NGO shares 360 crutches to people with disability in Karumajigi

By Emmanuel Daudu

A nongovernmental organization, Poverty and Disability Initiative in Nigeria, (PADIN) has lamented the increased rate of poverty among people living with disability in Nigeria while promising to contribute their quota in filling the gap as it shared 360 crutches to people living with disability

This much was said by the president and founder of the NGO, Olatunji Oladaya Lincoln while speaking with our correspondent on Saturday during the occasion of the distribution of crutches to people living with disability at the Disable colony, Karumajigi, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory.

He maintained that there has been a lot of talk about taking care of the disabled once in Nigeria but nothing much has been done by the Government to alleviate the suffering of these persons, which he said prompted their Organization in collaboration with their partner, NCGI to donate crutches to them, with the promise to make more deliveries in the nearest future.

He explained further, “I was born as a person with a disability, and if you look at over thirty million Nigerians that are persons with disabilities, we need people to fill the gap for them. The rate of poverty increases within the range of these persons within the disabled community is very high and alarming. Thank God I had the privilege to have gone to school.

“And as the person with a disability that I am, I think I have to represent the thirty million people, I have to fill the gap too which is why you saw me here doing this for my people. They are my people.”

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Taiwo Ibukun Oluwa Okpeyo who is one of the volunteers for NCGI Nigeria, said, “Today we are partnering with PADIN to distribute crutches for disabled people here. Our main aim and objective are to help people living with disability by giving them clutches, walking aides, and wheelchairs, and again we cater for elderly persons in our society. Most people have one form of deformity or the other.  

Meanwhile, the project Director of PADIN, Christina Obinna Okafor explained why the choice of Karumajigi for the delivery of the clutches,

“We discovered that this Karumajigi is actually the disability colony in Abuja. This is where you have the majority of people living with a disability residing. So rather than going about seeking disabled people on the street we felt it is better we can come here. When you talk to the chief there is actually somebody who is the leader of the people living with disability here which makes it easier to reach out to all manner of people living with disability, because they have them on record. Like you have seen they actually have the list, they have it typed out and it made our work easier.

She explained further that the joy they see on the faces of the recipients is what motivates them to want to do more, “As you saw on the NCJI T-shirt, we are sharing love, we are sharing passion, and we are sharing joy. It’s unbelievable the relief you see on the faces of these people. As we tagged it UNBURDEN, we are actually lifting off the burden of having to look for proteases for these people, because I don’t know when you look at them to get proteases like the crutches, or the wheelchairs it’s quite expensive.  And so when you have these things and you can give it out to them you are actually lifting lots of loads.

The Country Director of PADIN in Nigeria, Paul Mubuchi Ogbonna on his part stressed that the job of trying to alleviate the suffering of the people living with a disability does not end at shearing crutches, “As a matter of fact we are going to be bringing a lot of things on the table like entrepreneurship. We are going to bring such things to the table to make them understand that they can be more useful to themselves despite their disability. We plan to move a lot of them out off the street and empower them, giving them entrepreneurship spirit. And it all starts with teaching. Once you can impart knowledge and education into someone you have helped the person.

About 360 crutches were shared to the persons living with disability at Karumajigi on Saturday.

Troops Of Op. Hadarin Daji Neutralise Bandits, Recover Arms Ammunitions  In Zamfara, Katsina States

By Emmanuel Daudu

In the early hours of 8 April 2023, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted offensive operations to the hideout of some Bandits’ kingpins at Yartasha and Chabi villages in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to Major General Musa Danmadami, Director Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters in a press release he signed on the
9 April 2023, stated that troops made contact with the kingpins and their foot soldiers and in an attempt to escape, troops neutralized two (2 )bandits, arrested one (1) while others fled.

In another development, on the same day troops conducted ambush operations on bandits conveying large quantities of rustled animals at DAN MARKE village in KANKARA Local Government Area of Katsina State. Troops in ambush positions neutralized one (1 ) bandits while others fled with gunshots injuries. Troops recovered two (2) AK 47 rifles, one hundred and fifty (150) rustled cattles, forty (40) rustled sheeps amongst other items.

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

Insecurity: Troops neutralize scores of Boko Haram terrorists

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, has stated that the military troops have neutralized scores of Boko Haram and Islamic West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist groups and recovered N2.3 million in the North-East zone of the country.

He added that 974 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops in the Northeast in the past two weeks.

The troops conducted both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the various theatres of operations, with significant outcomes recorded.

Major General Danmadami also condemned those Nigerians calling for the formation of an Interim Government come May 29 this year in place of a democratically elected Government, describing it as unconstitutional.

He explained that the Armed Forces of Nigeria does not support this because it’s unconstitutional and that the Independent National Electoral Commission has conducted elections and results declared anything short of it.

In the North-East zone of the country, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have sustained the offensive operation to curb the activities of Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists in the Joint Area of Operations within the zone.

