World SDGs Organization congratulates Nasarawa State Governor-Elect

By Gloria Yakubu

An international None governmental Organization, World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, WorldSDGsOrganization, has congratulated the Nasarawa State governor Elect, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule over his well-deserved overwhelming victory in the just concluded States elections in Nigeria.

The congratulatory letter was signed by the organization’s Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Raymond Edoh on the 20th of March following the declaration by INEC that Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule is the winner of the 2023 Nasarawa state Gubernatorial election.

According to the Organization, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule is a genuine leader who inspires and empowers others to accomplish something important without displaying presence.
“Being a good leader is something you learn and perfect with diligence, compassion, persistence, and experience.

“True leadership is about striving to become better in all areas of life and empowering everyone around you to become the best versions of themselves.

“The best leaders possess the qualities of humility, honesty, and cooperation. They are able to communicate clearly to help others take action.

“Great leaders not only inspire and motivate others, but also teach people the skills they need to achieve the goals of a team, company, organization, or project. They help others bring out their best talents and abilities.

“All of these qualities are found in Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule. He is a living legend. His efforts in ensuring the implementation of 17 SDGs in Nasarawa state is enormous and we sincerely want to appreciate him so much”.

Speaking on the organization, Raymond said,World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, http://www.worldsdgs.org, is aimed at enhancing a comprehensive grassroots achievements of the 17 World Goals of the Sustainable Development Goals and ending human trafficking through its own projects execution all around the globe and playing synergy with the governments of the entire UN member Nations from Community, Ward, Local government, State and the Federal governments to ensure that SDGs projects are indeed beneficial to the targeted groups and also Spur governments at all levels of each country, private organizations, and all sundry stakeholders to make the 17 goals of SDGs an implemented priority for a better living on earth for all.

“World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, WSDGsO, is a global organization that operates within all the UN member nations with the widest scope of duties ever.

We are touching Lives, Transforming Societies, Healing Souls, Uniting Nations and Changing the world. WSDGsO stand as a mantra for Liberation, and Advancement of the Human Race”, he added.

GOC COMMENDS TROOPS FOR GALLANTRY, CHARGES THEM TO SUSTAIN OFFENSIVE TEMPO AGAINST REMNANT TERRORISTS

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Waidi Shaibu made an operational visit to 112 Task Force Battalion, MAFA to commend and appreciate the efforts of the troops in thwarting a midnight attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the town in the early hours of Sunday 19th March 2023.

General Shaibu during the visit on Tuesday, 21st March 2023 applauded the tenacity and fierce fighting spirit of the troops during the encounter, describing their tenacity as one of the hallmarks of soldiering. He lauded the concerted efforts of the troops in not only defending MAFA town but for successfully neutralizing scores of the attackers in collaboration with fighter aircrafts Air Component Operation HADIN KAI causing hasty retreat of any surviving terrorists.

The GOC thereafter used the operational visit to charged all troops 7 Division/Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI to remain resilient and remain alert to deal decisively with the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists within Area of Operations.

General Shaibu thereafter extended the commendation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, to the troops, for their conduct in foiling the attack on MAFA town. He further emphasized the COAS’ directives for troops to go after the remnants terrorists not leaving out their hideouts and enclaves.

He equally admonished the troops to remain courageous, disciplined, vigilant and professional, urging them to eschew all acts inimical to the actualization of set operational objectives.

Opinion: General Lucky Irabor A Resolute Officer Who Came At The Right Time- Chuks Aziken

General Lucky Irabor was appointed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on 26 January 2021. His appointment certainly put a round peg in a round hole because of his wealth of experience and achievements in the service to fatherland.

From the up scaling of its airpower, acquisition of world class platforms for enhanced maritime security and research and development to improvement of personnel welfare, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have been retooled within the time under review to deliver on their mandate of national security.

Upon assumption of duty, Irabor said his appointment came at a defining moment in the annals of our great nation, particularly at a critical time when the call to serve came with a huge responsibility, which demanded a clear direction and philosophy of leadership to act as guiding principles of conduct, behaviour and a roadmap for action.

The CDS said the essence is to emplace a homogeneous, highly-motivated, disciplined, and mission-ready AFN to deliver their constitutional roles and contribute their quota as foremost national institution to facilitate national security, peace, stability, and sustainable development of the nation.

