NO Cause For Alarm Over Presence Of UN Fighting Vehicles, Equipment In Nigeria

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Defence Headquarters wishes to react to some social media video clips been circulated arising from the presence of some United Nations Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted recently in Benin, Edo state. This has resulted to insinuations which are inimical to public peace and may even cause panic.


According to Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau, Acting Director Defence Information in a press release on Tuesday said, The Defence Headquarters hereby state that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various United Nations Peace keeping operations, the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.  The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr.  It should be noted that the UN doesn’t have its own troops, rather it enter into agreement with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.

Therefore, it is imperative to state emphatically that the military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour as sighted are being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan to marry up with our troops who were inducted into UNISFA mission last month.

The Defence Headquarters under the leadership of General Lucky Irabor CFR wish to assure Nigerians that our nation is not under any threat that will warrant the deployment of United Nations troops in our soil.

Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu commends Mojeed Kamar As He Bags PhD From American Varsity

Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, UNESCO Laureate and Vice Chancellor, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA, has commended Barr. Mojeed B. Kamar for bagging Doctor of…

Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, UNESCO Laureate and Vice Chancellor, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA, has commended Barr. Mojeed B. Kamar for bagging Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Common Law from Crown University International Chartered Inc (CUICI), USA.

This was contained in a press statement personally signed by Aremu on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Delta State by his Assistant on Media, Publicity and Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike.

Aremu described CUICI USA as a globally recognized private University that offers vocational training and higher education.

The statement reads in part: “As the Vice-Chancellor of Crown University International Chartered Inc CUICI, USA, I, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu use this medium to commend Barr. Mojeed B. Kamar for the highest academic feats he has attained as a PhD holder in Common Law from our global research University.

“Barr. Mojeed B. Kamar, PhD, M.A, LLB, BL, ACIS, FICPA, FIMC, CMC was born on 23rd day of May, 1968 in Lagos State. He hails from Ogun State. He commenced his Academic career with University Diploma, Zulikha Abiola College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, further his studies in Combined Law degree in Common Law and Islamic Law from the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto. He had bagged M.A in Corporate Governance with Major in Corporate Law from West Coast International University of Science, Technology, Management and Arts, PhD in Common Law from Crown University International, USA.

“In addition, he is a graduate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) London equivalent to a Masters degree in Nigeria. He started his career with a brief stint as a Legal Officer with Agip Nigeria Plc which he left to go into private practice. He was at inception the Assistant Company Secretary/Legal Adviser of Oil Gas Consult International Limited, a sister Company of Gasoline Associates Int’l Ltd (Refinery & Petrochemical) since the year 2002 and presently holding the position of ED, Legal /Company Secretary.

“Barr. Mojeed is a Member of several Professional Associations which include the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators of Nigeria, an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of UK and Nigeria (ICSAN) and the Chartered Governance Institute in London. He is a fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Administrators of England and Wales, a certified Management Consultant and a Fellow of Institute of Management Consultants in Nigeria. He is happily married with children.

“I also commend Barr. Kamar’s supervisor, Prof Abiodun Amuda Kannike, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is the current Dean of Faculty of Law at Kwara State University, who also is a member of World Grand Board of Trustees, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc. for his great efforts in making this great achievements a reality as Barr Kamar’s research work is the field of Common Law.”

NIPSS To Partner With NiMet On Research

The  National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has indicated interest to partner with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in the area of research.

This was disclosed by the team leader of the Senior Executive Course 45  of the institute,  Dr. Emmanuel Sambo Mamman when they visited NiMet headquarters yesterday.

Dr. Emmanuel Sambo Mamman who doubles as the Institute’s librarian, highlighted the functions of the NIPSS and its activities, describing the institute as the centre for research and dialogue for academics and policymakers also added that participants are drawn from the public and private sectors of Nigeria and converge annually in order to solve problems of Nigerian society.

Dr. Mamman revealed that the Senior Executive Course programme is the flagship programme of the institute and runs for ten months.

He explained that the programme is driven by a theme given by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria every year and the theme for this year is  Industrialization, Climate Change, and  Energy Security in Nigeria with emphasis on Issues, Challenges, and Prospects.

On their purpose for the visit, “we are here because we think your organisation is strategic to the theme for the set of 2023”.

He said the participants are expected to conduct research and their reason for coming is to gather information for the research after which the participants will produce a final report which would be presented to the President.

In his remarks, the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu described NiMet as an extension of the University because  “Our main duty is to collect, collate and produce products and services in all socio-economic sectors of Nigeria that are climate induced or influenced”.

He added that almost all the socio-economic sectors are climate-induced or influenced and this shows how relevant  NiMet services are to the existence of this country adding that the agency has data dating as far back as 100 years.

Explaining further Prof. Matazu cited how the intervention of NiMet saved CBN about N120 billion because they adhered to NiMet’s weather advisory.

Part of the visit include presentations by Prof. Matazu and by the Director of Research and Training in NiMet, Prof. Effiom Essien  Oku.

The highlight of the event was participants taken on a tour of NiMet facility.

ERCA receives recommendations from Experts on draft communication plan

Recommendations of Media Experts following the review of ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority Draft Communication Plan, the three (3) Media Experts from ECOWAS Member States, namely Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia; after meeting in the Senegalese capital Darkar for three days, from March 29-31, 2023, to review the draft Communication Plan of ERCA has proffer lots of recommendations as outcome of it’s three (3) days group meeting on the draft.

While making the presentation to the Executive Director, ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority, ERCA, Dr. Simeon Koffi. The News Director, ECOWAS Radio, Liberia,
Mr. Raymond Kolubah Zarbay thanked the Executive Director, Dr. Simeon Koffi and his Team for their preferment from among hundreds of other professionals in West Africa, to perform the review task.


That ERCA considers imploring the expertise of the Media Experts in the capacity building of its Communication Department. That the ERCA takes into consideration, the regular decentralization of its media and other activities in other ECOWAS Member Countries.That the ERCA considers gender sensitivity, the youth, student groups and the civil society in its activities. That ERCA solicits web Ambassadors and Influencers known to deal with economic issues to talk about the Agency and its attributions while urging the targeted stakeholders not to hesitate to solicit it. That ERCA has a free download or package the ERCA logo in high definition to allow the media especially to have a file every time they visit the website. As part of the evaluation of the impact and the effectiveness of the deployment of the communication campaign, that the official pages of ERCA on the social networks Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp be used to carry out regular surveys on the level of knowledge of the Agency by Internet users. That ERCA makes use of the International Web Media ”BRUT” to do interviews with the Executive Director of ERCA and certain stakeholders. That ERCA produces video capsules to make a web series for broadcast on the ERCA website and on its various social media platforms, including Youtube. This web series will highlight information on the ARCC and regional provisions on competition as well as practices to avoid in order not to be in breach of the sub-regional rules established by the institution. In furtherance of its visibility campaign via information websites, that ERCA considers the production and posting of useful web articles for publication and dissemination via web banners. The web banners used in this case must be in HyperText Markup Language HTML and after the click by Internet users it will redirect to the ERCA website. From the point of view of Internal communication at ERCA, that the Regional Body’s Agency updates the Mail signature of its Executive Director to make it clickable and effective for redirections via its website and its Social media networks.
From the point of view of TV communication; Radio and Press releases, that ERCA includes in the final communication strategy, the three media selected by broadcast channel (TV; Radio, Press) justifying their choice, if possible, with figures on their audience in their respective countries. That ERCA includes in the Agency’s website and in the paper presentation, brochure on Infographic presenting the Key Figures of ERCA’s activities. That ERCA builds its own image bank that will serve as an archive but above all allow the Agency to have images of its own areas of intervention of which it owns the copyright, and which can be used to illustrate its Facebook posts, its activity reports and to produce its Campaign visuals. That ERCA considers collating testimonies from users on its website to motivate other players such as the business sectors in playing fairly within the Ecosystem.
That ERCA considers the purchase of photo and video cameras for the coverage of its activities.
That ERCA considers web referencing strategy through Google.
Done this day 31 March 2023 in the Senegalese Capital of Darkar at Fleur de Lys Hotel, Plateau
By: Mr.Emmanuel Huleji Daudu, Chief Executive Officer, ZENNITH Global Media Services & Consultancy. Mr. Nehemie M’BOKE, Executive Director, Communication-Trader BTP-Technology-Agro business; and Mr. Raymond Kolubah Zarbay, News Director, ECOWAS Radio”.

Dr. Koffi while reacting to the recommendations made by the team of media experts, expressed satisfaction in the work done pointing out that the team has indeed done a great job stressing that soon as the communication draft is approved, activities of the agency would unfold in full force in all the ECOWAS member Nations.

“After scrupulously and critically reviewing and discussing the 38-page draft communication document, intended to provide wider visibility for ERCA, one of the Specialized Agencies of the Regional Body ECOWAS with the Consultant, Mr. Bakary Kone’, we are pleased to recommend the following:
That the Communication Plan, following review and approval, be implemented using the three recognized Languages of ECOWAS, English, French and Portugese. That ERCA also considers using at least two other popular and widely spoken languages from each of the ECOWAS Member States. That ERCA begins considering a comprehensive budgetary allocation for the effective implementation of the Communication Plan when approved. That the approved Plan be implemented over a three-year period, considering monitoring and evaluation during the halfway period annually.
That ERCA in addition to the use of Radio and TV advertisements, considers Google Ads. That the use of documentary in gathering basic facts and information dissemination of ECRA, be considered. That the production of a monthly Newsletter on ERCA activities also be considered. That ERCA creates and manages all its social media platforms, considering the boosting of its Facebook and YouTube platforms regularly. That ERCA does a bi-weekly voice pops, engaging the final consumers and business sectors on their experiences of the business climate in West Africa, especially on competition, subsequently getting reactions from the Hierarchy of ERCA. That ERCA in addition to the production of souvenirs, including diaries and calendars, also considers the printing of customized T-shirts and Paper Bags. That a continuous collaboration be brokered between ERCA, the Consultant and the Team of Media Experts to enhance efficiency regarding the implementation of the Communication Plan. The collaboration should also lead to support to the Team of Experts in setting up Media Networks in their respective Countries and subsequently to other West African Countries.

ECOWAS, UEMOA meets, validates cooperation strategy in Senegal

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Workshop on the Cooperation Strategy for Convergence between ECOWAS and UEMOA (2024– 2033)

The Technical Validation Workshop of the Draft Cooperation Strategy for Convergence between ECOWAS and WAEMU (2024 – 2033) took place from 27 – 31 March 2023 in Dakar, Republic of Senegal.

The validation workshop was attended by Directors and technical staff of both the ECOWAS Commission and WAEMU Commission and consultants that supported the development of the strategy.

The workshop was declared open by Prof. Filipa Michel Sawadogo, the Commissioner responsible for Regional Market and Cooperation at the WAEMU Commission while the technical session was co-chaired by the Director of External Relations at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Jerome BOA and the Director of International Cooperation at the WAEMU Commission, Mr. Rabiou Albert Boura.

The delegation of the ECOWAS Commission at the workshop comprised of the Executive Director of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), Dr. Simeon KOFFI; the Director of Customs and Taxation, Mr. Salifou TIEMTORE; the Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, Mr. Albert SIAW-BOATENG and the Special Advisor to the President of the Commission on Economic and Financial Integration and Partnership, Mr. Mambury NJIE. Also in attendance were Commission officials from Directorate of External Relations and the Office of the Vice President.

The cooperation strategy for convergence builds on the existing legal texts and instruments put in place by both ECOWAS and WAEMU to strengthen the cooperation and partnership between the two (2) regional integration institutions. It is aimed at identifying strategies for the effective harmonization or unification of legal and regulatory texts as well as joint management of Community programmes and projects.

The strategy document includes a diagnostic section which examines the achievements and challenges of the existing cooperation between the two (2) institutions within the convergence framework. It also contains recommendations for revitalizing the convergence process under the following key strategic areas: (i) Effective functioning of the Joint Technical Secretariat set up to oversee the cooperation; (ii) Development of

common positions on key issues; (iii) Improving the visibility and perception of the convergence process both at the level of Institutions and Member States; and (iv)Improving the governance of the convergence process through high level leadership. Finally, the strategy elaborates an action plan for implementing its recommendations. 

The successful implementation of the strategy is expected to result in the following benefits for the region: (i) effective utilization of human, financial and technical resources; (ii) reduction in the enactment of conflicting texts; (iii) non-duplication of Community policies, programmes and projects; (iv) articulation of common  West Africa position at international fora; and (iv) realization of economies of scale for the benefits of the population and economic operators in West Africa, which will help West Africa to fully implement its regional integration agenda.

KENYA NAVY JUNIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS GRADUATE

The Commander Kenya Navy Fleet (KNF) Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, on 30 March 2023 presided over the graduation ceremony of Junior Leadership Command (JLC) course at the Kenya Naval Training College (KNTC) in Mtongwe, Mombasa.

In his speech during the graduation ceremony, Brigadier Kiswaa congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the course affirming that it is the first and most crucial step in training for leadership responsibilities.

“The JLC course is the first and most crucial step in training for leadership responsibilities. I therefore urge you to consistently apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired here to improve your work places and your efficiency in the performance of your duties as well as providing sound leadership skills at your level,” said Brigadier Kiswaa.

The Chief Instructor KNTC, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Waweru congratulated the graduates and urged them be good ambassadors of the College in their respective Units and Formations.

“I urge you to be good ambassadors of the College in your respective Units and Formations. Embrace the KAIZEN principle of step by step continuous improvement to make yourselves better leaders. Leaders who do not wait for things to happen but cause things to happen,” said Lt Col Waweru.

The aim of the JLC course is to improve and equip Junior Non-commissioned Officers with knowledge and skills in Leadership, Command and Management necessary to meet challenges they face in their areas of deployment in the Kenya Navy and Kenya Defence Forces at large.

https://bit.ly/3zjesu3

COMMANDER KENYA ARMY VISIT INDIA’S NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY

Commander Kenya Army Lieutenant General Peter Njiru on 30 March 2023 paid a visit to India’s National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune where he was received by the Commandant Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar. The Commander and his entourage were taken through comprehensive briefs covering the institution’s mandate and later they were taken through an extensive tour of the training facilities.

