Africa Security Investigation News

President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR has conferred on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq with the Commander of the Order of the Niger CON award.

This is contained in  a statement by the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter- Governmental Affairs on Sunday May 28, 2023.

According to a press release signed by Nneka Ikem Anibeze, SA Media, on Sunday stated that
Umar Farouq is among  75 recipients who received the prestigious National honors.

The CON Award is for her resilience and headlong confrontation of humanitarian crises in the country from August 2019 to May 28th, 2023 including poverty, Covid-19 pandemic, flooding, internal displacements, refugee crisis, youth unemployment, statelessness, fire disasters and Out of School Children challenges.

Earlier in his speech to the nation on Sunday, May 28, 2023, President Buhari stated among his achievements, the empowerment of the poor and vulnerable as well as acquisition of skills by young Nigerian graduates and non- graduates which fell under the ministerial portfolio of the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq.

“ You would all recall the supply chain disruptions and economic downturn that the world witnessed between 2020 and 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deftness of our response to the pandemic still remains a global best practice.

“Furthermore, we increased the ability of the poor and rural Nigerians to earn a living, provided more food for millions in our villages and gave our women opportunities to earn a living.
Young men and women in urban centres were also supported to put their skills into productive use”.

Similarly on Friday at the Presidential Villa, President Buhari congratulated the Minister during the virtual unveiling of the 1st International Humanitarian Summit, while 
celebrating  the achievements held under the Humanitarian sector.

“I want to commend the Honourable Minister, the management and staff of the Ministry for exhibiting a high sense of leadership and dexterity in handling the affairs of Humanitarian Sector.

“Let me thank our partners, the donor agencies, Non-governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, MDAs and the National Assembly for their support.

“As we bow out, it is my strong belief that that the Humanitarian sector is adequately prepared and equipped for better Service Delivery to Nigeria’s Vulnerable Groups. It is on
record that the empowerment programmes initiated and executed all over the country under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has impacted positively the lives of millions of Nigerians and had lifted millions out of poverty. I congratulate you for a job well done.”.

Sadiya Umar Farouq is the pioneer Minister of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

By Comrade Gambo Jagindi

From the old ancient town of Owoh, Ondo State, precisely on May 18, 1993, a healthy baby girl emerged, Elizabeth Itunnuayo, whose cry was hilariously sweet, echoed and lit up the lives of a Jewish-Nigerian couple,…

30 years down the road, the world has gathered to celebrate this rare Amazon, a delectable beauty queen with matching brains, a kind and ambitious woman, whose goal is to impact humanity by improving the lives of the less privileged, contributing to global social and economic development, and supporting Nigeria’s political growth.

The Harvard graduate, and wife of oil magnate and philanthropist, Tein Jack-Rich, made headlines in April 2020, when she became the first African woman to be featured on the cover of the 2020 World Finance Spring Magazine.

Her vision to add value to humanity remains rekindled with her husband’s unending passion to improve the lives of striving individuals.

This led to the creation of Elizabeth Jack Rich Aid Foundation (EJRAF) IN 2017, a non profit organisation, which has touched many lives and changed them for the better.

This is anchored on her belief often expressed in her husband’s words: “God has blessed me to impact on my generation’’.

It is therefore, not a surprise when prominent Nigerians, including a revered Yoruba Royal Father, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who considers Elizabeth his daughter, have so many intriguing things to say about her.

The paramount Yoruba King, who took to Instagram to share photos of the ex-beauty queen, when she turned 29 last year, described Elizabeth as a jewel, who he is proud to call his own, and grateful to have as a child.

Sharing her photos on social media, the Ooni said: “The greatest joy in life is having a jewel as a child, whom you can call your own in your thoughts, words, and deeds!! I’m eternally grateful for having you as a child, Dr. Elizabeth Itunnuayo Rich-Jack.

“As your birthday comes with incredible hidden stories of challenges and excellence, I celebrate your tenacity, your unrivalled and admirable courage, and most importantly, your selfless dedication to compassion for others.

