Africa Security Investigation News

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni has charged all Nigerians to live in peace and love as exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ.

According to Henshaw Ogubike minpr, Director (Information &  PR) in a press release disclosed  that Dr. Kana stated this while praying for all Christians during this year’s Christmas celebration.

The Permanent Secretary who sent his warmest and heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians as Nigeria and the world at large celebrate Christmas season said that Christmas is a season of peace, love and sharing.

Accordingly, he called on all Christians and Nigerians to show that love of Christ towards one another and most especially our Nigerian Military “Let us all remember the Military in the front lines fighting insecurity in the country,” he charged.

To the Military he said their efforts in the fight against insecurity was not unnoticed: “We acknowledge your sacrifices and we thank you for your perseverance in discharging your professional duties,” he commended them.

Dr. Kana said that as Christmas season is a period for reflection, gratitude and unity, Nigerians should imbibe the culture of love, peace and goodwill towards one another.

Furthermore on his greeting message, he sent words of encouragement to all Nigerians saying: ” Let us remember in the midst of our diversity the essence of this season and strive to forster unity, understanding and harmony in our communities and
nation.

He prayed that this year Christmas celebration bring us together as one family and align us with Christ’s teaching of peace, love and harmony.  

On insecurity facing the nation, He opined that with love and unity, the nation can defeat our common enemies of terrorism and other criminalities.

He charged all Nigerians irrespective of religion to pray for our Military officers who are out there protecting us.

The Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, extends his heartfelt congratulations to the distinguished officers recently promoted across the Nigeria Armed Forces. Recognizing their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to national security, Dr. Matawalle commends the exemplary service they have rendered to the nation.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr,
Director (Information)
Ministry of Defence in a press release on Sunday disclosed that the statement was in congratulatory message. Dr. Matawalle stated, “The promotion of these officers is a testament to their unwavering dedication and meritorious service to our beloved nation. Their achievements reflect the values of discipline, bravery, and professionalism that define the Nigeria Armed Forces.”

Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the critical role the newly promoted officers play in addressing the prevailing challenges of insecurity. He remarked, “As you ascend to higher ranks, the nation places an even greater trust in your capabilities. I charge each of you to redouble your efforts and collaborate across services to decisively tackle the security challenges facing our country.”

Matawalle continued with a passionate charge, “The Nigerian people look up to you, our newly promoted Generals, to bring an end to the insecurity that has plagued certain regions. Your leadership, strategic vision, and dedication will be pivotal in restoring peace, unity, and prosperity to our nation.”

Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commitment to equipping the Armed Forces with the necessary resources and support. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the newly promoted officers to lead with integrity, courage, and excellence.

The Honorable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has felicitated with Nigerians on Christmas as they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Prince Audu in a statement made available by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji on Sunday in Abuja urged Nigerians to reflect on the essence of Christmas, and make positive impacts that would be sustained beyond the festive period.

Audu also urged Nigerians to extend love to one another beyond every form of divide, remembering the less privileged, displaced persons, vulnerable groups, and those in humanitarian crisis.

He also admonished the Christian fold to use the opportunity of Christmas to pray for the peace, unity and development of Nigeria, the President and those at the helm of leadership.

“Christmas is a time of the year to reflect on the essence of the celebration which is the birth of Jesus Christ; to show love, and affection to one another. It is also a time to rededicate our commitments to Nigeria, humanity and nation building.

“It is equally important that we live and show acts of kindness that would make long lasting positive impacts even beyond the Christmas season.

“It is a season of Renewed Hope for Nigerians which can be seen in the various policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, just within a few months of assuming office as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. This certainly means, better days ahead for Nigerians.

“However, the President can not do it alone, and that is why it is very important that we commit ourselves to the vision of the Renewed Hope agenda so that together, we can achieve a better Nigeria.

“I wish us all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance”, Prince Audu stated.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honorable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has engaged over 200 youths on Adhoc duties in industries, plants and agencies under the Federal Ministry of Steel Development across the country.

