Africa Security Investigation News

In furtherance of the resolve to leverage the competitive advantages of Lekki Deep Seaport in attaining maritime hub status, the Managing Director, Mohammed Bello Koko, accompanied the Honourable Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on a tour of the facility, which, apart from being Nigeria’s first deep seaport, is also the country’s first fully automated port.

Speaking during the visit, Mohammed Bello said “Lekki Deep SeaPort’s distinctive features, such as full automation, drive-through scanners, and super post-panamax size ship-to-shore cranes, amongst others, position it for quick cargo and vessel turn-around, which will greatly enhance the competitiveness of our exports, especially agro-allied products, in the international marketplace.

With enhanced competitiveness comes increased demand, which ultimately grows foreign exchange inflow into the country”.

He added that “the NPA is glad to announce that Lekki is already processing transhipment cargo, for which two of our landlocked neighbours have expressed interest, and with our renewed partnership with the Nigerian Customs towards the domestication of the World Custom Organisation’s guidelines on transhipment and other ease of doing business best practices, the numbers can only increase”.

Recall that the NPA had recently procured and deployed two first-of-its-kind in Africa Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) 80-tonne Bollard Pull Tugboats to equip Lekki Port to provide best-in-class marine services.

The Honourable Minister expressed his delight at the world-class facilities on the ground at the Lekki Port and pledged the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s commitment to ensure that the opportunities for national prosperity inherent in the Lekki Deep Seaport are maximally utilised.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has lauded the Nigerian Judiciary as she congratulates  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal

She also commended the tribunal for affirming the integrity of the electoral process and urged all Nigerians to cooperate with the government in its efforts to build a better Nigeria.

Dr. Edu said, “I congratulate President Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. This verdict is a clear affirmation of the love Nigerians have for him and the mandate they gave him. I urge all Nigerians to continue to support him and work with his administration to build a better Nigeria.”

She added, “I also commend the tribunal for upholding the integrity of the electoral process. It is important that we continue to work towards strengthening our democratic institutions and processes. This is the only way we can build a strong and prosperous Nigeria for all.”

Dr. Edu expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s administration would continue to deliver on its promises to Nigerians and work towards improving the lives of all citizens.

She said, “President Tinubu has shown time and again that he is committed to the welfare of Nigerians. I have no doubt that his administration will continue to prioritize the needs of the people and work towards building a better Nigeria for all.”

“Let me on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Congratulate Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his well-deserved election tribunal victory.

“As the then National Women Leader of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC I joined Mr President to campaign across the 36 states and Abuja and I know how Nigerians accepted his Renewed Hope Agenda. He will not fail Nigerians!

“Now that the Court had spoken overwhelmingly, the petitioners should join Mr. President to alleviate the Poverty and renew the hopes of millions of Nigerians which will help to reduce the Humanitarian crisis across the Country.

According to her, “This victory is a double victory as he marks 100 days of exceptional leadership to Nigeria. The victory is deserving, and proper. It reaffirms and re-validates the love Nigerians have for our dear president which they demonstrated in February with the overwhelming and popular mandate they bestowed on him”, the Minister said.

Dr. Edu further described the Tribunal judgment as “a triumph of truth over pernicious propaganda and a vindication of a man whom God has chosen to pull our country from the doldrums”

In a press statement signed by the Special Adviser Media and Publicity to Hon Minister, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Minister urged the defeated petitioners to place love for the country above sentiments and partisan striving, accept the tribunal’s verdict with utmost equanimity, and support the president in his efforts to build a better country.

“Let me use this medium to appeal to my brothers who lost at the polls and also at the tribunal to place love for the country above politics and sentiments and join hands with the president to build a greater country.

“We have no other country except Nigeria and we all, irrespective of party affiliation, religion, or tribe owe it a duty to make our country work”, the Minister said.

Sundry youth groups across the six Geo-Political Zones under the algae of Coalition of Nigerian Youth Forum, has called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider their coalitional resolution which was reached after daily meetings for weeks which persistently ended dead lock.

According to a statement signed by the President of the Coalition, Khalid Muhammed and the Secretary of the forum Agogor Onochie, today Thursday, 31st August, 2023, disclosed that the youth have ransacked its constituency thoroughly and Dr. Raymond Edoh is the only man standing going by his high level of integrity, humility, ears to the youth community and his philanthropic and humanitarian style of leading the youths over the years.

