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FG MOVES TO END OPEN DEFECATION

As part of efforts towards putting an end to open defecation in the country, the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has assured that his Ministry will continue to collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as other stakeholders in line with the commitment of the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign launched by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration in 2019.

According to Mohammed Manga, Director, Press and Public Relations
January on Thursday said, the Minister gave the assurance today in his office in Abuja, when the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu paid him a courtesy visit.

Dare stated that Nigeria is ranked second among the nations in the world with the highest number of people practicing open defecation estimated at over 48 million, adding that the practice has had a negative effect on the populace and has therefore contributed to the country’s inability to meet up with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

He stated further that the abysmal ranking prompted Mr. President to describe the statistics on open defecation and access to pipeborne water services and sanitation as disturbing, thus declaring his commitment to implementing the National Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Action Plan in consonance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Charter.

To achieve this policy objective therefore, Dare informed that his Ministry in 2021 held a nationwide Sensitization programme tagged, “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” Campaign which was carried out through lectures/training, distribution of posters, installation of Bill boards/advertisements to educate Nigerians on the negative effects of open defecation across the six geopolitical zones, with youth as vanguards to help drive the campaign further.

Dare who identified the teeming Nigerian Youth as central to the realization of any policy objective of government, assured that his Ministry will partner with the Water Resources Ministry through the NYSC Scheme to further drive the policy objective using advocacy programmes.

Earlier, the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu stated that he was in the Ministry to seek collaborations on how to end open defecation in the country.

He called on all levels of government to continue to promote and priotise disease control and prevention through adequate and equitable access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services so as to curtail the spread of diseases while focusing on hygiene behaviour change interventions.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, called for collective approach in the fight against open defecation through Sensitization, advocacy and public enlightenment across the country.

Also speaking, the Acting Director General, National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Mrs. Christy Uba, pledged the total commitment of the Scheme to the campaign with a view to ensuring the realization of the policy objective on open defecation.

APC has impoverished Nigerians through bad policies – Adebayo

The Social Democratic Party’s Presidential Candidate, Prince Adebayo Adewole, claims that the All Progressive Congress have failed to enact proper policies that will push the nation forward thereby driving the country into an even more dire situation.

He made this known during a chat with reporters while in Kano State to inaugurate the State’s Gubernatorial and other elective positions on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

The legal luminary said that the APC has not only failed miserably but has also succeeded in pushing the populace below the poverty line with bad policies.

He said, “for a Family in Nigeria or Kano whose idea of their survival is prayers or miracles, and the miracles come in form of going round to search for a dustbin to get watermelon to boil, such a family does not deserve that kind of treatment and such cannot say the so-called the pittance they get during elections would remove their malice”.

According to Prince Adewole, the party is reaching out to Nigerians in the hope that the structure already in place will grow to better understand the citizen.
In response to Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) report of possible shifts or total cancellations of the 2023 General Elections, Adewole stated that the election umpire has no choice but to ensure that the polls are held as scheduled.

‘INEC is the most funded entity of the government and today they are even competing with some states in terms of financial strength, so they have no excuse whatsoever but to make the election a huge reality.” He enthused

Buhari Scored Himself Zero, Performs Comedy – SDP’s Adebayo

The Social Democratic Party’s presidential candidate (SDP), Prince Adebayo Adewole, claims that during the last eight years of their rule, the All Progressive Congress has managed to play a comedy show while driving the country into an even more dire situation.

The presidential hopeful told reporters that the APC has not only failed miserably but has also succeeded in pushing the populace below the poverty line.

Prince Adebayo stated this while he was in Kano on Tuesday to inaugurate the state’s gubernatorial candidate and other elective positions.

He said, “Because of these glaring failures what the government will do now is to create a Comedy Show and throw a Brazzers towards the election but people are not getting it, that is why we don’t have problems with what they are doing.

“For a Family in Nigeria or Kano whose idea of their survival is prayers or miracles, and the miracles come in form of going round to search for a dustbin to get watermelon to boil, such a family does not deserve that kind of treatment and such cannot say the so-called N5000 they were given would remove their malice”.

