NSCDC Boss Celebrates UN peace Day, calls for Security Alertness

By Emmanuel Daudu

The CG NSCDC, Abubakar Ahmed Audi, P.hD, mni, OFR has wished all peace loving Nigerians a peaceful celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace.

According to a statement made available to journalists by CSC Babawale Afolabi,
Corps’ PRO NSCDC, NHQ., Abuja on Thursday disclosed that the CG pointed out that
Nigeria as a nation can actualize its enormous potentials as a great nation that it is, when the culture of peace and peaceful coexistence is imbibed by all an sundry.

“As the world celebrates on this day; commemorating The International Day of Peace- a day established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly which was two decades later unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of “non-violence and cease-fire” by the UN General Assembly.

The main significance of celebrating the International Day of Peace Day or World Peace Day is to foster a culture of peace and non-violence across global communities. It creates awareness among people about the disastrous effects of conflicts, wars, and violence, thereby encouraging them to adopt cease-fire initiatives and is celebrated on this day 21st September every where.

This year’s celebration has its theme as; “ACTION FOR PEACE: OUR AMBITION FOR THE GLOBAL GOALS”.

The corps across formations is marking this day with series of activities driven at enhancing peace, tolerance and non-violence approach to all conflict situations.

The commandant General admonishes the entire country and Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and peace that will give room for a win-win situation and enhance the prosperity of Nigeria.

He equally calls on all peace practitioners to continue to raise awareness on the devastating effects of violent conflict and encourage dialogue which is the only proven path to peace bearing in mind that; “Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice.”

NSCDC CG Hosts Katsina State Governor, Assures Heightened Security In The State

The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, says the Corps will continue to ensure security of lives and protection of critical national assets and Infrastructure in Katsina state.

According to CSC Babawale Afolabi, National PRO, NSCDC NHQ, Abuja, the Commandant General gave the assurance when he played host to the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, on Wednesday evening at the Corps’ National Headquarters, Abuja.

He said that effective security is sacrosanct to the Corps and strategies are constantly being deployed to ensure that criminality is reduced drastically.

He assured the Governor and the good people of Katsina state of the Corps’ commitment to curbing insecurity by employing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to achieving results.

“I understand that Katsina State has experienced some bandit attacks in the last couple of years.

“Its vulnerability which is partly due to its big size and geographical location as a state bordering other states in the North and the Niger Republic is of great concern.

“But be rest assured that with the ongoing recruitment in the Corps, more men would be deployed to Katsina to strengthen security in the state,” the CG hinted.

He reiterates that insecurity in the country took an asymmetric form almost two decades ago and it must not be allowed to spread further.

The Corps helmsman called on State Governors who are the chief security officers of their various states to adopt more robust and inclusive approaches in stepping up security.

According to Dr Audi, state governments have greater roles to play in providing maximum support that will help in curbing attacks and criminalities in states.

“Sometimes, these bandits come out from their hiding, hit a target, and run back to hiding; leaving a devastating effect on both lives and property.

“We have our Special Forces and with scientific collaborations with other security agencies, the attacks will come to an end very soon.

“No single agency can tackle insecurity, hence, the need for a more inclusive operational strategy to end the menace,” CG said.

The CG commended the Governor for the proactive steps taken in the right direction to secure his people and assured of the Corps’ readiness to collaborate effectively with Katsina State Government in the fight against banditry, vandalism, and economic sabotage in the state.

Responding, the Katsina State Governor stated that his visit was to further solidify the existing cordial relationship between the Corps and the Katsina State Government.

“You have been very supportive in addressing the issues of insecurity disturbing our people.

“Katsina is one of the states suffering from bandit attacks and other forms of criminalities.

“I have therefore come to solicit for more cooperation and to see how we can collaborate in bringing peace to our state,” he said.

The Governor lamented the inadequate number of personnel across security services which has impeded the expected success in the fight against insecurity.

He explained that the state has trained and engaged the service of about one thousand five hundred (1,500) indigenes to assist the conventional security agencies in the state.

