WordPress

Blog

  • Army resource centre DG tasks judiciary on handling terrorism cases

     

    Terrorism

    By Naomi Sharang
    Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Retired Maj.-Gen Garba Wahab, Director-General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, has urged the judiciary to carry out due diligence in handling cases of terrorism, insurgency and banditry.

    Wahab told newsmen on Friday in Abuja that the call became necessary to guard against impunity by perpetrators of such acts.

    ”Let the judiciary start doing their job because if we don’t, we are encouraging impunity,” he said.

    Wahab said that the centre would look at the security issues during a roundtable to be held on Monday and Tuesday on “Asymmetrical National Security Challenges, the Army and National Development”.

    He said that the security challenges in the country were well-known issues by all, adding that it behoves on all stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the myriad of the problems.

    “We will like to trudge on to find a solution to the security challenges. We know the problems but what are the solutions?

    “We have issues. We must find solutions; we must beg, if it means begging. This is our country and it must work.

    “We must find a way to make sure things work in Nigeria. Prosecution is a two-way thing. The judge and the prosecuting officers must up their game.

    “The judiciary must be up and doing. Series of allegations have been leveled and we are not leveling allegation against anybody, but we must work as a country,” Wahab said.

    Also speaking, the Executive Director, Development Specs Academy, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, said that the meeting with newsmen was organised as part of public engagements designed to strengthen public awareness on asymmetrical national security challenges.

    “The essence of our special attention to our strategic partners is to emphasise the roles and relevance of credible and highly professional bodies, institutes and institutions as well as agencies of government that are headed by professionals in public communication and the media.”

    He said that asymmetrical security challenges ranged from embedded targets, refusal of the average person to help the army and other security agencies with local intelligence.

    “We become illiterate enough not to understand that it is our duty to provide that intelligence for us to be protected.

    “So, that is a security challenge for those managing security, but it doesn’t take the standard form that they are familiar with, and they could refusal to help.”

    Ikechukwu listed the partners to the planned roundtable to include the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, among others.(NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NNL/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

     

  • E-border solution’ll help check transborder-related crimes, says immigration chief 

    E-border solution’ll help check transborder-related crimes, says immigration chief
    Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
    E-border
    By Zubairu Idris
    08064439715
    Mai’aduwa (Katsina State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (CGIS), said the e-border solution deployed across the country’s border posts would help check transborder and other related crimes.
    Nandap stated this on Friday in Kongolam, Mai’aduwa Local Government Area of Katsina State while addressing immigration officers, during her assessment tour to the border post in the area.
    “I know the government has deployed an e-border solution and I am here to see how it is.
    “The essence of e-border solution is to improve border management by ensuring that the way we manage our borders is intelligence-based.
    “It will help us have accurate information in terms of monitoring who goes out and who comes in, thereby helping us in tackling transborder crimes such as smuggling of immigrants and other forms of insecurity,” she said.
    She, therefore, charged the immigration officers to understand why they were posted there and what their mandate was.
    “And you must do the job professionally. The era of leaving your job to others is over,” she observed.
    The comptroller-general further stressed the need for effective synergy with other agencies operating at various border posts.
    Kemi Nandap, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service alongside some personnel of the service.
    “Synergy with other agencies is compulsory because security is a collective effort.
    “But your core mandate must be observed strictly and diligently by you.
    “The mandate is to secure the country’s borders and the President has mandated us to ensure that our borders are secure.
    “And I am determined to deliver. That is why I’m here,” she said.
    Nandap explained that although every agency has its mandate, “all agencies can work collectively to achieve the same goal.”
    She said the tour would enable her to focus on the challenges observed to tackle them and ensure effective border management.
    She reiterated the service’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of the personnel is given the required attention while providing them with the modern facilities and logistics they require to enhance their operations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ZI/YEE
    ======
    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Ogun Govt. vows to maintain hygienic meat handling practices

    Ogun Govt. vows to maintain hygienic meat handling practices

    Hygiene

    By Joy Akinsanya
    Ijebu-Igbo (Ogun State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Government on Friday  vowed to ensure hygienic meat handling practices in abattoirs and enforce strict regulations to safeguard public health.

    Mr Bolu Owotomo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, made the pledge during a visit to resolve the issue arising from the sealing of Funmodara Slaughter Slab at Ijebu-Igbo by Veterinary Public Health Enforcement Team.

    He said “this development is to boost consumers’ confidence in the meat industry and ensure a safe and healthy food supply chain.

