Africa Security Investigation News

By Raychel Omaga

The UN-Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria and Life Member, International Chartered World Learned Society, ICWLS, USA, Dr. Raymond Edoh, JP, has congratulated Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of Interior, Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, Minister of Works, David Umahi, Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu on their ministerial appointment, says they would deliver beyond everyone’s imagination.

The UN-Habitat Ambassador in a congratulatory message he signed on Monday and made available to journalists by his Executive Media Assistant, Emmanuel Daudu, harped on the capacity of the ministers pointing out that going by precedence, the ministers have served the country in various capacities and their ability to deliver on their mandates wouldn’t be a challenge.

The message reads in parts, “The meritorious appointments of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of Interior, Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, Minister of Works, David Umahi, Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu as a significant step towards bringing about positive change in the country. These individuals, with their expertise and qualifications, will make a difference in their respective areas of responsibility and contribute to the nation’s progress.

“Their appointments would bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and effective leadership to the helm of affairs. The individuals chosen for these positions possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to tackle the challenges facing their ministries.

“Without missing words, they will prioritize the country’s development, address pressing issues, and implement policies and initiatives that will improve the lives of the citizens. The expectation is that they will work diligently, transparently, and with a strong sense of accountability to fulfill their national assignments.

“It is important to note that the success of these appointments relies not only on the capability and dedication of the individuals but also on the support they receive from the governmental system, civil servants, and the Nigerian people as a whole. Collaboration, effective governance, and the commitment to serving the nation’s interests will be crucial in achieving the desired acrobatic change that Nigerians anticipate.

“Sure, there is optimism surrounding the capacity and capability of the appointed ministers. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s confidence in their abilities is definitely a positive sign. Encouraging the youth to support these ministers is an important step towards fostering collaboration and inclusiveness in governance.

“Having ministers who are youth-accommodating and friendly can be beneficial in addressing the concerns and aspirations of young people. It is essential that the ministers create an environment where the youth can actively participate in decision-making processes and contribute their valuable insights and perspectives. By being accessible, open-minded, and receptive to the needs of the younger generation, the ministers can build trust and engage the youth in constructive dialogue.

“Furthermore, youth-friendly policies and initiatives should be prioritized to address the unique challenges faced by young people, such as unemployment, education, and social empowerment. Investing in youth development programs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and skills training can provide the necessary support for young individuals to thrive and contribute to the nation’s progress.

“Overall, fostering a positive relationship between the appointed ministers and the youth is crucial for effective governance and long-term development. With collaborative efforts, inclusive policies, and open communication, it is possible to create an environment where the voices and aspirations of the youth are heard and valued.

“The call for ministers to uphold the trust of the Nigerian people and prioritize the interest of the masses in their official duties is an important one. Public officials have a responsibility to act in the best interest of the citizens they serve and to promote the growth and unity of the nation.

“By doing the right thing, ministers are expected to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and integrity in their actions. They should make decisions that are based on the welfare of the people, ensuring that policies and initiatives are designed to benefit the broader population. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and job creation.

“Furthermore, ministers should be mindful of the diverse needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people. They should engage in inclusive governance, seeking input from different segments of society and considering the perspectives of marginalized groups. By fostering unity and inclusiveness, ministers can contribute to a stronger and more cohesive nation.

“It is crucial for ministers to be diligent and dedicated in their roles, taking their responsibilities seriously and working towards the betterment of the country. This involves being proactive, responsive, and accountable to the people they serve. Regular evaluation and monitoring of their performance can help ensure that they are meeting the expectations of the Nigerian people and fulfilling their duties effectively,” Edoh added.

Earlier, Dr. Raymond Edoh lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his resilience in making Nigeria a better place, pointing out that the Nigerian youths are solidly behind him and his renewed hope agenda.
Similarly, he assured Tinubu of his persistent support in his administration as he pleaded loyalty.