“I believe with the engagement of the locals in the form of civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), combined with the conventional security, we will go a long way in combating insecurity and reduce it to the barest minimum,” the Governor said.

NOGASA calls FG attention over incessant increase of diesel price

The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers’ Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) has raised alarm on the incessant increases in the price of AGO in the market.


The National President of NOGASA -Benneth korie who made this known in a press Statement in Abuja, said that- the rapid increases in prices have made it difficult for suppliers to access product and loans from commercial banks for doing their business.

This rising prices are also evidently causing veritable hardships haulege transportation and commuters alike.

He therefore called on Government to intervene before it will kills the sector and derails the anticipated growth, it is working towards achieving- as this will be counter productive to the aspirations of our over all national political economy.

The National President stated that the meeting of the association slated in October will take adequate steps towards finding lasting solutions to the problem.

NOGASA, he added is worried about the ugly development and is trying to understand why prices of Diesel are going as high as N950 to N1100 per litre as today in the market with a view to moderating the prices and shocks in the economy.
However, the price of crude oil as at today is 95 dollar per barell and doller exchange is racing towards #1000 per dollar. Consequently, the Nigeria refineries should be given emergency attention by government to forestall the nose diving of the economy.

The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria has been playing a pivotal role in the oil and gas industry and will continue to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of products to Nigerians.
He said “We will continue to deliver on our mandate as we make progress in the oil and Gas Industry.

NOGASA, a premiere organisation of legitimate, organised and proficient suppliers, dealers, stakeholders and practitioners in the nation’s oil and gas sector distribution chain will continue to provide quality services for all.

He advise that suppliers should go about their respective business untill proper resolution will be taken at the meeting.

United Nations Partners FG On  Durable Solutions To Humanitarian Crises In Nigeria

By Emmanuel Daudu

The United Nations says it welcomes the federal government’s positions on a coordinated approach to handling humanitarian crises in Nigeria.

The UN describes the approach as the best way to find durable solutions to the multi-dimensional humanitarian challenges facing the country,  saying it will partner with the federal government in that regard.

According to Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA, in a press release made available to journalists on Monday,
A UN Team led by the Special Adviser to the United Nations  Secretary-General on solutions to internal displacement, Mr. Robert Piper,  made this known when he visited the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu in her office.

Piper who was joined at the meeting by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale said only durable solutions can bring quick coordinated results.

He commended the Minister for starting well by visiting areas with major humanitarian needs and pledged the UN’s support for Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce humanitarian and Poverty crises in the country.

According to Piper, his mission in Nigeria was to follow the UN Secretary General’s action agenda on internal displacement and to renew the assurances of the UN in supporting Nigeria in her areas of  Humanitarian needs.

He was full of praise for Dr. Edu for her achievements within just three weeks of assuming office as Minister.

“Honourable Minister,  you have worked so hard in just three weeks; given what we have seen you doing, it looks as if you have been in the office for a  long time, please keep it up”, Piper said.

Responding, the Minister thanked the UN team for the visit and kind words. She however opined that operating in silo by different UN agencies would not bring desired humanitarian response results despite their efforts. “We must face reality, when humanitarian crises occur, the temptation is to offer emergency response only hoping the will be resolved quickly and people will go back home. however, the reality on ground is that people in their millions are displaced for many years. Some 10 years, some even a life time. So instead of building “ waterproof” Tarpaulin make shift huts that can’t stand even 6 months amongst other temporal solutions, let’s offer more durable solutions that can resettle people in their new locality and set them on a path of economic prosperity again.”

“There is a need for a coordinated approach in line with the government’s vision. humanitarian crisis are big challenges, I just returned from Niger and I have been to Borno, the challenges there are huge. Benue is even more pressing, more needs to be done to support Nigeria.

“Development Partners should stop building tarpaulins for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and provide them with  durable homes, finding durable solutions to the problem of resettlement, improve their livelihood and provide  means  of economic survival for them in collaboration with the federal and state governments”

Edu said the  Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was beginning to be felt by the IDPs in Nigeria and expressed optimism that with the approval of the Humanitarian Trust Fund, through Budget provision, Special allocation, tax, Development partners support and private sector support, humanitarian crisis and Poverty in Nigeria would soon be things of the past.

