Reason I disregarded Chatham House Invitation -SDP Presidential Candidate Adebayo

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo has stated that Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy hasn’t brought reciprocal benefits to the country.

Prince Adewole Adebayo disclosed this on Monday while speaking at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs’ platform for 2023 presidential candidates, with the theme, “The world of Nigeria and Nigeria in the world: Foreign policy as an adjunct of domestic priorities,” held in Lagos.

Adebayo said he decided not to go outside the shores of the country to speak to the electorates because he has high respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The SDP flagbearer lamented that Nigeria’s presidential candidates that were in Chatham House in London had, “further ridiculed and devalued the nation before the world by their appearances.”

He added, “NIIA was set up in 1961 exactly for this purpose that our foreign policy thinking should be scientific, strategical, well reasoned, well researched, and this institution has the legacy at the background and the capacity to advise you on what to say on the world stage.

“All over the world, before you go out to say anything about Nigeria or your country, you go to the premier diplomatic institute in your country and exchange ideas so that outsiders will understand that what you are saying is in tune with diplomatic policy and doctrines of your country.”

On what he will do if elected as Nigeria’s President, Adebayo said he would continue to abide by all international agreements signed and executed by the country.

Adebayo noted that he will make sure the finest of the finest represent the country internationally.

He further stressed, “Nigeria has more than enough to abolish poverty, and it must manage its sovereignty well and have full control of its land.

“I have been able to establish the fact that Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy hasn’t brought reciprocal benefits to the country.

“It is noteworthy that the theoretical pathway to a beneficial foreign policy is the realist, power-focused school of thought and action.

“I want to submit that economic diplomacy, spelt out in clear terms, is the way forward if Nigeria would use foreign policy to advance its domestic priorities in the spheres of fighting poverty and ending insecurity.”

In his remarks, The Institute’s Director General, Professor Eghosa Osaghae said the world has opened its doors to Nigeria in recent times; hence, the need to sound out the candidates on what the candidates’ foreign policy agenda would be.

Professor Osaghae noted that Adebayo was the first of the candidates to honour the Institute’s invitation.

Regional Security: Minister Of Defence Tasks UN On Improved Funding To End Insecurity

…Advocates New Border Security Template To Minimise Crossborder Crimes

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) CFR has appealed to the United Nations to support the overall good performance of the Nigerian Military to completely end insecurity in parts of the country.

According to Mohammad Abdulkadri, Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence (Media &Publicity) in a press release, he signed on the 24th January, 2023, said,
General Magashi stated this during a meeting with the delegation of the experts of the United Natlons Independent High Level Panel on Security, Governance and Development in the Sahel, held at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House Abuja.
He stated proudly that Nigeria is doing pretty well under the watch of the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari in curtailing the effrontery and the audacity of the Terrorists especially in the North Eastern part of the country.

The Defence Minister put it on record comparatively that Nigeria is contributing more than other Cooperating States in counterpart funding, deployment of manpower and provision of other logistics in Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF.

He however made serious case for improved resources on the Part of the United Natlons towards the promotions of global peace and regional economic prosperity to reduce the high level of Poverty at all levels.

The Head of the UN Mission and Leader of the four-man delegation Mr Abdullahi Boureima alongside Nigerian panelist Professor Jibrin Ibrahim put the mandate of the UN High – level Panel in context bothering on Security, Governance and Development concerns facing the Sahel Region.

They said part of the reasons for the meeting in all countries of their assignments including Nigeria is to articulate and aggregate views on how to effectively summount the existential challenges facing the Sahel Region.

While thanking the Minister for approving the visit, they said capturing Nigeria’s perspective on the way forward is germane to their assignments which set the tone for the meeting.

The interface which had the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni in attendance and other top management as well as the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Danlami Ibrahim dovetailed into questions and answers session to bring the strategic meeting to its logical end.

NiMet Unveils 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction, as other African countries seeks help

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has launched its scholarly 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction in Abuja which has dragged other African countries (The Gambia and Niger Republic) to seek help from the Agency.

