Despite the solid progress made in democratic consolidation, regional cooperation, and economic growth in recent years, Nigeria has been in the global spotlight due to persistent insecurity. Indeed, the current peace and security is replete with existing and emerging threats that are national, regional, and global in character. The threats are occasioned by incidents of terrorism, violent extremism, election violence, intercommunal violence, ethnic violence, farmer-herder conflicts, transnational organised in crime, and climate change, among others.
In the face of these crises worldwide, it is crucial to acknowledge unity in our diverse humanity and a shared responsibility in tackling global challenges.
The President Global Alliance for Peace and Unity, (GAPU) Hon. Solomon Pevkyaa said this when he led a team on a visit to the Chairman, Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service, Ahmed Muhammad on Thursday
GAPU Team with NIRS Chairman
GAPU seeks through this call to enhance inter-religious understanding and peace, including aspects relating to religion or belief, respect for diversity, countering hate speech and radicalization and enhancing dialogue
Pevkyaa said the visit was with the hope to building a partnership on the basis of shared understanding and knowledge on peace building in making Nigeria a more peaceful place
Awarding Yakubu Muhammad with certificate of commendation, Pevkyaa expressed that the Association appoints Credible Personalities whose lifestyles are ancored in promoting Peace
Reacting, the Chairman, Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service, Ahmed Yakubu Muhammad reiterated his commitment to working with GAPU for lasting peace across Nigeria
He stressed the importance of working together to tackle the various root causes of violence in Nigeria
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), with the support of the Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project, has organised a brainstorming workshop (face-to-face and virtual) from February 22 to 23, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, with a view to developing a policy for integrating the gender dimension into peace support operations in the West African region.
According to a summary made available to journalists in Abuja by the ECOWAS Programme officer, IT and Communication, Mr. Kouadio Serge, the experts discussed the draft policy and strategy for the development, adoption, financing and implementation of the gender mainstreaming policy, as well as methodologies for ownership and inclusion of all stakeholders in the policy development process.
During the event, Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom, ECOWAS Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Dr .Sani Adamu, Acting Head of the Peace Support Operations Division, stressed that the workshop is a crucial step towards the development of a policy and training programs for ECOWAS that would bring its peace operations in line with all international standards, ensuring that gender is taken into account in the planning, preparation and deployment of all ECOWAS peace operations.
Dr Cyriaque Agnekethom also welcomed the involvement and support of key partners, including the EPSAO project implemented in partnership the European Union and the German government, the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA). “As a reminder, since its creation in 1975, ECOWAS has integrated gender issues into its policies, programs and activities with increasing success. The regional organization’s Commission has developed “legal frameworks that recognize the importance of preserving the role of women in governance, electoral processes, conflict prevention and resolution and peacebuilding. These frameworks include the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), the ECOWAS Gender Policy (2005), the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (2008) and the Strategic Framework on Gender and Elections (2016).”
“In addition, there is a key framework at ECOWAS level, emphasizing the integration of gender equality and gender mainstreaming, including (i) the revised ECOWAS Treaty (1993); (ii) the 1999 ECOWAS Protocol on the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security; (iii) the Women’s Peace and Security Action Plan component of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF) 2017-2020;
“Similarly, (iv) Decision A/DEC. 1/01/05 Concerning the adoption of the ECOWAS Gender Policy and all its implementation instruments; (v) the Action Plan for the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 1325 and 1820; (vi) the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (CPE) (2008), (vii) the ECOWAS Strategic Framework on Gender and Elections (2015), and (viii) the Small Arms and Light Weapons Gender Initiative (2019).
The two-day meeting was attended by Ambassador NGOZI OKAEJE, Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Guinea Bissau and Head of Mission of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea Bissau, experts from the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), the ECOWAS Stabilization Mission in Guinea-Bissau (SSMGB), ECOWAS training Centres of Excellence (TCEs), GIZ – EPSAO and the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA).
