Acting Director Defence Information Visits DINFO Nigerian Navy: Seeks For Maximum Cooperation

In continuation with his familiarization visit to the Services Directors of Public Relations and Information, the Acting Director Defence Information (DDI),  Brigadier  General Tukur Ismail Gusau Ph.D mni today Monday 30 January, 2023 paid a courtesy call on the Director of Information (DINFO) Nigerian Navy , Commodore Adedotun Olukayode  Ayo – Vaughan. 

According to  Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba
for Acting Director Defence Information
Defence Headquarters, in a press release on
30 January 2023, said, during the visit, the Acting DDI seeks for continuous cooperation and partnership in the area of information management between Defence and   services Headquarters.  The Acting DDI urged the Naval image maker  to continue to offer the existing  synergy with the Directorate of Defence Information . He thanked him for the support and partnership rendered to his predecessor,  with the call to improve on the splendid gesture to jointly project the good image of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.  

According General Tukur Gusau ” jointness, improved partnership and synergy are  very vital in the information management of the current security challenges facing the country” .  

   Therefore, he assured the DINFO of his assistance in the area of timelly information sharing in the interest of the AFN and national security.

Responding,  the Director of Information Nigerian Navy, Commodore Adedotun Ayo – Vaughan welcomed the Acting DDI and his entourage to the Headquarters Nigerian Navy.  While congratulating the Acting DDI on  his well deserved appointment .  He  assured him of his full support and unalloyed loyalty to the very end.   The DINFO promised to continue to interface with the Acting DDI for suggestions and direction.  The DINFO pointed out that, ” operating in silos doesn’t yield positive result in the information management”. He therefore assured the Acting DDI of his total support and cooperation for him to succeed in the well deserved appointment.

Blessing Akinlosotu appointed Executive Director/National Commandant of the International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc, USA

By Emmanuel Daudu

…..promised to use office to support Nigeria’s Security Architecture and Peace Keeping

Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu has promised to support the Nigerian Security Architecture in all areas of operations aftermath of his appointment as the Executive Director – Nigeria of the International Police Chaplin Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement, Inc. (IPCSL).

Blessing Akinlosotu was also promoted to the rank of a Captain within the framework of the implantation and deployment of the Chaplaincy program on the African continent and has been charged with responsibilities which include ensuring the coordination of national activities under the command and supervision of the African coordinators, to follow up with the government to obtain the authorization for installation and operation and or the headquarters agreement, to coordinate the recruitment and training process in collaboration with the Africa Coordinator in all official meetings with the country’s authorities, to represent the African Coordinator in all official meetings with the country authorities, to send periodic reports to the Africa coordination on the progress of activities, to mobilize human, material and financial resources to carry out the mission of the IPCSL in the country amongst many others.

The letter of appointment which was signed by the IPCSL Africa Coordinator, Amb. Col. Johaness M. Makouvia for the High Council of Staff, Florida, USA, and Co-signed and Authenticated by Amb. Dr. Wilkenson CESAR, Vice President of the Senior Staff Council, IPCSL Florida, USA Head of Headquarters also in the letter expressed optimism in the capacity and capability of Blessing Akinlosotu, stressing that he is a young Nigerian known for his hard work and sincere passion for the youths who are always there for his dear country to make it a better one, daily.

Those also appointed along side Blessing Akinlosotu includes Dr. Raymond Edoh, Deputy Executive Director, Northern, Nigeria and Mr. Samson Adeosun, Deputy Executive Director, Southern, Nigeria.

Earlier, the IPCSL has communicated with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, introducing the organization, its aims and objectives in a letter signed by Dr. Tardieu RIDORE, President/General in Chief High Staff IPCSL. Florida, USA.

According to the letter, “we act as strategic partners to help the UN mobilize the ideas, people, and resources it needs to deliver and develop a diverse and sustainable base for collective action. We focus on issues at the heart of the sustainable development Goals, build initiatives across sectors to address issues at scale, and engage influencers and citizens seeking action”.

The letter also admonished President Buhari to ask relevant authorities to deal with the officers of the organization with confidence.

Humanitarian Affairs Ministry Releases Post Disaster Damage Estimation Report Of 2022 Floods In Nigeria

A Post Disaster Assessment report on the 2022 Flooding in Nigeria has been released by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

SA Media to the minister
Nneka Ikem Anibeze, said, presenting the report on Friday in Abuja, the Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq said that the  objective of the Global Rapid Damage Estimation  Note, developed by the  World Bank’s Disaster-Resilience Analytics and Solutions team, was to assess the economic impact of the June-November 2022 floods in the country.