The troops have conducted offensive operations in villages in Bama, Askira Uba and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State, neutralizing seven terrorists while others fled.

Troops also recovered various weapons and items from the terrorists. In addition, troops have arrested suspected terrorists’ logistics couriers and suppliers, and rescued kidnapped civilians in different parts of the zone.

CDS Easter Message to AFN

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor CFR felicitates with members of the Armed forces of Nigeria on the occasion of Easter celebrations.

The CDS wishes members of the Armed Forces and their families happy Easter filled with love and joy.

According to Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director Defence Information in a press release on the
7 April 2023 called on all to use this period to reflect on the love of Jesus Christ for which this season is celebrated and continue to manifest Love for Country in all dispositions. He urged all to continue to pray to the Lord for more success in our operations and smooth democratic transition in the nation.

General Irabor thanked Members of the Armed Forces for making our nation proud in various operations at home and abroad.

The CDS also uses the festive period to appreciate the noble role played by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the just concluded general elections which has continued to attract commendations from around the world.

The CDS uses this occasion to once again express the loyalty and commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to Mr President, C-in-C and the Constitution of the Federal Republic. We pledge to continue to respect and protect the constitution and democratic governance in the Country.

UN Body Expresses Interest To Work with NiMet

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) has expressed interest to work with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

This was disclosed when a team from the UN body paid a courtesy visit to the NiMet headquarters yesterday.

Speaking on the purpose of their visit the leader of the team and Head of Office for Nigeria, Trond Jensen said he was impressed by the analysis and the work that NiMet is doing that the purpose of the visit is to continue it’s advocacy efforts to enhance the urgency, efficiency, and quality of humanitarian response in the north east states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe and that “One of the things we want to do this year together with the government Institutions that we are working with is to be better prepared for the rainy season this year”.

He noted that last year was a national disaster in terms of the extent and impact of the flooding, also in terms of the damage to infrastructure.
Mr Jensen emphasized that their desire is to work more closely with NiMet.
” We want to work more closely with you in terms of understanding what might happen this year, compared to last year and how we can work better, working with you in terms of preparedness, in terms of anticipatory action where your input is actually critical for us to understand how the inclement weather would impact on the humanitarian work”. He said.

Responding the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu observed that both organisations have a common goal and the convergence of providing early warning for all. He explained that NiMet has achieved certain level of leadership role in the continent based on the provision of climate services from co-generation to effective dissemination and getting feedbacks within the value chain.

Prof. Matazu revealed further that based on this, NiMet provides daily weather forecast to Liberia, and Sierra Leone as part of the World Meteorological Organisation VCP programme which has been on for almost seven years to date.

He disclosed that ” We are also implementing the WMO SOFF project, we are peer reviewing Liberia and Burkina Faso, Liberia we are doing that alone but with Burkina Faso we are peering with Spanish Met Service. We also want to apply for the second stage to peer review one or two other African states”. He said.
Prof. Matazu revealed that by doing some of these projects NiMet has gained experience to be able to do some of its own national mandate while partnering with some Ministries , Departments and Agencies.

Prof. Matazu said NiMet is flexible and willing to work with the UN body and assured that ” if we get details of your target location and elements of interest, we can come up with some products specifically for your usage and we can get it relayed to you electronically or we can create a segment in our App, NiMet weather App that can be downloaded from the playstore. He assured.

The team later went on tour of some NiMet facilities.

STEP commences registration of technology and energy professionals

… sets-up registration council

… as Stanley Amuchie, others join as patrons

The Society of Technology and Energy Professionals-STEP, a registered organization in Nigeria has commenced, assessment, registration, and certification of technology and energy professionals.

The president of the professional body Amb. Chimeremeze Enwere disclosed this to newsmen while presenting a distinguished patron award to Sir Stanley Amuchie , the Executive Director of Fidelity bank/ Former Chief operating officer of Zenith bank as one of their Patrons.

Enwere maintained that in order to assess, register and certify professionals as member, senior member, distinguished member, and fellow, respectively.

The Executive Board of the organization has inaugurated the Council for Registration of Technology and Energy Professionals (CORETEP) pending when their proposed bill gets to the president for approval.

The council which includes Prof Mike Onyekonwu, Engr Umar Mahmud, Dr. Iweh Idoreyin Asuquo, Prof Massambah Kah, Engr Somtochukwu Ifejika, Mr. Augustine Okoronkwo, Mr. Mustapha Dewu, Dr. Lilian Odenugo, Mrs. Ebere Madubuike and Mr. Erasmus Nnanna and others as advisers.

Enwere reiterated that for professionals to meet the global challenges facing technology and energy advancement, there is a need to prepare and certify technology and energy professionals.

Other nominated Patrons are Tony Elumelu, Aliko Dangote, Victor Sodje, Osagie Okunbo, Sam Ezugwuorie, Simbi Wabote, Philip Mshelbila, and many others.

The outcome of the board resolution has been forwarded to the three arm of Nigerian government and to the general public.