……As ICWLS Boss Commends Groups On Invitation, Harps On Inter-faith Harmony For Peaceful Co-existence In The Country.

…….. VC CUICI, USA To Attend Event With First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Dame Patience Jonathan Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Dein Of Agbor Kingdom,  Others In Lagos.

UNESCO Laureate & ice-Chancellor, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc in USA, which is Teaching and Research Hospital Campuses located in Santa Cruz Province in Argentina, Brazil South America and Spain with official partners constituents Campuses at government regulated Universities world wide and online operation Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, has lauded the efforts of stakeholders on building religious tolerance, Inter-faith harmony as Oyo State Government, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a faith based organization called Christian Youths In Politics (CYP) invites a Muslim faithful and World renowned Professor of Computer Science, Information And Communication Technology, to attend the forthcoming 2023 Int’l Peace Conference in Lagos to foster peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

In a statement today being on Wednesday, August 30, 2023,  personally sighed by  Prof  Sir Bashiru Aremu which was made available to some group of Journalists in Asaba, Delta State capital by  UNESCO Laureate’s Executive Assistance On Media, Publicity & Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike as CUICI VC Commends groups on excellent Initiatives for a united Nigeria.

Prof Aremu, Osun State born global educator, The Global Professor with Five Stars from Europe, The Holder of UNESCO Prize in Science and Technology with specialization in Creativity and Intellectualism as a World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor and  is also His Royal Highness (HRH) Duke Of The Kingdom Of Atlantis In Singapore World Grand President, International Chartered World Learned Society, ICWLS. He commended CYP Religion International and  other collaborators for the all embracing contents, contexts of the 2023 Int’l Peace Conference to be anchored on the theme: “A Salute To Peaceful Co-existence In The County”.

UNESCO Laureate noted that the  groups’ recognition, invitation of stakeholders from the three major religions in Nigeria: Christian, Muslim and Traditional Institution depict hope for a new Nigeria towards chatting a new course which he said will engender inclusivity, equality, and fairness amongst all faiths as well as promote a robust peaceful coexistence for us Nigerians, Africans and  humanity to  live together in harmony as brothers and sisters in the country and the world at large.

Prof Aremu while enjoining all  stakeholders across faiths in the country; Christians, Muslims and Traditional Worshippers to work together to promote National cohesion, peaceful coexistence in the country Commended Support of Oyo State Government, Christian Association of Nigeria, Christian Youths In Politics (CYP) Religion Connect International on invitation and  recognition of other critical stakeholders in the country for attendance.

Those critical stakeholders and top dignitaries from Nigeria, Africa and the  rest of the world to grace the event by 9:00am prompt at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria on October 28, 2023 included amongst others are:  CAN President, Archbishop Daniel C. Okon, Ooni of Ife, Former Emir of Kano and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Kalhlifa Sanusi II The Spiritual Leader of Tijanniyah Sufi Order of Nigeria, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Others are: Dein Of Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke, His Royal Majesty, Chief Ifayemi Eleburu Ifa Priest and Autho ibon, Osundagbonu, Dr. Micheal Tchidime, High Chief Ifasegun Openoluwa Elegushi to mention but a few.

Following a detailed and rigorous quality management audit, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has acquired the recertification of the International Standard Organization ISO 9001:2015 and the International Standard Organization ISO 29990:2010 for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services and capacity building at Yr Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Lagos and MBMIST in Katsina respectively.

The Director General /CEO of NIMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu disclosed this earlier today in his office.
Speaking Prof. Matazu explained ” We took the challenge as far back as 2013 and we have been maintaining this 3-year certificate and we just acquired recertification of ISO 9001:2015 for aeronautical meteorological services in the six major international airports in the country. We are working hard to extend it to 10 more airports across the country.”
On recertification for capacity training, the DG said ” We have also acquired another recertification for ISO 29990:2010 for training. Remember NiMet runs two training institutes like polytechnics, one in Lagos the RTC, which is a World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) accredited training centre  and we also have the Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MBMIST), which is accredited by the National Board for Technical Education ( NBTE) as a training centre in Katsina and offers Diploma. So we have acquired ISO 29990:2010 for training on all aspects of meteorology, applied meteorology including climate change”, he explained.

NiMet is the first met service on the African continent to have acquired this certification. Presently the Agency is serving as an auditor for some African countries like Malawi, and Gambia. It is of note that NiMet has also been approached by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to assist and guide them in acquiring this certification.

According to Prof. Matazu, the implication of this recertification is like the stamp of standardization of service delivery by an international organization and gives a guarantee of the precision and efficiency of NiMe’s products and services.

Prof Matazu revealed that his Agency is exposing its operations to quality management systems and even transforming to Safety Management Systems (SMS) across all its operations in the country.

He assured that NiMet is striving to do more and is open to assisting other MDAs of government to pass through this process.

By Omojo Jenefer

Youth And Civil Society Coalition For Development (YCSCD), Jigawa State Chapter has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a youth leader who has contributed immensely to secure the victory of Bola Ahemed Tinubu in Jigawa State and other states in the country.

The youth leader, Comr. Abdurrashid Ali Zareku made this known in a press statement he signed on Monday and made available to Africa Security Investigation News.

The statement which reads in parts, “Considering the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a grassroots and experienced politician whose political wings cover all components of the country and of course, a politician who knows the value of voters no matter the end contribution given to him, we the youth in Jigawa are craving for the youth’s minister seat yet to be occupied.
As the seat of the Nigerian Minister of Youth remains unoccupied, we urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the tremendous contribution of Jigawa Youths to his success at the poll during his Election.

“Jigawa State was able to maintain both Presidential and Gubernatorial seats for the APC during the elections, and that was not without the resolve and hard work of the youth in the state.
Hence, we see the need to have, from us, the Minister for Youth, preferably our own, the youth political commander who led us in the campaign and electioneering war to success in the person of Comrade Aminu Aminu, the National Coordinator Grassroot Mobilization for Asiwaju (GMA 2023), which is the only coordinating body that immediately after seeking the blessings of the current Minister of Defence, the then Governor of the State and Regional Coordinator Tinubu/Shettima of the 19 Northern States, sworn into Actions by Mobilizing, promising young, vibrant, energetic and talented youth to support and rally round Asiwaju and Shettima across the 19 Northern States until victory was achieved.

“This includes those young politicians who do not even support APC, these and many other efforts were made with the notice of all of the Security Agencies such as, Police, DSS, NCSCD, and the Immigration Service among others.
These security agencies are fully aware of Comrade Aminu Aminu’s tremendous contributions before, during and after the 2023 elections.

“Using his experience as the Former National President National Association of Jigawa State Students NAJISS 2004, the most popular NANS Presidential Aspirant in 2007/2008, Youths’ Leader and Coordinating Officer PDP Presidential Campaign Council Goodluck/Sambo 2015 under the leadership of Abdullahi Maibasira, acted as Secretary Jigawa State Buhari/Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Directorate led by its Director, Senator Tony Nwonye.

“Additionally, During the 2023 election Campaign, Comrade Aminu Aminu worked under Four current ministers whom he believed would assist the Government in delivering excellent governance to Nigerians.

These ministers include;

1. H.E Muhammad Badaru
   Abubakar MON, Mni, Grand Patron (GMA 2023), Honorable Minister of Defence
2. Imaan Suleman Ibrahim (ICC Special Duties), Honorable Minister of State Police Affairs.
3. Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo (PCC Youth Mobilization Committee), Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.
   Dr Mariya Muhammad, Honourable Minister of State FCT.

“He further Served in Seven (7) different Presidential Campaign Council Committees at the National, Zonal and State levels. Aminu did not lobby for any of the Committees to be coopted, rather he has been identified based on his hard work, commitment, resilience, dedication, honesty and transparency in political struggles.