She said that the GRADE assessment gives an overview of the nature of the flood disaster and its impact across Nigeria as well as sectoral and State-by-State effects critical for planning.

“The GRADE Note is a fast first-order approximation of the economic impact, and provides a rapid high-level estimate of damages used to inform ongoing decisions in a timely fashion. It  was developed using the empirical data defined in this document, calibrated against historical data and experience, including the 2012 Nigeria Floods PDNA (Post-disaster Needs Assessment). The period of analysis is from June 2022 to 25th November 2022”

According to the Key findings of the GRADE report,  all the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory were  affected by the 2022 flood in Nigeria with varying degrees of damages and people affected.

“This analysis estimates that the total direct economic damages, based on currently reported statistics as of November 25th are in the range of US$3.79 billion to US$9.12 billion with the best (median) estimate at US$6.68 billion. This includes damages to residential and non-residential buildings (including building contents), as well as damages to infrastructure, productive sectors and to cropland”.

The Minister explained that the number of persons affected rose above  4.9 million  as of November 25th, 2022 with significant damage to infrastructure including roads, irrigation and river infrastructure as well as WASH and electricity infrastructure with around $1.23 billion ($0.959-$1.724 billion) in damage expected.

Umar Farouq called on the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to utilize the GRADE Assessment to plan the recovery and rehabilitation of victims of the flood as well as the responding MDAs in Federal, States and Local Governments to also use the report to ameliorate the plight of victims of the 2022 flood.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr Nasir
Sani -Gwarzo mni. NPOM. stated that the Ministry and NEMA jointly sought a preliminary and quantitative spatial damage assessment which was considered to be faster than a traditional Post Disaster Needs Assessment and fairly accurate with the technical support from the World Bank Group.
“The GRADE approach was with the collaboration of many stakeholders including NIMET, NARDA, NIHSA, NSCDC and the GRADE assessment was conducted between Nov 14-28, 2022 after the flood water had receded in most parts in the country  from June to November 2022.
“The World Bank delivered the Grade Report on time in November 2022 and the Ministry through NEMA has started implementing some of the findings of the report”.
 
The GRADE report becomes a vital tool to understanding the effects of the flood on people, their coping capacity and who are the most vulnerable groups. It can also be used to identify the most urgent recovery needs and the best methods of the reconstruction of critical sector/infrastructure.

Humanitarian Affairs Ministry Loses Director Special Needs

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has  been thrown into mourning following the death of its only female Director ,  Mrs Nkechi Onwukwe.

According to SA Media to the minister,Nneka Ikem Anibeze, in a press release on the
29-01-2023, the Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq expressed shock at her sudden demise when she paid a condolence visit to the family in Kado, Abuja at the weekend.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo mni. NPOM led the management staff of the ministry, including Directors, the National Cordinator-National Social  Investment Programmes NSIP , Cluster Heads, Special and Technical Assistants to the Minister   as well as union members to commiserate with the family.

Umar Farouq stated that the untimely and unforeseen death was a rude shock having held a management meeting with the deceased on Thursday.

“Indeed, we received the sad news with great shock. This is somebody who is our family member and we always pride ourselves in the ministry that we work as a family.

“Madam Nkechi Onwukwe was a strong family member and will remain a family member even in absentia. Her death has touched all of us. She was a very nice and amiable person. We enjoyed our working relationship with her and with all the good memories she left behind, we will continue to celebrate her.

“On behalf of all of us in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, we condole with the Onwukwe family and we pray that God will console and provide for the family she left behind “

In his remarks, the National Cordinator -National Social Investment Programme Dr Umar Bindir eulogized the late director, describing her as a natural  civil servant  who went about her work diligently.

“She was a professional who worked so hard and  diligently without crossing anybody’s path. I hope
you, the children of the late Mrs Onwukwe will imbibe the character of your  mother. She will be sorely missed”.

Mrs Onwukwe  who died on Friday January 27, 2023 was the Director Special Needs of the ministry. She started her career at the Ministry of Women Affairs in 1992 before joining the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in 2019. She is survived by three children and was aged 56 years.

2023 Elections: Abuja Online Publishers Brace For Urgent Task Of Nation Building

…Suspend Membership Admission Till Further Notice

Membership admission into the nascent professional Association of all Online Publishers in the nation’s capital, Abuja has been suspended to allow the forum focus on the all important task of nation building weeks to the General Elections.