NiMet Boss Appointed Into NOSDRA Governing Board

Following the request from the Honourable Minister of Environment and subsequent approval by the Honourable Minister of Aviation, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, ((NiMet), Prof Mansur Bako Matazu has been appointed as a member of the Governing Board of National Oil Spill Detection And Response Agency (NOSDRA).

The approval was contained in a letter to the Honourable Minister of Environment, signed on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Aviation by the Director ( Human Resource Management) of the Ministry of Aviation.

“I am directed to refer to your letter No FMENV/PRS/1782/1/18 dated 29th March 2023 on the above subject and convey the approval of the Honourable Minister of Aviation for the Director General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu to serve on the Governing Board of the National Oil Spill Detection And Response Agency (NOSDRA).” The letter reads.

By this appointment, Prof. Matazu is expected to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear.

NiMet Organizes Refresher Training on Hydro-Meteorology

To boost professionalism and deepen the knowledge of her mandate amongst members of staff, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has commenced a refresher training of her staff on probable maximum precipitation, monitoring of flood using Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and hydrometeorological data analysis using Geographic Information System methods and product.

Explaining the importance of the exercise, the Deputy General Manager, Geographic Information System (GIS) Mr. Bankole J.A, stated that the training serves as a refresher course on hydro-meteorological products and services for both new and existing staff of the hydro-meteorological unit.

The Deputy General Manager also revealed that the training is set to enhance the mapping of flood extent, predictions and frequency as well as accurate study of damage assessment to intensify the monitoring of severe weather event and boost the early warning policy of the Agency.

Mr Bankole concluded by stating that NiMet has ensured that capacity building forms the bedrock of its core mandate and it is evident in the Director General’s policy thrust which ensures that the technical competence of every unit is maximised for the overall growth and progress of the Agency.

NiMet Conducts QMS Internal Audit In PH AIRPORT

In continuation of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) Quality Management Systems (QMS) internal audit as a prerequisite for recertification for the International Standardization Organization (ISO), ISO 9001:2015 recertification, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has conducted the QMS internal audit process in PortHarcourt International Airport.

The process which is needed to maintain quality services, is also required when acquiring, maintaining and recertifying the ISO 9001:2015.

Areas covered include auditing data achieving processing and auditing forecasting process.

The first phase of this process covers the four major international airports, starting with Lagos, PortHarcourt, Kano and Abuja.

MRA, IPC, expresses dissatisfaction over NBC 5M imposition on Channels TV

By Emmanuel Daudu


For the umpteenth time, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has acted arbitrarily in the purported exercise of its powers as the regulatory authority for the broadcast sector in Nigeria.

According to a press release co-signed by Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and           Lanre Arogundade                                                    Executive Director,                                         International Press Centre (IPC), on Tuesday stated that on March 31st, it was announced that NBC had slammed a fine of N5m on Channels Television, based on the claim that it violated the Nigeria Broadcasting Code because of the interview the station’s Seun Okinbaloye had with the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Datti Ahmed on March 22, 2023.

In the said interview Mr. Ahmed expressed strong opposition to the swearing-in of the President Elect, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on May 29, 2023, weightily alleging that it would be tantamount to the end of democracy.

Although the NBC did not disclose the material fact in its announcement of the sanction, the regulatory body apparently acted on a widely publicised petition addressed to it by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Director of Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, in which he demanded that the station be punished over the interview in question. The petition was published by many news mediums on March 30th, 2023.

Barely 24 hours later, the NBC struck. Against the well-established principle of natural justice, which, among others, make fair hearing sacrosanct, NBC did not avail Channels TV the opportunity of putting forward its defense against Mr. Onanuga’s allegations before slamming the hefty fine.

Assuming without conceding that Channels TV erred in the management of the said interview, it was still pertinent for the NBC to have heard their side of the story. In failing to do so, the NBC acted unfairly and unjustly as it based its heavy-handed decision on the claims of one side only.

NBC has in this instance again exercised quasi-judicial powers injudiciously, by constituting itself to the prosecutor and the judge over a case brought before it by a third party. In previous instances, it has also additionally been the accuser.

It must be stressed that Mr. Onanuga is not just anybody. He speaks for the in-coming president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ordinarily, this should have informed the need for the NBC to act more cautiously instead of exposing itself to the accusation that it has become the ruling government or ruling party’s willing tool to suppress press freedom.

Even if, as the NBC claims, it acted based on its own observation, it was still imperative for it to allow Channels Television to respond to the allegations, especially since that made it the accuser, the prosecutor and the judge.

We wish to reiterate that the fundamental principles that ought to guide the regulation of broadcasting and related activities are the ones that advance the public interest and are investment friendly both of which have been discarded in the handling of the petition.

We urge the NBC to desist from walking this path, which undermines its credibility and independence and weakens the broadcast sector as a result. We call on the commission to immediately reverse the hastily imposed fine and give Channels TV the deserved opportunity to defend itself.