The United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Raymond Edoh was said to be a very nice personality that was resolved to lead the youths across the federation in the capacity of youth minister under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The statement also disclosed that another reason why Dr. Raymond Edoh was mutually adopted for the youth ministerial appointment is based on his wide range of wealth of knowledge, passion to serve the youths, his broad leadership experience within and outside the country, his consistency in youth empowerment, capacity building and his high level of education.

The statement which reads in parts, “Dr. Raymond Edoh, a young Nigerian Oil Magnet, an International Activist, Political Strategist, Foreign Affairs Analyst, a Real Estate Consultant, Shipping Expert and an Economist, highly accomplished, proactive, and dynamic professional with a successful Career.

“The Nigerian youth Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency, Dr. Raymond
Edoh was born on the 25th of November, 1983 into the family of Mr. & Mrs Paul Adehi Edoh in Otukpo Benue State of Nigeria.

“The Secretary General, Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, Dr. Raymond Edoh has empowered a cluster of young journalists across Print, Radio, TV, online and outdoor in Abuja. He has also empowered over 6000 farmers across Benue and Kogi States with
hybrid seedlings and capacity building trainings.

“The Executive Secretary, National Civil Society Council of Nigeria,
Dr. Raymond Edoh has also empowered young Nigerian Youths with aquaculture related skills as well as start up funds (seed money) to take it up as a line of business as well as constituting a post mentorship and follow up team for appreciate able result.

“The Chairman, Board of Trustees, World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, WSDGSO, Dr. Raymond Edoh has empowered over 1000 young Nigerians with skill acquisition cutting across Agric, ICT, Photography, Videography, Phone Re-
pairs, Cake Baking, Website Design, Hair Barbing, Hair Dressing and Make up and several others.

“The Deputy Commandant, IPCSL and Chairman, Security Summit, Dr. Raymond Edoh also empowered over 500 Nigerian youths
spread across States within the north central region. As though not enough, in Abuja, Dr. Raymond Edoh empowered 250
participants of the 2021 Africa Youth Community leadership conference amongst sundry others.

“The one time Diaspora Affairs Director for the Nigerian Youths globally was a strategic tool to the government of Nigeria in resolving #End SARS protest which almost dragged Nigeria into a state of quagmire.

“Dr. Raymond is currently a life Fellow of the International Chartered World Learned Society, ICWLS, USA, Educational Qualification: He got his Bachelor of Science in the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, Masters in the University of Liverpool, and PhD in the City University New York, USA. He also completed
his Coursework toward High Specialization in Rome Business School.

“He has been interviewed by NTA, Channels, BBC, AIT, Kaftan TV, Itv, London TV, FRCN, VON, Arisetv, Vanguard, Sun, Daily Trust, Punch, Leadership, Blueprint, and several others across the globe.

“Dr. Raymond Edoh has bagged several awards within and outside the country in multiple numbers.

“With all these, who else should be our Minister if not Dr. Raymond Edoh! Lucky enough, finally, we have picked him and we are glad to say Congratulations to Dr. Raymond Edoh, Youth Minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria”, the statement added.

…As Theatre harps on proficiency and professionalism

The Theatre Commander (TC) Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Major General Gold Chibuisi has Charged officers and troops in the Theatre to exhibit high level of proficiency and professionallism in the Counter Improvised Explosive Devised effort of OPHK In all aspect of the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations in the NE.

Major General Gold Chibuisi represented by the Theatre Training Officer (TTO) Brig Gen SJA Ilori gave the charge on Tuesday, 5 September, 2023 while declaring open a two-day workshop organized on Counter – Improvised Explosive Device held at the Theater Training School (TTS) in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.

In his opening remarks, the Theatre Commander OPHK stated that the workshop is organized for Subalterns and non-commissioned Officers drawn from units and formations within the North East Theatre of Operation.

General Chibuisi further disclosed that the workshop is organized in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which is, ” To Transform the NA into a well-trained, equiped and highly motivated Force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”. He added that the workshop is to bring participants up to speed and keep them abreast with the current techniques employed by the terrorist in IED tactics.

Additionally, General Gold Chibuisi pointed out that the knowledge gained from the workshop would improve the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device strategy of OPHK and also enhanced the proficiency of troops in the discharge of their duties.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the coordinator of the workshop Commander 47 Engineer Brigade, Brig Gen KO Ukandu stated that the workshop will exposed participants in recognizing terrorists IED, ground signs as well as actions to be taken on detection of an IED.

Present during the opening ceremony were the Chief of Staff Headquarters Theatre Command Brig Gen A Idris, Theatre intelligence coordinator Brig Gen B Sarki and other Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division as well as the participants.THEATRE COMMAND OPHK ORGANIZES A TWO- DAY WORKSHOP ON COUNTER-IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE …As Theatre harps on proficiency and professionalism .

The Theatre Commander (TC) Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Major General Gold Chibuisi has Charged officers and troops in the Theatre to exhibit high level of proficiency and professionallism in the Counter Improvised Explosive Devised effort of OPHK In all aspect of the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations in the NE.

Major General Gold Chibuisi represented by the Theatre Training Officer (TTO) Brig Gen SJA Ilori gave the charge on Tuesday, 5 September, 2023 while declaring open a two-day workshop organized on Counter – Improvised Explosive Device held at the Theater Training School (TTS) in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.

In his opening remarks, the Theatre Commander OPHK stated that the workshop is organized for Subalterns and non-commissioned Officers drawn from units and formations within the North East Theatre of Operation.

General Chibuisi further disclosed that the workshop is organized in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which is, ” To Transform the NA into a well-trained, equiped and highly motivated Force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”. He added that the workshop is to bring participants up to speed and keep them abreast with the current techniques employed by the terrorist in IED tactics. 1/2 Additionally, General Gold Chibuisi pointed out that the knowledge gained from the workshop would improve the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device strategy of OPHK and also enhanced the proficiency of troops in the discharge of their duties.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the coordinator of the workshop Commander 47 Engineer Brigade, Brig Gen KO Ukandu stated that the workshop will exposed participants in recognizing terrorists IED, ground signs as well as actions to be taken on detection of an IED.

Present during the opening ceremony were the Chief of Staff Headquarters Theatre Command Brig Gen A Idris, Theatre intelligence coordinator Brig Gen B Sarki and other Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division as well as the participants.

By Emmanuel Daudu

…says Winning the War Against Poverty Will Reduce Insecurity By 50% In Nigeria

The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has solicited the Nigerian  Airforce’s assistance in the delivery of humanitarian relief materials and even palliatives across the country, especially to the hard-to-reach areas.

According to the Special Adviser  On Media And Publicity,  to Hon Minister, MHAPA
Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), in a press release on Tuesday disclosed that the Minister made the request on Tuesday, when she paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar at the Airforce Headquarters in Abuja.

The Minister told Air Marshall Abubakar that the Nigerian Airforce would be critical to her Ministry’s success in getting humanitarian aid across to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. She also seek assistance to deliver humanitarian workers, relief materials to hard to reach areas as well as evacuation of Nigerians from areas under threat both within and outside Nigeria, she thanked them for their support in evacuating students from Sudan recently.

Dr. Edu identified poverty as an enabler of insecurity which led to Humanitarian crises,  adding “When we win the war against poverty we would have won the war against insecurity by over 50%; please, fly us to those hard-to-reach areas”

Continuing,  the Minister said: “I’m sure you’re quite aware that we have a good number of persons who are either internally displaced or refugees who are in need of humanitarian assistance, and some of whom are in areas where it’s difficult to access them through road due to insecurity,  we will be seeking your support to see that we can get through to them to deliver humanitarian services, including palliatives.

“We’re counting on you for support in terms of intelligence, we’re counting on you for support in terms of security, we’re counting on you for support within your mandate to see that our job is made easier, better and success is achieved”

She pledged to capture families of deceased servicemen in the poverty alleviation scheme of her Ministry and requested for deployment of Airforce personnel to the Ministry as desk officers for proper liaison.

The Minister stressed that President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu was completely committed to ensuring humanitarian crises and the number of persons who are affected by the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria are reduced to the barest minimum.

She announced that in the coming weeks, the Ministry would be visiting different areas in Nigeria to carry out humanitarian interventions.

Dr. Edu congratulated Air Marshal Hassan on his appointment and condoled with him on the loss of some of his men in active duty in Niger state.

Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air  Marshall Hassan Abubakar,  pledged to foster cooperation and partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in addressing critical humanitarian challenges facing the country.

“Your presence here underscores our shared commitment to the well-being of our fellow citizens during their most trying times. The challenges that confront us in the humanitarian sphere are multifaceted.