It is no longer news that NiMet under the leadership of Prof. Mansur Matazu has made Nigeria proud through its predictions and other services it offers. This has not only benefited the aviation industry both also the Agricultural sector which has birthed several benefits within and outside the boundaries of Nigeria.

The 2023 SCP launching/ unveiling ceremony which took place at the International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja-Nigeria on Tuesday 24th January 2023 with the theme: “Strengthening Climate Risk, early warning services for improved food security and disaster reduction in Nigeria” was grazed by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of Interior, Hon. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Meteorological officials from the Gambia and Niger Republic, and several others.

In a goodwill message, the Chief Host, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika said, the rainfall amount over the country in 2023 is predicted to be average to above average in most parts of Nigeria.
NiMet anticipated temperature to be generally above the long-term average across the country. It envisaged both daytime and nighttime temperatures to be warmer than the long-term average over most parts of the country in January, March, and May.

“However, parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe in the North and Cross River, Ebonyi, Imo, and Rivers in the South are likely to experience a delayed onset.

“The onset dates for parts of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos are likely to be near than long-term averages.

“The onset is expected to start from the coastal States of Bayelsa, River, and Akwa Ibom in early March and around June/July in the northern states such as Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno,” it said.

“On rainfall cessation dates, NiMet predicted an early end of the season over parts of the South comprising Osun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and the eastern parts of Ogun and Lagos States.
“Parts of Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi States are also predicted to have early end of the season when compared to long-term average conditions.

“However, an extended rainfall season is predicted over parts of Gombe, Kaduna, Kwara, Enugu, Anambra, western Ogun, and Lagos State.

“The cessation is anticipated earliest in September over parts of Sokoto and Katsina States, while it would occur much later in December over most parts of the coastal region,“ it said.

NiMet forecasted the length of the growing season in most places to be near the long-term average, except for some parts of northern states like Katsina, Jigawa, and Kano where shorter than the long-term average length of the growing season was anticipated.

“However, the prediction shows that parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna States, and FCT are likely to observe below average annual rainfall amount.

“Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Benue, Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo States and FCT are expected to have 1190 mm to 1590mm of rainfall, while Bayelsa, Akwa- Ibom, Delta, and Cross River are predicted to record annual rainfall amounts of 2700mm and above,” it said.

“The agency, however, predicted cooler than long-term average day and night times in February.

“On dry spell, mild to moderate (8-16 days) dry Spell is predicted to occur in April 2023 in the South after the onset is established.

“Furthermore, following the establishment of onset in the North, a severe dry spell that is likely to last between 15 to 21 days or longer is predicted in June to early July in parts of the Northern (Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe, Borno, Kano) and central states.

“A moderate dry spell is predicted over Niger, Nasarawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Benue, Kogi, and the FCT,” it said.

“NiMet predicted a mild dry spell over Ekiti, Edo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Ogun, and Imo states in July”, he said.

High rate of insecurity in Nigeria: WANEP calls for more Peacebuilding activities

As a result of the incessant kidnappings, robberies, killings, prevalent in Nigeria, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria, has called on key stakeholders in the development sector to include more peacebuilding activities as part of their core activities in 2023.

This call was made by the National Coordinator of WANEP Nigeria – Chief Mrs. Bridget Osakwe while fielding questions from newsmen in Lagos. Mrs. Osakwe said the high rate of insecurity in most parts of Nigeria is alarming and said only concerted efforts by key stakeholders can help make the nation safe again. She said one of such activities is the domestication of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) in all the states of the federation.

She lamented that out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, only 17 states have domesticated the UNSCR 1325 and validated their State Action Plan (SAP). “The UNSCR 1325 promotes the inclusion of women in decision making as regards women, peace, and security (WPS).

“In 2018, to promote the inclusion if women in peacebuilding processes at community level, WANEP- Nigeria with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) began the project: ‘Enhancing Participation of Women in Peace and Human Security in Nigeria’. The project aimed to strengthen women’s social networking capacities towards effective participation in formal peace processes in three states in the Niger Delta (Edo, Delta, and Rivers States) and to promote women’s participation in countering violent extremism to advance the implementation of Nigeria National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325 at the local level in three States in North East, Nigeria – Bauchi, Borno and Gombe States”, the WANEP’s boss said.