According to Prince Adewole, the party is reaching out to Nigerians in the hope that the structure already in place will grow to better understand the citizen.

In response to INEC’s report of possible shifts or total cancellations of the 2023 general elections, Adewole stated that the election umpire has no choice but to ensure that the polls are held as scheduled.

“INEC is the most funded entity of the government and today they are even competing with some states in terms of financial strength, so they have no excuse whatsoever but to make the election a huge reality.

Ghana Navy Recruits Contest In Steeplechase, winner celebrated

The Naval Recruit Training School (NRTS) under the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) of the Ghana Navy (GN), has held a fiery Inter-Division Steeplechase Competition for its Basic Training (BT) 84-2022 recruits, to test the mental and physical fitness levels of the recruits, and to instill a sense of competition in them.

As part of the hectic Physical Training Schedule, towards drawing down the curtains of converting the young civilians into professional Naval Ratings, the one-day contest was organized for three hundred and twenty-nine (329) recruits, at NAVTRAC, Nutekpor, in the Volta Region, on Friday, January 6, 2023, with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Director, Supply & Transport – Colonel (Col) Fuseini Abdulai Nagtoma, as the Guest-of-Honour, backed by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), NAVTRAC – Commodore Godwin Bessing.

Col Nagtoma told the Recruits that physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, but also the basis for a dynamic and creative intellectual activity, and that in the noble military profession, just as one requires physical fitness to go far, one equally needs a good intellectual ability to be able to digest and find solutions to problems that come along.

At the awards, BEST DIVISION was won by Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Sebo, 1ST RUNNERS-UP went to GNS Anzone, and 2ND RUNNERS-UP went to GNS Yogaga.

Dignitaries who witnessed the event included Training Coordinator, NAVTRAC – Naval Captain Kpesenu, Army Liaison, Ministry of Defence – Col Ibrahim Salifu, Commanding Officer, NRTS – Lieutenant Commander Emilio Okyere-Dadzie, Officers, Ratings and Defence Civilian Staff of the NAVTRAC.

2023 General Polls: SDP Demands Protection For Party Agents

The Social Democratic Party has called on the police and other security agencies to ensure adequate protection of party agents and other officials during the electioneering period.

The Osun State SDP Chairman, Yinus Gbadamosi, made the call in an interview on Sunday the press.

He spoke against the backdrop of reported attacks on party agents during the last governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

Gbadamosi said there was a need to maintain peace during the upcoming general elections.

He also enjoined party agents to be mindful of their actions at polling centres and desist from any act of violence.

He said, “All political parties should be on the watch because we all own the country and we must be very careful of our activities during this period. We are already sensitising our members to this. We need to make sure we have peaceful outings during this election period. We must prioritise the safety of lives and properties.

“The securities agencies should be active at each polling unit to avoid attack on party agents and all the electoral members of staff. They should also make sure there are no biases in their conduct. They must be professional in their conduct.

Polling agents are appointed by political parties to monitor election activities at polling units.

According to INEC regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the 2023 general elections, political parties or candidates are expected to present one polling agent per polling unit.

Meanwhile the Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of adequate security of lives and properties during the electioneering period.

The spokesman for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, in an interview with our correspondent on Saturday, said the police would guard against any form of attack in the state.

He said, “Just recently, we inaugurated the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, which comprises INEC, the police and other security agencies. So, the committee is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that there is adequate security for electoral officers and the electorate and every other stakeholder during the election and the committee has swung into action and has been working tirelessly, making out strategies and other things to ensure that elections turnout well.

“So I can assure Lagosians and Nigerians in general that the election will go well according to plan to the best of our ability, most importantly with the support of the people.”

NiMet Conducts QMS Refreshers’ Training

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet, has commenced the refresher training of its staff on Quality Management System. The training is aimed at updating staff on the dynamics of data analysis and validation as well as structures and principles of auditing the ISO 9001:2015 standards.

The training which held in Katsina, is in line with the Agency’s commitment to the provision of accurate, timely and quality aero – meteorological products and services to promote sustainable development in weather and climate dependent sectors of the Nigerian economy.