Irabor first unveiled his vision of the Armed Forces which was “To foster a Professional Armed Forces capable of effectively meeting constitutional imperatives”.
General Irabor pledged to lead by the finest examples that he will set to create the right tone for personnel motivation, active followership, and consolidative leadership at all levels of the AFN.

His leadership focus is anchored on PEARL which is to build the AFN into a Professional, Effective, Agile, Result-oriented and Loyal institution in concept, shape, and outlook.

One very major subject that continues to attract commendations for Gen. Irabor is how he has been able to promote interservice synergy which is at all-time high now in the Armed forces of Nigeria.

He promised to promote synergy and mission-command as essential elements for operational planning and execution for all security challenges requiring military intervention across our dear nation.

The CDS hinged his drive for synergy on the fact that no Service can do it alone and secondly, to enable disciplined initiative within any commander’s intent to empower agile and adaptive leadership in the conduct of joint operations. As a General who has been at warfront against terrorists and insurgents, the CDS appreciates how inter-service rivalry disrupts military operational efficiency.

According to him, “I shall also promote active cooperation and collaboration between the military and other relevant stakeholders, key players, departments, agencies, and organisations in aggregating our overall national resource endowments to comprehensively deter, counter, overcome, or resolve all security challenges across the nation requiring military intervention”

True to his words, the Armed Forces under the leadership of General Irabor have degraded terrorists in the North East leading to mass surrendering.
For fear of military wrath, over 100,000 terrorist fighters including women and children have laid down arms in the North East. This has translated to the present unmistaken improved security situation in the zone.
There is also mass resettlement of displaced persons in the North East leading to shut down of Internally Displaced Person Camps (IDPs) by the government.

Within the last two years, the military under Irabor, has rejigged the anti-terror war, clearing strongholds of the terrorists in the Northeast and other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, key Boko Haram Commanders who have been on the watchlist of the Military were arrested and cache of arms and ammunition recovered.

Not forgetting that people of the North-East will forever remain grateful for greater opportunity to exercise their electoral franchise. This was unthinkable two years ago.

Many attribute the successes of the military in the North-East and other regions to the ‘soft or non-kinetic approaches being implemented by the current AFN leadership in solving security challenges.

The non-kinetic measures include rehabilitation of school buildings, improvement of school laboratories, provision of portable water and other non-kinetic measures quietly been executed across the country.

Another key achievement of was the release of the remaining 23 victims of Kaduna Train attack victims following the intervention of the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee (CDSAC) which he conceived and guided ITS operations.

To ensure a smooth transition, Irabor pledged to defend democracy at all costs and tasked servicemen to remain apolitical but firm in their disposition towards the conduct of the 2023 elections.

He has demonstrated leadership at this critical time in the history of our great nation where the politics have been that of divisive rhetoric of ethnic and religious tales threatening the unity and peace of the nation.
While, many people have insinuated a military takeover of government, the number one military officer, a gentle officer has consistently maintained that the military under his leadership will not interfere in the electoral process.

Reports across the country revealed that the military indeed provided support to the Police and other security agencies to ensure free, fair, and credible polls.

In the healthcare sector, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a renowned medical consulting firm, to build a world-class military hospital.

The hospital patterned after the Walter Reed Military Hospital in the United States, when completed, will serve both active and retired personnel from all branches of the military, as well as the civilian population

To promote the mental health of service personnel, Irabor, solicited support for the Armed Forces Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Centre project being constructed by the Defense and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) under the leadership of Barr. Vickie Irabor.
The mental health of personnel has been an issue of concern to tame friendly killing of soldiers.

Irabor at the ground-breaking and foundation stone-laying ceremony of the PTSD Centre at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri Abuja, commended DEPOWA for the initiative considering the involvement of military personnel in protracted operations across the country and other parts of the world to restore peace and security.

He said men and women of the armed forces remain the first beneficiaries of the establishment of the center, adding that the project would also be of high value to all Nigerians.

Gen. Irabor on assumption of office reinvigorated military operations against crude oil/products thieves. This effort is not only saving the country scarce resources, but helping to reduce considerably, environmental degradation in the Niger-Delta region. Available information show that troops have discovered and destroyed thousands of illegal refineries and arrested hundreds of criminals.
In addition, the troops have also recovered crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil and Premium Motor Spirit running into billions of naira.