“It is truly worthy to celebrate you every day as a shining light to many around you, a beacon of hope, and a torchbearer of inspiration with positive energy to others, especially our young women. You are a wonderful mother and wife to your darling husband, Tein Jack-Rich with a supernormal giving heart, and above all, an adorable daughter to me.

“May the Eledumare shower his matchless splendour and grace upon you throughout this treasured day, with immeasurable gifts. Lots of love from me.’’

Extolling the virtues of his wife, Jack-Rich said his wife is being celebrated as an instrument to gather Nigerians in leadership and persons from all walks of life, to share love and break bread.

He said: “I am greatly honoured and privileged to say that it came as an occasion of good tidings to continue to speak to Nigerians at home and abroad, sharing the need for a new dawn in our great Country.

“Your service to humanity shall fetch the needed cohesion for a rebirth, and to achieve public good.’’

And is his usual selflessness and love to humanity and country, Jack-Rich envisions his wife’s birthday celebration as a tool for cohesion, unity and sharing of love.

“As your birthday throws the smiles of a new beginning needed for a prosperous and more sustainable future, under cutting-edge visionary leadership, participants shall leave fulfilled.

“I am sure your birthday celebration shall usher in that hope for secured peace, renewed hope for the less opportune, supplies for the good and advancement of society,’’ he said.

For obvious reasons, many women would wish to be as lucky as she is in life, if not for anything, but the fact that her husband, Tein Jack-Rich, is a billionaire oil baron, and founder of Belema Oil Producing Limited.

But unlike many other women of her status, Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich has refused to be a “trophy wife.”

Born to Jewish Nigerian parents, like her husband, Jack Rich, Elizabeth is a philanthropist, an entrepreneur and business mogul.

The mother of two has established organisations that have grown into conglomerates, with footprints across West Africa and the U.S,.

Her investment portfolio touches several facets of the Nigerian society, drawing on its core operating values of integrity, mutual respect, customer service, innovation and safety.

In fact, the couple has been a great inspiration to many youngsters, and are being discussed as a template for a successful and happy marriage. Their union, according to those close to them, continues to inspire many that are hoping to find a lasting union.

Elizabeth on her part, is the Chief Executive Officer of EJRAF, an organisation with the vision to empower youths and women, eradicate poverty, promote education, health and financial inclusion, whilst preventing child and drug abuse in underserved communities of Nigeria.

She is a product of University of Applied Science and Management, Port-Novo, the University of Cambridge, UK, and the Harvard University.

Elizabeth also heads Elin Group Limited, a Lagos based consortium with a branch in the U.S, and with diverse investments in Real Estate development, Power Generation, Agricultural Development, Gas utilisation, Mining Operations, Maritime and Aviation.

Her vision to add value to humanity is therefore, aligned with her husband’s unending passion to improve the lives of striving individuals.

Jack-Rich, a frontline presidential aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during the 2023 elections, believes that one of the ways to ensure a peaceful, economically and socially viable country is effective engagement of youths, and which is key to tackling insecurity and other social vices, that could hinder the growth and development of any nation.

The philanthropist, who also understands that leadership is strategic and visionary, and entails planning for the future where the young population can be converted into the economic value chain and provide the right solution in dealing with social issues, has introduced so many projects that have impacted positively on the youths.

Comrade Gambo Jagindi, Publisher, CEO of Aluta News, writes from Abuja via jagindi2016@gmail.com

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) recently ended its 34th  Annual Conference in Lusaka, Capital of  Zambia with a clarion call to African Public Relations (PR) Practitioners to leverage on rich African cultural heritage  to promote creative industry in the continent.                           

While delivering his address during  the Conference which  theme  was tagged “Creative Africa: Exploring the PR Potentials of Africa as an Emerging Economic and Reputation Powerhouse”, the immediate past  President of APRA Mr  Yomi Badejo Okusanya,  whose tenure of office expired on 19 May 2023  stated that Africa is endowed  with enormous potentials which have enabled her to  attain economic growth and development, even as the world’s fastest-growing continent.       