According to a press release e-signed on the 28th January, 2023 by the acting secretary, Sola Akingboye, the position was reached by the Steering Committee after the Association reached fifty-member milestone barely a week after its inauguration.

The Steering Committee unanimously resolved to temporarily suspend membership admission to allow us concentrate on the onerous task of Nation Building weeks to the General Elections. During this window, we will perfect our incorporation and compile our digital register for reference purposes.

Also, the various adhoc committees are working assiduously to meet their timelines. The Finance Committee had turned in its recommendation, the draft constitution will be out next week as well as our logo which will be ratified in a General Meeting to be announced soon.

Overwhelmed by the wide acceptance of the association by all online Publishers, the Acting Chairman of the Association, Martins Odiete thanked all members for hearing the calls and heeding with their presence.

“On behalf of the Steering Committee, I would like to extend my utmost gratitude to you and your hard work.
Your dedication helped us reach our goals. I deeply appreciate every member of this team for showing relentless effort for this project.

“This progress would not be possible without your contributions. I value your commitment to this vision and look forward to achieving all our milestones together” he said.

Four weeks to the polls, we will devote our far reaching platforms to educate, inform and sensitize Nigerians and the global community about the activities of all stakeholders as we count down to the general elections with a view to reporting: fair, balance and accurate updates.

Abuja Online Publishers is an association of all online media with the aim of advocating the invaluable place of verifiable  and trusted online news media in a democratic society, encourage diversity, inclusion and to be a reference point for high editorial standards.

Change Of Baton In OPHK: Major General Is Ali Takes Over Command As General Cg Musa Leaves To Head The Infantry Corps

Following the recent redeployment of senior officers and officers across various Theatre of Operations, Formations and Units across the country, the Theatre of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has witnessed yet another Change of Command between Major General Christopher Musa and Major General Ibrahim Ali in a grand style at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East OPHK.

On Saturday 28 January, 2023, Major General Ibrahim Ali has taken over the mantle of leadership as the 12th Theatre Commander of OPHK from Major General Christopher Musa who is proceeding to Headquarters Infantry Corp Centre as the Commander Infantry Corp.

Speaking during the Handing and Taking ceremony at the Headquarters OPHK, in Maimalari Cantonment, the out-gone TC, Major General CG Musa expresses his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General F Yahaya for the opportunity given to him to serve as the Theatre Commander of OPHK as well as for his redeployment to head the Infantry Corps.

In the same vein, General Musa gratitude to all commanders, officers and troops of OPHK for their unalloyed loyalty and commitment in performing their primary responsibilities as well as sustaining the onslaught against the terrorist which brought about the unprecedented and unparralel successes recorded in the recent past stressing that the victory is for all and not him alone.

While calling on all officers and troops not to relent in their efforts in actualizing the mandates of the Operations, stating that the country is counting on us to end the war against insurgency, he charge them to keep the faith and fight vehemently to ensure all the remnant marauding elements of the terrorists are completely destroyed so that total peace and tranquility will be restored. To end his remarks, he used the medium to urge the troops to accord his successor Major General IS Ali same cooperation, support and determination shown to him while in the Theatre.

During his remarks, the Theatre Commander OPHK, Major General IS Ali appreciates the out-gone TC for the legacies he is leaving behind and promised to build upon these legacies towards ending the fight against the insurgents. He added that all hands must be on deck to see to the end of terrorism in the NE.

The climax of the occasion includes the presentation of Commendation letter to LCpl Timothy Yakubu for exhibiting act of gallantry in the recent onslaught against the terrorists which led to the recovery of MRAP, weapons and saving the lives of other colleagues. Others were signing of the Handing and Taking over notes, decoration of the incoming TC with the OPHK insignia, presentation of Command Flag, inspection of quarter guards and the farewell address to troops as well as brief interview with members of the press.

Present during the ceremony were the Deputy TC, Major General KA Isoni, GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General W Shaibu, Sectors and Component Commanders, Principal Staff Officers of HQ TC and 7 Division Nigerian Army.

MAJOR GENERAL LANDER SARASO TAKES OVER COMMAND OF SECTOR 2 OPERATION HADIN KAI

In line with the recent redeployment of senior officers across Nigerian Army Formations, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso has assumed Office as the new Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
The seasoned Infantry senior officer took over command on Friday 27th January 2023 at the Sector Headquarters in Damaturu the Yobe State Capital after being conducted round various troops’ locations within 27 and 29 Task Force Brigades by the outgoing Sector Commander.