The AFN have also witnessed enhanced professionalism through human capacity development, enhancement of personnel welfare as well as Research and Development (R&D).

On his leadership thrust, Irabor said the Defence Headquarters, is evolving a Whole-of-Society Approach to security by deepening strategic communication to educate the populace on the fact that issues of security are a collective responsibility.

According to him, everybody in the society ought to be a relevant stakeholder.

He said, “timely information on suspicious movements of strangers in a community might be the main lead to provide the needed early warning for the relevant government agency to swing into action.

He stressed the need to formulate a robust and proactive communication strategy that draws all citizens to the realization of their roles in protecting the nation while also using the same medium to preempt and counter narratives of the insurgents.

The Military within the time under review, has embarked on strategic reforms, targeted at strengthening the Services and boosting the morale of personnel.

On Pension management, the Military Pensions Board has unveiled plans to transmute from manual verification of all military pensioners to a more secure and user-friendly electronic verification.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) despite the security challenges posed by the homegrown terror group, Boko Haram and its affiliate, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) have in the last two years, evolved into one of the most formidable in Africa through total reengineering and impactful leadership

From the consequent achievements, it is evident that Irabor, despite taking Command at a very trying period, when the AFN were bogged by the counter insurgency war, is committed to repositioning the military into a highly professional and disciplined Force through capacity building initiatives for timely response to Nigeria’s national security imperatives.

Chuks Aziken writes from Abuja

World Oral Health Day 2023: WHO Urges Health Ministries to Prioritize Oral Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Ministries of Health to prioritize oral health as part of NCDs and UHC agendas and increase political and financial commitment to make a paradigm shift from treatment-oriented oral health care into more prevention and promotion approaches to address oral health inequality.

The organization also lamented the under-investment and chronic lack of an oral health workforce in Africa and added that dentists per 10,000 population in the region equate to one-tenth of the global ratio.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, gave this hint in her message on Monday night to commemorate the 2023 World oral health day in Abuja.

According to Moeti, more than 70% of the countries in the continent spent less than US$ 1 per person per year on treatment costs for oral health care in 2019.

She said that in the year 2019, oral diseases affected around 43.7 percent of the population in the WHO African region.

“The burden of oral diseases has high social, economic, and health systems consequences and reflects significant inequalities. For example, noma, a disease, destroys the mouths and faces of mostly young children.

“If left untreated, it is fatal in 90% of cases. Noma is primarily found in Sub-Saharan Africa and is a marker of extreme poverty.

“Based on the regional summary of the WHO Global Oral Health Status Report in 2022 among WHO’s six regions, our region has experienced the largest increase in the number of major oral disease cases in the previous 30 years.

“However, there is fundamental under-investment in oral health. Half of our countries do not have oral health policies,” Moeti said.

Moeti however, said to address these challenges, countries, WHO, and partners should unite, follow, and implement the Regional and Global strategies on oral health, which guide countries to address oral diseases, as part of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevention and control towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

She said “Oral diseases can be prevented by addressing common risk factors, such as the use of tobacco and alcohol, and an unhealthy diet with other NCDs, such as diabetes and cancers.

” Moreover, people should have a right to access essential, quality oral health care that responds to their needs without financial difficulty.

“At WHO, we have supported countries to develop and implement oral health strategies. In 2022, we helped Cabo Verde, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, and Senegal to launch and implement national oral health policies.

“We did the same with Algeria, Botswana, and Lesotho. To address the scarce oral health workforce in response to the population’s needs, we are developing an online training course, in partnership with Harvard University, for community health workers to facilitate task sharing of oral health interventions among oral and other health professionals.

“We have supported eleven countries to develop, implement and monitor an integrated national noma control programme, funded by the German nongovernmental organization, Hilfsaktion Noma e.V.

” In July 2022, we successfully launched the online training course for noma towards primary care workers.

“Around 3,600 people registered for this course to learn about this severe disease, have their capacity built on prevention and control of noma, and hopefully use that knowledge and skill on early detection and treatment at the primary care level”.

