and give APC a block vote for a better Nigeria stating that electorates who have not gotten their PVCs should do so by all means.
“PVC is your voting strength, don’t deceive yourself, vote counts, go and get your PVC and vote for APC at all levels”, she said.

Earlier, the founder, Amazon Peace Initiative, API, Nana Aisha Abu-Ali expressed delight at the turnout of people for the campaign rally at the stadium and urged the masses not to be distracted by other presidential candidates that would be coming with sugar-quoted mouths to earn their votes.
” Nigerians are voting APC, Tinubu, and Shettima for President, and this is who you should vote for”, she added.