“Nigeria faces crises triggered by conflicts, natural disasters, and displacement, each presenting unique complexities.

“Responding to these crises effectively requires a coordinated and unified approach, pooling the resources and expertise of various agencies and departments, and that is precisely what we both represent in our various rights”,  we will do better, we will give all the support you need. Air Marshal Hassan told the Minister.

By Emmanuel Daudu

…Expands Social Register to Cover Families, Widow, Poor Ex-military Men

Minister  of  Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has sought the collaboration of the Nigerian military in the management of humanitarian crises in the country.

According to Rasheed,  Olanrewaju Zubair, Special Adviser  On Media and Publicity,To Hon Minister MHAPA, in a press release signed on
04/09/23, the Minister made the request during a courtesy visit she paid on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa at the Defence Headquarters on Monday, in Abuja.

Edu said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is  committed to preventing and mitigating any humanitarian crises while responding to present issues appropriately, thus the need to improve security  and  reduce poverty.

The Minister said  insecurity increases humanitarian crises and poverty,saying there is a need for collaboration between her Ministry and the Military  in a bid  to prevent, mitigate, and reintegrate those affected back into the society.

She said there was a need for military support for humanitarian workers to provide services  to persons affected by humanitarian crises wherever they are and also protect displaced persons and refugees across the country.

“We also want to expand our social register and social database to accommodate military  persons that are either affected by war and injured or even killed, leaving their families behind.

“We need these data from the military so as to capture them under the social register and  can benefit from poverty alleviation programmes while touching lives in their millions. The President target is to see that Nigerians are brought  out of humanitarian crises and poverty in Nigeria, ” she said.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa said there is always a link between poverty and crime, and the military believes that once the Ministry succeeds, it makes their job easier and better.

“We assure the Minister of all the  support she needs, wherever they want to go, and whatever the logistics that need to be done, we are going to provide that.

” We are also happy that the barrack community will also be considered, which is critical. The troops’ morale will be high knowing that in case of any emergency, their families will also be considered in the poverty alleviation programs. I can assure you we will give you all the support and work together  to achieve success, ” General Musa stated.

I Will Support President Tinubu’s Agenda Using STI – New NASENI Boss

    …As He Resumes Office. Addresses Staff

The newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu said he would ensure that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is achieved through the deployment of Science, Technology and innovation (STI) in the economy.

According to Mr.Olusegun S. Ayeoyenikan, Director, Information & Protocol, in a press release signed today Monday, 4th September, 2023, Mr. Halilu made this statement while addressing the management and staff of the Agency shortly after his assumption of office as the EVC/CEO at NASENI Headquarters on Monday 4th September, 2023.

The new EVC/CEO, a tech-Expert and Entrepreneur was appointed to lead NASENI by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, replacing Dr. Bashir Gwandu.

While expatiating on his market driven approach to things, he said his administration would leverage on technology transfer and also not forgetting domestic, home-grown technology development which is the core mandate of NASENI. According to him, “the focus is for innovation, science and technology resource to serve Nigerians and to add value to the national economy.”

He added that the Agency would play critical roles in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic Agenda for the nation anchored on areas like Food Security, Ending Poverty, economic growth and Job Creation, creating Access to Capital through consumer credit, Inclusivity, Improving Security, Rule of Law and Fighting Corruption.

The new EVC/CEO said in the 21st century, there are immense opportunities for Nigeria to leapfrog in the areas of science, technology, engineering and innovation, even as he promised that NASENI during his tenure would play effectively those central roles through technology transfer revolution that is coming.

According to him, “Our duty here at NASENI will be to use our resources, our talents, our capacity, and our energy to drive economic development priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration, in line with the Act establishing this Agency. “As a preeminent Agency saddled with enormous responsibilities, NASENI with its development institutes and over 4,000 members of staff, is appropriately positioned to deliver on its mandate,” he said.

The new EVC/CEO who pleaded with the staff to put in their best, to work with full commitment and dedication, promised that in return, as EVC/CEO, that the welfare of all NASENI staff will be his priority. While promising an open-door policy for staff, he said he was willing to learn from all staff across the Agency, “I will be open and receptive to your ideas and contributions, and together we will renew NASENI”.

“We will make NASENI an employer of choice in the public sector, a place where people will be proud to contribute their quota to the success of the organization and to the overall development of our country, and where they will be treated with respect and dignity. Change is coming, and you are all going to be a part of it.” He said.

He continued, “We shall adopt, adapt and domesticate cutting-edge technologies, wherever we find it. We will build a pool of well-educated and talented personnel, support world-class research and development (R&Ds), and build partnerships and collaborations across Nigeria, Africa and the world.”

“We shall collaborate with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), at Federal and State levels, with the private sector, the international community, development partners and the media. In consultation with you, our staff, and our various partners, we will put together a detailed vision and plan of implementation that is built on the foundation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and priorities”, he affirmed.

While answering questions from the journalists, Mr. Halilu said that he was going to make a significant change by putting NASENI on the economic development map and most importantly churn out products that would increase the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, which is a priority now with the current economic crisis.

Highlighting his agenda as the EVC/CEO of the Agency, he said, “Number one thing we want to look at is the area of technology transfer, everyone is looking at Africa and there is no better chance than now. Other countries are competing to bring and exchange technologies especially with Africa”

“We cannot ignore our talents. We, Nigerians are amongst the best, doing things in different parts of the globe. We have to bring in all these wealth of experiences. We will ensure that we provide the environment and the necessary support to be able to achieve this mandate”, he added.

The new EVC/CEO was received by top management staff of the Agency, led by Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director Planning & Business Development, who guided him on tour of the Agency’s facilities. Mr Khalil held a maiden management meeting with the officials, who took turns to pledge their supports for him and also their desires to work for the good of NASENI and to create positive impacts on the economy. 

Mr. Halilu is an entrepreneur and technology expert who had excelled in business development, including managing successfully high-profile concerns both at local and international spheres.  He hails from Kano city, Kano state, Nigeria. He has held several positions in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.

He has a Master of Science (M.sc) degree in International Business and also B.Sc in Business Administration from University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom respectively.  He honed his skills in Data Science from John Hopkins, USA. He is an expert in Database Administration, Big Data and E-Commerce and Oracle Database Programing 10G.

Prior to this appointment as EVC/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil sits on the Boards and plays advisory roles in many successful companies like Kuming Power China Group, Nuli Foods Company, CGC Construction, Dantata Foods Ltd., Gongoni Company Ltd., Broadbased Connectivity Limited, Fata Tannery and Sudabelt Medical.

He was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ShapShap Technologies Ltd., OyaOya Strategic Services Ltd., Managing Director of KSH Construction & Design Ltd., Co-Founder/Director of KWNNC Paper Recycling as well as Prymo.ng. He was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Scirrocco International Ltd.; Director/COO of Africa Infotech Consulting; and Director of JIGS Environmental Services & Agro Allied Ltd.  He previously worked at ZCET Global Metering Company and W.J Bush and Co.

The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nasir Sani Gwarzo has been redeployed to the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs and has resumed after his handing over ceremony at the Ministry on Friday 1 September, 2023.

Gwarzo urged the Management team to extend the cooperation he enjoyed with the team to his colleague as he takes over the leadership of the Ministry.

Addressing the Staff, New Permanent Secretary, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, from Police Affairs Commission solicited the cooperation of the management and staff of the Ministry in actualizing its mandate.

He stressed the place of teamwork in enhancing the productivity of the Ministry, which will subsequently lead to an overall achievement of the Ministry’s mandate, saying hopefully with full cooperation of the staff, he can settle in quickly, and work will continue in earnest.

He expressed hope that the management and staff would work positively with him as a team, to support the Minister, to not only continue to actualize the mission and vision of this Ministry, but also, to ensure the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that his experience at the Ministry of Police Affairs Commission will enhance his leadership with the various humanitarian issues.

“The first time you’re seeing me I’m a stranger but subsequently I’m a familiar stranger. It seems that a sprinkler is your friend you do not know. So I have the potential of being a friend and I believe of coming to meet friends here, not only friends, but family members, the directors and get into the entire staff”.

“I am not oblivious of what lies ahead and that is a need for this ministry to take the lead in implementing the eight point agenda of Mr. president to restore hope to the hopeless and mr. president is the architect”.

He has come up with a drawing with the plans, we are the ones to interpret the plans and implement them accordingly. Which means the machinery of government that implements government policies, programmes and projects the task ahead of us is daunting, and we cannot afford to disappoint the people out there, he said.