Man hails mechanic for returning N10.8m mistakenly sent to his account

A contractor, identified as Itoba, has praised his mechanic Timothy, for returning N10.8m that was mistakenly paid into his account.

Itoba made this known in a viral video on social media on Monday.

He  said, “My name is Mr Itoba, and I’m a contractor. I’m using this opportunity to introduce Mr Timothy to everyone. Yesterday around 4pm, I mistakenly transferred N10.8m to his account intended for my manager on my project, and he came on his own to return the money.

“As desperate as the condition is, there are still very good people and that is why I’m making this public announcement that anyone who needs his service should contact him because he’s a good and honest man.”

Credit: Twitter | Postsubman

Watch video on Twitter>>>https://bit.ly/42u1kQ3

Credit: Vanguard

UNESCO Laureate Prof. Bashiru Aremu listed, cited & published across the globe-Prof. Pratik Mungekar

Prof. Pratik Mungekar has disclosed that the UNESCO Laureate and Vice-Chancellor, Crown University, USA, Prof. Bashiru Aremu has been listed, Cited, and Published as Fellow of the Marquis Who’s who in the World and Fellow of Professors, Fellow of Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award Winners, USA, International Chartered World Learned Society, Chartered World Institute of Encyclopedia of Books, Africa Int’l Institute for Professional Training and Research, Chartered World Order of the Knights of Justice and several others.
“This has displayed to the world that Prof. Bashiru Aremu is a global icon of education. His research works have proffer solutions to lots of issues across all continents of the world. His global recognition didn’t come as a surprise. It is well earned and deserved”, he said.

While stressing further, he stated that, in Europe and the world at large, He was Listed, Cited, and Published as stated below:
“Fellow of World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor and Fellow of Outstanding Intellectual of 21st Century, Cambridge, England, Fellow of Europe Association for International Education in Amsterdam at the Netherlands, Fellow of Professors and World Leader of the Humanities of International Biographical Centre, Cambridge in England, Fellow of World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor and Special Guest Editor of Cambridge Scholars Publishing in Cambridge in the United Kingdom

“In Asia and the world at large, Head Offices Based in India: He was Listed, Cited, and Published by Unity of Nations for Climate Change Council An Official partner of the United Nations Global Network as a Fellow of Professors, Fellow of World Grand Board of Trustees and World Grand Chancellor of University of Nations of Quality Education an official University of Unity of Nations for Climate Change Council and others as well.

“Africa and the world at large based in the Republic of Gambia and the world at large, He was Listed, Cited, and Published by Innovation Africa Digital Summit as a stakeholder in ICT in the world and World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor, In Nigeria, He was Listed, Cited and Published by the Federal Government of Nigeria under Its following agencies: Federal Ministry of Education Abuja. Nigeria, Computers Professional Registrations Council of Nigeria (CPN) and National Universities Commission, (NUC) Abuja Nigeria, apart from that, he has been contributing his quota to the development of Nation building through the dissemination of Knowledge such as he was invited by Federal Government of Nigeria to delivered lecture on economy recovery after COVID-19 and #ENDSARS riot as a Professor and stakeholder on Universities education system in the world at large.

“Recently, he was invited by an International Television station with its headquarters in Abuja- Nigeria, TStv, for a live 30-minute program where he talked about UN global goals, Quality Education, which is goal 4 of the SDGs.

“There, he made crucial points and outlined technical challenges confronting the efficient implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.

“However, he lauded the efforts of the UN and went further to point out remedies that if employed would help make the 17 SDGs implementation globally seamless”.

Kogi Guber Polls: Yahaya Bello urged on zoning

By Wale Agbore

The Ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kogi State has been urged to take a cue from the leadership ingenuity of Governor Yahaya Bello by zoning the next governorship to the Western Senatorial District of Kogi State.

This is contained in a communique issued by the Congress of Kogi Patriots (KCP) after a meeting held in Lokoja.

The communique which was signed by the National President of (CKP), Doctor Zik Olatunde stated that Governor Yahaya Bello has recorded landmark achievements in the last few years of his administration and deserves commendation.

It also pointed out that the Governor has been fair in the equitable distribution of infrastructure and political patronage across the three Senatorial districts of the State.

The communique further stated that the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice so far exhibited by the Governor and his New Direction administration is unprecedented since the creation of the state hence the need for the people to rise above divisive issues that polarise the state in the past and allow power to rotate freely among the senatorial districts.

