Category: Defence/Security

L-R (5th, 6th: ACP Paul Okafor, representing CP Adegoke Fayoade of Lagos command, Mr Segun Musa, Chairman of GTP) and Area Traffic Officers, during a one-day training workshop in Lagos (NAN)

Traffic Law: Lagos CP warns commercial bus, tricycle operators

Violation
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Lagos State, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, has vowed to prosecute commercial bus and tricycle operators caught violating traffic laws in the state.

Fayoade said this on Friday while declaring open a one-day train-the -trainers’ workshop for Area Traffic Officers.

The training was organised by the Global Transport Policy Training Academy (GTP), in collaboration with the Police Command in Lagos.

The theme of the training was: “Improving Traffic Policing: Leveraging on Emotional intelligence Skills”.

Fayoade, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Area F Ikeja, Mr Paul Okafor, expressed concern about the lawlessness of commercial bus and tricycle operators on Lagos roads.

The CP advised road users to always obey and respect traffic officers, saying they were working for the good interest of all in Lagos state.

He commended the organisers of the training programme, pointing out that the theme was apt and showed their good thoughts towards people in Lagos State.

According to Fayoade, the training will go a long way in assisting the police in traffic management.

The Chairman/Chief Consultant, GTP, Mr Segun Musa, said the purpose of the training was to advance and reshape the traffic situation in Lagos State.

He said the theme: “Improving Traffic Policing: Leveraging on Emotional Intelligence Skills”, was pivotal to ensuring a wholesome engagement of the public.

“Beyond infrastructural deficit, we have the human element crucial to order and civility. This is where Emotional Intelligence is crucial.

“Experts have maintained that if order is not maintained in terms of traffic-related issues, by 2030, Lagos would be losing about $21 billion (about N31.5 trillion) monthly.

“Lagos needs a traffic system that is effective and efficient. As you all know, Lagos presently accommodates at least 40 per cent of the total registered vehicles in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 20 million people,” he said.

Musa said that the train-the-trainer format would enable Area Traffic Officers to train Divisional Traffic Officers for broader impact. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Oluwole Sogunle

Revenue

Ikuru Lizzy

Onne (Rivers), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers, said it has generated more than N249 billion as at May, 2024 representing 40.3 per cent of its current annual revenue target.

Comptroller of the command, Muhammed Babandede, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen at Onne.

According to him, the 40.3 per cent revenue record followed a recent review of the command’s annual revenue target from N494 billion to N618 billion.

The comptroller noted that when compared to the same period in 2023, the command had recorded an increase of more than N153 billion.

He also said that six containers laden with codeine, contraband drugs and goods valued at more than N3 billion were also confiscated within the period under review.

He said that the seizures included four containers laden with bales of clothing, lace and fabrics with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of more than N911 million.

Others, the controller said, were two containers laden with 2,625 cartons of codeine syrup among other contraband valued at more than N2 billion.

Babandede commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for inter-agency collaboration while also assuring adequate handover of seizures.

He also emphasised that the command would not relent on its core function of trade facilitation which entailed streamlined and simplified technical and legal procedures for clearing import or export goods.

On the operations of bonded terminals, the comptroller explained that the final destination for clearing of consignment was at the importer’s discretion.

“These procedures are guide which all Customs officers must adhere to.

“This negates the erroneous belief that officers of the Onne command connive with operators of Bonded Terminals to transfer containers,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LMI/DCO/MNA

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Maureen Atuonwu

Maritime

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing the full potential of the nation’s maritime resources for economic prosperity.

Badaru said this in Abuja on Friday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Hydrography Day, organised by the Nigerian Navy (NN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event titled “Hydrographic Information-Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities”.

The minister commended the Nigerian Navy for her instrumental role in laying the foundation for Nigeria’s national hydrographic services capacity.

According to him, it is on record that for decades, the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic office has worked tirelessly to develop our hydrographic capability, ensuring the safety of navigation and contribution to the national security.

He said that the creation of the National Hydrographic Agency was to build upon that solid foundation and expand Nigeria’s capability to meet evolving needs of the nation’s maritime sector.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we are committed to harnessing the full potential of our maritime resources and opportunities to take Nigeria out of the present economic doldrums to birth a diversified economy for sustainable growth and development,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of hydrographic information for enhancing maritime safety by providing accurate and up to date information to vessels to navigate the nation’s waters safely.

He also said that it would help vessels avoid hazards and reduce the risks of accidents.

He added that this was particularly crucial in Nigeria where the nation’s ports where busy shipping lines and offshore oil and gas were vital to the economy.

According to him, by providing detailed hydrographic data, the national hydrographic agency will help ensure that our maritime activities are conducted safely and efficiently.

”Moreover, the National Radiographic Agency will play a critical role in promoting environmental sustainability as we strive to balance economic growth and environmental protection.

“Hydrographic information will guide our efforts to manage maritime resources sustainably, monitor coastal erosion and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

Badaru said that the strategic significance of the National Hydrocarbon Agency extended beyond safety and sustainability.

According to him, the agency will enhance the efficiency of Nigerian maritime operations, which will lead to reduce operational costs, increase competitiveness and new economic opportunities.

He assured the agency that the Federal Government would continue to invest in the development of Nigeria’s national hydrographic capacity in areas such as the acquisition of state of the art survey technologies, building skilled workforce and fostering international partnerships.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, said the navy had made several attempts at domestic charts for Nigerian waters.

Ogalla said that the effort was in realisation of the fact that hydrography was actually a public good, just like construction of roads.

According to him, you really cannot quantify the impact it will have in terms of value and that is why enormous resources are required.

He added that the navy and other agencies in the maritime domain had made tremendous effort towards fulfilling their roles of providing the information required to produce nautical charts and other aids to navigation and safety of mariners.

”We have charts covering Nigerian waters and most of these charts were based on information obtained by the British when they were here along the line.

”We have had several other improvements on those charts, particularly in the past 10 to 15 years.

”But we still noticed serious gaps when it comes to surveying in our waters and that gap is not only in Nigerian waters, it’s the whole of Africa, particularly West Africa”, he said.

The CNS explained that the Africa integrated multi strategy recognised that the eradication of poverty in Africa depended on the ability of African nations to exploit the resources in the marine environment.

According to him, it is projected that the marine environment (the blue economy), is the vital ways we can propel ourselves out of poverty.

“we are gradually moving towards having all our charts produced in Nigeria, not only charts, but caribbean graphic information generally.

”And these include notices to mariners and all other aspects of arbitrary things that are required to improve safety on our waters”.

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Adm. Ayodeji Olugbode, said Nigeria’s advancement in hydrography has laid a solid foundation for the nation’s progress.

Olugbode said that the Federal Government’s investment had bolstered navy’s capacity as a nation to conduct comprehensive surveys of the nation’s territorial waters up to the extremities of its exclusive economic zone.

These vessels, according to him, are not just assets; they are symbols of sovereignty and our unwavering commitment to maritime safety and operational excellence.

“What we have achieved this year will include the launching of a revised national charting scheme, the maiden edition of our catalogue of Nigerian charts, and a chart of the approaches to Lagos harbor.

”All of these were achieved within the first half of this year, even though some of these works commenced even before I came into office.

“The conduct of surveys in Nigeria speaks volumes of a long standing commitment in the field of hydrography, but our progress does not end here.

”Looking ahead, capacity building remains a top priority and we are committed to equipping our hydrographers with the best training and resources, ensuring that they are well prepared to meet challenges of the future,” Olugbode said.

According to him, technologies and innovative methodologies will continue to drive efforts to produce high quality hydrographic data that is crucial to maritime success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/DCO/ADA

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Deji Abdulwahab

Widows

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Oghogho Musa, the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), on Friday, pledged continuous support for wives of fallen heroes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Musa said this at the commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day in Abuja.

She said the day was set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness on the plight of widows worldwide and to advocate for their rights and well-being.

Musa said that widows had historically been left unseen, unsupported and unmeasured in many societies, emphasising the need to support them.

She stressed the need to bring widows’ needs to the forefront and ensure their voices are heard.

According to her, the day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by widows and the need to address their unique social, economic, health and legal issues.

“Widows particularly in developing countries, often experience discrimination, social isolation and economic hardship following the death of their husbands.

