BRAVEIT Commended Nigerian Navy on its giant strides to protect the coun...

UK NGO Aborts 6,344 pregnancies within 1 year in Borno

UK NGO Aborts 6,344 pregnancies within 1 year in Borno

Marie Stopes International Organisation Nigeria (MSION) says its has aborted 6,344 Pregnancies in Borno between 2021 and the first quarter of 2022.

The NGO said 59,452 women have benefitted from its sexual and reproductive health services in the state.

The NGO which has its headquarters in London is part of the Marie Stopes International Global Partnership, a social enterprise that operates in more than 37 countries across the globe, providing reproductive healthcare services.

The MSION Research Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, North East, Mr. Jonathan Nachia, disclosed this on Thursday at a one-day meeting with stakeholders from the health sector in Borno.

Nachia said that the organisation has successfully averted 15,317 unintended pregnancies; 6,344 abortions; 5,719 unsafe abortions; 79 maternal deaths, and 4,581 mortality and morbidity, among others.

Read Also: British NGO responsible for abortion in Northeast not Nigerian Army

He explained that the organisation supported 56 health facilities in 12 local government areas of Borno under its health system strengthening efforts in public and private health sectors.

The councils include Bayo, Biu, Gubio, Hawul, Jere, Konduga, Kwaya Kusar, Mafa, Shani, and Maiduguri.

He noted that it has trained 125 providers on Long Active Reversible Contraceptives (LARC), and provided reproductive health equipment as well as medical consumables to public facilities.

Also, the Social and Behavioural Change Communication Officer, Joseph Vandu, noted that the organisation was working across communities in Borno through community dialogue and male involvement.

UK NGO Aborts 6,344 pregnancies in Borno

https://ournigerianews.com/uk-ngo-aborts-6344-pregnancies-in-borno-within-a-year/

What Gen. Faruq Yahaya is Doing

What Gen. Faruq Yahaya is Doing


The emergence of Lt. Gen. Faruq Yahaya, a consummate, fearless, humble, and charismatic senior military officer, as the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, in June last year, was providential. And that is to put it more succinctly.

One can make bold to say that without the tragic demise of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, the immediate-past COAS, in an air mishap at the Kaduna International Airport, Yahaya may possibly never get the opportunity to pilot the affairs of the Nigerian Army.

A year and over six months in the saddle, he has diligently and exceptionally changed the narrative of the army. The Gen. Yahaya-led Nigerian Army is one that is totally rejuvenated, with the morale of troops being at its ultimate crescendo.

Gen. Yahaya came to his job at the Army Headquarters prepared to address the lingering Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, terrorism, after a brilliant stint at the Theatre Command in Maiduguri, where he was the Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, before becoming the country's 22nd COAS.

Immediately after assuming office, it would be recalled that the COAS rolled out his VISION for the Nigerian Army, which is to have: "A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions Within A Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria".

Addressing senior Army Officers in Abuja, a few days after being appointed as the Army Chief, Gen. Yahaya promised that the Army under his watch will defeat terrorism with modern processes, strategies and tactics.

Yahaya said his command philosophy will rest on four pillars, which are namely Professionalism, Readiness, Administration, and Cooperation.

The COAS pledged to provide exemplary leadership to the Nigerian Army and serve as a rallying point for officers and soldiers while widely consulting with critical stakeholders.

His words: “Nigerian Army of the present must by necessity with the changing nature of the current situation, sit up and develop modern processes, strategy and tactics over our enemy in kinetic and non-kinetic battles, win hearts and minds and safeguard our territory.

“This requires deliberate investment in capacity building, equipment, infrastructure, human capacity, battle orientation and combat efficiency."

As a compassionate leader, Lt. Gen. Yahaya began his job as COAS with a visit to wounded soldiers when he made his maiden trip to the Theatre Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, from 16 to 19 of June 2021, to assess the operational and welfare state of the troops.

During his visit to the hospitals, he assured troops of adequate medicare and support in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The COAS gave the assurances when he visited the 7 Division Hospital and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to commiserate with the sick and wounded in action troops recuperating at the medical facilities.

While at the hospital, the COAS took time to interact with the soldiers and assured them of proper medical care and welfare, adding that their medical care is of utmost importance to him.

Under Gen. Yahaya, troops of the Nigerian Army, with renewed vigour, fighting spirit, and uncommon patriotism, have been deeply engaged in various operations, not only in the North East Theatre Command but across the country.

Just last month, Faruk Yahaya flagged off three Nigerian Army Field Training Exercises in Emene, Enugu state, to support civil authorities in tackling diverse security challenges bedevilling the country,

The flag off symbolically activated the exercises in four geopolitical zones of the country.

In his remark during the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Yahaya identified the exercises as Exercise Still Water, Enduring Peace and Exercise Golden Dawn, which he pointed out, will be conducted simultaneously in South-South, South East, South West and North Central Nigeria respectively.

These exercises, he added would seek to confront the multifaceted and contemporary security challenges prevalent in different parts of the country. He noted that the exercises aim to restore law and order in the affected regions, as well as create an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.

The COAS, stated that the exercises, which would later metamorphose into real operations would witness collaboration with other security agencies in exchange for ideas and sharing of intelligence.

"The synergy amongst the services and agencies will provide the opportunity for them to bring their special competencies to bear in the operations.”

Gen. Yahaya further stated that each exercise will address issues unique to their areas of responsibility.

The COAS equally expressed optimism that by the end of the exercises, the troops would have engendered a more peaceful and harmonious atmosphere for the yuletide and conduct of violent free elections.

Gen. Yahaya further charged officers and soldiers to remain professional, steadfast and diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities in consonance with the objectives of the exercises.

He urged the troops to ensure respect and protection of the Fundamental Human Rights of the populace in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they discharge their responsibilities. He however enjoined the citizenry to be law abiding and cooperate with security agencies in order to restore law and order in the country.

Again, sometime in July this year, Gen. Yahaya, also inaugurated “Exercise Lion Heart” for the Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN) with a view to enhancing the operational efficiency of the troops.

Yahaya, who was represented by the Director of Courses, Department of Training (Army), Brig.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose said that the simulation exercise was designed to allow the personnel to understand different scenarios of threats.

In recent times, the tempo of the counter-insurgency war, which has increased under the leadership of the COAS, has manifested in the surrender of thousands of 'repentant' Boko Haram terrorists and their family members, in several parts of Borno State.

Nigerians and the country itself have already been ravaged by insecurity. Many precious lives have been killed and maimed. Insecurity has rendered the country's economy prostate. It has also led to the destruction of many critical national infrastructures.

It is heartwarming, however, that troops of the Nigerian Army are unrelenting in tackling terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other subversive elements, holding the country to ransom. Gen. Yahaya and the entire leadership of the Nigerian Army, indeed, have shown commitment towards ending the menace of the Boko Haram-ISWAP insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other sundry crimes in the country.

These were what I told a friend recently when he asked me what the visionary and celebrated Lt. Gen. Faruq Yahaya is actually doing towards making the Nigerian Army a resilient and gallant military force, capable of tackling every enemy of the Nigerian State.
https://ournigerianews.com/what-gen-faruq-yahaya-is-doing/

Governor Zulum Bags Our Nigeria News Best Governor of the Year Award

Governor Zulum Bags Our Nigeria News Best Governor of the Year Award


 

The executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has emerged as the winner of Our Nigeria News Magazine's Best Governor of the Year 2022.

While fielding questions from newsmen on Zulum's emergence, the Editor-in-chief of the magazine, Amb. Auwal Ahmad Umar said Governor Zulum was picked among numerous nominees following a rigorous selection process.

"Out of five other Governors nominated for the award, our esteemed readers nationwide who voted electronically in our voting platform, massively gave their votes to Governor Zulum, hence, his emergence as a winner," he said.

According to Umar Zulum's emergence among numerous others, “for consideration for our Best Governor of the Year would hardly come as a surprise to discerning minds and progressive-minded persons, as Zulum's name rings a bell across the landscape of Borno and Nigeria. Many Nigerians have never met him face to face but his strings of achievements anchored on people-oriented projects have made Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State a household name in the country, drawing ceaseless applause for him.

But he remains a very simple and unassuming man despite the strategic work he has been doing to change the face of Borno State and restore hope to a people traumatized by ceaseless attacks unleashed by the Boko Haram fighters. Governor Zulum came to the scene at a time when the morale of the people and their psyche had been battered by the malevolent elements who have continued to distract the polity, steal and destroy whatever is of good report and of value to the citizenry.

"For the rare feat that you have exhibited of bringing governance to the doorsteps of the people. For making governance responsible and accountable to the yearning and aspirations of the people, for being a peerless compatriot in his public and private life to the admiration of all and sundry, Our Nigeria News Magazine is proud to present His Excellency Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum as its Best Governor of the Year Award 2022. We join his friends, family and other well-wishers in congratulating him for this well-deserved honour.”

"When Our Nigeria News Magazine was being conceived ahead of its subsequent emergence as a bold, fearless and innovative magazine, among the ideals embedded in our noble vision were high ethical standards, editorial standards of the loftiest level, and so forth. Next on the list was the need to institute an annual award to be known as the Best Governor of the Year Award as has been the practice globally to encourage good governance.

Best Governor of the Year Award is a unique recognition which is reserved for the highest performer governor, who has sparkled beyond expectations in his achievements as governor within a given year."
https://ournigerianews.com/governor-zulum-bags-our-nigeria-news-best-governor-of-the-year-award/

Anti-Drug War: NAOWA Seeks Synergy With NDLEA

Anti-Drug War: NAOWA Seeks Synergy With NDLEA


Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) has pledged a commitment to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to ensure a drug-free country.

The Wife of the Chief of Army Staff and President of the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Salamatu Yahaya made this pledge when she led a delegation of the executives of the association on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja at the weekend.

In her remarks, she commended Marwa for the extraordinary achievements recorded in the NDLEA under his watch and asked for collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs.

She noted that NAOWA had been following the tremendous achievements recorded in the past 18 months and as a humanitarian organisation that is committed to capacity building and empowerment for its members and stakeholders, partnering with the NDLEA will be mutually beneficial as she plans to take the drug campaign to the barracks.

Among the areas of partnership sorted include the training of NAOWA members and staff in early detection and identification of substance abuse, as well as how to conduct drug prevention programmes.

Others include measures to prevent drug trafficking and channels for reporting drug activities.

In his response, Marwa thanked the NAOWA president and her entourage for the visit.

He commended the association for the laudable initiatives under the leadership of Mrs. Yahaya which according to him have transformed the association.

Marwa noted the important role the association plays in ensuring the success of career military officers.

He stated that NAOWA’s support will be required in both drug demand and drug supply reduction activities, stressing that addiction does not discriminate and can afflict any family.

He encouraged NAOWA to leverage on the NDLEA’s 24/7 toll-free helpline recently launched to assist drug-dependent persons seeking help without stigmatization, urging the president of NAOWA to facilitate the establishment of counselling centres in barracks across the country to cater for the needs of people suffering from drug use disorders.

He equally asked the organisation to join the agency in promoting drug tests by intending couples before marriage, adding that fear of testing positive will deter potential drug users from getting involved with drugs.

He however promised to support NAOWA in its proposed drug enlightenment efforts through training.

 
https://ournigerianews.com/anti-drug-war-naowa-seeks-synergy-with-ndlea/

Expert urges FG to ban politicians on medical tourism

Expert urges FG to ban politicians on medical tourism

A US-based Nigerian medical doctor, Dr Tomi Ademokun, has urged the Federal Government to pass a law to prevent political office holders and their families from accessing health care abroad.

Ademokun, a Public Health Advisor at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), made the call in an interview with the newsmen in New York.

She also called on the government to pass a law to prevent political officeholders from sending their children to schools abroad.

“If you hold a leadership position, you cannot access external services, build it in your state and use it. Change begins with you,” she said.

The medical expert is of the opinion that such measures will make the leaders fix the health and education sectors in Nigeria rather than going abroad to access those services.

“It saddens me to learn that when any top politician is sick they go abroad for treatment, how come we are not building our health sector?

Read Also: Many injured, houses burnt in Jigawa gas explosion




Ademokun told reporters that Nigerians in the U.S., especially in the medical sector had been doing wonderfully well, “All my doctors here are Nigerians; my daughter’s paediatrician, my general practitioner, even my specialists are all Nigerians.

“Nigerian physicians and public health workers are doing well even back at home, what is lacking is support and enabling environment.

Ademokun, who is the Vice President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA), South Savannah, Georgia, recalled how white doctors were going to train in Nigeria under exchange programmes in the 80s.

She advised that those exchange programmes should be revived and that those in the diaspora should be empowered to come home and support their colleagues.

Ademokun, however, urged Nigerians in the diaspora to use the opportunity of their dual citizenship to contribute to the growth and development of their homeland.

“I was born here but I always have the heart to go home. I can’t go back to relying on the Nigerian government, they have not created that environment; then I use my American citizenship to go back as a U.S. diplomat.

Ademokun emphasised that those Nigerians that God had blessed with dual citizenship should use the strong one to help build their homeland.

“I am the first American-Nigerian diplomat and the youngest to be appointed by the U.S. government to work in Nigeria.

Also, she canvassed an effective health insurance system and welfare system that would help those that are not wealthy to access free health care.

On diaspora voting, Ademokun urged the Nigerian government to consider the voting rights of its citizens abroad, lamenting that only 29 senators voted in favour of the Diaspora Bill.

“We contribute over 30 billion dollars, we are major partners, and we need to take our power back when it comes to voting.

Expert urges FG to ban politicians on medical tourism
https://ournigerianews.com/expert-urges-fg-to-ban-politicians-on-medical-tourism/

Ember Months: Desist from night travel, FRSC warns

Ember Months: Desist from night travel, FRSC warns

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sagamu Unit Command, has warned motorists against night travel during the ember months.

The FRSC Unit Commander, Mr Taofiq Iyanda, gave the warning while speaking with the newsmen on Tuesday in Sagamu, Ogun.

He said the warning had become necessary due to the security challenges confronting the country.

“We are appealing to motorists to be careful and refrain from night traveling because most of the crashes happen at night.

“In addition, when road crashes occur at night, it is always difficult to get assistance to rescue the accident victims and take them to the hospital, thus leading to high death rate,” he said.

Read Also: expert-urges-fg-to-ban-politicians-on-medical-tourism

The unit commander implored motorists to reduce speeding and ensure that their vehicles were in good condition before putting them on the roads.

Iyanda also cautioned against wrongful overtaking and driving against traffic to reduce mishaps during the ember months.

He reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to intensifying patrols to check the excesses of drivers and ensure sanity during the ember months.

Ember Months: Desist from night travel, FRSC warns
https://ournigerianews.com/ember-months-desist-from-night-travel-frsc-warns/

Mahaha Sports Complex Not Allocated to Anyone, Ganduje Clarifies

Mahaha Sports Complex Not Allocated to Anyone, Ganduje Clarifies


 

By: Abdullahi Ahmad Bamalli

 Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has described the legal action by Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governorship candidate of NNPP to stop his administration from allocating Mahaha Sports Complex as an act of ignorance.

Kabir had approached the State High Court for a perpetual order of injunction to stop the alleged allocation of the Mahaha Sports Complex to the Nigeria Navy Women Association, unknown persons, and others.

He said in an originating summons that he wants the court to stop the state government, the Nigerian Navy Women Association, unknown persons, the Kano State Bureau for Land Management and the state attorney-general from allocating or selling the sports complex.

In a response to the allegations, the state government said, “nobody is selling or allocating anywhere as being ignorantly claimed by the NNPP gubernatorial Candidate.”

The government through the permanent secretary of the Bureau for Land Management Dr Zainab Baraji said the complex was still in the government’s custody but some portions were given to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to build a permanent site because they were in a rental place.

Baraji said some portions were also given to the Nigerian Navy to build a state-of-the-art hospital.

Mahaha Sports Complex Not Allocated To Anyone, Ganduje Clarifies
https://ournigerianews.com/mahaha-sport-complex-not-allocated-to-anyone-ganduje-clarifies/

Atiku reveals five-point development agenda

Atiku reveals five-point development agenda

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has unfolded a five-point developmental agenda.

The agenda encompasses qualitative education, restructuring to foster true federalism and stability, a dynamic economy for prosperity, safety and security of life and property, and unity in diversity.

Atiku described the proposal as a social contract characterized by short, medium and long-term strategies.

He promised to provide 3 million new jobs and lift 10 million Nigerians out of poverty annually.

The PDP candidate also promised to provide 25,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity and work for the refining capacity of 2 million barrels of crude oil per day.

Read Also: Expert urges FG to ban politicians on medical tourism




In the plan, called: My Covenant with Nigerians, the former Vice President described himself as an experienced, courageous and result-focused leader capable of taking the country through a rough situation and making a positive difference.

The 74-page document re-echoes Atiku’s 2019 manifestos with a minor adjustment to reflect proposed solutions to post-2019 challenges.

Atiku is expected to unveil the plan today in Lagos to captains of industry, leaders of commerce and officials of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), led by its President, Mallam Issah Mustapha.

The former Vice President promised an all-inclusive governance structure to harness national diversity and a just environment where the rights of citizens would be protected.

On corruption, he said if elected, his government would strengthen policies and measures for detecting corruption through a strong technology infrastructure that supports the end-to-end operations of governmental businesses for transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness.

He also promised to enhance whistle-blowing and witness protection policies.

Atiku reveals five-point development agenda
https://ournigerianews.com/atiku-reveals-five-point-development-agenda/

Avoid electing inexperienced, unpatriotic bigot as president, Gumi advises

Avoid electing inexperienced, unpatriotic bigot as president, Gumi advises

After assessing the chances of presidential candidates in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, a renowned Northern Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has warned Nigerians against electing an inexperienced and unpatriotic politician as president.

Weighing the chances of candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, and Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, Gumi insisted that Nigeria does not need a novice as president, but an experienced politician to lead Nigeria.

Gumi, however, advised that Nigerians should do away with ethnoreligious politics in this 21st century, and come together as one united people for the progress of the country.

While answering questions from journalists in his Kaduna residence on the coming general elections and state of the nation, Gumi noted, when asked about Atiku that had contested for the presidency several times, that there is nothing wrong for politicians to contest elections several times until they achieve victory.

Read Also: Atiku reveals five-point development agenda




On Tinubu’s claim that it is his turn to be president, Gumi said: “It is not proper for him to say it is his turn. No politician should say it is his turn; if people like you, they will vote for you. He is a good administrator; he can do it. The Muslim-Muslim ticket is unnecessary.

Speaking of chances, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi has, the Islamic cleric said: “Youths are divided in their support for him just like the adults. He needs to reach out to other segments of society. Relying on youths is not enough. He has to be all over the place, and not leaving politics in one region.”

Gumi, therefore, warned that if an inexperienced politician were voted into office, he would find it difficult to assemble best brains to set the nation working progressively.

Avoid electing inexperienced, unpatriotic bigot as president, Gumi advises
https://ournigerianews.com/avoid-electing-inexperienced-unpatriotic-bigot-as-president-gumi-advises/

Group holds engagement summit for Atiku’s Presidency

Group holds engagement summit for Atiku’s Presidency

A group, Atiku Ne Zabin Mu A 2023 (Atiku Is Our Choice In 2023) is set to hold an engagement summit to drive the inclusion of Youth Leaders and Women of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 2023 Presidential Election.

Themed: ‘Guaranteed Inclusion,’ the summit will draw participation from the six geo-political zones across the country and is scheduled to hold on the 28th of September 2022 at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

According to a statement by Babajide Okeowo, Communication Strategist on behalf of Ambassador Halima Suleiman, the Founder of the movement, the summit is geared toward promoting the candidacy of PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

“As our country heads towards a defining moment in 2023, it is highly important that we secure the buy-in of youth leaders and women across the federation to drive support for the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar.

Read Also: Atiku reveals five-point development agenda




“Women’s political participation is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy. It facilitates women’s direct engagement in public decision-making and is a means of ensuring better accountability to women.

“So, it becomes very important to note that women’s political participation is a necessary step to achieving global gender equality and democratic governance,” the statement said.

Speaking further, Suleiman disclosed that Atiku knows the problems of Nigeria and the ways to solve them easily.

“Atiku Abubakar is a patriotic Nigerian who believes in peace and is ready to help the nation, I am certain that when he becomes President, he will bring about huge changes to the economic issues in the country and address our security challenges,” he added.

Group holds engagement summit for Atiku’s Presidency
https://ournigerianews.com/group-holds-engagement-summit-for-atikus-presidency/

PDP Crisis: Wike accuses presidency of backing Ayu, Atiku

PDP Crisis: Wike accuses presidency of backing Ayu, Atiku

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said an individual within the presidency is backing Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Wike spoke on Thursday at the inauguration of a campus of the Rivers State University in Ahoada east Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

He promised to name the person backing Ayu and his defenders “at the appropriate time”.

Wike’s camp had been calling for the resignation of Ayu as a way of balancing the equation between the North and South in the party. The crisis has been rocking the party since the selection of Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Read Also: I never resigned as PDP govs’ forum chair, says Tambuwal




“The Chairman and the presidential candidate of the party (Atiku) would meet, they take a decision, nobody represents us (South). Just wait. You people, you will see, just watch. Why are they being arrogant? They are arrogant because they believe somebody in the presidency is backing them?” Wike said.

“I will tell Nigerians at the appropriate time, who is that person in the presidency that is backing them that they are being arrogant? You can’t be arrogant to us. You can’t. You can’t be arrogant to what I have. I will continue to fight this fight. This injustice is enough. We cannot continue to swallow this.

“They’ve already taken who would be Senate President. Which one have they given you (asking the audience)?

“What Wike is saying is ‘keep to the agreement’. Agreement is agreement.”

PDP Crisis: Wike accuses presidency of backing Ayu, Atiku
https://ournigerianews.com/pdp-crisis-wike-accuses-presidency-of-backing-ayu-atiku/

COAS To Interact With Commanders On Operations, Administration

COAS To Interact With Commanders On Operations, Administration


 

By: Abdullahi Ahmad Bamalli

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya is set to interact with principal staff officers, commanding officers and field commanders at the COAS Third Quarter Conference 2022.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Friday, said the conference was scheduled to hold from Sept. 13 to Sept. 16 in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the conference would provide a platform for the Nigerian Army to appraise its performance in the third quarter and consolidate on its gains.

He said the interaction was part of an effort to provide strategic guidance toward enhancing army operations and administration.

“Additionally, the conference will retrospectively and holistically evaluate all ongoing operational engagements of the Nigerian Army with a view to effectively projecting into the future.

“Expectedly, the COAS, who is the conference convener, will declare it open on Sept. 13 followed by a review of synopsis of major decisions taken at the Second Quarter Conference.

“It will also feature briefs and updates on ongoing army operations and training activities, amongst others.

“The COAS wishes to use this opportunity to reiterate the resolve and commitment of the Nigerian Army to continue to discharge its duties professionally and proficiently, within its constitutional mandate,” he said.

https://ournigerianews.com/coas-to-interact-with-commanders-on-operations-administration/

STORY OF MARYAM

Breaking: Three Indian expatriates released

Breaking: Three Indian expatriates released


The three Indian expatriates working with West African Ceramics Limited that were abducted two-three weeks ago have just been released and reunited with their firm.

The freed hostages are: Srinivas Saladi, Raj Kumar and Mohan Reddy

It is not clear who abducted them but it is most likely ISWAP according to a reliable source.

The three expatriates were released through the special assistance of the Defence Intelligence Agency and the Department of State Security.

Two expatriates, two company drivers and two police inspectors died in the exchange of fire with the hood­lums during the incident which occurred in Ajaokuta at about 8 p.m. on Friday 5, Au­gust,2022.

Another source told this medium that the Indians were kidnapped to send a strong message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India who the abductors said is very hostile to Indian Muslims.


Breaking: Three Indian expatriates released
https://ournigerianews.com/three-indian-expatriates-released/

Nigerian Navy shutdown Over 216 Illegal Refining Sites in Five Months-Says CNS

Nigerian Navy shutdown Over 216 Illegal Refining Sites in Five Months-Says CNS


 

 


In an effort to curb the oil bunkering in the country, the Nigerian Navy has shut down over 216 illegal refining sites in the last five months.


The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo stated this while speaking on Channels Television’s NewsNight on Monday.


He said that over 41 million litres of diesel equivalent of N27bn were saved as a result of naval operations in the period under review.


His word, “I must put on record that a review of Operation Dakatar Da Barawo in the last five months revealed over 216 illegal refining sites that were deactivated. We have over 2,920 metal storage and over 145 wooden boats that were destroyed during the period under review.


“Of course, in addition, oil thieves were by implication denied 41,308,340 litres which is equivalent to 366 or 60,241 barrels of crude oil. Regarding AGO (Automotive Gas Oil popularly known as diesel), we have 18,747,830 litres of illegally AGO.


“This has prevented over N27bn from getting to undeserving individuals which could be used to support criminals of all kinds in diverse ways. Though we are not yet there achievement recorded thus far necessitated a review of the outrageous quantities of stolen crude oil.”


Similarly, the naval chief said it was not true that between 20,000 and 200,000 barrels of crude oil are being stolen daily in Nigeria. According to him, 100,000 barrels of crude is the equivalent of 15.8 million litres of crude oil requiring a five-ton barge to make 3,160 trips to convey to a mother vessel within a day. “Most of these claims are definitely outrageous and unrealistic,” he maintained.


Gambo further noted that indigenous ship-building efforts of the Nigerian Navy are gaining traction in West Africa, adding that the Navy hopes to launch the building of two attack ships in Turkey by September.


He also confirmed the arrest of super ships loading oil within Nigeria’s space without a license, saying such ships will be prosecuted by the Federal Government through the AGF office, noting that intelligence is vital to fighting terrorism and maritime crimes.


Nigerian Navy shutdown Over 216 Illegal Refining Sites in Five Months-Says CNS
https://ournigerianews.com/nigerian-navy-shutdown-over-216-illegal-refining-sites-in-five-months-says-cns/

Court Restrains Buhari, NBC From Shutting Down 53 Broadcast Stations

Court Restrains Buhari, NBC From Shutting Down 53 Broadcast Stations

An order has been given to President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) stopping them from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country.

Recall that the NBC said it was shutting down the stations for allegedly failing to renew their licenses.

On Monday, Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko (Court 8) of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted an order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument on motion exparte by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

SERAP and NGE had last week filed a lawsuit against Buhari and NBC, asking the court for “a declaration that section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten to revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and to shut down the stations is unconstitutional and unlawful, as it violates freedom of expression.”

Read Also: COVID-19: Nigeria can now produce quality vaccines, says NAFDAC




In the suit, SERAP and NGE had asked the court for “an order of interim injunction restraining Buhari and NBC, their agents from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country and shutting their down operations, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”

The suit is adjourned to 8th September, 2022 for the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

The suit followed the decision by the NBC to revoke the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and shut down their operations within 24 hours over alleged N2.6 billion debt.

Court Stops Buhari, NBC From Shutting Down 53 Broadcast Stations                                                                                        
https://ournigerianews.com/court-restrains-buhari-nbc-from-shutting-down-53-broadcast-stations/

Gov Buni Okays Employment Of 134 Health Personnel

Gov Buni Okays Employment Of 134 Health Personnel

Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni on Sunday, approved the employment of 134 health personnel to boost healthcare delivery in the state.

Governor Buni, who gave this approval in a statement by his Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed in Damaturu, said the personnel graduated from Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu.

“The personnel included 67 midwives, 12 nurses, and 55 community nurses.”

Read Also: Pray for honest, competent leaders, Ex-Kano Emir urges Nigerians




The governor also approved the placement of 167 nursing students in the college on a monthly allowance of N10,000 each.

“Investment in the training of health personnel was necessary, to provide adequate and qualified manpower for various health institutions across the state,” he said.

Buni charged the new employees to be dedicated to their duties and serve the people diligently to justify the government’s investment in them.

Gov Buni Okays Employment Of 134 Health Personnel
https://ournigerianews.com/gov-buni-okays-employment-of-134-health-personnel/

Amb. Buratai becomes first bearer of security torch worldwide

Amb. Buratai becomes first bearer of security torch worldwide


By ASHA S RABO


Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), has been named the first security torchbearer in history.


 


The World Institute for Peace (WIP) presented him with this honour at the World Peace Symposium on Sunday in Lagos.





The Ambassadors of the World Institute of Peace warmly complimented Buratai for his tireless efforts to maintain peace in Nigeria, which has been attacked by Boko Haram militants.


 


Buratai was referred to as an exceptional soldier who gave his life for the protection of life and property in Nigeria by one of the Greek ambassadors, Amb. Rania Angelakoudi. She commended Buratai on his outstanding accomplishments.





Amb. Buratai also received a staff of honour in appreciation for his service to Nigeria.


 


The subject of security should be of the foremost concern to everyone, according to Ambassador Buratai, who stated in his acceptance speech that "Nuclear arsenal is on the rise globally."


“Therefore, I dedicate my life to defend Nigeria, Africa and the world as I wholeheartedly accept this honour as a global touch bearer of peace and a for runner of global peace,” Buratai stated.





Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator of the African Union Development Agency and Chief Executive Officer of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDAD/NEPAD), Major General OC Ajunwa, GOC 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Hundeyin Parker, Deputy Commandant, NAFRC Oshodi, and Senator Gbadamosi, Senator in the Benin Republic, were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
https://ournigerianews.com/amb-buratai-becomes-first-bearer-of-security-torch-worldwide/

Gov Inuwa leads government functionaries, traditional rulers, as thousands attend funeral prayer of late Emir of Funakaye

Gov Inuwa leads government functionaries, traditional rulers, as thousands attend funeral prayer of late Emir of Funakaye

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Sunday led the Gombe State government's delegation to the funeral prayer (Janazah) of the late Emir of Funakaye, His Royal Highness,  Alhaji Mu'azu Muhammad Kwairanga who passed away in the late hours of Saturday.

The funeral prayer, which was held at the Funakaye Central Mosque, Bajoga was attended by thousands of sympathisers from within and outside the State.

Shortly after the funeral prayer, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya proceeded to the Emir's Palace where he condoled with the royal family members and also received commiserations from traditional rulers,  community leaders,  government officials, associates and other sympathisers.

In an emotion-laden voice, Governor Inuwa said, "Today, a giant tree has fallen in Gombe State. We have lost a rare gem, a humble and dedicated royal father who was highly cherished by his subjects and the entire people of the State.

Governor Inuwa noted that the late monarch lived a life of service and offered counsel and fatherly guidance for the peace, unity,  growth and development of the state in particular and Nigeria as a whole within less than 2 years of his reign as Emir of Funakaye.

He added that "his sudden exit is a lesson to all of us, especially considering his status and age,  but what was destined by Allah is not questionable; as such I am using this medium to urge us all to take solace in the fact that it is All who gives and takes at decreed times.

"On behalf of myself, the government and the good people of Gombe State, I wish to extend our condolences to the bereaved family members and the entire Funakaye Community over this monumental loss."

The Governor expressed appreciation to all that attended the funeral,  especially the traditional rulers from the neighbouring State of Yobe.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya's entourage included the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly,  Hon.  Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo,  Secretary to the State Government,   Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Head of Service, Bappayo Yahaya, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors-General among other top Government functionaries.

The late Alhaji Muazu Muhammad Kwairanga was installed as the Emir of Funakaye in May 2021 and died on Saturday,  27th August 2022 at the age of 45.


Gov Inuwa leads government functionaries, traditional rulers, as thousands attend funeral prayer of late Emir of Funakaye
https://ournigerianews.com/gov-inuwa-leads-government-functionaries-traditional-rulers-as-thousands-attend-funeral-prayer-of-late-emir-of-funakaye/

Gombe State Approves Conversion of Abandoned Structure To University Campus

Gombe State Approves Conversion of Abandoned Structure To University Campus

The Gombe State Executive Council has approved a revised contract for the completion of the abandoned College of Nursing and Midwifery, Dukku, which is to be converted into a campus of the State University.

The conversion is said to be prompted by the fact that the structure did not meet the criteria of a school, because it did not have the backing of a law establishing it, with no management and staff employed.

After the State Executive Council Meeting, the Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Information, Mr. Meshach Audu Lauco, said the previous government awarded the contract in 2013 with about 91% of the contract sum paid but not completed.

Mr. Lauco said because the construction was not completed, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya reviewed it and decided to complete it and put it to good use, by converting it to a campus of the Gombe State University.

Read Also: Bandits Abduct Commuters In Katsina




He said that the contract would be completed within 16 weeks and used by the Gombe State University, as a campus.

Highlighting details of the contract, the Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Idris Abdullahi, said the initial contract sum was N2, 442, 895, 777, 86 kobo.

Mr. Abdullahi said when the decision for the completion of the project was taken, it discovered there were two CVs of 101 million naira that had not been paid and the governor directed the Ministry of housing to pay it.

He said afterwards, the contractor, authorities of the university and the ministry began mobilizing for the restarting of the project, by first asking for the bill of completion.

According to him, because of the time difference and cost of materials then and now, the contractor brought a bill of 885 million, 878 thousand, 841 naira 80 kobo, which the ministry analyzed and made savings of 18, 560, 439. 18.

He said when completed, the reviewed contract would be 3, 280, 214, 180. 48. He said by December when 16 weeks project would have been completed, the structure would be used by the Gombe State University.

The Gombe State Commissioner of Housing said the government was expected to pay the sum of 1, 339, 202, 223.72 for the completion of the project.

Gombe State Approves Conversion of Abandoned Structure To University Campus
https://ournigerianews.com/gombe-state-approves-conversion-of-abandoned-structure-to-university-campus/

Bandits Abduct Commuters In Katsina

Bandits Abduct Commuters In Katsina

Bandits on Wednesday abducted a yet-to-be-specified number of commuters along the Katsina-Jibia road.

The incident took place around 5 pm at Kadobe village.

According to a source, the bandits came on about six motorcycles, blocked the road and fired gunshots to scare commuters before kidnapping the occupants of two vehicles.

The source explained, “They were not more than 20 in number because they came on about six motorcycles.

Read Also: Flood Displaces Hundreds In Adamawa Community




“They did not use any roadblock but rather stood on the road with their guns and started shooting in the air. That led two of the vehicles to lose control and veer off the road. The gunmen eventually abducted the occupants.”

He alleged that security forces came 30 minutes after the attackers had left.

According to him, the Katsina-Jibia Road has of late experienced frequent attacks by bandits despite multiple security checkpoints and military barracks along the road.

SP Gambo Isah, the police spokesman in the State, could not be reached for confirmation.

 Bandits abduct commuters in Katsina
https://ournigerianews.com/bandits-abduct-commuters-in-katsina/

2023: Afenifere leader, Adebanjo, insists on Peter Obi

2023: Afenifere leader, Adebanjo, insists on Peter Obi

The leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has said that Peter Obi, and not former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, should be elected president in 2023.

Adebanjo, who said the leadership of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) is fully in support of Obi’s aspiration, noted that justice, equity and inclusiveness demand that the next president should come from the South East.

The elder statesman, who spoke in an interview with Daily Trust, said the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) represented a rallying point for all Nigerians against bad governance.

Atiku is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Tinubu is the flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Read Also: fg-debunks-increasing-aviation-charges

“On the principle of rotation, what nullified Tinubu is because South West has had its own; South-South has also had its own, why not the South East? It is not a case of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. Tinubu is a very good and qualified candidate but what disqualified him is the fact that we can’t say we believe in rotation, you have had two bites on a piece when one of you has not had a bite.

“The same thing disqualifies Atiku, after a northerner has ruled us for eight years; you want another northerner to go there? But they want to turn the issue by saying the North East has not had it. They should have protested when Buhari was coming back that North West ha had it,” he said.

While noting that he is not a member of the LP, Adebanjo said he is ‘obidient’ a slogan used to describe supporters of Obi.

He argued that people should criticise his choice based on the principle of fairness and not sentiment.

2023: Afenifere leader, Adebanjo, insists on Peter Obi
https://ournigerianews.com/2023-afenifere-leader-adebanjo-insists-on-peter-obi/

Strike: ASUU NEC to decide on Sunday

Strike: ASUU NEC to decide on Sunday

The National Executive Council of the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities will meet on Sunday, August 28, 2022 to take a decision on whether to suspend or continue with the industrial action.

Sources among the union’s NEC members told newsmen on Monday that the meeting will hold at the union’s national headquarters at the University of Abuja.

It was further gathered that the council will take a decision on the industrial action based on reports from the various state congresses.

Our Nigeria News reports that ASUU had on Monday, February 14, 2022 embarked on a strike.

The union had demanded for the renegotiation of the ASUU-FGN 2009 agreement; release of revitalization funds for universities; deployment of the University Transparency Accountability System for the payment of salaries and allowances of university lecturers; release of earned allowances; and the release of the white paper report of the visitation panels to universities.

Read Also: 2023: Afenifere leader, Adebanjo, insists on Peter Obi




“The NEC meeting will hold on August 28, the four weeks ultimatum that we gave is expiring that same day. We will be making our decisions based on the results of the state congresses.

“The NEC has to depend on the result of the congresses. The zones have held their own congresses; the branch chairmen will also talk to their members and they will get feedback which will be transmitted to the NEC,” one of the sources said.

When asked if the union will consider calling off the strike, the source asked, “Does it look like the government wants to end the strike?”

Shortly after the commencement of ASUU strike, other university-based unions such as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and other allied educational institutions had also embarked on strike to push their demands.

In a bid to end the strike, the government had set up a negotiation team led by the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Nimi Briggs, to look into negotiations with the unions.

While, SSANU, NASU and NAAT had suspended their strike actions, the negotiations between the government and ASUU had stalled.

Strike: ASUU NEC to decide on Sunday
https://ournigerianews.com/strike-asuu-nec-to-decide-on-sunday/

NNPP crisis deepens as Shekarau accuses Kwankwaso of betrayal

NNPP crisis deepens as Shekarau accuses Kwankwaso of betrayal

The crisis in the New Nigeria Peoples Party deepened on Monday with a former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, accusing the party’s presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his group of betraying the trust reposed in them since he joined the party few months ago.

Shekarau spoke on Monday at a meeting with Shura Advisory Council drawn from 44 Local Government Areas of the state at the Kano Foundation Hall.

He said, “All the agreements we had with him were betrayed by Kwankwaso and his boys and they did not accommodate one single person from my camp.

Read Also: Strike: ASUU NEC to decide on Sunday




“We reached an agreement to accommodate my supporters into various elective positions in the party, but until now, the committee set up could not accommodate one single person apart from the senatorial slot given to me.

“I will never be a party to injustice. My integrity is utmost and not any political position that will make me compromise it and that of my people. Nobody will use position or money against my integrity.

Shekarau, who declined to inform his followers on whether he was leaving the NNPP, assured them that the next line of action would be communicated to them within a few weeks.

He appealed to his supporters to exercise patience and await his final decision on whether to remain in the NNPP or quit the party.

NNPP crisis deepens as Shekarau accuses Kwankwaso of betrayal
https://ournigerianews.com/nnpp-crisis-deepens-as-shekarau-accuses-kwankwaso-of-betrayal/

Constable Recruitment: IGP counters PSC, disowns advert

Constable Recruitment: IGP counters PSC, disowns advert

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed an advertisement by the Police Service Commission (PSC) calling for applicants to apply as constables in the force.

A recruitment advert calling on interested applicants had recently gone viral on social media and job websites.

Reacting to the development, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, asked Nigerians to disregard the call for recruitment.

Adejobi said the force has no connection with the advert which he said was placed by PSC in one of the national dailies.

Read Also: NNPP crisis deepens as Shekarau accuses Kwankwaso of betrayal




“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform well-meaning members of the public that it has not commenced the 2022 police constables recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force contrary to a publication on Page 21 of Daily Sun Newspaper of Thursday August 11, 2022 by the Police Service Commission (PSC),” he said in a statement on Monday.

“The police similarly states unequivocally that the advert has no connection with the Nigeria Police Force nor is it in tandem with the Police recruitment process, and should be disregarded in all its entirety.

This is not the first time an inspector-general of police will clash with the leadership of the PSC over recruitment of constables.

In 2019, Mohammed Adamu, former IGP, recruited 10,000 constables into the force.

Displeased by the decision of Adamu, the PSC filed a suit against the action of the IGP.

At the federal high court, powers of the IGP to carry out the said recruitment were upheld but the appeal court later ruled that the PSC has the constitutional responsibility of recruiting police constables.

The court of appeal also declared the Police Act 2020, as it affects the constitutional mandate of PSC in terms of recruitment, as illegal.

Constable Recruitment: IGP counters PSC, disowns advert
https://ournigerianews.com/constable-recruitment-igp-counters-psc-disowns-advert/

NAFDAC confiscates herbal aphrodisiacs, others

NAFDAC confiscates herbal aphrodisiacs, others

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), says it has cracked down on manufacturers of a herbal intoxicant, popularly known as ‘Kurkura’; herbal aphrodisiacs and alcoholic bitters in Nigeria.

This is coming as a result of a series of reports on the use of ‘Kurkura’, particularly in the South-West and Northern regions of the country.

The Director-General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who made this this disclosure at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, said findings revealed a dangerous trend in the use of such substances laced with high concentrations of tobacco and cannabis.

According to the NAFDAC boss, the ‘Kurkura’ herbal preparations discovered in circulations included “Five Minutes Power Herbs Medicine, Haonu Laha Herbal Mixture, Gamzaki Tradomedical Herbal Ventures, Barakallahu Multipurpose Herbal Mixture, and Sabon Karfi Herbal Mixture.”

The DG said, while Haonu Laha Herbal Mixture was registered with the agency, it was laced with unapproved substances that were injurious to the body.

Read Also: NNPC Ownership: State governors raise concerns




“Kurkura is an illicit product illegally consumed for the sole aim of getting intoxicated. The substance when abused can be harmful to the body organs such as the brain, kidney, and liver. The damage to the kidney and liver cannot be overemphasised. This substance can cause irrational thinking, and an altered state of mind, which if taken by a driver can lead to a road traffic accident with the attendant fatality consequences or can lead to criminal behaviours such as rape, kidnapping, and murder.

“Another herbal preparation that is of concern is aphrodisiac and we have discovered the lacing of it with cannabis.

“In our recent operation, we impounded the following dangerous herbal aphrodisiac at some Islamic Herbal Medicines shops in Zaria, Kaduna State – Gagare Man Power, Minister For Man Power, Almenjou For Lazy Men in Bed, Nisan Zango Karfin Maza, Shagalin Ka Man Power, Dakan Jia Man Power enhancement, Wuff Male Sexual Performance, Afafata For Sexual Drive, etc.

“So far, one of the illegal factories involved in the production of such unauthorised products has been shut down and the owner arrested. Worthy of note is the discovery of the usage of Hyergra 200 (Sildenafil Citrate tablet), Amafranil tablets (Clomipramine tablet 25mg), and Cannon Extra (Paracetamol 500mg+Caffeine 30mg) in the production room. The owner admitted that he dissolves the Hyergra 200, Cannon Extra, and the Amafranil in a drum and mixes the content with boiled Kanafari, Garlic, Dundu, Marke, Hankufa, Sweetener, and Sodium Benzoate to make up the Man Power preparation. Yet the label on the preparation read 100 per cent herbal.

“The effect of such preparation on a person with heart challenges can only be imagined. The makers of these products were arrested and later granted bail. The investigation is ongoing.

“An alcoholic bitters product that is of grave concern is Japata Alcoholic bitters which was duly registered by NAFDAC but laced with marijuana or cannabis compared to the registered product that had only ethanol. Through intelligence, NAFDAC was able to shut down the company. This product when tested in the laboratory caused the death of the mice within five minutes. The alcoholic content was doubled compared with the registered product. The retained samples, kept at the point of registration, did not cause any injury to the animals.

“The product laced with cannabis was said to cause an altered state of mind and psychological problems to the user. The owner of the company is on the run and the matter has been shared with the NDLEA.”

Prof. Adeyeye pledged that the agency will continue with the raid on other illegal production outlets and the perpetrators will be dealt with in line with the extant laws and regulations.

“This drives home the fact that the eradication of fake and counterfeit drugs, adulterated and unwholesome processed foods, and other regulated products is a holistic battle that should involve every well-meaning Nigerian. I want to assure Nigerians that NAFDAC is doing everything to ensure that only safe medicine and wholesome food of the right quality are sold to our citizenry,” she said.

NAFDAC confiscates herbal aphrodisiacs, others
https://ournigerianews.com/nafdac-confiscates-herbal-aphrodisiacs-others/

NBC asked to reverse revocation of 52 TV, radio licenses

NBC asked to reverse revocation of 52 TV, radio licenses

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to reverse its revocation of the broadcast licenses of 52 broadcast stations in Nigeria.

Our Nigeria News reports that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) took the action on Friday following the publication of a list of stations yet to renew their licenses.

The NBC, it was gathered, said a two-week waiver was given to the stations in May to do so after which they risked the revocation of their licences.

Some of the affected stations include Silverbird TV, Rhythm FM, AIT/RayPower FM, and MITV.

According to the broadcasting regulatory body, three months after the publication, some stations are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the 2004 National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11.

Read Also: NAFDAC confiscates herbal aphrodisiacs, others




“Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licences of the stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations’, the NBC said in a statement.

‘Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance”.

However, in its reaction to this development, the MRA said the NBC was prioritizing its desire to make money off the broadcasters over the interest of citizens.

It urged the NBC to reverse its decision in the public interest to avoid creating a society of predominantly ignorant citizens, advising that the need to ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed through the media should supersede any other consideration by the NBC.

“We are shocked by this naked display by the NBC of a lack of appreciation of its principal role which is to contribute to the emergence of a knowledge society’, the MRA said in a statement on Friday. ‘Rather, it has chosen to create an environment in which millions of Nigerians will wallow in ignorance, deprived of access to crucial information that they need to make critical decisions in their lives or to enhance their livelihoods”.

The nonprofit, in the statement issued by its Head of Legal Department, Obioma Okonkwo, noted that the broadcasting stations are also negatively impacted by the inability of the government to create a conducive environment for them to operate.

“The fact that so many broadcasting stations have been unable to pay the license fees raises serious questions about the fairness and appropriateness of the fees being imposed on broadcasters by the NBC in such a challenging economic environment’, the statement added.

“As the NBC, which imposes the fees and collects them for its own use, there needs to be an independent inquiry into this apparent conflict of interest where the motivation of the commission is apparently to make as much money for itself as possible”.

The MRA argued that the action of the NBC has only worsened the prevailing lopsidedness in the broadcasting landscape in Nigeria.

NBC asked to reverse revocation of 52 TV, radio licenses
https://ournigerianews.com/nbc-asked-to-reverse-revocation-of-52-tv-radio-licenses/

Amid Insecurity, Nigerian Military Still Dazzles

Amid Insecurity, Nigerian Military Still Dazzles


Chronicles in gallantry


Nigeria, as a nation, is presently battling to exterminate the malady of insecurity and other developmental challenges posing as existential threats to its corporate existence. There are, indeed, pervasive security challenges in the country, at the moment.


 


But if the gospel truth must be told, the gruesome attacks by criminal elements such as terrorists, bandits, ritualists, and kidnappers, among others, have always been there.





Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen Faruk Yahaya



 


At the risk of being tagged an apologist for the Buhari administration, it is harmless to say that terror groups and criminals had laid a siege on the Nigerian State, long before the historic 2015.


 


For instance, on 7 September 2010, five people were killed and 721 inmates freed during a jail attack in Bauchi by suspected Boko Haram gunmen. In December 2010, again, a bomb attack outside a military barrack in Abuja killed four civilians.


 


Then, on May 29, 2011, 15 people were killed in Abuja and Bauchi by bomb explosions during Goodluck Jonathan's swearing-in as President. On June 16, 2011, at least two people; the perpetrator and a traffic policeman were killed in a failed bombing of Abuja's police headquarters.





We also cannot forget August 26, 2011. That was the day 21 people died in a bomb attack on the United Nations building in Abuja. And then, on November 4, 2011, between 100 and 150 people were killed in a series of coordinated assaults on Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.


 


Later in December of the same year, 41 people were killed in attacks and shootings on churches, by Boko Haram fighters.


 


In January 2012, no fewer than 792 people were killed as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency. Then, on 20 January 2012, about 183 people, of whom at least 150 are civilians and 32 are police officers, were also killed in Kano State by terrorist elements.


 




At a church in Kaduna State, on 8 April 2012, about 38 people were murdered by a bomb explosion.


 


At a worship program, in a Kogi State Deeper Life Church, 19 people were tragically killed when Boko Haram invaded the religious centre in August 2012.


 


Four months later, on December 25, 2012, about 27 Christians were also gunned down in Maiduguri and Potiskum by suspected Boko Haram militants.


 


Then, in January 2014, about 35 Nigerians were killed in a bombing by Boko Haram militants in Maiduguri, Borno State. In February of the same year, no fewer than 121 Christian villagers were killed by Boko Haram militants in Konduga, Borno State.


On April 14, 2014, almost 300 female students of the Government Secondary School Chibok in Borno State were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists. In fact, prior to 2015, about 20 local government areas in Borno State, and some in Adamawa and Yobe States, were Boko Haram caliphates.





A doomsday prophecy by an American legislator, which never came to pass, that Nigeria would break up before 2015, was apparently a result of the socio-political chaos in Africa's Giant.


The issue of Nigeria's insecurity may be far from being tackled, as persistent killings and other violent crimes have overshadowed some remarkable strides recorded by security agencies.


But the efforts of the Nigerian military, in particular, and since the advent of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, have not gone unnoticed.


 


The most significant achievement which many know, and even Mr President and Nigerian military detractors cannot deny is the liberation of the entire North East's local governments, hitherto controlled by insurgents, prior to 2015.


Outstandingly, Nigerian military troops, in February 2018, would then conduct Exercise Ayem Akpatuma covering Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and the Niger States, in order to tackle the cases of kidnappings, herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, among others.





In the same February 2018, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inducted its first indigenous operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Tsaigumi. The newly-inducted UAV had day and night capability, an operational endurance in excess of 10 hours, a service ceiling of 15,000 feet and a mission radius of 100km, and was capable of being used for policing operations, disaster management, convoy protection, maritime patrol, pipeline, power line monitoring, as well as mapping and border patrol duties.


 


The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), also in February 2018, established a total of 10 new Units as NAF (then) had concluded plans to set up Quick Response Wings (QRWs) across Nasarawa State, in a bid to tackle the herders/farmers clashes plaguing some states within the axis.





Troops



Two months later, specifically in April, the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of the second batch of 2 brand new Mi-35N helicopter gunships to boost internal security.


 


And in May, four years ago, the Nigerian Air Force established 3 new Quick Response Wings (QRW) in Taraba, Nasarawa and Benue States respectively, and also deployed Special Forces personnel to these new bases.


 


While reeling out some achievements of the Buhari administration and the Nigerian military in the fight against insecurity, Femi Adesina, presidential spokesperson, in a statement, then said: "President Buhari approved the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command, in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, as part of measures to scale up the security response to the banditry affecting the area.





COAS VISITS OPERATION HADIN KAI… CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT, COMMISSIONS SERIES OF PROJECTS



"Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, has since flagged off the new Battalion (2 Battalion Forward Operating Base, FOB) in Kanfanin Doka Village, Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State.


 


"The Defence Headquarters assembled a Special Military Intervention Force comprising more than 1,000 personnel, drawn from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, DSS and NSCDC, to respond to the security challenges in the North Central and North West.


 


"On May 8, 2018, the Force launched Operation WHIRL STROKE, as a full-scale military operation to completely restore law, order and stability in the affected communities. The Whirl Stroke Operational Force Commander is Major General Adeyemi Yekini.





Chief of Army Staff



"Chief of Army Staff inducted a mix of 49 Toyota Land Cruisers and Innoson gun trucks, at the HQ of the 133 Special Forces Battalion of the Nigerian Army at Azare, to support the ongoing OPERATION LAST HOLD in Northern Borno.


 


"NAF launched newly-constructed accommodation for the 205 Combat Search and Rescue Group (CSARG) — established in 2017 to provide aid and operational assistance to wounded and distressed troops serving in combat units — in Kerang, Plateau State.


 


"The Air Task Force of NAF commenced Operation THUNDER STRIKE to attack selected locations of Boko Haram Terrorists in the North-East.


 


"The Nigerian Army commissioned its new Forward Operating Base in Epe, Lagos State. President Buhari approved the establishment of Operation WHIRL STROKE II, for deployment in Zamfara and Kaduna States.


 


"Securing the length and breadth of the country is a continuing commitment. It is one of the key pledges of the Buhari administration, which it is carrying out night and day".


 


Verifiable checks have further shown clearly that no administration in Nigeria’s recent history has provided the security agencies with the hardware needed to tackle insecurity as that of President Buhari, in addition to raising the morale of our security men and women.


 


In the latest effort to enhance our nation’s maritime security, Mr President, last year in Lagos, commissioned an armada of naval boats and ships. The Nigerian Army, and Air Force, have also been receiving modern hardware to strengthen their arsenal.





Buratai with some soldiers in Sambisa forest-



Small wonder, an uncommon, yet celebrated Service Chief like Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, immediate-past Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, COAS, was able to perform brilliantly in leading Nigeria's counter-insurgency war, between 2015 and 2021.


 


Gen. Buratai, who hails from Biu Emirate, Borno state, had served the Nigerian Army, meritoriously. He is the longest serving COAS, according to available records. He held sway as Nigerian Army’s generalissimo for about 66 months.


 


Aside from the feats recorded in the realm of warfare, the Nigerian Army under Buratai also witnessed humongous policy and infrastructural transformation. For example, the Nigerian Army established a university in Biu, Borno state. This is with a view to developing a highly-skilled military and civilian workforce with distinctive competence capable of providing technological solutions to the problems of the Army, the military as an institution and the nation, at large.





The Nigerian Army also established a vehicle manufacturing company for the production of the prototype of both light and heavy infantry vehicles. This is in line with the federal government’s local content policy, where the Army has been working to meet basic requirements in the areas of light weapons, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and infantry equipment to reduce reliance on foreign countries to address its security challenges.


 


Another feat recorded, which needs to be highlighted, was the establishment of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC). NARC serves as a national ‘Think-Tank’ to further the interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services. Again, it is saddled with the responsibility of proffering solutions to defence and security issues confronting the Nigerian Army in particular and the nation in general.


 


Furthermore, the Nigerian Army also established a 200-bed capacity reference hospital in Maiduguri, which is already providing healthcare for soldiers injured in the war against the Boko Haram insurgency. This is aside from the reequipping of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospitals across the country. It thus remains a sheer fact that underBuratai, the Nigerian Army, now professionally responsive, was at its peak and lived up to its sobriquet as the “Pride of the Nation”.


 


Under Buratai, the Army greatly assumed a pivotal role in internal security operations. There has never been a time in the annals of the Nigerian Army where it was simultaneously involved in over 30 internal security operations across the country. The above listed can only be brought about by courageous leadership. And indeed, these and others were the hallmarks of the Tukur Buratai era in the Nigerian Army.


 


The media also celebrated Buratai as one Army Chief who carved a niche for himself as a strategist, tactician and goal-getter. Sequel to his leadership of counter-insurgency operations, Buratai had carved a niche for himself as commander of various military operations in the dreadful days of the Niger Delta militants and elsewhere. He also, and credibly too, piloted affairs of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).


 


Buratai, then as leader of the counter-insurgency operations, was an embodiment of innumerable war strategies and tactics. The nightmare of insurgents was further compounded with Buratai’s launch of the Special Strike Teams. He sometimes, joined his subordinate Commanders to train them personally. The then Army Chief again unleashed the Special Strike Teams in different parts of the Northeast, who were under strict orders to proactively assail insurgents.


 


Unrelenting, the immediate-past COAS, started expanding military presence in the troubled Northeast region. He established a dozen Army Battalions and Forward Bases to make it easier for troops to respond to distress calls or emergencies in a flash.


 


And determined to make insurgents uncomfortable and protect the most vulnerable communities, the Army boss expediently established the 8 Division, Nigerian Army at Monguno to make coordination of smaller operational units of the “Operation Lafia Dole” more convenient and effective.


 


For Gen. Buratai, the zeal to win the war on terror was unwavering; the determination was evergreen, and as for the courage? It was undaunting! And there is no prize for guessing that TY Buratai, truly and indeed, engraved his name on the sands of time as Africa’s most courageous COAS, and prodigious soldier.


 


Incumbent COAS, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya's strides as far as tackling insecurity has been awe-inspiring. This may be the reason why troops of the Nigerian Army were recently commended by Sen. Ali Ndume for the successes so far recorded in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the country.


 


Ndume, the Chairman of, the Senate Committee on the Army, gave the commendation when he led members of the Committee on a working visit to Gen. Yahaya, at the Army Headquarters, in Abuja.


While expressing appreciation to the NA for the feat achieved in recent times against security threats and other criminalities, he said the NA under the current leadership has shown commitment and determination to end security challenges bedevilling the country.


 


Ndume added that the NA has recorded tremendous success in all its operations which according to him has led to total disarray among bandits in North West and North East Nigeria.


 


A strong believer in training, Gen. Yahaya, has always opined that training is key for soldiers and officers. Therefore, he has continuously ensured that under his command, the army reviews its curriculum in tandem with the existing security challenges.


 


The COAS is also of the school of thought that discipline and regimentation are pivotal to professionalism in the Nigerian Army, thus his continuous effort to ensure personnel toe that line.


Also, as one who places a premium on the welfare of officers and soldiers, Gen. Yahaya, upon assuming office, embarked on several projects such as the renovation of some barracks and offices, construction of new barracks, upgrade of medical facilities, and even schools.


 


Summarily, the last year under his command has seen the return of Nigerians in the northeast to their homes, mass surrender of terrorists and reopening of all schools in the geopolitical zone, including the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.


 


Meanwhile, the military generally has always promptly risen to the occasion of defending the sovereignty of the country. Thus, it deserves nothing, but commendations from teeming Nigerians, for the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism its troops display while discharging their duties, especially in dealing with the rising wave of insecurity which has taken a toll on the nation, for over a decade now.
https://ournigerianews.com/amid-insecurity-nigerian-military-still-dazzles/

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Sam Ohuabunwa, has said that he would not be sleeping well if he were in the shoes of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the main opposition party.

Ohuabunwa said that different meetings being held in Port Harcourt between Governor Nyesom Wike and other opposition candidates and camps, would have given him some sleepless nights.

Ever since his defeat at the PDP presidential primaries by Atiku Abubakar, the Rivers State Governor has been in romance with some candidates of different political parties.

The latest of such meetings was between the Governor and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

Ohuabunwa accused the PDP leadership of taking competitors such as Peter Obi for granted, warning that such an act was dangerous.

He said that if he was on Atiku’s side, he would take all those ovatures and meetings in Port Harcourt seriously, insisting that in Nigeria there’s no political meeting that is for nothing.

“One of the greatest failures of people is to underrate competitors. As the CEO for a multi-national company for many years, I do not underrate competition no matter how small they are.

“And every move the competitor makes in the marketplace causes an alarm for me and I deploy forces to counter those quickly because you don’t have a second chance.

“The problem of the party may not be as bad as it is looking but the media say perception is everything and we need to pour water on this and put it off.

Read Also: Accreditation: Gombe govt re-opens seven health colleges




“Certainly, all those political meetings everybody is coming to, if I’m the Chairman of the political party or the presidential candidate I don’t think I’ll sleep well or maybe because I don’t have the kind of heart or spirit that they have. I won’t sleep well.

“The next morning I’ll ensure that I fly down to Port Harcourt or wherever I need to fly and pour water on it and close this chapter so that we can move forward.

“That’s my candid advice and I’ve offered this advice through proxies to the party leadership that we need to harness our resources. This party is bleeding right now…the party has had enough time to sort out this problem.

“The problem is that this is not the only one. Just that this is the most visible one. And if we’re taking so much time to finish this, how are we going to deal with the others?… I think that the party leadership has a call, they should be humble, dynamic and strategic with the party.”

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku
https://ournigerianews.com/you-shouldnt-sleep-well-over-peter-obi-wike-meetings-ohuabunwa-tells-atiku/

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Sam Ohuabunwa, has said that he would not be sleeping well if he were in the shoes of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the main opposition party.

Ohuabunwa said that different meetings being held in Port Harcourt between Governor Nyesom Wike and other opposition candidates and camps, would have given him some sleepless nights.

Ever since his defeat at the PDP presidential primaries by Atiku Abubakar, the Rivers State Governor has been in romance with some candidates of different political parties.

The latest of such meetings was between the Governor and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

Ohuabunwa accused the PDP leadership of taking competitors such as Peter Obi for granted, warning that such an act was dangerous.

He said that if he was on Atiku’s side, he would take all those ovatures and meetings in Port Harcourt seriously, insisting that in Nigeria there’s no political meeting that is for nothing.

“One of the greatest failures of people is to underrate competitors. As the CEO for a multi-national company for many years, I do not underrate competition no matter how small they are.

“And every move the competitor makes in the marketplace causes an alarm for me and I deploy forces to counter those quickly because you don’t have a second chance.

“The problem of the party may not be as bad as it is looking but the media say perception is everything and we need to pour water on this and put it off.

Read Also: Accreditation: Gombe govt re-opens seven health colleges




“Certainly, all those political meetings everybody is coming to, if I’m the Chairman of the political party or the presidential candidate I don’t think I’ll sleep well or maybe because I don’t have the kind of heart or spirit that they have. I won’t sleep well.

“The next morning I’ll ensure that I fly down to Port Harcourt or wherever I need to fly and pour water on it and close this chapter so that we can move forward.

“That’s my candid advice and I’ve offered this advice through proxies to the party leadership that we need to harness our resources. This party is bleeding right now…the party has had enough time to sort out this problem.

“The problem is that this is not the only one. Just that this is the most visible one. And if we’re taking so much time to finish this, how are we going to deal with the others?… I think that the party leadership has a call, they should be humble, dynamic and strategic with the party.”

You shouldn’t sleep well over Peter Obi, Wike meetings, Ohuabunwa tells Atiku
https://ournigerianews.com/you-shouldnt-sleep-well-over-peter-obi-wike-meetings-ohuabunwa-tells-atiku/