Lieutenant General Njiru also held talks with his host on key areas of collaboration especially on matters training. He further thanked the institution for offering training opportunities to cadets from Kenya which is critical in sharing of knowledge and doctrine.

The Commander also had the opportunity of interacting with the Kenyan cadets training in the institution, where he urged them work hard and maintain discipline as they are Kenya’s ambassadors in the institution.

https://bit.ly/3lNTC2Z

Features: Our Rights, by Dr Waheed Musah

drwaheedmusah@gmail.com

Religion, Slavery, Discrimination, War, Corruption, and Injustices on a national and international level has already caused damage in Africa.

Terrorism fueled by some local and international leaders in Africa has already dispersed much blood on the soil. Every country in the world has democratic constitutional rights that protect the country flags to the death of the country; why can African citizens not be covered on Earth?

The ability for one to impose or force one’s belief on another is also against human rights. Culture plays a vital role in the context of Human rights. There is nothing universal about any rights whiles we have countries with their constitutional objective. It is hypocrisy. To disrespect the will of others or invade their natural rights and cultural beliefs.

It is time for Africans also to promote their beliefs as a Universal law and African doctrine. Africa is losing her values and morals as a result of mental slavery. We must protect and defend our heritage as a treasure of wealth, health and glory.

Africa has been taken for granted for far too long, we, the new generations of Africans, must protect our identity as a resource to reconnect with our ancestors and glory.

A new Africa is Africa that studies African education to solve the African problems and develop Africa we are hoping for.

It is time our leaders reestablish our diplomatic strength and presence as a seal for global equality.

Before we can talk very well about human rights, we must first look at human equality, national equality, and global equality, where every human is respected and treated well where they found their selves; nations are treated equally; that is a human right, where every human being is treated with dignity and mutual respect with equal opportunities.

The United Nations has failed the human race; if we look at human equality in every nation, blacks have been the only human race in history who are still fighting for their rights, freedom, and justice in every country on Earth as human beings, and the only human race till suffering in foreign lands, what is human right if lives are not protected.

The suffering of the continent of Africa is a result of slavery, non-Afrocentric education, and exploitation of African resources, which the world is benefiting from without direct impact on the people. This war is staged and funded by some foreign investors to continue to sustain the division of Africa. These Selfish and greedy African politicians are working with Invaders to keep invading the peace and riches of Africa.

The African rights to wealth, ownership, development, peace, unity and happiness against poverty, diseases and instabilities are fundamental to our socioeconomic and political rights.

We need freedom and absolute freedom now.

This is our right.

Troops Of Op Whirl Punch Neutralised Terrorists, Recover Arms And Ammunitions In Kaduna State

By Maryam Aminu

Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH in conjunction with Defence Headquarters Special Forces on 1 April 2023 conducted clearance operations to terrorist’ enclaves at  BAGOMA, REMA, BILUGAI, DAGARA, SABON LAYI, GAGUMI, KATAKAKI, and RANDAGI villages all in BIRNIN GWARI  Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Troops made contact with terrorists at KAKANGI and KATAKAKI villages and engaged the terrorist with superior firepower. Troops neutralized eleven (11) terrorists while others fled.

According to Major General Musa Danmadami, Director
Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters in a press release signed on the
2 April 2023, troops exploited the general area and recovered two (2) AK 47 rifles, two (2) AK 47 magazines, fifty-seven (57) rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, seven (7) matches, and six (6) motorcycles among other sundry items.

The military high command commends troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities.

Kenya Forces: SPITFIRE STARLETS READY TO GO

Moi Air Base (MAB) women football team also known as Spitfire Starlets, on 30th March 2023 were handed over the Base’s flag by the Commanding Officer (CO) incharge of sports Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Kahindi at Moi Air Base (MAB) Headquarters, giving them the mandate to represent the Base at Chief of Defence Force (CDF) women’s football tournament.

The much anticipated tournament will run for 3 weeks, starting 3rd April 2023 at 81 Tank Battalion grounds in Nakuru and will consist of teams drawn from Kenya Defence Force (KDF) Formations.

Spitfire Starlets’ focus is achieving better results as compared to the previous tournament where they were runners up. The team’s coach, Senior Sergeant George Zenga affirmed to the CO sports that they were ready for the assignment.

The team which is managed by Warrant Officer Class 2 Nahashon Owino and captained by Corporal Gladys Wangeshi, commenced their training early this year

Lt Col Kahindi while addressing the team expressed confidence and satisfaction that the training undertaken by the team was sufficient for them to win the tournament.

“I want you to believe in yourselves, have the spirit of working together and when playing have the confidence to win. Do your best and remember you have all the support needed, I wish you all the best,” said the CO sports.

Also present during the event were MAB Commanding Officers, Officers and Service members.