In order to consolidate this status quo, Mr Okusanya pointed out that PR Practitioners in the continent must strive to harness the  potentials,  availing themselves  the ample  opportunity  to promote Africa’s growth and development on the world stage.

According to him, in the current  rapidly  changing world, PR  has never been more important ;adding that  the world is undergoing  unprecedented challenges,  climate change, economic uncertainty, social and political upheaval.

In this regard,  Mr Okusanya posited that  effective PR  has a vital role to play in helping individuals, organizations, and governments to communicate effectively, build trust, and navigate complex issues.

He further explained that the creative industry is one of Africa’s fastest-growing sectors, and it makes a significant contribution to the continent’s economy. “The African creative industry is vast and diverse, encompassing music, film, television, fashion, art, and other disciplines”, he said.

Mr Okusanya also  hinted that a report by UNCTAD revealed  that  Africa’s creative industry generated $49 billion in revenue in 2018, with an annual growth rate of 14.2%.                               Continuing, he emphasized that the creative industry employs millions of Africans, with an estimated 2.4 million people working in the industry in South Africa alone. In his words,
“One of the most significant contributors to the African creative industry is the music industry.  African music industry was worth $68 million in 2018 and $83 million in 2022″.                           

This expansion, he said  can be attributed to the growing global popularity of African music, as well as the rise of digital streaming platforms, which have made it easier for artists to distribute their music and reach a wider audience. The former APRA President  gave assurance that as  the industry expands, more job opportunities and economic growth for the continent are expected.      
 
  Mr Okusanya  used the forum to remind African PR  professionals of their   unique opportunity to showcase the many strengths of Africa, from her  dynamic business environment to her  rich cultural heritage. He therefore  thanked         
the Zambian President who represented at the occasion  by the Zambian  Minister of Information and Media, Mr Cushi Kasanda for supporting the hosting of the conference in Zambia. Also,  he commended members of the Association for supporting him throughout his tenure in office and urged them to accord same support to any of the members who eventually emerges as the  elected  incoming APRA President.

Other keynote speakers at the conference included President International Public Relations Association (IPRA), Anne-Gret Hurriaga Abarzua; President Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication, Justin Green; President Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC).

As part of activities mapped out  to commemorate   the Conference,  lectures on topical PR practices, Zambian cultural and fashion displays, award night for distinguished  APRA members and prominent  creative industries in Africa,  a visit to  popular tourists attraction  centre,  ‘Living Stone’ in the suburb of Zambia amongst other events  were organized for the benefit of the participants.                       Delegates from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Cote’ de–voire , South Africa, Tanzania, Gambia, Ireland, Caribbean Island and host country, Zambia  attended the conference. The venue for APRA 35th Conference slated to hold in 2024 is Cote’ de- voire.

Abyei, 21 May 2023 –Pakistani Battalion (PAKBATT) 1 serving with the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA), were today decorated with UN peacekeeping medals in recognition of their meritorious service to the people of Abyei. Addressing the peacekeepers, UNISFA Acting Head of Mission/Force Commander, Major General Benjamin
Olufemi Sawyerr applauded officers and soldiers of the Pakistani Battalion for continually serving with resilience and unwavering mettle in UNISFA despite the vulnerabilities and challenges of climatic conditions in Abyei Box.

General Sawyerr also commended the Pakistani
Contingent Commander, Lt. Col. Abdul Manan and his Battalion for the Professionalism and dedication exhibited in the implementation of UNISFA’s mandate and for bringing peace and stability to their area of responsibility.

The feat could not have been possible without your dynamic leadership qualities coupled
with the resilience and determination of an equally motivated and well-trained troop under your command, he said, adding that even during the time when your battalion was without full complement of its strength and COE, your resourcefulness ensured your troops
performed efficiently and wholeheartedly.