In his presentation the head of NiMet Quality Management System Unit, Mr. Abdulrahman Usman, said the culture of conducting internal audit and assessment of conformance to the requirements of International Standard organisation in NiMet, has enhanced the continuous effectiveness and excellent quality of services NiMet renders to the nation.

He also added that the training, which is geared towards integrating latest trend into the system would ultimately improve productivity and performance of NiMet in Nigeria and in the international community.

Mr. Usman, explained that the refresher training is owing to NiMet’s dedication to compliance and implementation of ISO standard, World Meteorological Organisation and International Civil Aviation Organisation recommendation and practices, which has ensured the Agency’s attainment of the International Standard Organisation 9001:2015 and (ISO) 29990:2010 certifications for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services.

Concluding his remark, Mr. Usman affirms that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency led by Professor Mansur Bako Matazu, remains committed to the practice of consistent training and capacity building of its staff on quality management system, as well as continuous compliance to standardized operational systems and urged the trainees to reflect the acquired knowledge in discharging assigned duties in the Agency.

AFRD 2023: Be Contented And Contribute Positively To The Growth Of The Nation

…General CG Musa charges officers and troops of OPHK

The Theatre Commander (TC) Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Major General Christopher Musa has called on all officers and troops in the Theatre of OPHK to be contented with their income, remain resilient and contribute positively in the fight against insurgency in the North East region and the effort to restore peace and tranquility in the nation at large.

General CG Musa made this call on Sunday, 8 January, 2023 during the Joint Interdenominational Church Service held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church Maimalari Cantonment to commemorate 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration and the selfless service and sacrifices of falling and serving heroes.

In his words “We want to pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant fallen heroes that have paid the supreme price as well as to appreciate those still serving for their selfless sacrifice towards the peace and stability of Nigeria as a nation. He added that the Service Chiefs are happy with the successes achieved while urging everyone to do more. He therefore charged all officers and troops to remain steadfast, disciplined, committed and above all be contented with their income while taking good care of their families.

The high points of the service were reading from the scripture, special prayer session for the fallen heroes, those injured, and all those still serving the nation. It was also followed by general thanksgiving for God’s divine protection and successes in all operations, exhortation by the vicar, group photograph and press interview.

Dignitaries that graced the occassion include Component Commanders, Formations and Unit Commanders, Principal Staff Officers from both Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division, Chairman Nigerian Legion Borno State, other senior officers, troops and families as well as distinguished members of the Press.

3 Division Nigerian Army Rhino Maiden Amateur Golf Tournament Opens In Jos

…Resonates Army commitment to improve civil-military relationship through sports

The Patron Rhino Golf and Country Club, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali has revealed that the Nigerian Army will continue to promote sporting competitions as a means to upscale cordial relationship between the organization and the public. He stated this today 7 January 2023 at the opening ceremony of the Maiden Rhino Golf Amateur Tournament holding in Jos.

General Ali noted that the event was the first of its kind since the establishment of the golf club, adding that the competition was aimed to promote the game of golf, bring the citizens closer to the military, make good friends and offer opportunities to the participants for new business connection.

While appreciating the Chief of Army Staff for always demonstrating uncommon sagacity to pilot the affairs of the Nigerian Army in a dignified manner, the Patron revealed that numerous infrastructure were recently put in place to upgrade the golf course making it unique and interesting for both training and professional practice.

Commissioning newly built projects at the golf course, the Special Guest of Honour, Executive Governor Plateau State, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong commended the GOC/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN for his leadership style and rapid infrastructure development at Rhino Golf and Country Club. Represented by the Commissioner For Information Plateau State, Hon Dan Manja, the governor reaffirmed his support to security agencies and commended the military for gradually returning the state to its glory of peace and tourism.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Captain Rhino Golf and Country Club Jos, Colonel Haruna Bala urged the participants to exhibit true spirit of sportsmanship and connect to new friends.

Highlights of the event were the commissioning of a Practice Range, Caddy hut, Waiting Shade as well as the Starter hut and the Green area.

The event was attended by senior military officers both serving and retired, government officials, heads of other security agencies, Captains of industries as well as directors and competitors within and outside Jos.