She explained that the  Federal  government’s work plan on humanitarian responses will trickle down to states to provide  durable solutions and not just hand out of food and other materials to the IDPs

“The President will also be discussing this at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “It’s time to provide durable solutions to Humanitarian crises and poverty in Nigeria” she added.

Present at the high level meeting was the permanent Secretary of the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and poverty Alleviation Mr Abel Enitan.

MINILS Confers Fellowship on Danbatta for Empowering National Workforce

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS) has decorated the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, with the award of Fellowship of the Nigeria Institute of Labour (NIL) under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.


According to Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs, in a press release he signed on September 15, 2023, the conferment ceremony in Abuja recently, which was part of the series of events marking the 40 Anniversary/Founders Day of the Institute, the Director-General of the Institute, Isa Aremu, said Danbatta was being recognised for his exemplary contributions and that of his team to the betterment of the Commission and national workforce.

Alongside Danbatta, the Director, Human Capital and Administration of the Commission, Usman Malah, who is driving the effectiveness of the workforce at NCC was also honoured with a fellowship.

Speaking at the event, Danbatta, who represented by Malah, at the event, underscored the significance of collectively supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of Nigerian workers through increased access to affordable telecom services.

The EVC stated that only through a digitally skilled and informed workforce can Nigeria fast-track national productivity and development, alongside other initiatives being put in place by the Federal Government. Danbatta said the Commission would ensure affordable and ubiquitous telecom services to improve Nigerian workers’ daily activities.

While expressing gratitude for the recognition to him and Malah, Danbatta assured of his continued support to empowering NCC staff in improving skills, education and sundry capacity-building activities as well as stimulating the deployment of robust broadband infrastructure for bolstering job creation for Nigerians and improving national productivity.

Meanwhile, MINILS DG, Aremu, commended the Commission for promoting the deployment of telecommunications services to improve productivity and efficiency across different sectors of the economy.

“We have witnessed the amazing transformation in terms of broadband penetration, Internet subscribers and many other achievements recorded under the leadership of Prof. Danbatta as the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC and how the telecom sector, regulated by the Commission he leads, have improved national productivity,” Aremu said.

The DG of MINILS stated that the EVC has played a pivotal role in transforming and advancing the nation’s digital space and acknowledged that Danbatta’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and creating employment opportunities in the telecommunications sector has earned him accolades nationwide.

The anniversary, which featured conferment of Fellowship of the NIL on other Chief Executives and Heads of Human Resources divisions of some government agencies alongside the NCC Management executives, not only celebrated the events of the past but also set the stage for a brighter future, showcasing the importance of fair labour practices, knowledge and continued collaboration between various government agencies.

Aside from the new Fellowship of NIL, Danbatta is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Renewable and Alternative Energy Society; the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, and the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Food Security: World Food Programme To Fight Hunger in Nigeria With $2.5Billion

By Immaculate Ayawa

The World Food Programme, WFP, has pledged to support President Tinubu’s Zero Hunger Programme under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

According to Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair,(ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA in a press release he signed on the
13th of September, 2023, the Country Director of WFP, David Stevesson, made this known on Tuesday when he led a team of the United Nations, UN agency to visit the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu in her office.

Stevesson disclosed that 2.1 million Nigerians have already been captured as beneficiaries of the program with the hope to expand working with the minister of humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

He pledged WFP’s support to the Federal Government’s humanitarian and poverty intervention efforts including the food security agenda and the Zero Hunger Programme among others.

According to him, the organization was excited by the robust drive of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s government to eradicate poverty and reduce humanitarian crises in Nigeria and the new energy which the Monoater Dr Betta Edu is bringing into the space. The hope to accomplish a lot together.

Stevesson described Dr. Edu’s appointment as Minister as a well-deserved, noting that she has immediately hit the ground running with her humanitarian and poverty response Programmes which he is committed to give full support.

“I’ve been very impressed in such a short time to hear about the Minister’s leadership, putting together the strategy for the Ministry.