Chief Mrs Bridget Osakwe used the medium to call on journalists to promote gender balance in their reportage and not relent in reporting domestic violence meted on women, to avoid the women being killed incapacitated.

WANEP was established to provide an organized platform for collaborative peacebuilding in Nigeria by indigenous nongovernmental organizations working in the area of conflict, peace and security. Its operational framework is designed along the vision of the regional network operating in 15 countries of West Africa with its headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

TROOPS GIVE TERRORISTS BLOODY NOSE, NEUTRALIZE SEVERAL, CAPTURE MRAP, MOTORCYCLES AND WEAPONS IN BORNO

In sustained operations to clear the North East of terrorism, gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade of Operation Hadin Kai with close air support on Monday 23 January 2023 have again neutralized several ISWAP/BokoHaram terrorists following the terrorists’ failed ambush on troops on Damboa-Maiduguri road in Borno State. Troops also recovered MRAP, motorcycles, weapons, medical suppliers amongst others.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them not to relent until terrorism and other criminalities are brought to an end in the Northeastern region.

The troops also greatly appreciate the locals and well meaning Nigerians for their prayers and support that have contributed to the successes being recorded in the war against the terrorists in the North East.

Gambia, Niger Republic Meteorological Service delegates visit NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), on Monday, received in audience officials from the National Meteorological Services of Niger Republic and The Gambia at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Director-General of NiMet, Professor Mansur Bako Matazu who received the officials, Mr Gaptia Lawan Katiellou, and Mr Lamin Mai Touray, both Permanent Representative of Niger and The Gambia to the World Meteorological Organization respectively, noted that the visit of both countries to Nigeria is timely and will be of great interwoven advantage.

“The two delegations on study exchange to NiMet are exploring different areas of interest. For the Niger Republic, what is critical for them is the seasonal climate prediction that Nigeria has been implementing for the past 15 years. We will do a lot of exchange and sharing of experience from seasonal climate prediction as well as numeric weather prediction.

“Just recently, NiMet commissioned research across the eco-climatic zones of the country. Also, the minister will on Tuesday unveil the seasonal climate prediction and also a book published by NiMet on impacts, vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation strategies in Nigeria.

“We have 130 years old data that we are recovering and digitising. After rescuing the data, we will share these experiences with them as well. The 130 -year-old mining capability is also what the visitors would also understudy in the course of their visit”, NiMet DG disclosed.

The National Director of Meteorological Services of Niger, Mr. Lawan Katiellou Gaptia while speaking, said, Niger and Nigeria are twin countries, so it’s easier for Niger to come to Nigeria than go anywhere else in the world. “The initiative of idea exchange between both countries has long been conceived over a year ago with the aim of learning and acquiring better knowledge and improving on the existing ones”, he said.

Also speaking, Mr Lamin Mai Touray, of The Gambia highlighted that   one key area of shared knowledge he wants to acquire is on impact-based forecasting, which he said, has a positive impact on Nigeria system, adding that he wants to see how NiMet could assist The Gambia in that area and other similar areas.
“Specially the technology transfer and new weather prediction tools, human and financial capacity”.

Shun cultism, other social vices- UNESCO Laureate tells Polytechnic Students

As part of efforts towards the promotion of academic excellence by curtailing the increasing rate of cultism amongst students, misdemeanor and bad behavior as well as other social vices prevalent in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria and the rest of the world, UNESCO Laureate, and Vice-Chancellor, Crown University International Chartered Inc., USA which its teaching and research hospital campus is located at Santa Cruz Province in Argentina, South America with official partners constituent campuses at government regulated universities worldwide and online operation, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu has enjoined the entire students of TCE & MACTEC’S Polytechnics (Tanko Ribah College of Education, Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria in affiliation with Amir Shehu Idris College of Education, Zaria & Mahawai College of Business, Science And Technology In Affiliation with Kebbi State University of Science & Technology, Aliero, duo as affiliate members of Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA) to be good ambassadors of the higher institutions anywhere in the world.

Prof. Aremu tasked the students during the institution’s convocation ceremony held during the week on their different campuses.

While giving his keynote speech, he urged them to curb other social vices and embrace good behavior and ethical conduct pointing out that
the benefits of the first combined convocation/matriculation ceremony of the Polytechnics, can’t be over-emphasized.
“No doubt, January 21, 2023, is one of the unforgettable days. CUICI, TCE & MACTEC as higher institutions have recorded good and great achievements. Students now have the opportunity to get an education; obtain their certificates from both Regional and world-accredited institutions. I, H.E, UNESCO Laureate, Vice Chancellor-Crown University Int’l, and World Acclaimed
Distinguished Universities Research Professor, Prof Emeritus Sir Bashiru Aremu hereby commends TCE & IMATEC management for the success of the just concluded first combined TCE & IMATEC Convocation & Matriculation Ceremony.

“I also commend Researchers in the field of Education, Management, Arts, humanity, law, Engineers, Technologists, Academia, participants; the general public for their attendance to learn about opportunities and Professional development activities and gathering at the enthralling matriculation/convocation ceremony of these two great institutions.

” Historically speaking, Tanko Ribah College of Education, Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria, and Mahawai College of Business, Science and Technology Ribah Kebbi State, Nigeria were established in the Year 2020 which both were approved and registered by the Federal Government of Nigeria under Act number 1 of CAMA 1990 which has amended, now on Act cap C20 Laws of Federation of Nigeria with approval of State Ministry of Higher Education of Kebbi State of Nigeria with reference DHE./PTI/020/17 and accredited by World Accreditation Commission, USA, both Colleges were properly accredited as an official member of worldwide constituent campuses of Crown University Intl. Chartered Inc, USA is a world acclaimed distinguished innovative, autonomous recognized research university.

“I charge TCE & MACTEC Polytechnics to imbibe the spirit and culture of learning, academic excellence, discipline, knowledge, and good behavior, embrace responsibility, peace, and progress as you embark on a new academic journey.

” I urge you all to go out there to contribute to the growth and development of the society towards nation-building. Be good ambassadors of CUICI, USA, TCE & MACTEC Polytechnics”, he added.

ECOWAS, INTERPOL partners to curb  security challenges in the region

An INTERPOL delegation led by the Executive Director of Police Services, Mr. Stephen KAVANAGH, paid a working visit to Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau MUSAH, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission on January 17, 2023, in Abuja.
This meeting is part of a series of INTERPOL visits to strengthen cooperation and review ongoing activities with ECOWAS and other institutions in Nigeria.

Mr. KAVANAGH was accompanied by Mr. Theos BADEGE, Assistant Director IT Services, Richard GOTWE, Head of the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS) Programme, Mohamed Yansaneh, WAPIS Programme Coordinator at the ECOWAS Commission.

Mr. KAVANAGH thanked the ECOWAS Commission for its efforts in the fight against cybercrime, counterterrorism, illegal migration in the region and praised the leadership of commissioner Abdel-Fatau in the WAPIS project.

Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah, on his part, indicated that 2023 is a year marked by serious security challenges, not least terrorism, trafficking and wished to strengthen cooperation between ECOWAS and INTERPOL.

The Commissioner emphasised the need for INTERPOL to work more closely with GIABA, the ECOWAS body leading the fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism in West Africa. He also called for a win-win relationship and reciprocity between third parties and ECOWAS in joint efforts to combat transnational organized crime.

Mr. Richard GOTWE, Head of WAPIS Programme, indicated that the WAPIS project is in its operationalization phase at the national level, and more than half of the Member States have the system installed and operational.

He also called for the strengthening of cooperation at the regional level for the full achievement of the project’s objectives.
The Interpol visit to Nigeria’s capital ends on the 18th of January 2023.

Group Lauds Military, says its resilience gives confidence for hitch-free elections

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Socio-Economic Analysis Group (SEAG) has stated that ongoing military operations across the country has eliminated fears associated with the 2023 General elections.

A press release made available to journalists on Monday morning disclosed that the independent research of the organization shows that the military has significantly reduced the capacity of bandits, insurgents, and other criminals to undermine the conduct of the general elections.

The statement which was signed by the Convener, Olatunde Morayo and Co-coveners, Hajara Abubakar and Obidi Ifuko said it embarked on the study after a promise by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work with the other security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct of the general elections.

According to the statement, the group discovered that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has continued to deepen its loyalty to the constitution of the country while conducting in-house education for its personnel on the benefits of total respect and support for the democratic process.

SEAG said it is now left for Nigerians to cooperate fully with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to ensure a peaceful transition process.

“Socio-Economic Analysis Group (SEAG) study of the situation was prompted by the promise made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will fully support the democratic process to a logical conclusion.

“Though some skeptics wanted to raise dust where there is none, our study reveal that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully prepared for the elections.

“A critical study of the security situation reveal that we are winning the war in all the troubled spots. Using kinetic and non-kinetic approach, normalcy is gradually returning.

“Though there are still traces of the security challenges, but we say the capacity of the military to deal with them is not in doubt.

“We must give kudos to the Chief of Defence Staff for constantly reminding Nigerians that the AFN has fully keyed into the democratic process. It is indeed a morale booster and an assurance.

“SEAG urge Nigerians to support and cooperate the AFN and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful general election.”

ASSUMPTION OF DUTY: BRIGADIER GENERAL AMINU UMAR TAKES OVER COMMAND OF GUARDS BRIGADE

By Aliyu Juwairiyat

Following the recent redeployment of senior officers accross Nigerian Army formations, a new Commander has been appointed for Guards Brigade Nigeria Army. He is Brigadier General Aminu Umar. He took over from Major General Muhammed Takuti Usman who has been redeployed to 2 Division Nigerian Army as the General Officer Commanding (GOC).

The Out Gone Commander, Major General MUHAMMED Takuti Usman, speaking during the handling and taking over ceremony at the Brigade conference room,on 20th January 2023, thanked officers and men of the Brigade for their support, loyalty and commitment through out his tour of duty, and sued for same and more support to enable his successor carry out his assigned task of securing the Federal Capital Territory and its environs while protecting the Presidency and the first family as the Nation’s seat of power.

He noted that the change in barton came at a very critical time when the nation is inching towards the conduct of the 2023 general elections and therefore urged officers and men of the Brigade and units under command to remain dedicated to their duties stresssing that securing the Federal Capital and the nation in general against terrorists, bandits and criminal elements remains the primary responsibility of all under command.

He expressed his gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for all his support and the opportunity to serve him while he was the Commander Guards Brigade as well as 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 giving him yet another area of responsibility as a General Officer Commanding.

He added that individual and collective contributions of officers and men which had made his tenure as Commander successful and further implore them to reciprocate same to the new Commander whom he describe as a highly committed and decorated senior officer with high moral standing.

Responding, the new Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Aminu Umar while appreciating the outgone Commander for his foresight and achievement in the area of security and infrastural development also promise to continue with the good legacies. He assured officers and men of the brigade of his zeal to build upon the successes recored by his predecssor stressing that, the task of moving the Brigade foreward is the responsibility of all.

He urged them to remain more proactive, committed and disciplined always as the task ahead requires all hands on deck.

Brigadier General Umar thanked the COAS Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for finding him worthy of the appointment, assuring of his committment towards achieving the Vision of the Army Chief and to ensure security of lives and properties of all citizens within the Brigade Area of Responsibilities.

Earlier the new commander was conducted round units under command which include 7 Guards Battalion Maitama, 102 Guards Battalion Suleja, 176 Guards Battalion Gwagwalada, 177 Guards Battalion Keffi and Guards Brigade Garrison located in Mambilla Barracks Asokoro in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Highlights of the ceremony was the signing of the Handing and Taking over note, decoration of the Commander with the Brigade Insignia and handing over of the Brigade flag of authority to the new commander.The event was attended by Commanding Officers, officers, and men of the Brigade as well civilian staff.