NDLEA intercepts drug consignments in wooden statue, imported vehicle

… Seizes 3,975kgs skunk, 58,200 tramadol pills in Kaduna, Kano, Imo, Lagos raids; arrests 11 suspects

By Emmanuel Daudu

Attempts by elements of Organised Criminal Groups to use various disingenuous modes of concealment to import consignments of illicit substances into Nigeria and export same to the United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirate through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja and Tincan seaport in Lagos have been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

According to Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja Sunday 8th January 2023, in a press release made available to Africa Security Investigation, no less than 37.5 kilograms of such illicit consignments were intercepted in the past week, with the arrest of 11 suspects in interdiction operations that led to the seizure of almost four tons of skunk in Kaduna, Kano and Lagos state.

At the Lagos airport, a freight agent Ogunsina Damilare was arrested on Friday 6th January following a bid to export 1.5 kilograms of skunk hidden in foodstuffs to Dubai, UAE through the SAHCO export shed of the MMIA, while a similar attempt to ship 11.5kgs of the same substance to the United Kingdom was frustrated when the consignment concealed in a giant wooden sculpture was intercepted by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) at a courier company in Lagos. Curiously, the latter emanated from Ghana with London as destination.
At the Tincan port in Lagos, a shipment of 24.5kilograms cannabis indica to Nigeria from Montreal, Canada was intercepted by operatives while an N8million bribe offered NDLEA officers by the importer has been secured in an account for the prosecution of the case.

While the importer, Cedrick Maduweke is still at large, one of his accomplices, Steve Isioma Adigwe has been arrested. The consignment was hidden in a used Toyota Sienna vehicle that arrived the port along with three other cars in a container marked MSMU 5082733.

A total of 3, 672 kilograms of cannabis sativa were recovered from two locations and five suspects arrested in Kaduna during separate raid operations. Arrested at a warehouse at Rido village on Wednesday 3rd January include: Edward Emmanuel, 28; and Miracle Madu, with 298 bags of C/S weighing 3,576kgs. Investigations revealed that the consignment was moved from a southern state to Kaduna in a petroleum product bearing truck. Also, two other suspects: Sunday Bassey, 29 and Jessica Daniel, 14, were nabbed with 96kgs of same substance at Gonin Gora area of the state, while Sanusi Isah, 30, was arrested on Saturday 7th January at Giwa area with over 12,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg and Diazepam.

In Kano, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 7th Jan. intercepted Kabiru Abdulhamid, 40, with 119 blocks of C/S weighing 73kgs at Semugu area, while a total of 28,400 tablets of tramadol and over 230kgs of cannabis were seized in raid operations in Festac town and Lagos Island areas of Lagos state. Some of the suspects arrested in the Lagos raids include: Rukayyat Eshinlokun; Pelumi Alejo and Banna Maina who specializes in distribution of illicit drugs disguised as a dispatch rider.

In Imo state, a suspect, Amechi Moses was arrested in a follow up operation on Friday 6th January following the interception of 29, 800 tablets of Tramadol 225mg in a commercial bus along Owerri – Onitsha road going to Aba in Abia state.

Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) CON, OFR, DSS commended the officers and men of Tincan, MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano and Imo Commands for the arrests and seizures. He charged them and their compatriots across the country to intensify the heat on drug cartels in Nigeria while balancing their efforts on supply reduction with drug demand reduction activities.

Nigerians celebrates As SDP’S Presidential Candidate, Prince Adebayo Clocks 51

Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world, particularly from Nigerians at home and abroad, as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, turns 51.
The young, dynamic, and promising candidate for 2023 Presidential election in Nigeria was inundated with messages, calls, and well wishes.

In response to the messages, SDP Presidential Flagbearer and CEO of Kaftan TV thanked Nigerians and expressed hope that with the right leadership in place, the country can be the envy of others.

Prince Adebayo stated that SDP administration will reset and make Nigeria attain greatness, if given opportunity to lead the country during this year election.

On his chances in the upcoming 2023 elections, Ondo born lawyer turned Politician believes Nigerians will overwhelmingly determine their future by voting.

Adebayo thanked God for keeping him fat and healthy, saying, “God’s mercies upon my life are an indication of the role he is preparing me to play.”