“We talked about zero hunger, we talked about the humanitarian hubs in every local government area in the country, we talked about the world food programs, the potential to support those hubs through buying food locally and also assisting in the cash transfer and food. These are very impressive”

“Let me announce here that the World Food Programme is committed to spending $2.5Billion To Fight Hunger in Nigeria in the next five years”, the WFP boss said.

Responding, Dr Edu commended the WFP Country Director for the visit and the kind comments about her.

The Minister informed Stevesson that there are over 133 million people in Nigeria affected by multidimensional poverty, stressing that WFP’s intervention of $2.5Billion for five years “will go a long way to address some of the biggest challenges the country is facing, which is hunger”

According to the Minister, “Zero Hunger” is one of the projects her Ministry has initiated as part of poverty and humanitarian response efforts, and appealed to the WFP to key into it by working with the Ministry to achieve results.

Edu explained that Homegrown School Feeding is one aspect of the Zero Hunger Project, as the Ministry will be working on different nutritional programs that will target both pregnant women, children under five, school feeding, feeding of persons who are affected by humanitarian crises, aged and the persons of concern, “including refugees that have found themselves within our space”

“We have over 80,000 persons as refugees presently, in Nigeria. The state I come from alone, there are over 40,000 refugees and these are just those who are registered.

“Part of the innovation which we are bringing on board is what we call humanitarian hub because we want to create 774 of these humanitarian hubs in each local government across Nigeria ” she added.

FUBARA Breaks Silence, Speaks On The Gruesome Murder of Sp Bako

By Emmanuel Daudu

Following the gruesome murder of the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada, SP Bako Angbashim,the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has promised to guarantee the security of all it’s residents as well as ensuring that the killer of Bako are hunt down and brought to justice

“As responsible government, we cannot fold our arms and allow criminals and crimes to rear their ugly heads and thrive in any part of our state”

The Governor disclosed that credible intelligence from the security agencies traced the entire incident to one Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and his criminal gang, who have established camps in the locality and are responsible for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State.

Upon the review of the entire incident and security situation in the affected areas with the security agencies, the state government has decided that the following measures be taken

First, the prime suspects, Mr Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and all members of his criminal gang are hereby declared wanted.

“Secondly, a bounty of one hundred million (N100,000,000.00) naira is hereby placed on his head for anyone who gives useful information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution.

Thirdly, the governor announced the indefinite suspension of a traditional ruler in the area, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi Eze Igbu Akoh II whom he accused for acts of complicity in “ceding control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.”

On behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, I hereby extend my profound condolences to the family of SP Bako, especially the wife and children and the State’s Police Command for this irreparable loss.

“SP Bako was a fine, brave and dutiful police officer, who gave up his life to keep us safe and secure. He died in active service to his nation and we remember him for his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

The Government of Rivers State will not allow his family to suffer the pains of his sudden and irreplaceable loss alone as we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” said the governor .

Ajia prays  for the Nation as he celebrates birthday

Asks God to Guide Nigeria’s Leaders aright

Seeks Divine Succor to Ameliorate the Sufferings of Nigerians
 
The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Funab Group of companies Ltd, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia has marked his 2023 birthday with prayers and goodwill  message for the nation. Ajia prayed God to guide Nigeria’s leaders aright, asking God to bring divine succor that will ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians in the face of subsidy removal and not the usual government palliatives that do no bring solutions to the economic crisis in the country.
 
Ajia, in a Press statement released on Friday through his Director of Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan and made available to Journalists in Abuja, stated that, “I want to use the occasion of my birthday to pray to Almighty God to ease the sufferings of ordinary citizens in Nigeria, particularly in the face of the current economic crisis arising from the removal of fuel subsidy. I also pray God to guide Nigeria’s leaders aright and to bring divine succor that will ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians”.
 

Ajia added in his prayer, “I pray to God to help Nigeria’s leaders to govern with wisdom and integrity, so that they can work

for the betterment of all citizens. I pray for a reformed judicial system that will gaurantee respect and confidence in the rule of law. I pray for an end to corruption and violence in Nigeria as well overcoming other challenges that stand on our way to becoming a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.”

He however calls on the government to pursue policies and programmes that will facilitate economic growth and development in the country.

As an insight into his wishes for Nigeria, he advised the government to go for policies that will have direct and positive impact on Nigerians.

According to the Ilorin born-politician, “It is essential for the government to implement policies that will create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, provide jobs and establish social safety nets that will cushion the effects of economic hardship on the citizens”

He emphasised the need for the government to prioritise the welfare of the citizens, noting that if the government implements policies that prioritise the welfare of the masses and encourages entrepreneurship, it will provide the needed impetus for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

The security expert alluded to that fact that, Nigeria is a land of great potentials and promises. He said, “I want to remind all of us that we are capable of achieving whatever we desire when we work together. Let us take pride in our history and culture and not to forget our roots or the struggles that have brought us to where we are today. Let us renew our commitment to building a brighter, more prosperous country for ourselves and our children. I pray that, our unity continues to be our strength to usher Nigeria into the Promised land.

Ajia’s birthday celebration was a call to action for the government and all Nigerians to work together towards a better future for the country. “As Nigeria is about to celebrate its 63 years of independence, come October1, it is essential that the government and citizens alike commit to working towards building a stronger and more prosperous nation for all”. He said

NASENI Boss Pledges efficiency of leadership

By Emmanuel Daudu

The new Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, has charged the management team to commit fully to the new direction being charted for the agency.


According to Segun Ayeoyenikan, Director, Information, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in a press release he signed on September 12, 2023, disclosed that Halilu stated this on Monday, as he began receiving operational briefings from the agency’s management and senior staff. He reiterated that under his watch, NASENI will run an open-door system that welcomes ideas and suggestions.

“We will learn from all mistakes of the past, and make adjustments that will be included in our strategic plans for the future. We are not here to witch-hunt anyone, or live in the past,” he stated.

During his inaugural management meeting upon assumption of office last week, the new EVC/CEO had asked for the preparation of detailed briefing notes for presentation by management team and senior staff on Monday September 11, 2023.

The briefings, which have now commenced, will be followed by a tour of NASENI institutes and facilities around the country, in the weeks ahead. Mr. Halilu was appointed as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 2, 2023.

The new EVC/CEO has listed his priorities to include ensuring that NASENI plays a central role in ensuring technology transfer to Nigeria from around the world, as well as achieving successful commercialization of NASENI’s research and innovation.

NiMet Boss attends 7th Aviation Africa Summit

By Emmanuel Daudu

At the Aviation Africa Summit, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu whose office hosted his colleagues said NiMet is very passionate about Aviation because the art of flying, all depends on the prevailing weather and NiMet has the state of art equipment including Pilot briefing rooms across major airports in the country stressing that precision is the key, giving no room for substandard services. This explains why NiMet embraced ISO certification.

In a few hours from now the 7th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition which is co hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation and the Times Aerospace Events Limited, all Chief Executives of the various aviation parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development have lend their support for the successful hosting of the global event.

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Capt. Musa S. Nuhu disclosed that Nigeria got the right to host the 7th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition last year during the 6th edition held in Kigali, Rwanda. He said the event is an opportunity to showcase Nigerian aviation to the international global aufience

On his part, the Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria Mr Kabir Yusuf Mohammad described the airport as a huge market and a gateway into the country.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Tayib Adetunji Odunowo sees the upcoming event as a networking event, with over one billion people in Africa, there is a huge untapped potential, adding that though NAMA is currently in a transition stage, Odunowo emphasized that his agency would take advantage of the event, and reiterated that it’s a networking event.

The Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt Alkali Modibo

said the NCAT ACT of 2022 has given the institution the leverage to become a tertiary institution, which empowers them to start conducting training as a polytechnic.

Interrogating the essence of accident investigation, the Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigations Bureau (NSIB), Engr. Akin Olateru explained that it is to prevent reoccurrence, that if investigated in good time and appropriate safety recommendation is issued and implemeted , it will prevent a re – occurrence. He emphasized that it is a combination of many things that has really helped Nigeria, including all the service providers.