It appealed for concerted efforts of Kogites to achieve the idea to consolidate the remarkable record already set by the Governor, particularly in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Comptroller Mustapha Hashim Takes Over Leadership of Customs Kaduna Command From Ag. ACG Yakubu Salihu

The Kaduna Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service witnessed a change of baton, in the leadership of the Command on the 15th of March, 2023.

In his welcome address,  the new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mustapha Hashim thanked the Comptroller General of Customs Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) CFR, and his Management Team for his recent promotion and new post. He assured the Service of improved Trade Facilitation and revenue collections.

Hashim urged the stakeholders of the Command, to maintain the existing cordial relationship with him as they showed to his predecessor.

“I want to commend the outgoing Customs Area Controller for his remarkable achievement and target set in the Command on Trade Facilitation, Revenue Collection, Customs Civic Responsibilities to Host Community, and Robust Stakeholder engagement.”

“I equally congratulate him on his new rank and office as Ag. Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Finance and Administration (ACG FATs).” He felicitated.

Earlier, the outgoing Customs Area Controller who doubles as, the  Ag. ACG Yakubu Salihu appreciated the utmost support of his lieutenants and Stakeholders, who contributed immensely to the success recorded while being the CAC of the Command.

He maintained that his door is always open to all officers and men as he is going to assume duty at the Corporate Headquarters Abuja.

The handing over occasion came to a close with the proper signing of documents, presentation of the Service Flag, and  group photograph

Participants Of Nigerian Army Resource Centre Visit Defence Headquarters

The participants of Leadership and Strategic Studies Course 1/2022 today, Wednesday 15 March 2023 paid a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

The visit, according to representative of the Director General, Army Resource Centre, Major General Abubakar Adamu Tarfa (retired) was designed to expose the participants to the practical and theoretical aspects of their course.

He stated that the course which duration is eleven calendar months is conducted in conjunction with the Nigerian Defence Academy Post Graduate School; adding that the course comprises 28 officers of the rank of Colonel and 7 officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He further revealed that the course outline among other things covers Research, Military History, War Studies, Strategic Leadership and study tours of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA)
Speaking during the visit, the representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal Jackson Yusuf welcomed the participants and commended the Army Resource Centre for introducing leadership and strategic course into its curriculum. He noted that the visit will further equip the participants and expose them to the organization, structure and role of DHQ in national security.
Also during the visit, the participants were given an elaborate brief on the organization, functions, structure and the contributions of the DHQ in pursuit of national security.

Highlight of the visit was an exchange of souvenirs between the DHQ and Army Resource Centre .

EFCC Teams Arrive States to Monitor Guber Polls

Ahead of the governorship and state assembly elections slated for Saturday, March 18, 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has deployed personnel of the Agency across the states where the elections would be held.

The teams led by senior officers began arriving at their assigned locations earlier today, March 17, with a number of them holding consultation with the other security agencies involved in election security and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The team for Ebonyi State, arrived Abakaliki and met with the Commissioner of Police at the State Headquarters, to register their presence before proceeding to the State INEC Headquarters for a brief meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC.

Officers of Kaduna Zonal Command led by ACEII Mustapha Abubakar who are on election monitoring mission to Niger state also met the Commissioner of Police, J.A Ogundele, to register their presence in the state. They also visited the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Niger state, Ahmed Yusha’u Garki.

Officers of the Abuja Zonal Command on election monitoring duty in Nasarawa State, led by ACE II Adeniyi Adebayo also registered their presence at the Nigeria Police Command Lafia, and had a brief meeting with the Commissioner of Police.

The brief of the teams is to deter vote trading and other financial malpractices that could compromise the integrity of the elections. The Executive Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa had, in a message to the teams before the Presidential and National Assembly elections of February 25, charged them to exhibit a high sense of integrity and professionalism in carrying out their duties.

“You are out on a national assignment and I expect you to conduct yourselves responsibly in line with our core values of professionalism, integrity and courage. You have a responsibility to ensure that this election is devoid of financial malpractices, especially inducement of voters. The attention of the world is focused on Nigeria and we must do what is necessary to ensure that we have credible, free and fair elections, “he stated.

Visit http://www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories.