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.”

NiMet Conducts QMS Refreshers’ Training

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet,  has commenced the refresher training of its staff on Quality Management System. The training is aimed at updating staff on the dynamics of data analysis and validation as well as structures and principles of auditing the ISO 9001:2015 standards.

The training which held in Katsina, is in line with the Agency’s commitment to the provision of accurate, timely and quality aero – meteorological products and services to promote sustainable development in weather and climate dependent sectors of the Nigerian economy.

In his presentation the head of NiMet Quality Management System Unit, Mr. Abdulrahman Usman, said the culture of conducting internal audit and assessment of conformance to the requirements of International Standard organisation in NiMet, has enhanced the continuous effectiveness and excellent quality of services NiMet renders to the nation.

He also added that the training, which is geared towards integrating latest trend into the system would ultimately improve productivity and performance of NiMet in Nigeria and in the international community.

Mr. Usman, explained that the refresher training is owing to NiMet’s dedication to compliance and implementation of ISO standard, World Meteorological Organisation and International Civil Aviation Organisation recommendation and practices, which has ensured the Agency’s attainment of the International Standard Organisation 9001:2015 and (ISO) 29990:2010 certifications for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services.

Concluding his remark, Mr. Usman affirms that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency led by Professor Mansur Bako Matazu, remains committed to the practice of consistent training and capacity building of its staff on quality management system, as well as continuous compliance to standardized operational systems and urged the trainees to reflect the acquired knowledge in discharging assigned duties in the Agency.

AFRD 2023: Be Contented And Contribute Positively To The Growth Of The Nation


…General CG Musa charges officers and troops of OPHK

The Theatre Commander (TC) Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Major General Christopher Musa has called on all officers and troops in the Theatre of OPHK to be contented with their income, remain resilient and contribute positively in the fight against insurgency in the North East region and the effort to restore peace and tranquility in the nation at large.

General CG Musa made this call on Sunday, 8 January, 2023 during the Joint Interdenominational Church Service held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church Maimalari Cantonment to commemorate 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration and the selfless service and sacrifices of falling and serving heroes.

In his words “We want to pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant fallen heroes that have paid the supreme price as well as to appreciate those still serving for their selfless sacrifice towards the peace and stability of Nigeria as a nation. He added that the Service Chiefs are happy with the successes achieved while urging everyone to do more. He therefore charged all officers and troops to remain steadfast, disciplined, committed and above all be contented with their income while taking good care of their families.

The high points of the service were reading from the scripture, special prayer session for the fallen heroes, those injured, and all those still serving the nation. It was also followed by general thanksgiving for God’s divine protection and successes in all operations, exhortation by the vicar, group photograph and press interview.

Dignitaries that graced the occassion include Component Commanders, Formations and Unit Commanders, Principal Staff Officers from both Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division, Chairman Nigerian Legion Borno State, other senior officers, troops and families as well as distinguished members of the Press.

3 Division Nigerian Army Rhino Maiden Amateur Golf Tournament Opens In Jos


…Resonates Army commitment to improve civil-military relationship through sports

The Patron Rhino Golf and Country Club, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali has revealed that the Nigerian Army will continue to promote sporting competitions as a means to upscale cordial relationship between the organization and the public. He stated this today 7 January 2023 at the opening ceremony of the Maiden Rhino Golf Amateur Tournament holding in Jos.

General Ali noted that the event was the first of its kind since the establishment of the golf club, adding that the competition was aimed to promote the game of golf, bring the citizens closer to the military, make good friends and offer opportunities to the participants for new business connection.

While appreciating the Chief of Army Staff for always demonstrating uncommon sagacity to pilot the affairs of the Nigerian Army in a dignified manner, the Patron revealed that numerous infrastructure were recently put in place to upgrade the golf course making it unique and interesting for both training and professional practice.

Commissioning newly built projects at the golf course, the Special Guest of Honour, Executive Governor Plateau State, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong commended the GOC/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN for his leadership style and rapid infrastructure development at Rhino Golf and Country Club. Represented by the Commissioner For Information Plateau State, Hon Dan Manja, the governor reaffirmed his support to security agencies and commended the military for gradually returning the state to its glory of peace and tourism.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Captain Rhino Golf and Country Club Jos, Colonel Haruna Bala urged the participants to exhibit true spirit of sportsmanship and connect to new friends.

Highlights of the event were the commissioning of a Practice Range, Caddy hut, Waiting Shade as well as the Starter hut and the Green area.

The event was attended by senior military officers both serving and retired, government officials, heads of other security agencies, Captains of industries as well as directors and competitors within and outside Jos.