    “Our government is determined to improve sanitation and hygiene in the meat industry, and also guarantee the consumption of wholesome meat.”

    He explained that the move was part of efforts to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and ensure the safety of meat products in the state.

    He warned abattoir operators to adhere to strict guidelines or face penalties.

    While emphasising commitment to protecting the well-being of citizens, the commissioner urged butchers to support and cooperate with government, for improved services in the slaughter slabs.

    The Director of Veterinary services, Dr Taiwo Jolaoso, also enjoined butchers to cooperate with veterinary officials and ensure only healthy animals were slaughtered for consumption.

    Responding on behalf of the butchers, the Chairman of the Slab, Alhaji Musa Abesin, commended the commissioner for intervening and for ordering the re-opening of the abattoir.

    He said “we really appreciate your presence and your prompt response on this issue, we also give you our promise to cooperate with government to improve the slabs.

    “We are also appealing for rehabilitation of the road leading to the abattoir and provision of necessary amenities to make the abattoir conducive.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IOJ/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • NDLEA seized 761,000 tonnes of illicit drugs in 3 years, says Marwa

    NDLEA seized 761,000 tonnes of illicit drugs in 3 years, says Marwa
    Seizures
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 21, 2024(NAN)Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the  Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says the agency seized 761,000 tonnes of  illicit drugs and substances between January 2021 and March 2024.
    Marwa said this during a special Juma’at service as part of  activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 26 every year is set aside to commemorate the day and the theme of the 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) is: “Evidence is Clear, Let Us Invest in Prevention”.
    The NDLEA boss said that the 2018 drug use survey showed that 15 million Nigerians abused drugs, saying that it was three times the global average.
    Marwa, who described the report as unacceptable said that the aim of the year 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) Campaign was Prevention.
    “Money-making is the major reason drug barons are persistent inspite of the efforts of the agency to curb to the barest minimum drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
    “When you look at the population of Nigeria and you take out 15 million, it means the rest are not.
    We don’t want even a single Nigerian to enter that basket of users.
    “We have made seizures in three years of 761,000 tons but they still keep coming and we have to look at the other side.
    “Now, assuming we didn’t seize it, were will it be? it will be on the streets and the money would have been used for very negative purposes or it would have gone to the criminals.
    “We are doing our level best, supported by the government to make sure the supply reduction is very effective,” he said.
    Speaking further, Marwa said that prevention was very important in dealing with drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, adding that the agency had recommended a two track approach.
    He said that the first and most important track was global which was the entire society, all fragments, beginning with the family, parenting, adding that the children should be taught as they grow up why drug use was bad.
    “We have children killing their parents. So in anyway, parentage and parenting is also important.
    “Most important is the community level, the traditional institution, religious bodies, both christian and Muslim should include in their sermons and the advocacy in the school system and the curriculum.
    “There should be  random drug tests. For instance, we have promoted drug tests for students, tertiary institutions and drug tests before marriage.
    “When you go for the wedding, bring the HIV, the genotype and bring drug tests that are negative.
    “These are some of the steps on this side. On the other side is to deny availability of drugs and access. You have to have drugs first to abuse it.

    “And it’s our job as NDLEA to launch operations to seize drugs, arrest the offenders, take them to court, and seize their assets as well, “he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/EBI/SH