The Ag. Head of Mission commended the Battalion for their ability to pacify and mediate a riotous situation in Diffra oil field, curbing illegal weapons trafficking in the Abyei Box and embarking on creative CIMIC activities
that have helped win the hearts and minds of the locals positively towards UNISFA.

In his remarks, the Pakistani Battalion Commander of UNISFA, Lt Col Abdul Manan Thanks for Ag. Head of Mission/Force Commander for good leadership and for
believing in him by giving him the opportunity to contribute to the mission’s mandate implementation. He presented the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander with the Battalion’s coveted regimental colour. The Regimental Colour according to Col. Manan, is the best gift he and his entire troops can give
to a senior officer who has led the mission with such leadership qualities and mentorship.
General Sawyer said the colour was a rare and privileged gift which he will forever cherished.
The Medal Parade was attended by the Deputy Force Commander, Brig. Gen Abu Syed Mohammod Bakir Senior Management Leaders of UNISFA, Sector Commanders, Force Headquarters staff officers, Contingent Commanders, Military and Police officers.

Have you been searching for an avenue to exhibit and tell the international Community what your firms/business/organization are into, stop searching, the US Trade Council in partnership with an international Non Governmental Organization, Decency Pan-African Youth Empowerment Initiative, (DPYEI), is organising another series of US-Africa Trade & Investment Global Summit aimed at Promoting International business between Africa & USA.

This would be an avenue to meet GLOBAL investors and high profile business moguls across the world.

The summit with the theme: “Harnessing Strategic U.S-Africa Partnership To Explore Global Market Share”.

The International investment summit would hold between 18 and 21st October, 2023 at the Holiday Inn & Suits Atlanta, GA, USA.

The organisers urged participants, business men/ women, Investors and scholars to register for the 6th edition of US-Africa Trade & Investment Global Summit (Promote International business between Africa & USA) on time.

According to a statement from the summit’s secretariat, Registration fee covers breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the duration of the 3 day conference.

Interested persons should email the organisers @ ella4decency@gmail.com or send information on WhatsApp for inquiry & registration: +2349010665592.

There are also opportunity to advertise your products in official magazine and the website of the event at a fee. Interested business ventures and organizations are to get in touch via the email address already provided.

The Vice-Chancellor Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA with its teaching hospital campus situated at Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, South South America, and other partner constituents campuses at government-regulated universities worldwide and online operation,
Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, has given out virgin daughter, Maryam Aremuola for marriage to the family of Dr. Adewale Tiamiyyu.

The marriage between Taofeek Adeyemi Tiamiyyu and Hafizoh(Complete Koran Memorizer) Maryam Aremuola was held on the 6th of May, 2023 at the Ahmadiya Muslim Jama’at Mosque Off Iwo-Ibadan Expressway behind Baskay Hotel Odo Ori Iwo Osun State-Nigeria.

The fathers of the day, Alh. Aderemi Oyekola and Alh. ABD-Fatai Akinbade while speaking lauded the couple’s efforts for doing the right thing according to the Islamic Marriage rights as they charged them to continue to love each other and ensure sincere concern for each other.

Also speaking at the event, the Royal fathers of the day, HRM Oba Abdulazeez Olatunbosun Adebamiji, and HRM Oba Sikirullahi Akinropo, Representative of Emir Damaturu Yobe State Nigeria, tasked the couples on being open to one another and respect each other and always be careful in keeping and walking according to Islam and its rights especially as written in the holy book (Qur’an)

The father of the bride, Prof. Bashiru Aremu while addressing the media during the reception thanked Allah to have made the day a huge success as he explained that this is one of the days he wouldn’t forget in a hurry pointing outing that his daughter gonna make him proud in the marriage that she has just entered into.

While expressing optimism, Aremu cautioned the couples not to be ignorant of the devices of the enemies but to remain resolute in prayers always and always work in agreement and mutuality.