According to a press release signed on Sunday by SA Media to the Honorable Minister of Steel Development
Lizzy Okoji, disclosed that this initiative Shuaibu says is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR of creating direct and indirect jobs, especially for the youths in the country.

Prince Audu said that the engaged youths would assist in various capacities in some of the steel plants as plans to revive the industry is underway with productions of iron rods in Ajaokuta Steel Plant to kickstart in full force as soon as possible.

“We have a lot of Human Resources in the country with great potentials and technical know how, and now is the time to engage as we are fully set to rolling out our steel plants again.

“I have had several engagements with prospective investors who have shown interest in reviving the various components of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel plant, Delta Steel Plant in Aladja, amongst other steel plants in the country.

“Reviving these plants means more hands on deck to help with the job. This again is in line with the vision of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR of creating job opportunities, increasing local productions to boost Nigeria’s export capacities and industrializing Nigeria through the Steel Sector.

“Hopefully, when the window of employment opens, these young energetic Nigerians among others would be duly employed in line with the provisions and guidelines of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has lauded the First Lady, Distinguished Senator Remi Tinubu for the generous inclusion of Senior Citizens in her Renewed Hope Initiative in the country.

According to a press release signed by Omini Oden, Head, Corporate, Media and Communications, In an official statement, NSCC Director General, Dr Emem Omokaro says the gesture by the First Lady confirms the favorable disposition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to older persons in Nigeria.

The statement signed by NSCC’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications, Omini Oden, says the act by Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu has accorded Senior Citizens a welcomed sense of inclusion and addressed their right to non-discrimination.

NSCC Director General, assures that the National Senior Citizens Centre has created sector wide partnerships to mainstream older persons into the Social Investment programs, Health and Social Care and other laudable initiatives including the realization of One Community, One Senior Centre Project.

While renewing her appeal to State Governments to expedite action towards domestication of the National Senior Citizens Centre Act 2017 and National Policy on Ageing, Dr Omokaro noted that the decentralized and inclusive template of the Renewed Hope Initiative template should encourage and boost State and Local Governments efforts to ensure equity and age-specific responses during planning, budgeting and implementation of health and social services to meet the needs of different population categories without leaving older persons behind.

The Director General commended the National Stakeholders Consultative Forums on Ageing; a mechanism of the National Senior citizens Centre for reaching and involving participation of older persons even in hard-to-reach places, who have approached offices of the First Ladies in their respective States and successfully secured slots for older persons from the 250 allocated.

The National Senior Citizens Centre will continue to create awareness of its robust and sustainable Older-Persons-Centered and community-oriented programs and services towards achieving a dignified, healthy, happy and secured geriatric population and welcomes states, local governments and private sector partnerships in their adoption and replication across the country.

The Director General/ CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, today played host to the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Chief Obiora Okonkwo who was on a courtesy visit to NiMet headquarters in Abuja. Chief Obiora Okonkwo who was accompanied by his Director of Administration, Mr. Linus Awute oon, mni,  said he was in NiMet to pay courtesy visit and congratulate a blossom.

“I am very delighted and happy that such a person of this calibre is given opportunity to prove himself. I have no doubt that he would bring the necessary leadership that will reposition NiMet”.

Speaking further, Chief Okonkwo who isa user of NiMet services, a major stakeholder and operator of one of the leading private airlines in Nigeria, disclosed that as an operator in the aviation industry, he has always looked for a moment where there would be a closer collaboration between the NiMet and the airline operators. Chief Okonkwo who underscored the critical role weather plays in our lives, urged NiMet to bring this to the frontline to attract the necessary attention of the public.

“I really think that for us in the aviation sector, we have to find a way the professional information or forecasts that we have about weather is out at our doorstep one week ahead. My plea to you is that this information about weather that you get should not be kept to yourself, it must be made known to the public, as it affects them. Therefore as an operator from the aviation industry, it is high time we looked for a very good collaboration to support NiMet to make sure it’s weather situation is made to the public”, he explained.

Chief Okonkwo noted that often when they had to tell travellers about flight delays or cancellations due to weather, this should not lead to travellers vilifying or assaulting operators as sometimes these delays are not caused by the operators. He raised concerns about the government always talking on the sides of the travellers and the travelling public, but that operators also have their rights. He however said with improved infrastructural provisions and investment in some of these airports, no matter how low visibility is you can still land in that airport.

He therefore called on the DG NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike to liaise with all the sister agencies in aviation to come up with a very compulsory demand that  operating airports must meet certain infrastructural requirements for aircrafts to be landing there.

Concluding his remarks, Chief Okonkwo disclosed that it was his first time visiting NiMet and described it as timely while he exppressed hope that ” with this new leadership you have, you will reach out and work with all that are concerned to see how we can make this happen for the aviation industry”, he said.

In his response, the Director General NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike thanked him for the visit while assuring him that all he said have been noted and that in the course of the collaboration  more insight will be given to him with regard to the assets and infrastructure NiMet has at the airports.
“We will give you more insight so that you know the strength and what we need to strengthen in this industry. So I thank you for this visit and we are looking forward to this collaboration. We will address all these issues and improve the way we work with the airlines because it is a regulated environment. Am sure you know that we have been instrumental in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit score we received”, he said.
In commemoration of the visit, both parties exchanged gifts/souvenirs.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed the Director, Department of Development Control to ensure that Nuwalege community, along the Airport Road gives way for the presidential fleet plot. Over 200 Houses to be demolished.

The directive follows the request from the Nigerian Air Force.

Speaking through the Director, Tpl Mukhtar Galadima during a community and citizen engagement on Tuesday in Abuja, the minister hinted that, it becomes imperative that the community give way for development
According to him, “About a month ago, the authority of the Nigerian Air Force wrote to the honourable minister on their needs and desire to remove this village, because it is part of the presidential fleet plots.

“So, the minister in his wisdom requested them to allow the FCT administration to handle it, because it’s the responsibility of FCT administration. The Nigerian Air Force approached the Department of Development Control on their desire.

“So, as part of our responsibility, we have to do what you call a community and citizens engagement which is why we are here today to discuss with the community and to tell them of our intention, because it will be unfair to just bring the machine here and start removing their houses.

“So, we visited the chiefs at his palace to meet him and we told him our reason for coming to this place today”.

The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali has enjoined lawmakers and the executives to be  progressive partners that extend hands of fellowship to the Executive for good governance and effective budget process.             

According to a report by Gift Osima Seddon (Chief Information Officer), signed by Olujimi  Oyetomi, Director, Press and Public Relations disclosed that Alkali who is a three-term legislator at national level gave this prescription to members of the Gombe State Legislative Assembly who were having their annual retreat for members, the management and staff of the assembly in Abuja.

The respected Minister of Transportation, Senator Alkali, who hails from Gombe State, was unanimously chosen and invited as Guest of Honour to open the Legislators’ retreat on Tuesday, 19th December, 2023.

The  Annual Retreat’s 2023 edition has the theme: “Enhancing Good Governance through Effective Budget Process,” which the Honourable Transportation Minister and Guest of Honour spoke to, declaring the imperative of handshakes across the Legislature and Executive divide if any political entity, especially Gombe State, hopes to foster good governance through budget process.  The distinguished  senator added that the budget process could define the size of development that can be brought about by the executive.

In his words, “I admonish you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to make the legislature a progressive partner that extends hands of fellowship to the executive arm in ensuring effective budget process for good governance of Gombe State.”                      

Continuing, the Minister and Guest of Honour stated: “It is my conviction that the choice of the theme of the retreat which is ” Good Governance through Effective Budget Process” will discuss critical issues that will enhance your capacity for quality budget legislation and effective oversight”.

“A careful perusal of the retreat agenda vindicates this expectation, given the diversified topics that will no doubt strengthen legislative capacity for optimal performance”, Alkali added.

According to the Minister, the choice of topics such as Budget Monitoring and Tracking, Operationalization of Financial Autonomy, Bill Process, Scrutiny and Analysis as well as Techniques for Conduct of Oversight, Work Plan Development by Committees and Operations of Committee System will certainly equip the Lawmakers to acquire more skills that will make their constitutional duty easy and result oriented.           

The Minister further admonished the Gombe  Lawmakers to engage the resource team to share knowledge and experience on different methods of application of rules of legislative practice and procedure.

He expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, for his support towards the actualization of the retreat and appreciated the  Honourable Members and Management staff of the House for inviting him as Guest of Honour, which according to him, has afforded him the opportunity to meet with his brothers, charged with the responsibility of making laws for the peace and good governance of Gombe State.

Speaking earlier in  his welcome remarks, the Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly,  Honourable Abubakar Mohammed revealed the overall aim of the 2023 Retreat which he said is to deepen the  understanding of the Legislators on legislative procedures and effective  budget process, by enhancing their skills on modern legislative approaches towards establishing dynamic Legislature – Executive relationships for good governance.

According to the Speaker, developing and strengthening skills, instincts, and abilities is crucial for the development and success of any organization, particularly the Legislature, which is vested with the responsibility of law making, oversight and representation.

Speaker Mohammed added that regular training is the lifeline of effective and vibrant Parliaments all over the world.  He attributed the vibrancy of the Gombe State House of Assembly and its effective legislation to the constant training and retraining of its legislators and staff.

In his vote of thanks, the House Leader, Hon. Yerima Ladan Gaule thanked the  Executive  Governor of Gombe State , H.E  Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, for sponsoring the retreat, and also thanked the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, for honouring the invitation. He seized the opportunity to urge participants to make good use of the retreat presentations.

    
…..Set To Sign Agreement With Nigeria  On Donor Development Cooperation for Poverty Eradication

The Turkish government has expressed its readiness to partner Nigeria’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in the areas of social protection and emergency responses.

According to Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, FMHAPA, in a press release on 19/12/2023,
Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, made this known during a courtesy call on the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu in her office in Abuja.

Describing Nigeria as a rising star in Africa,  Bayraktar said it was important that his country and Nigeria collaborate on humanitarian crisis management, emergency response efforts, and poverty eradication infrastructures.

“As you know, we have a very good relationship with Nigeria, and especially we see Nigeria as the rising star in Africa.

“We want to have two agreements to be signed very early next year, one on the development Cooperation area and the other one is on the humanitarian disaster area, which will also involve the Turkish disaster management authority and NEMA of Nigeria. This will tremendously help, especially in the areas of floods or natural disasters. In the field of the development corporation, we will have the kind of sustainable development projects that we can help Nigeria in the areas of humanitarian and emergency response management as well, “the Ambassador said.

Responding, The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Edu expressed delight at Turkish government’s willingness to partner her ministry on social Protection, humanitarian and emergency response strategies saying both countries would benefit immensely from the synergy.

Her words:  “we are grateful to the Turkish Ambassador and his team for this partnership, we have spoken very elaborately on the Turkish Development Cooperation, which would help partner with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to see how they can invest in social protection, support education, promote health and other social protection factors in the country.

“We would very early in January, after all the documentations have been completed, sign an agreement with the Turkish Government on Development Cooperation and of course disaster management
This will help us in setting up a proper humanitarian and disaster management system in Nigeria. All of these will be brought to fore from the agreements which we will sign”

Continuing, the Minister disclosed the Turkish government’s willingness “to open an office for the Turkish Development Cooperation in Nigeria after the agreements have been signed and from this office they can directly reach out, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Allevation, to the different states in the country.

“So we are very positive that very early next year in January, we can get all of these signed both in Turkey and back in Nigeria, and we can begin immediate implementation.

“This will help us to tackle humanitarian crises well as well as grapple with emergency responses and tackle poverty through the various development cooperation initiatives that we will be working on with the ministry” she added.

The Turkish Ambassador was in the company of imdat karakoram,the Deputy chief of mission,Republic of Turkey.