    ==========

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza

  • Security: Don urges FG to have firm grip on border communities 

    Security:Don urges FG to have firm grip on border communities
    Security
    By Blessing Ibegbu
    Karu (Nasarawa Sate) June 21, 2024. (NAN) Prof. Samuel Odoma, has urged the Federal Government to have a firm grip and command of  groups within the borders  to improve security in the country.
    He stated this at the 6th inaugural lecture of the Bingham University  in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa state on Friday.
    Odoma is  a Professor of Criminology and Deviant Behavior, Faculty of Social Sciences, Bingham University.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the topic of the lecture is “The Imperative of Securing Nigeria’s Security”.
    According to Odoma, Nigeria is not at war with another country but only contending with insurgents and insurrections from within.
    He said it had lead to huge casualties and loss of helicopters, fighter jets, armuored tanks, patrol vehicles to bandits and gunmen.
    He said this informed the need for government to have a firm grip, and adequate intelligence of activities of border communities.
    According to him, this  will help to ascertain the movement of persons in and out of the country.
    Odama called for  a change of attitude from the citizenry who believed that security is a project to be provided solely by the government.
    “When a people believe, accept and sustain this kind of belief as it appears to be with majority of Nigerians today, security will no doubt be elusive as it has been.
    “This may continue  except there is a drastic change in attitude of the generality of Nigerians.
    “The change in attitude as a veritable antidote to the present state of insecurity in Nigeria must be comprehensive, involving all stakeholders ,” he added.
    He challenged formal agencies of social control to improve their performance, and come to terms with modern management of threats and insecurity.
    “For instance an American citizen was abducted and held by bandits in a forest in Sokoto state in 2020.
    “For this single citizen, the American government funded the flight of well kitted security operatives that located the camp of bandits in Nigeria, neutralised them and rescued their citizen unhurt.
    “Several students have been abducted across Nigeria in the past five years, but    it’s security agencies did not seem to know the locations and so cannot rescue them till date,” he said.
    The  Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, said that there was a  need to step up the academic traditions of organising public and inaugural lectures.
    “I am glad that Odoma heeded to the challenge. With the 6th inaugural lecture coming from Social Sciences.
    “I also understand there will be another inaugural lecture before the year runs out.  We commend those that are heeding the call and Management will continue to support such efforts.
    “The importance of Inaugural Lectures in the University system cannot be overemphasized,” Ayuba said.
    He said  that some professors retire without doing that,  because the cherished academic tradition has been neglected.
    “We do not want this cherished academic tradition to be neglected in Bingham University and also do not want our Professors to retire without giving their inaugural lecture.
    “We will sustain the academic tradition and university culture in Bingham University.
    ” From today’s lecture, you will have some take-aways that will not only improve your quality of life,  but spur you to be a better citizen,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    BLE/JPE
    =======
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Cases of conflict-related sexual violence soar by 50% in 1 year — UNFPA

    Cases of conflict-related sexual violence soar by 50% in 1 yar — UNFPA

    Violence

    By Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says cases of conflict-related sexual violence increased by 50 per cent between 2022 and 2023, amid surge in conflicts around the world.

    The Executive Director of the fund, Dr Natalia Kanem, disclosed this in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Mr Adewole Ajao, the Communication Analyst of UNFPA Nigeria Country Office in Abuja.

    The statement was on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, annually commemorated on June 19 to raise awareness on the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence.
    The global observance is to honour victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and pay tribute to those who devoted their lives and those who lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes.

    According to Kanem, women rarely start wars but often suffer most from them as they are driven from their homes, separated from their families, deprived of livelihoods and subjected to violence.

    She added that “their bodies should never be battlegrounds, yet they become so when sexual violence is deliberately used during conflicts to further terrorise them and their communities.

    “Women and girls are being assaulted, raped and forced into marriage and sexual slavery, they are left to cope with dire consequences that can last a lifetime, including post-traumatic stress, sexually transmitted infections, social stigma and isolation, physical injury and unwanted pregnancies.”

    She added that most cases of sexual violence are perpetrated against women, and that one third involve girls, while women defending human rights and providing frontline services have been increasingly targeted.

    She noted that sexual violence in conflicts is a war crime and one that silences voices pleading for peace.

    “That silence only deepens when those who speak out against rampant violations receive little support.

    “Tragically, the vast majority of conflict-related sexual violence cases will go unreported and fewer still will be prosecuted.

    “A large share of perpetrators will remain free, perpetuating impunity.

    “Survivors are too often left with scant resources to heal their bodies and minds, especially where deliberate attacks on health facilities have left communities bereft of life-saving services.”

    She, however, said that hearing and healing survivors of sexual violence was essential to lasting peace

    She recalled that in 2023, UNFPA provided safety to six million people in 50 countries affected by crisis, stressing that “together, we must do more. We must scale up services to meet the needs and safeguard the rights of more survivors.

    “To do so, it is critical to close the vast funding gap that stands in the way of progress.

    “Right now, less than 15 per cent of the funds needed for essential prevention and protection services are available to respond to Gender-Based Violence in crises.”

    She said that women representation is required in peace and political processes before, during and after conflicts.

    She explained that their leadership and meaningful participation could steer humanitarian decision making to reduce and ultimately end sexual violence in war.

    This, she said, is a principle that UNFPA advocates and practices as a leading frontline responder to Gender-Based Violence in humanitarian settings.

    “Lasting peace will only be possible when we silence guns instead of survivors of sexual violence, when we create a world where women and girls can speak out and live in dignity and safety.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FOF/BEN/HA

    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Kaduna records 307 new cases of HIV/ AIDS — Official

  • Cholera: Kwara places all health surveillance teams across LGAs on alert

    Cholera

    By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
    Ilorin, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Kwara Government has alerted healthcare surveillance teams across all the state’s 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) on preparations and preventive measures against any outbreak of cholera.