Speaking during the Handing and Taking-Over Ceremony at the Sector Conference Room, the outgone Commander, Major General Koko Isoni while thanking officers and men of the Sector for their support, loyalty and commitment through out his tour of duty, sued for same and even more support to enable his successor carry out his assigned task of securing the Sector 2 Area of Operational Responsibilities without hitches.

He noted that the change in batton came at a very critical time when the nation is inching towards the conduct of the 2023 General Elections and therefore urged troops and units under command to remain dedicated to their duties and avoid all forms of crimes and misconduct.

He further expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for giving him another opportunity to further continue in the service of the motherland by appointing and redeploying him to go as the Deputy Theatre Commander JTF NE OPHK.

Similarly in his address, the new Commander Sector 2 JTF NE OPHK Maj Gen Lander Saraso while appreciating the efforts of the outgone Commander in the area of operations and infrastructural developments also promised to continue with the good legacies. He assured officers and men of the Sector of his zeal to build upon the successes recorded by his predecessor.

Highlights of the ceremony was the signing of the Handing and Taking Over Notes, decoration of the Commander with the Sector 2 Insignia and presentation of the Sector 2 Flag of Authority to the new Commander.

2023 Elections: Defence Minister Lauds NAF Airlift Readiness To Support INEC

By Aliyu Oyiza Juwairiyat

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)  for its readiness to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to airlift its staff and logistics before, during and after the 2023 general elections.

Air Commodore Wap Maigida, Director Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force, in a press released on 
26 January 2023, said, The Defence Minister gave the commendation during the roll-out ceremony of C-130 Hercules aircraft (NAF918),  held on Wednesday 25 January 2023 at the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, NAF, Ikeja, Lagos.

Maj Gen Magashi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said he was pleased to recognize NAF’s preparations towards the forthcoming elections. This, he said was exemplified by the timely completion of the in-country Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of the NAF C-130H aircraft to boost its  airlift capacity to support INEC.

The Defence Minister  congratulated the NAF for the technical  breakthrough, noting that it further demonstrates the Service quest for capacity development and self-reliance in equipment maintenance.

He added that the achievement is an indication  that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has enormous potentials for technical capacity development in- country ventures.

The Minister extolled the NAF immense contributions in combating terrorism, insurgency and other forms of security threats in the country as well as its non-kinetic campaigns in various theatres of operation. 

He reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and capacity development of the AFN in order for them to effectively perform their constitutional roles of defending the nation against adversaries and criminal elements.

He further disclosed that Government has placed orders for the acquisition of airlift, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft as well as ground attack, advanced jet training and combat multi-role helicopters for the NAF.   These additional platforms, he said would further boost the Service operational capabilities.  He urged NAF personnel to remain loyal and committed as well as ensure safe operations and maintenance of the Service platforms.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao stated that the roll-out ceremony of the C-130H aircraft resonates with his vision to enhance and sustain NAF critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives.

According to him, “the platform could not have been reactivated at a better time, as the NAF is now better positioned to support INEC to airlift electoral staff and logistics in the forthcoming general elections. It is on this note that we welcome NAF 918 back to operational readiness to achieve its logistics assignment,” the CAS stressed.

He further remarked that in-country periodic maintenance has improved NAF aircraft serviceability as well as significantly reduced maintenance cost of carrying out such maintenance overseas, while conserving foreign exchange for the country.

Air Marshal Amao averred that the NAF aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians involved in the PDM project are more exposed to the requisite expertise and high quality maintenance practices.  

He revealed that the aircraft have been test-flown by NAF pilots who confirmed that the engines, instruments and avionics parameters are within standard safety limits.

He maintained that the NAF C-130 fleet have since fulfilled troops and logistics airlift roles in several combat and humanitarian operations within and outside the shores of Nigeria.

He assured that deliberate efforts are being made to improve aircraft serviceability across all the aircraft fleets in the NAF, adding that the welfare and safety training of pilots, engineers and technicians is receiving attention in order to ensure that the aircraft are operated optimally.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Emmanuel Shobande described PDM as series of in-depth maintenance activities which is carried out on a aircraft within an interval to extend the life span as well as enhancing the operational safety and effectiveness of the aircraft.

The AOC revealed that NAF C-130H undergoes PDM every 4 years where extensive disassembly, inspections, change of some components, overhauling and reassembling amongst others.

AVM Shobande further disclosed that the PDM was jointly conducted and completed by NAF aircraft engineers and technicians in partnership with Shaheen Foundation, a reputable maintenance repair organisation certified by Lockheed Martin, the Original Equipment Manufacturer of C-130H aircraft.