“They may face obstacles in inheriting property, accessing education and healthcare and participating in the workforce.

“Many widows and their children are trapped in a cycle of poverty, vulnerability and marginalization,’’ she said.

Musa said that the day was earmarked to honour the strength of women, their resilience and courage.

“We acknowledge the pain and the loss you have endured, but we also celebrate your determination and your refusal to be defined by grief.

“We recognise that your journey is not easy, that there are days when the darkness feels overwhelming but we want to remind you that you are not alone.

“You have your loved ones and you have a global community such as DEPOWA that stands with you in solidarity,” she said.

The DEPOWA president recalled that the association had over the years, impacted positively on wives of fallen heroes, youths and less privileged through empowerments, sponsorships, donations and trainings.

She said some wives of fallen heroes and youths recently were trained at the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, on bag making, ICT, production of household items, hair making, tying of gele, tailoring and culinary.

According to her, the essence of the programmes is to assist them to be financially independent, confident to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

She reiterated the commitment of DEPOWA towards assisting the wives of fallen heroes to ensure they were not marginalised, stigmatised but celebrated and empowered.

Earlier, Dr Juliette Ango, a Consultant, Public Health Physician, said that part of the problems associated with widows included health issues, poverty, violence and finances.

Ango called for empowerment of widows and regular medical screening to check their health status.

According to her, it is so sad to say that women are known to take care of others and do forget to take care of themselves, especially their blood pressure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured medical outreach for widows and empowerment lectures on health, finance and managing widowhood. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deji Abdulwahab

Garrison Commander tasks personnel on commitment to training

Training

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army to recommit themselves to more trainings to meet the challenge of safeguarding the nation.

Isoni, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Tilawan, said this at the close of the Warrant and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Competition on Friday in Abuja.

He said the essence of training was to build their mentality, character, and culture, adding that the duty of every soldier was to train himself every day aiming to keep fit and sharpen his combat skills.

“One day situation will come whereby you will need to draw from that capacity you must have built over the years.

“Every army that does not train will not win battle. There is no secret about it.

“To defeat the insecurity currently bedeviling our country and the world at large, consistent training of our personnel to secure the lives and property of low abiding citizens cannot be overemphasised,” he said.

Isoni said the competition was organised for the personnel of Army Headquarters departments and units within Abuja.

He said the competition featured weapons
handling, physical fitness, drill and tug of war.

“It is in line with the Chief of Army Staff. Lt. Taoreed Lagbaja’s commitment of transforming the Nigeria army into a well trained, equipped, highly motivational force towards achieving their constitutional responsibility within a joint environment.

“From the level of enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the participants for the last four days, it is believed that the aim of this competition has been achieved.

“This competition was intentionally conceived considering the importance of battle readiness in the successes of armies all over the world.

“It is therefore my charge to all the participants, to take lessons learned back to our respective units and be worthy ambassadors of this competition,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the competition was the presentation of prizes to the winners in different categories. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

Prison
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Mr Okunola Adebayo, the Assistant Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS), Kwara Command, has advocated for use of non-custodial measures in punishing offenders to reduce congestion in correctional centres across the country.
Adebayo made the call on the sidelines of a two-day Performance Appraisal Workshop on the Legal Framework on Parole and the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria, in Ilorin on Friday.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that victims should not always rush to take cases to court, but should endeavour to explore other means, such as alternative dispute resolution, out of court settlement and community service.
”One of the ways to reduce congestion of our custodial centres is the introduction of non-custodial measures, which include the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
”For instance, instead of allowing all cases to go through the court process, we should use the ADR vis-a-vis restorative justice. We should try to mediate between warring parties to ensure out of court settlements.
”Another way is through community service. Menial offences that are not criminal in nature, instead of giving them jail term, you can make them go through community service.
”Those are some of the measures that the present Controller-General of NCS is encouraging judicial personnel to explore,” he said.
NAN reports that the workshop, which started on Thursday, had representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Federation of Women Lawyers, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Legal Aid Council, Civil Society Organisations, NGOs and Nigeria Customs Service in attendance.
NAN also reports that the workshop was organised by Cleen Foundation, with support from MacArthur Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAY/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq