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.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Military has been conducting successful operations against terrorists across the federation and perpetrators of oil theft.

According to Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, a total of 39 terrorists have been neutralized, 157 terrorists have been arrested, and 16 individuals involved in oil theft have also been apprehended.

Additionally, the military has rescued 109 kidnapped hostages and has taken action to prevent oil theft. These efforts demonstrate the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintaining security and combating criminal activities in the country.

He noted that troops recovered 55 assorted weapons and 96 assorted ammunition.

According to him, the breakdown as follows: 12 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, one HK21 gun, one FN rifle loaded with 5 rounds of NATO ammo, 2 Dane guns, 3 fabricated rifles, one fabricated pistol, 3 locally made pistols, 11 AK47 magazines, 71 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 22 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 rounds of 9mm ammo, one cartridge, one bandolier, 7 rounds 7.62mm special empty cases, 24 motorcycles, 13 mobile phones, 10 bicycles and the sum of Eight Hundred and Eighty One Thousand Seven Hundred Naira (N881,700.00).

The Director added that troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 71 dugout pits, 36 boats, 83 storage tanks, 5 vehicles, 4 motorcycles, 58 cooking ovens, 5 pumping machines, 3 generators,3 speedboats and 34 illegal refining sites.

Also, troops recovered 569,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 486,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 59,500 litres of PMS.

He said that “the military will continue to pursue aggressive military operations against violent extremist groups seeking to undermine the security of the country and conduct violence against the people.”

Accordingly, the Armed Forces remains focused on its core mission and would continually make adjustments along the way to better protect citizens, while isolating and annihilating those groups constituting a security nuisance to the country.

Meanwhile, a minute’s silence was observed for the Former Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko who died on the 26th of August, 2023 and other officers who lost their lives.

A public affairs analyst and commentator MacDaniel Mark has said the statement by Femi Fani Kayode about the coup in Gabon, a diversionary tactics.

Speaking recently Mark said “I find the statement by Femi Fani-Kayode about the coup detat in Gabon highly diversionary. He was deliberately and desperately trying to divert attention from his sins and those of his gang members at home. He spoke out of the fear of nemesis, but unfortunately for him, kama cannot be manipulated.
For the records, the coup in Gabon wasn’t against France as he would like to have it painted, but against corrupt and avaricious politicians that seek political power at all costs just to plunder their nations and impoverish the citizenry. The coup was against political thieves and mandate robbers like him who have brazenly desecrated the sacred altar of democracy across Africa in the name of their self-seeking ambition. It was against political charlatans, election riggers and economic saboteurs who have for long constituted the greatest bane to political stability and economic development in the continent of Africa. It was against a committee of political vultures like him who have for decades, been feeding fat on the bodies of the citizens they have slain through poverty, hunger and starvation. It was against a group of soulless and ruthless political knaves like him who rode their way to power on the wings of stolen mandate.
Who is Femi Fani-Kayode to talk about the unfolding events in Gabon while he and his henchmen back here in Nigeria represent the very repressive, corrupt, immoral and evil political gang that rigged their ways into power in the recently concluded presidential election? It was against his ilks the coup detat in Gabon took place and not against France as he would like to have people believe. It was against shameless political thugs like him. One wonders what would have become of him by now if he were in Gabon.
The force of truth once ignited by the right time and season is unstoppable, and it will continue to move with atomic impact until it totally reverses every seeming victory of falsehood. Fani-Kayode and his ilk should hide their faces in shame if they have any vestige of decency left in their egregiously battered reputation”.

A public affairs analyst and commentator MacDaniel Mark has said the statement by Femi Fani Kayode about the coup in Gabon, a diversionary tactics.

Speaking recently Mark said “I find the statement by Femi Fani-Kayode about the coup detat in Gabon highly diversionary. He was deliberately and desperately trying to divert attention from his sins and those of his gang members at home. He spoke out of the fear of nemesis, but unfortunately for him, kama cannot be manipulated.
For the records, the coup in Gabon wasn’t against France as he would like to have it painted, but against corrupt and avaricious politicians that seek political power at all costs just to plunder their nations and impoverish the citizenry. The coup was against political thieves and mandate robbers like him who have brazenly desecrated the sacred altar of democracy across Africa in the name of their self-seeking ambition. It was against political charlatans, election riggers and economic saboteurs who have for long constituted the greatest bane to political stability and economic development in the continent of Africa. It was against a committee of political vultures like him who have for decades, been feeding fat on the bodies of the citizens they have slain through poverty, hunger and starvation. It was against a group of soulless and ruthless political knaves like him who rode their way to power on the wings of stolen mandate.
Who is Femi Fani-Kayode to talk about the unfolding events in Gabon while he and his henchmen back here in Nigeria represent the very repressive, corrupt, immoral and evil political gang that rigged their ways into power in the recently concluded presidential election? It was against his ilks the coup detat in Gabon took place and not against France as he would like to have people believe. It was against shameless political thugs like him. One wonders what would have become of him by now if he were in Gabon.
The force of truth once ignited by the right time and season is unstoppable, and it will continue to move with atomic impact until it totally reverses every seeming victory of falsehood. Fani-Kayode and his ilk should hide their faces in shame if they have any vestige of decency left in their egregiously battered reputation”.

The Nigerian Youth Congress has called on the leadership of Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to as a matter of urgency purge her staff in kogi state, to rekindle the confidence of the electorate in the system.

Similarly, Prof. S. Muhammad Adam, SAN, the Supervising National Commissioner should be advised not to further allow the influence of his marriage to a lady from Kogi State, with the trust bestowed on him by President and Nigeria people at large.

to supervise elections in the state. The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) believes that this could compromise his objectivity and impartiality in carrying out his duties.

The NYC’s call for an overhaul of INEC in Kogi State stems from concerns about the credibility and integrity of the electoral process in the state. They argue that the current staff in INEC Kogi State may have been compromised or influenced by external factors, leading to a lack of trust among the electorate.

By purging the staff and implementing new measures, the NYC hopes to restore confidence in the electoral system and ensure that future elections in Kogi State are free, fair, and transparent. They believe that this is crucial for the overall democratic process in Nigeria.

Regarding Prof. S. Muhammad Adam, the NYC raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to his marriage to a lady from Kogi State. They suggest that this personal connection may compromise his ability to carry out his supervisory role objectively. The NYC advises him to distance himself from any decisions or actions that could be influenced by this relationship.

It’s important to note that the information provided is based on a hypothetical situation you presented, and I don’t have specific knowledge of any recent developments or events beyond my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. Therefore, it’s advisable to refer to the latest news and official statements for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the matter.

The NYC said, the call became necessary to forestall the pitfall of some of its staff in the conduct of November 16, 2019 kogi state gubernatorial election, and Presidential National Assembly and state elections of February 25, 2023 and March 25,2023 respectively.
In a press release made available to journalists in Lokoja on Friday, the spokesperson of the Youth group Comrade Alfa Ebune described the outcome of the elections in kogi state as the worst in the history of elections in the country.
The statement decried the continued retention of those  officials in the state identified to have compromised their integrity in those elections.

He commended the former National Chairman, Professor Atahiru Jega, for the introduction of NYSC members as polling unit officials, Members of Academic staff of tertiary institutions as collation/returning officers as well as its permanent staff as Returning and Collation officers, saying the policy  gave credibility to the elections.
The statement disclosed  that not less than ten staff were redeployed to other states due to public outcry,  wondered why majority of her staff at the local Government Councils who are  the  principal executors of the elections were let unattended to in spite of the public outcry demanding for their transfer on account of suspected high level abuse of office particularly:   Sani Wase, Emmanuel Ihunga, Joy Allah, Grace Abalaka and Raliat Mohammed that reasons for their retention appears strange! hiding under marriage as indigene is not an excuse after all other married men from other states are also here.  No matter how hard the Commission tries to convince the people of its ability to conduct free, fair and credible November 11 governorship election involvement of these Electoral Officers will not guarantee the desired results.
He applauded the courage of the National Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu for his courage in  transferring the erstwhile Administrative Secretary who was believed to have been neck deep in malfeasance.
The statement urged the management to totally clean the remaining bad eggs, known as   “Chips Of the Old Block.” who were not affected by the  recent purge.
According to the statement,” The impression created by the former  Administrative Secretary, Engr. Tanko is the fact that the Resident Electoral Commissioner,Dr. Hale Longpet was the architect behind most of the notorious activities of the Commission in Kogi State, but our investigation revealed that the REC was completely not in the picture of the whole issues.  Rather, it was the Administrative Secretary who was actually the brain behind the atrocities of the Commission against free, fair credible and transparent election, and was the Commission’s wolf in cheap clothing.  

“Now that the arrow heads are gone, we humbly demand that all the left behind Electoral Officers who  participated in 2015 General and off-season Elections to date should be drop immediately and should be made to fully step aside from any involvement in the forthcoming  November 11, 2023, due to loss of confidence” He demanded.

While assuring the electorate that a free fair and credible election is still possible under  Dr. Hale Longpet administration , urged him to  prove his worth by putting round pegs  in  round holes and to maintain high level neutrality through out the electioneering process

The federal Government of Nigeria is set to cover no fewer than fifteen million households under its  updated social safety net project tagged “Conditional Cash Transfer” CCT.

Rhoda Ishaku Iliya,
Deputy Director, Information, FMHAPA, disclosed this in a press release she signed on Thursday 31st August, 2023.

According to the statement, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, made this known when  she met  the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri at the bank ‘s headquarters in Abuja.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the World bank Country Director for the continuous support  extended to Nigeria especially in the areas of Education, health, agriculture, private sector development, social services among others.

Edu reminded the world bank team of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that led to the renaming  the Ministry to Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to directly focus on the people and lift  them out of poverty.

“The flexibility of World Bank to accommodate the re-focused agenda of the Ministry to eliminate poverty is a welcome development.

“The  Ministry is  preparing to host the Humanitarian Dialogue as well as creation of the Renewed Hope Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund (HPATF).

“The Trust Fund is expected to come from fFederal Government budgetary provision and allocation, Development partners, international community, taxes, private sector contribution among others.

“The Ministry need  the support of World bank to verify and expand the National Social Register (NSR).and  offer your technical support in order to work with the Ministry to achieve Mr President’s target” she stated.

Speaking on the visit,the world Bank Country Director,Mr Shubham Chaudhuri, pledged to provide all the needed support for the new Minister to deliver on the new focus of the Ministry.

“The proposed disbursement of $800M for the Social Safety Nets Project will commence soonest.

“We will support the verification and scaling up of the National Social Register, provide technical support in the preparation of the Ministry to attend UNGA and give specialized backing for the establishment of the Trust Fund”

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has solicited the support of the Bill and Millanda Gates Foundation to address humanitarian crisis and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.

According to Rhoda Ishaku Iliya, Deputy Director Information, FMHAPA in a press release she signed on the 31st August, 2023, the Minister made the call when she received a delegation from the foundation in her office in Abuja.

According to the Minister, Nigeria has 16 million people facing humanitarian crisis caused by natural and man-made disasters, insecurity and flooding.

This is in addition to refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.

The Minister therefore, called for partnership with development partners, donor bodies and the private sector to get people out of humanitarian crisis and poverty in line with the federal government agenda.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to alleviating poverty  in Nigeria in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 1,2 and 3 of the 2030 target. Our ministry is working assiduously to implement the presidential directive and we cannot do it alone without partners like you.

“ Please linkup  this  Ministry to other strategic partners that  could support the country’s  fight against poverty in Nigeria” she added.

The Country Director, Bill&Millanda Gates Foundation, Jeremie Zoungrana, pledged the foundation’s willingness to partner with the Ministry and assured that it will use its wide contact to link up the ministry with strategic partners in specific areas to eradicate poverty in Nigeria.

By Emmanuel Daudu

Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, paid a visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and was received by the Director General, Prof Mansur Bako Matazu. During his visit, the Minister was given a tour of some important facilities of the Agency.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is responsible for providing meteorological services, weather forecasting, and climate information to support various sectors such as aviation, agriculture, water resources, and disaster management in Nigeria. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of aviation operations, as weather conditions have a significant impact on flight operations.

By visiting the NiMet headquarters and touring key facilities, Minister Festus Keyamo likely aimed to familiarize himself with the Agency’s operations, infrastructure, and capabilities. This firsthand experience and interaction with the Director General and staff can help the Minister gain insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field of meteorology and how it relates to aviation and aerospace development in Nigeria.

Such visits by government officials to relevant agencies are common and can contribute to a better understanding of the industry, promote collaboration, and provide a platform for discussing policy matters and potential improvements in the sector.

As part of the tour, the Minister visited the Central Forecast Office (CFO), where he was briefed on how data is generated, transmitted, and translated to forecasts and other products.

The Minister also visited the Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) Unit as well as the state -of – the -arts weather studio, where he presented an update on today’s weather.
In his remarks after the tour, the Minister, who was impressed by the size and process of operations in NiMet noted “the operations of NiMet are so massive and I am impressed by what I have seen in NiMet, I am impressed by their operations and one can only wish them well”, he said.