Suspected Bandits Gunrunners Arrested By Troops Of Operation Forest Sanity

By Aliyu Juwairiyat

On 27 January 2023, troops of OPERATION FOREST SANITY deployed at Danali in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State on patrol arrested two gunrunners in a Golf vehicle at Yahaya vill near Maidabino general area. Suspects on interrogation, claimed they were in search of their missing brother. Items initially recoverd from suspects include 1 x Golf vehicle, 3 x Techno Mobile Phones, 3 x  ATM cards, 1 x NIN card  1 x Driver licence, transaction receipt and the sum of Sixty Four Thousand Six  Hundred and Fifty  Naira (#64,650) Only.

However further search on the vehicle revealed, 6 x AK 47 rifles and 27 x AK 47 magazines were discovered hidden in the vehicle. Suspects in custody for investigation. 

Major General Musa Danmadami, Director
Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, in a press released on 27 January 2023, said, The military high command commends troops of Operation FOREST SANITY and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities.

SDP Presidential Campaign Team Pays Courtesy Visit to HRH Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola Ajibise Ogo 1

The Social democratic Party (SDP) has promised to reduce the rate of poverty in Nigeria and provide opportunities for the youths if elected into office.

The Vice presidential candidate of the party, Yusuf Buhari made this known while representing his principal, Prince Adewole Adebayo on a visit to HRH Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola Ajibise Ogo 1 (Ogunsua of Modakeke) of Ile Ife, Osun State on Wednesday, 25th January.

While speaking to the traditional ruler, he said the SDP is inspired by chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria which states that sovereignty belongs to the people, hence when leadership is set up by the people, their job is to look out for the welfare of the people.


He highlighted some of the problems faced by citizens of Nigeria as a result of poverty, saying these are the things the party aims to address if elected.
He said, “We are trying to keep it as simple as possible. We have major problems in this country kabiyesi, poverty is all over the place.
“In the north, some of them go to the dustbin to pick the back of the watermelon, scrape it, they will just leave the white part, cut it like yam put salt and that is what they will boil for their children.
“If you go around some areas at night, you’ll see some people sleeping everywhere on the streets, no shelter. If you go to the hospitals, patients are all over on the floor, no bed, only one doctor with thousands of patients. Nigerians do not deserve this. Nigeria is a blessed country. We have resources, we have professionals, If we can put our house together, all of these things we are seeing, we’ll not be seeing them Kabiyesi”, he added.

He noted that the past 16 years have not improved the welfare of ordinary citizens, and the ruling party has no intention of making things better. He added that the SDP is on this journey in order to make things better for Nigeria.
“16 years have gone 8 years have gone, we  notice that it only gets worse every four years. Now again they’ve come with stories telling us that they will improve our welfare but then but before God, before man, before all of us, right on international TV, they are accusing each other of criminal activities.
“I think this is the only time we should pay attention to them and actually listen to them. These criminal accusations that they’re making against each other has nothing to do with us. Kabiyesi, we are on this journey because we make a difference and we are convinced that Nigeria will come first”.

He noted that his principal, prince Adewole Adebayo has decided to dedicate the rest of his life to public service in order to change things for the better in Nigeria.
“My principal Prince Adewole Adebayo said he has dedicated the rest of his life to public service. I share in that vision of what he’s saying, I share in that. This is why we are on this journey.
“We are here to assure you of all the plans that we have set out, even when we get there we’re going to achieve them. We know it’s going to be difficult but we will achieve them by the grace of God”.

While addressing journalists, the Vice Presidential candidate assured that Nigerian youths would have a lot to benefit from the party because they believe the youth are the ones making great achievements for Nigeria as it stands, despite the failure of the government.

In his response, HRH Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola Ajibise Ogo 1 prayed for God to help the SDP accomplish its race.
He said, “Well once again I welcome you all. Iwure is better done in Yoruba than in English,so I’m going to do it in Yoruba. But I must say that I am touched by your plan and your vision, so I pray that God will help you to accomplish your race”.
He further gave his ‘iwure’ (royal prayer) for the SDP presidential campaign team.

The campaign team entourage consisted of Dr.Olu Agunloye – National Secretary of SDP, Mr Silas Alani – National Vice chairman south west, Chief Godwin Osigbeme – Director of protocol, Sen. Ugochukwu Uba – Director of Finance and Prof Femi Olufumilade.