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy/Transportation, Olufemi Oloruntola has stated that the ministry was created to address, harness and reposition the maritime sector and taking this into consideration, he assured that the ministry is committed to approach with purpose, the role of overseeing remarkable and notable difference at the nation’s ports.
According to Report by Desmond Adyo (Senior Information Officer) signed by Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press & Public Relations, the Permanent Secretary disclosed this when he received the Executive members of the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) at the ministry in Abuja, noting that for the ministry to realise these ideals, it will be accessible and open to formal correspondence with facts as well as propositions from critical stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Speaking further, Oloruntola identified as laudable, the coming together of about 20 associations to work under one umbrella saying that such an act facilitates communication and dialogue amidst other matters. He however, advised the association to drive home its mandate through a non-antagonistic dialogue with relevant government bodies to achieve its demands. The permanent secretary further assured that the complaints, the suggestions and the outcome of the specific meeting with NAMTOP will be brought to the attention of the Honourable Minister even before further correspondence from the trade association is received.
On his part, the National President, National Association of Maritime Transport Operators, Adeyinka Aroyewun who spoke on behalf of the delegation disclosed that the need for the visit was critical, to inform the Permanent Secretary of the association’s role at the ports, with most emphasis at the Lagos Ports, as well as to give verifiable information regarding developments within the ports as most often, information reaching Abuja and the ministry from Lagos, were usually misrepresented.
Furthermore, the President disclosed that the association is faced with several challenges notably the one concerning the Nigerian Ports Authority’s electronic call-up system (ETO).
According to him, the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators have been victims of the e-call-up policy which he noted has been more of a disservice to truckers than allegedly claimed by NPA.
The e-call up, Aroyewun stated only serves the purpose of generating revenue for the Government without addressing or proffering solutions of truckers in their quest to accessing port terminals. This is even as he indicted the Nigerian Ports Authority of charging truckers the sum of N25, 000 as against the approved levy of N10,000 payable for the use of the Truck Transit Parks.
The e-callup he disclosed, is not devoid of human interface, stating that payment of the levy is the only aspect that was electronically addressed. All other aspects he noted, involves direct human interphase.
Another of such affliction being faced by its members, Aroyewun disclosed, was the proliferation of fake Minimum Safety Standard (MSS) stickers to access the ports to the disadvantage of the business of other truckers. He therefore, appealed to the ministry to primarily address these challenges as their businesses are being affected negatively.
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Thursday, 22nd February, 2024, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sahel Consulting to build sustainable climate monitoring and address early warnings system bottlenecks for resilient agricultural systems in Nigeria.
Signing the MoU, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike stressed the importance of early warnings as a measure to protect citizens. “The importance of Early Warnings System cannot be over emphasized and we are willing to partner with any organization that is capable of investing in preparedness. This will help protect our population who should and must be protected by early warnings of climate disaster”, he said.
The Climate Early Warnings project is to be executed by Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, in collaboration with a consortium of implementing partners including The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and NiMet.
The project will include the provision of six Meteorological Automatic weather Observation Systems (AWOS) in Nigeria and setting up of a Mapping Room. It will also include capacity development for staff of NiMet and other government ministries, departments and agencies in Nigeria.
The implementation team includes members from International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) of Columbia University, New York, USA among others.
Yemi Adegoroye signed the MoU on behalf of Sahel Consulting and the consortium, while Professor Charles Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.
The Igala Students Association (National) has passed a vote of confidence on Sen. Isah Jibril Echocho (Senator Representing Kogi East) over his continuous achievement and quest for a better representation.
This was contained in a message signed and made available to journalists by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Igala Students Association National, Comrade Hope Ahmodu Enyojo.
Enyojo, speaking on behalf of the association disagreed over the purported plan by “Kogi Coalition” to recall the senator representing the good people of Kogi East at the National Assembly, Senator Isah Jibril Echocho, over his alleged under performance and other allegations since his election into the Senate.
” All they said about Sen. Isah Jibril Echocho over poor performance and other allegations levelled on him in their publication is untrue , baseless and amount to nothing.” She said
Comr. Hope applauded the Senator for always making his people proud and priority above others.
She said, the senator has contributed to the growth of humanity through Empowerments, Job creations, Scholarships to students, Assistances to Farmers, Construction of Roads, Rehabilitation of Schools, Construction of Rice mill at Ibaji, Rehabilitation of Oil mill, Presentation of Bills, Street Light, Provision of other Social Amenities and many more within and outside his Constituency.
She advised the public to disregard such publication because it’s of no bases, lack in merit and encapsulated falsehood aimed at distracting the senator from doing his good work.
She described the Senator as God Saint, and should be praise for his outstanding performance, commitment, and contribution to his people and humanity.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON has commended the Nigerian Military for neutralizing and bringing an end to the terror reign of BODERI and his cohorts in Kaduna State over the weekend.
Henshaw Ogubike, Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe, Director ( Information and Public Relations) in a press release he signed disclosed that, the Minister who was elated, described the action of the Military as commendable adding that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was committed in providing adequate security in every parts of the country.
Matawalle said that the bravery and professionalism of the Nigerian Military involved was commendable and needed to be sustained so that we can stem out insecurity from the country.
He charged other state actors to cooperate with the Federal Government in the fight against insurgency and terrorism. He reiterated Federal Government’s unflinching support and readiness to sustain cooperation towards eradicating terrorism in Nigeria.
It could be recalled that Boderi and his cohorts has been terrorising Kaduna and it’s environs for a very long time before his fall to Nigerian Military. Boderi, as he was simply known, had for nearly a decade propagated a reign of fear, death and destruction in Kaduna State and neighboring Niger State.
According to the Minister, a major breakthrough has been recorded in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism by his fall.
He said that the notorious bandit, insurgent and ruthless killer, Boderi Isyaku, was neutralized in a gun duel alongside some of his fighters, by troops of the Nigerian Military,around Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi LGAs.
Also speaking on the efforts of the Nigerian troops in general, the Minister commended their efforts in the elimination of 286 terrorists and the arrest of of 244 of them, 73 crude oil smugglers were also apprehended and 122 kidnapped victims were rescued as at 22nd February, 2024.
Similarly, the Minister pointed out that several air interdictions were carried out on terrorist hideouts and which were all destroyed.
Dr. Matawalle enjoined Nigerians to support the Armed forces saying that Federal Government was doing everything possible within its reach to fight insecurity and restore the hope of Nigerians.
In the face of a biting economic crunch, the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs CONYSSA has expressed concern over the continuous rise in the prices of food and other commodities in Nigeria.
To buy basic food items in Nigeria now has become gold. Prices of common food items like noodles, rice, beans, egg garri, yam, pasta, flour, sugar, vegetable oil etc have skyrocketed making life unbearable for Nigerians
Following the recent protest over the high prices of food and other commodities, inflation and high cost of living due to the worsening economic situation in the country, the Director General, Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs CONYSSA Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel has urged members of the public to desist from protesting as protest is not the best solution
Mario made this call while speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja
According to him “Protests are a very powerful tool in a democratic country, but the public needs to make right use of it to get proper results. Also, I feel that protests are just expressions of anger. They are not the ultimate solution.”
While urging the public to come out with ideas that are realistic in solving the economic crisis, he implored that protest be suspended as those who are hell-bent on destroying the country, can hijack it to carry out their evil plans
He called on the government to act swiftly to fix the problem.
He blamed the recent increase in food prices on transportation and fuel price, saying the only way to address the situation is to reduce the cost of fuel to 300/350
“High fuel cost is just one factor at play, creating high food prices, if it can be reduced to 300 or 350 then cost of transportation will subsidise thereby leading to low food prices” he says
He further urged the government to work towards resuming local refining of fuel saying it will address Nigeria’s problems significantly
NiMet has advised farmers to take necessary precautions in order to mitigate the impact of the below-normal rainfall, while urging residents in states with above-normal rainfall predictions to be prepared for possible flooding and take necessary safety measures.
The Agency stated that there is a likelihood of above-normal rainfall over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, FCT, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Edo, and Rivers states. The agency also warned of the possibility of flooding in some states during the rainy season.
It also emphasized the importance of early monitoring, preparedness, and response to extreme weather events in order to minimize the potential impact on lives and property. NiMet urged individuals and communities to heed weather warnings and advisories and stay informed about changing weather conditions throughout the season.
The event themed: Facilitating a Weather Resilient Economy through Early Warnings for All to Forster Renewed Hope and Sustainable Development, NiMet held the annual event on Tuesday in Abuja disclosed further that other parts of the country would likely observe normal to above-normal annual rainfall amounts.
The prediction also showed that in July, there would be a likelihood of a severe dry spell that may persist for more than 15 days after the onset of rainfall across the country.
States in the country to be likely affected by the dry spell would be Oyo, Ogun, Osun Edo, Enugu, Anambra, and parts of Cross Rivers.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, while unveiling the report for the 2024 SCP said that the onset of rains in 2024 was predicted to be delayed in some parts of the country, especially the North Central States.
Keyamo said: “A normal onset is likely to occur over the northern states.
“Borno, Abia, and Akwa Ibom states are predicted to have an early onset when compared to their long-term averages.
“An early end of the season is predicted for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, and Lagos states.
“A late cessation is predicted over the southern states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ekiti, and parts of Edo, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, FCT, Niger, and Kaduna.”.
Keyamo said the annual rainfall amount was predicted to be below normal over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta, and Bayelsa states when compared to their long-term normal.
In the 2024 SCP, other parts of the country are likely to observe normal to above-normal annual rainfall amounts.
Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organization commended NiMet for the consistently producing the Seasonal Climate Prediction for the past 10 years since 2013.
WMO said that the development of Early Warning Systems to cover everyone on the planet by 2027 was now a priority of the United Nations.
WMO’s representative at the meeting appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to pursue the development of a National Framework for Weather, Water, and Climate Services, with a vibrant User Interface Platform for effective engagement and contribution of stakeholders to the production and utilization of Early Warning in the country.
WMO said the Seasonal Climate Prediction produced by NiMet was a contribution to Early Warning which should be embraced and utilized by all stakeholders in planning and implementation of activities in support of disaster risk management and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The WMO observed that the World Economic Forum in 2024 ranked extreme weather as the highest current risk facing the global economy.
WMO said: “Extreme weather is expected to remain the highest risk over the next 10 years together with critical change to Earth systems, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, and natural resource shortages.
“The year 2023 has been confirmed as the hottest on record and the past nine years, 2015 to 2023, were the hottest on record. This trend has continued in 2024 with January confirmed as the hottest January on record.
“The impact of climate change is being felt across the globe and most especially in Africa. “More than 1p10 million people on the African continent were directly affected by weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2022, causing more than 8.5 billion dollars in economic damages.”
MACTEC’s TRCE’s 2nd Matriculation Ceremony In Kebbi State: Aremu Commends Mgts of The Two Colleges, Participants On Success
UNESCO Laureate, Vice-Chancellor, Crown University International Chartered Incorporated, USA & The Chairman, Board of Governing Council, Mahawai College Business, Science & Technology (MACTEC), Ribah & Tanko Ribah College of Education (TRCE), Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, has hailed the academic excellence, event success and as well commended the Management and Staff of the Colleges, participants who graced the occasion as the two higher institution had 2nd Combined Matriculation Ceremony In grand-style in Kebbi State.
The media learnt this from the Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, the Vice Chancellor of Crown University International Chartered Incorporated, USA with official partners constituents campuses at Government Regulated Universities Worldwide and Online Operation, today being Sunday, February 18, 2024 in a press statement made available to Newsmen in Kebbi State by his Executive Assistant On Media, Publicity and Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike as UNESCO Laureate commended the commitment of both students and management of the institutions: MACTEC & TRCE, Ribah, Kebbi State on educational excellence and successful matriculation ceremony.
Mahawai College of Business, Science & Technology (MACTEC), Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria is in affiliation with Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Also, Tanko Ribah College of Education (TRCE), Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria is an affiliate of Amir Shehu Idris College of Education, Zaira. The duo, two institutions are members of the official constituent campuses of Crown University International Chartered Incorporated, USA. The two Higher institutions 2nd Combined Matriculation Ceremony took place at Mama Arziki Town Hall, Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria at about 10am prompt on the 17th day of February, 2024.
UNESCO Laureate had in the statement tasks the matriculants on decorum, discipline and commitment to excellence as good ambassadors of the two institutions. He also commended the management and Staff of the two Colleges hardwork and success of the event that took place at Kebbi State, Nigeria.
He then charged the management of the two institutions on more extra curricula activities to boost creativity amongst the students of Tanko Ribah College of Education and Mahawai College of Business, Science and Technology who conducted their second combined matriculation ceremony in grand style at Ribah in Kebbi State, Nigeria as students from different states in Nigeria were present with different distinguished guest of honors as well.
UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu who was invited as Keynote Speaker and the Special Guest of Honor commend the efforts of Dr. Dalhatu Yahaya Bawa Jega, The Director at KSUSTACON who featured as the Guest of honour and Provosts of the two Colleges for their active management to make sure that the day comes to reality where as they delivered lectures.
The statement by UNESCO Laureate reads in parts: “Tanko Ribah College of Education, Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria and Mahawai College of Business, Science and Technology Ribah Kebbi State, Nigeria were established in the Year 2020 which both were approved and registered by Federal Government of Nigeria under Act number 1 of CAMA 1990 which has amended, now on Act cap C20 Laws of Federation of Nigeria with approval of State Ministry of Higher Education of Kebbi State of Nigeria with reference DHE./PTI/020/17 and accredited by World Accreditation Commission, USA”.
” I hereby commend these great feats attained by the two institutions as regards their second matriculation ceremony. I use this medium to as well congratulate the matriculants from the two Colleges. I charge the management of the Higher Institutions on more extra curricula activities to promote more academic excellence amongst students of MACTEC & TRCE, Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria. To this end, both Colleges were properly accredited as an official member of worldwide constituent campuses of Crown University Intl. Chartered Inc. in USA which is a world acclaimed distinguished innovative, autonomous recognized research university”.
The birthday celebration of a nigerian business mogul, Chief David Iriogbe Eikhomun, the CEO of Iracoda Group of Companies has attracted street lightening in a street in Karu Local government Area of Nasarawa State just close to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The birthday celebration which birthed the development was held on Saturday 17th of February, 2024 at the Alabama Hotel in Karu, Nasarawa State.
During the event, the UN Habitat Ambassador to Nigerian, Dr. Raymond Edoh who was the Special Guest of Honour pledged to install street lights from Jehun junction to alabama hotel. According to Edoh, the gesture is in line with the UN Habitat agenda for the global betterment of the habitation facilities of every human on the earth.
Also speaking at the event, the CEO, ASQ Group of Companies-UK, Dr. Samson Adeosun has this to say, “On your special day, I want to take a moment to reflect on how grateful we are to have a friend like you in our lives. Your kindness, loyalty, and sense of humor bring so much joy to those around you. You are truly one of a kind and we are so lucky to have you as a friend. May this birthday be just the beginning of a year filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Cheers to you, my dear friend and brother, and all the happiness that is sure to come your way. Happy birthday!”
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Karu Local government Area of Nasarawa State, Hon. James Thomas while giving his remarks described the celebrant, Chief David Iriogbe Eikhomun as a brother known for honesty, high integrity, diligence, hardwork, patience and his wide philanthropic activities.
Earlier, Chief David Iriogbe Eikhomun in his welcome address thanked everyone who has made it a point of duty to graze his birthday celebration stressing that he doesn’t take the kind words about his person for granted.
However, there was a pre-birthday football competition in his honour aimed at empowering the Nigerian youth as teams retired with lots of prizes.
Africa Security Investigation News 