“After he was convinced to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aminu Aminu wrote a book entitled: “101 Fundamental Reasons for Supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu” which was submitted to the Coordinator of the 19 Northern States Muhammad Badaru, the current Minister of Defence. Aminu worked with the hitherto Secretary of Data/Management Committee, APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC 2023), Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, Director General National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA and with the support of the first daughter of the President, Folashade, the former Governor of Jigawa State and the current Governor Malam Umar Namadi, Aminu Aminu with his team of Professionals and experienced former NANS Leaders at various capacity stormed every nook and cranny of Jigawa state and solicited for the supports of the people in the State for Tinubu/Shettima and Danmodi/Roller as President, Vice-President and Governor, Deputy Governor respectively in the 2023 general elections.

“After sinking his resources by providing a befitting Regional Office of the 19 Northern States in Dutse, the Capital of Jigawa state, which was commissioned for use by the current Jigawa Governor Malam Umar Namadi, Aminu went ahead and sponsored the training of over 5,000 Women in various fields trade such as make-up, cooking, tailoring among many others

“He also did the renovation of mosques, helped the needy etc.
Aminu further Sacrificed his cars for the campaign rallies within and outside the State.

“Your Excellency Sir, had you been aware of the calibre of the political environment Aminu was able to survive, and the risks he undertook, you would surely have encouraged this young man by rewarding his loyalty, steadfastness and massive political contributions to the overall success of the APC in Jigawa and beyond, with the Minister of Youth to fill the remaining ministerial vacancy.

“We urge President Tinubu to consider the young politician, Comrade Aminu Aminu, who hailed from Sara Town of Gwaram Local Government area, the most Populated Local government in Jigawa State the minister of youth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This will no doubt, rekindle our hope and strengthen the belief we long held that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a grass-root politician.

“It will similarly serve as an energy booster to the Nigerian Youth, taking into cognizance, the unprecedented attachment of the gentleman (Comrade Aminu Aminu) to the Nigerian youth.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the newly appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has been advised to beam a searchlight on the activities of some of the top official of the Federal Capital Territory if they are still desirous in attracting Nigerians in Diaspora to invest in the country particularly in the Capital Territory.

This was the assertion of two aggrieved Nigerians, Otumba Olusegun Olarewanju, CEO platinum parking management, and Iliyasu Abdu, the MD/CEO Integrated Parking Managers who claimed to be the owners and initiators of the recently reintroduced Abuja Park and pay project but were unceremoniously pushed aside in the new arrangement by the Adesola Olusade led leadership of the Federal Capital Territory.

Our correspondent was reliably informed that the immediate past Minister had advised the Permanent Secretary when he was handing over to ensure that the two pioneer companies be given first right of refusal to avoid injustice before awarding the project in order not to exhibit the attitude of impunity thereby causing further anarchy.

But no sooner had the former minister handed over to the Permanent Secretary and his senior civil servant colleagues, they took advantage and was said to have quickly rushed to bring their proxies to snatch the idea and concepts of the original initiators who deserve first right of refusal.

Recall also that there is still a subsisting court judgment mandating FCTA to pay the damage as penalty for illegally truncating the two companies that suffered severe lost of fund due to the abrupt disengagement of the two companies.

Meanwhile, narrating their ordeal in the hands of these top FCTA officials they explained how they were brought back to the country by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, and how they put all the structure for the On- street parking management in place.

“At the onset of democracy in 1999, the then President Olusegun Obasanjor invited people in Diaspora when we tried to romance with his government. He said we should come back home, bring all our ideas, and come and invest in the country. This gingered us to come back home, and looking at the esthetics, the design, and the road network of Abuja, we came on board that we could do ‘On street Parking management’ on the streets of Abuja in other to generate revenue for the FCT and also to create massive employment for the teaming youths of Nigeria. And we also had it in mind that one day the influx of vehicular movement in Abuja city will be uncontrollable. So, in other to have a plan in place was what necessitated us coming up with ‘On street parking’ project in the street of Abuja.