    Mr Gbenga Falade, the Chief Press Secretary in the Kwara Ministry of Health, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ilorin the Ministry had also commenced awareness campaign.

    ”This is through jingles on radio stations on the preventive measures against the disease and how people can protect themselves,” he said.

    NAN reports that cases of severe gastro-enteritis have been reported in communities around Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe LGAs of Lagos State.

    Falade explained that the state ministry has kept itself abreast of news and has taken proactive measures to stem any outbreak.

    “The ministry will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens,” he said.

    Also speaking on preventive measures, Prof. Tanimola Akande of the Department of Public Health, University of Ilorin, advised Nigerians on proper sanitation in the form of proper faecal waste disposal.

    Akande, who is also a Consultant Public Health Physician with University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, (UITH), explained that other preventive measures includes food and water hygiene.

    He described cholera as an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by vibrio cholerae.

    According to him, it was a potentially life-threatening disease, primarily waterborne.

    The expert stated that vaccination remained one of the most cost-effective measures in controlling cholera epidemic across the states.

    “Vaccination is one of the cost-effective measures in the control of cholera epidemic.

    “Cholera vaccination alone is not used for control of the epidemic of cholera,” he said.

    Akande emphasised the need for preventive measures, including adequate food hygiene and water supply together with sanitation.

    “There should also be an adequate surveillance system that can detect cases early and appropriate control measures, including treatment of cases.

    “So, universities and research institutes should provide technical support to various levels of government in the investigation of epidemics and in controlling cholera epidemic.”

    He advised government at all levels on the need to intensify efforts towards zero tolerance for open defecation.

    According to him, all buildings should have functional toilets or ventilated and improved pit latrines.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FATY/BEN/OLAL
    =============

    (Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Olawale Alabi)

     

  • Delta Govt. urges vulnerable persons to register for affordable health scheme

    Delta Govt. urges vulnerable persons to register for affordable health scheme

    Health

    By Clara Egbogota

    Asaba, June 21, 2024 (NAN)Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHC) has urged vulnerable persons to register for the ongoing affordable health insurance scheme for a quality health care.

    Dr Isaac Akpoveta, Director General of the scheme, made the appeal during the registration of 295 vulnerable persons on Friday in Asaba.

    Akpoveta said that an indigent required N7,000 to register for the scheme to access quality health care in a health facility of his choice for a year.

    According to the DG, the 295 persons being registered today are sponsored by his family because of the passion for better health care services to the people.

    “With an insurance card, they will receive quality healthcare services from any facility of their choice for one year.

    “With this, we have enrolled over two million residents of Delta State with over 7 million encounters since inception of the scheme about eight years ago,” he said.

    He lauded the current administration for supporting the scheme, especially for maternal and children under five years old.

    Akpoveta said that collective responsibility would strengthen community bond and create a supportive environment where everyone would feel valued.

    Mr Ernest Ibuzor, Chairman, National Association of People Living with Disabilities, Delta State Chapter, commended the state government and the DG family for their efforts toward the indigent.

    “They know that we need help and they came to our rescue. The state government and the Apoveta family have written their names in gold as far as health insurance is concerned.

    “Health is wealth, if we are healthy, we can earn a living for ourselves but if we are not healthy, we  will be liabilities to others,” Ibuzor said.(NAN)(nannews.com.ng)

    ECO/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika
    =======

  • Man, 25, bags 1 year in prison for stealing N1000 food items

    Man, 25, bags 1 year in prison for stealing N1000 food items

    Stealing
    By Joy Akinsanya
    Abeokuta, June 21, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ court in Isabo, on Friday, sentenced one Kazeem Salami, 25, to one year imprisonment for stealing food items worth N1000.

    The Magistrate Mrs V.B. Williams said that the prosecution had proved it’s case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that the convict was guilty as charged.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convict had at his arraignment pleaded not guilty.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 5.

    He said that the offence was committed at 3:00a.m., at Duroja Street in Ake village via Laderin in Abeokuta.

    The prosecutor explained that the convict was noticed by residents of the community loitering around the community, which caused some  suspicion.

    He said that when the convict was accosted and interrogated, by security officers in the community, he could not give a satisfactory account of where he was going to in the community

    According to him, the convict could also not give account of where he got the yam flour, palm oil and other food items in his possession, all worth N1000.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IOJ/AOS

    =========

    Edited by Bayo Sekoni