Born State Government Commends Military


…As OPHK Celebrates NASA 2022 in Grand Style

The Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum CON FNSE mni has expressed determination to continue to support the military in tackling the Boko Haram insurgents who believes in violent laws that are alien to Islam and humanity. The Governor who was represented by the Acting Head of Service, Barrister Mallam Fannami stated this in Maimalari Cantonment on Saturday, 14 January, 2023 on the ocassion of the combined Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI and 7 Division Nigerian Army Social Activities (NASA).

He said that the efforts of troops in OPHK has provided the enabling environment and support upon which the state government activities are thriving. While thanking the President Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for his support and commitments towards the fight against insurgency. He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for his doggedness and resoluteness in tackling the myriads of security challenges confronting the nation and therefore urged all troops not to relent in their efforts until Borno State and the entire nation is secured.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Theatre Commander (TC) Major General Christopher Musa said the NASA is an age long tradition inherited by the Nigerian Army from the precolonial era in the second world war during which indigenous NA personnel celebrate their cultural heritage at the end of every year in a conducive atmosphere to foster esprit-de-corps. He added that the event brings officers, soldiers, families and members of host communities together to celebrate and socialise especially, here in the North East where unprecedented successes has been recorded in the recent past.

In recognising the entire efforts in OPHK, the TC reiterated that all successes recorded within the period were made possible through the resilient and commitment of all officers, troops as well as the massive support from the federal and state government in providing all the necessary resources to combat the insurgents. He therefore, expressed his unresolved appreciation to the C-in-C for the opportunity to serve as the TC, the service chiefs for their outstanding support in the Theatre and also the confidence reposed in him to fly the flag this far.

During his closing remarks, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General Waidi Shaibu who refered to a maxim which states “A people without the knowledge of their past, origin and culture is like a tree without a root” stating that the Army way of life and nature of our job see soldiers being away from home for extended period of time at a long stretch. So the NASA offers the opportunity to reconnect with their traditions and culture. Thus, the combined HQ JTF (NE) OPHK and 7 Division NASA is a viable forum for officers, soldiers, families and friends to unwind and also show gratitude to the Almighty for seeing us through the past year despite the series of challenges we might have faced and also to prepare ourselves for the tasks ahead in this new year 2023.

The climax of the occasion were the cultural display by various traditional group, tug of war between the soldiers wives of 212 battalion and 333 Artillery Regiment, Comical entertainment, musical performance, presentation of souvenirs, buffets, and the lighting up of the burn fire shortly after the beating of the retreat to signify the end of the occasion.

Dignitaries that attended the occasion include the Governor of Borno state represented by the Acting Head of Service, Barrister Mallam Fannami, HRH, the Shehu of Borno ably represented by Lieutenant Commander Kyari (rtd) the Zanna Dashimma of Borno State, the Theatre Commander OPHK, Major General CG Musa, Deputy Theatre Commander, Major General MS Ahmed, GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General W Shaibu, Component Commanders of OPHK, Formations and Unit Commanders, Commissioner of Police Borno State Command CP Abdu Umar and Heads of other security agencies, troops with their families and members of the press.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: SDP Adewole Vows To Be A Committed, Galant, Caring Commander in Chief

In commemoration of the 2023 Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the president candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo has said that he promised to give the Armed Forces all the necessary supports to ensure the territorial integrity and security of the nation.

In a tweet to mark the day, the leading presidential candidate said, “I vow to dutiful and patriotic Nigerian Armed Forces, their families and Nigerians to be a gallant, committed and caring Commander in Chief to ensure that in doctrine, command and morale, we are always ready to protect territorial integrity and security. Victory comes from God!”

Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a yearly commemoration of the Nigerian armed forces’ participation in World Wars I and II, the Nigerian Civil War, and those who have served or are currently serving. It is held annually on January 15, the day the Biafra troops surrendered to the Nigerian Army, ending the Nigerian Civil War, in recognition of some significant historical developments. The primary purposes of the event are to honor and remember the Nigerian Armed Forces and the fallen heroes who gave their lives to preserve national unity.

First ever multi-sectoral delegation from Nigeria visits Dhaka

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, MP a 17-member government and private sector delegation of Nigeria visits Dhaka, led by Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy of Nigeria.

The Nigerian delegation comprise government representatives from Economic, Trade and Investment department, Nigerian Communication and National Identity Management Commission, Education Department, High Commission of Nigeria based on New Delhi, private sector representatives from Nigeria-Bangladesh Trade and Technology Forum (NBTTF) and business persons. The Bangladeshi delegation comprise high officials of Commerce and Foreign Ministries.

The Nigerian delegation will have several meetings with government sectors like ICT Division, BTRC, Secondary and Higher Education Division, NEC, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, BIDA, BEZA and private sector representatives like Beximco, BGMEA and FBCCI. Today, the delegation visited Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum in the evening and paid tribute.

The delegation met with Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, MP at State Guest House Padma. During the meeting, the Foreign Minister welcomed the first ever such multi-sectoral delegation to Bangladesh. Dr. Momen cited the remarkable achievement of Bangladesh during the last decade in the socio-economic sectors including women empowerment. He informed that Bangladesh is maintaining robust economic growth in spite of the existing global economic crisis. Dr. Momen briefed the Nigerian delegation about Bangladesh’s performance in digital sector especially, in the rapidly growing IT sectors and opportunities in the Bangladesh Hi-tech parks. 

The visiting Nigerian Minister referred to the remarkable achievements of Bangladesh in agriculture and other sectors. Mr. Pantami proposed that both countries may collaborate in freelancing areas and digital services such as national Identification documents. 

Both sides agreed to explore possibilities of contract farming in Nigeria by Bangladeshi farmers as well as collaboration in agro and food processing.

At the meeting, Dr. Momen pointed out that D-8 countries should accelerate efforts to increase mutual trade. He sought continued support of Nigeria on Rohingya issue.

The Nigerian Minister also had a brief discussion with State Minister Md. Shahriar Alam, MP when both sides reflected on ongoing bilateral cooperation, especially, the need of enhancing people to people contact.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Pantami had a bilateral meeting with Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, MP. The Commerce Minister hailed the Nigerian delegation in Bangladesh. He referred to the traditional relations between Bangladesh and Nigeria. He mentioned that the mutual trade between Bangladesh and Nigeria is steadily growing and Bangladesh government is making efforts to augment trade and commerce with Nigeria. Mr Tipu Munshi commented that huge potentials lie for cooperation in economic areas like manufacturing and garments industries. He underlined the importance of more contacts among the chambers and businesses of the two countries and suggested formation of a joint business council. Mr. Tipu Munshi referred to vision of the government for achieving a Smart Bangladesh by equipping the population with the digital knowledge.

Mr. Pantami praised the excellent economic growth of Bangladesh under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He cited Bangladesh’ excellence in IT and garments sectors.

At the meeting, both sides agreed to consider conclusion of agreement between the apex chambers of two countries. Both sides also agreed to establish cooperation in IT & ICT sectors. The Nigerian side mentioned that NBTTF is one such platform of cooperation. It was agreed that both sides would explore possibility of conclusion of framework agreement on FTA or PTA. 

The Commerce Minister sought continued support of the Nigerian government on Rohingya issue as well as at different UN elections where Bangladesh has launched  candidature. He proposed to the Nigerian government to establish a diplomatic mission in Dhaka.

Gunmen attack on CUPP spokesman: High Chief Peter Ameh condemns Attack

The attack and arson against the country home of Chief Barrister IKENGA UGOCHINYERE, the spoke person of the CUPP in Imo State today being the 14th January, 2023 by some unknown gun men is to say the least unfortunate, barbaric and a show of cowardice.

According to a press release signed by the National Secretary, CUPP, High Chief Ojonugwa Ameh on Saturday, said, the one attack too many sponsored against the person of Chief IKENGA UGOCHINYERE in a bid to silence his voice and stance on critical national issues, more particularly on democracy and the forthcoming 2023 general election.

“This attack as disguised as it is, points hand however to some well known anti democratic forces within the country and their arrow head in Imo State, it is more worrisome that such a mindless attack is coming at a time that the whole world has moved to an era of politics of engagement and contest of ideas, that some supposed leaders and their minions will descend so low to the point of bringing such a homongous magnitude of destruction of properties to an individual just for the single reason that he holds a different political beliefs and stance from theirs is hugely unfortunate, sad and unfathomable.

“I , on behalf of the leadership of CUPP and all persons of good will, conscience and Patriots in Nigeria condemn this attack in all of its ramifications and call on the security agencies to rise to the occasion to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly acts.

“We call on the government of President Muhammad Buhari, the Inspector General of Police and other relevant persons to ensure that nothing is left undone in their efforts to unravel the doers of these grave evil.

“I empathize with Chief Barrister IKENGA UGOCHINYERE and members of his household who are gravely affected by this callous and unreasonable act and admonish them to take solace in the fact that they suffered the attack on accounts of their stance with truth and democracy, knowing too well that the triumph of evil over good can only be temporary”.

I Won’t Step Down for Tinubu – Prince Adebayo

The Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adebayo Adewole has debunked rumours of a possible alliance with Bola Tinubu of APC ahead February 25 elections.

Prince Adewole Adebayo in a swift reaction on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 described the rumors as misleading.

He further stated that himself and his party (SDP) will never step down for or be in any form of alliance with APC or the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“It is fake news. This is not from the SDP. We will never be part of such an anti-people, unprogressive alliance. APC is definitely ruled out.

“We will never step down for or be in alliance with APC or PDP. SDP will contest the election till the end. We are working for victory. We are reaching out to the grassroots,” he said.

FG MOVES TO END OPEN DEFECATION

As part of efforts towards putting an end to open defecation in the country, the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr  Sunday Dare, has assured that his Ministry will continue to collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as other stakeholders in line with the commitment of the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign launched by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration in 2019.

According to Mohammed Manga, Director, Press and Public Relations
January on Thursday said, the Minister gave the assurance today in his office in Abuja, when the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu paid him a courtesy visit.

Dare stated that Nigeria is ranked second among the nations in the world with the highest number of people practicing open defecation estimated at over 48 million, adding that the practice has had a negative effect on the populace and has therefore contributed to the country’s inability to meet up with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

He stated further that the abysmal ranking prompted Mr. President to describe the statistics on open defecation and access to pipeborne water services and sanitation as disturbing, thus declaring his commitment to implementing the National Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Action Plan in consonance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Charter.

To achieve this policy objective therefore, Dare informed that his Ministry in 2021 held a nationwide Sensitization programme tagged, “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” Campaign which was carried out through lectures/training,  distribution of posters, installation of Bill boards/advertisements to educate Nigerians on the negative effects of open defecation across the six geopolitical zones, with youth as vanguards to help drive the campaign further.

Dare who identified the teeming Nigerian Youth as central to the realization of any policy objective of government, assured that his Ministry will partner with the Water Resources Ministry through the NYSC Scheme to further drive the policy objective using advocacy programmes.

Earlier, the Minister of Water  Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu stated that he was in the Ministry to seek collaborations on how to end open defecation in the country.

He called on all levels of government to continue to promote and priotise disease control and prevention through adequate and equitable access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services so as to curtail the spread of diseases while focusing on hygiene behaviour change interventions.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, called for collective approach in the fight against open defecation through Sensitization, advocacy and public enlightenment across the country.

Also speaking, the Acting Director General, National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Mrs. Christy Uba, pledged the total commitment of the Scheme to the campaign with a view to ensuring the realization of the policy objective on open defecation.

APC has impoverished Nigerians through bad policies – Adebayo

The Social Democratic Party’s Presidential Candidate, Prince Adebayo Adewole, claims that the All Progressive Congress have failed to enact proper policies that will push the nation forward thereby driving the country into an even more dire situation.

He made this known during a chat with reporters while in Kano State to inaugurate the State’s Gubernatorial and other elective positions on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

The legal luminary said that the APC has not only failed miserably but has also succeeded in pushing the populace below the poverty line with bad policies.

He said, “for a Family in Nigeria or Kano whose idea of their survival is prayers or miracles, and the miracles come in form of going round to search for a dustbin to get watermelon to boil, such a family does not deserve that kind of treatment and such cannot say the so-called the pittance they get during elections would remove their malice”.

According to Prince Adewole, the party is reaching out to Nigerians in the hope that the structure already in place will grow to better understand the citizen.
In response to Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) report of possible shifts or total cancellations of the 2023 General Elections, Adewole stated that the election umpire has no choice but to ensure that the polls are held as scheduled.

‘INEC is the most funded entity of the government and today they are even competing with some states in terms of financial strength, so they have no excuse whatsoever but to make the election a huge reality.” He enthused

Buhari Scored Himself Zero, Performs Comedy – SDP’s Adebayo

The Social Democratic Party’s presidential candidate (SDP), Prince Adebayo Adewole, claims that during the last eight years of their rule, the All Progressive Congress has managed to play a comedy show while driving the country into an even more dire situation.

The presidential hopeful told reporters that the APC has not only failed miserably but has also succeeded in pushing the populace below the poverty line.

Prince Adebayo stated this while he was in Kano on Tuesday to inaugurate the state’s gubernatorial candidate and other elective positions.

He said, “Because of these glaring failures what the government will do now is to create a Comedy Show and throw a Brazzers towards the election but people are not getting it, that is why we don’t have problems with what they are doing.

“For a Family in Nigeria or Kano whose idea of their survival is prayers or miracles, and the miracles come in form of going round to search for a dustbin to get watermelon to boil, such a family does not deserve that kind of treatment and such cannot say the so-called N5000 they were given would remove their malice”.

According to Prince Adewole, the party is reaching out to Nigerians in the hope that the structure already in place will grow to better understand the citizen.

In response to INEC’s report of possible shifts or total cancellations of the 2023 general elections, Adewole stated that the election umpire has no choice but to ensure that the polls are held as scheduled.

“INEC is the most funded entity of the government and today they are even competing with some states in terms of financial strength, so they have no excuse whatsoever but to make the election a huge reality.

Ghana Navy Recruits Contest In Steeplechase, winner celebrated

The Naval Recruit Training School (NRTS) under the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) of the Ghana Navy (GN), has held a fiery Inter-Division Steeplechase Competition for its Basic Training (BT) 84-2022 recruits, to test the mental and physical fitness levels of the recruits, and to instill a sense of competition in them.

As part of the hectic Physical Training Schedule, towards drawing down the curtains of converting the young civilians into professional Naval Ratings, the one-day contest was organized for three hundred and twenty-nine (329) recruits, at NAVTRAC, Nutekpor, in the Volta Region, on Friday, January 6, 2023, with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Director, Supply & Transport – Colonel (Col) Fuseini Abdulai Nagtoma, as the Guest-of-Honour, backed by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), NAVTRAC – Commodore Godwin Bessing.

Col Nagtoma told the Recruits that physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, but also the basis for a dynamic and creative intellectual activity, and that in the noble military profession, just as one requires physical fitness to go far, one equally needs a good intellectual ability to be able to digest and find solutions to problems that come along.

At the awards, BEST DIVISION was won by Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Sebo, 1ST RUNNERS-UP went to GNS Anzone, and 2ND RUNNERS-UP went to GNS Yogaga.

Dignitaries who witnessed the event included Training Coordinator, NAVTRAC – Naval Captain Kpesenu, Army Liaison, Ministry of Defence – Col Ibrahim Salifu, Commanding Officer, NRTS – Lieutenant Commander Emilio Okyere-Dadzie, Officers, Ratings and Defence Civilian Staff of the NAVTRAC.

2023 General Polls: SDP Demands Protection For Party Agents

The Social Democratic Party has called on the police and other security agencies to ensure adequate protection of party agents and other officials during the electioneering period.

The Osun State SDP Chairman, Yinus Gbadamosi, made the call in an interview on Sunday the press.

He spoke against the backdrop of reported attacks on party agents during the last governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

Gbadamosi said there was a need to maintain peace during the upcoming general elections.

He also enjoined party agents to be mindful of their actions at polling centres and desist from any act of violence.

He said, “All political parties should be on the watch because we all own the country and we must be very careful of our activities during this period. We are already sensitising our members to this. We need to make sure we have peaceful outings during this election period. We must prioritise the safety of lives and properties.

“The securities agencies should be active at each polling unit to avoid attack on party agents and all the electoral members of staff. They should also make sure there are no biases in their conduct. They must be professional in their conduct.

Polling agents are appointed by political parties to monitor election activities at polling units.

According to INEC regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the 2023 general elections, political parties or candidates are expected to present one polling agent per polling unit.

Meanwhile the Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of adequate security of lives and properties during the electioneering period.

The spokesman for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, in an interview with our correspondent on Saturday, said the police would guard against any form of attack in the state.

He said, “Just recently, we inaugurated the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, which comprises INEC, the police and other security agencies. So, the committee is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that there is adequate security for electoral officers and the electorate and every other stakeholder during the election and the committee has swung into action and has been working tirelessly, making out strategies and other things to ensure that elections turnout well.

“So I can assure Lagosians and Nigerians in general that the election will go well according to plan to the best of our ability, most importantly with the support of the people.”