“And we came with everything, we came with all our technical partners, we set it up, we did everything, and we tendered for the project. The FCT Minister later set up a technical committee to look into the proposal and here we are, we signed an agreement with them in 2010. When we started we put the entire infrastructure in place, all the street infrastructure we put in place, synergies or what have you. We did all the line marking in all the roads of Abuja. I and my PPMS went back abroad and brought technical partners to set up all these infrastructures. We engaged thousands of Nigerians. My company engaged over four hundred and fifty of direct and indirect labour to start the project, same with my friend. We brought state-of-the-art applications to manage the projects and start setting everything up, until one day we saw two companies that took over the street of Abuja saying the Minister said they should drive us away from the streets.

“And then these people took over the streets, and then mayhem started; chaos, and pandemonium on the streets of Abuja. This was what led to Justice Peter Afe to place a suspension on the project abi nitio, because people sued us to court, they sued one of the illegal operators in court. And when they suspended us they told FCT to go and get a proper traffic law to support the project,” Otumba Olarewanju said.

On what really is their demand from the Federal Capital Territory Authorities leadership, the second partner, Iliyasu said, “Our demand is that first and foremost our original spots, which mine was zone A should be given back to me while PPMS is their zone B. Our next demand is that our arbitration judiciary award should be paid because we have debtors on our neck, most of the money we used in rolling out; this is almost ten years now. The money has not been serviced, debtors are on our neck. So, we needed money to pay them, and the remaining one we can reinvest back on the street of Abuja.

“This is because as pioneers, and in the agreement we had with FCDA we have the right of first refusal. It’s in the agreement, and that agreement has been certified by a court of competent jurisdiction, so our agreement is valid and subsisting and anything contrary to that is against the law. And number two, the arbitrary award is a legal thing that nobody can wish away except the court of competent jurisdiction. Since they have gone to the High Court, the high court could not set it aside; the Court of Appeal court did not set it aside, and even the Supreme Court will not set it aside because arbitration has a time limit. If you cannot do anything within those ninety days that means it’s only God that can intervene,” he stated.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The safety of the Nigerian air space has received a boost as the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian airspace management agency (NAMA) in line with their inter-agency collaboration agenda today in Abuja entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement and renewed partnership to promote air safety.

According to the Senior Public Affairs Officer, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Olakangudu Olayinka Yusuf, in a press release he signed on Tuesday and made available to Africa Security Investigation News, disclosed that the main purpose of the agreement was to consolidate the existing relationship between NSIB and NAMA on the exchange of information, and data sharing during occurrences, among others, that can help in the quality and timeliness of investigation of air mishaps in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO Annex 13 and 19 of the 1994 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Olakangudu said the MoU was the flexibility in all transactions with the mutual agreement of both agencies, upholding the values of cooperation, honesty, mutual respect, openness, and professionalism.

NSIB and NAMA while signing the deal noted that though the MoU is not legally binding, but the two agencies however agreed to perform their respective functions in a manner consistent with the values and principles of the agreement.

The signing of the agreement, which took place at the NSIB Abuja headquarters had the Bureau Director General, Engr. Akin Olateru signed on behalf of NSIB, while NAMA Managing Director/ CEO Engr. Odunowo Tayib Mohammed, put pen on paper for his Agency.

The NSIB recently signed a MoU with Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on cooperation during emergencies even as the agency has signed similar agreements with various agencies and institutions within and outside the country.
Said Olateru, “Collaboration remains the centre point of our drive towards enthroning safety in the aviation industry. We remain committed to promoting safety in the aviation industry to the point of attaining and maintaining zero accidents.”
He added: “We, however, cannot do it alone. That is why we have chosen the path of collaboration with agencies and institutions with similar objectives.”

He commended NAMA management for rising to the occasion by signing the agreement.