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COAS to soldiers : Be creative in tackling security challenges

From the left Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, GOC 1 Division, middle the Commandant, Warrant Officer Academy, Brig.-Gen. Auwal Mahmuda at the academy’s graduation on Friday in Kaduna

COAS to soldiers : Be creative in tackling security challenges
Graduation
By Muhammad Tijjani
Jaji(Kaduna State), June. 7, 2024(NAN) The Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has officers and men to be innovative and creative in tackling and resolving the security challenges currently confronting Nigeria.
Lagbaja gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of 80 Warrant Officers at the Warrant Officers’ Academy Course 43 on Friday at Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the Army chief was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.
He said, “This graduation marks yet another milestone in the history of the academy and its contributions to the ongoing transformation efforts of the Nigerian Army (NA) through effective training of Senior Non Commissioned Officers, SNCOs.
“That will enable them to better discharge their responsibilities and bridge the gap between the soldiers and officers cadre.
“The role played by this institution is more critical at this time when our country is faced with myriads of security challenges.”
Lagbaja said the academy has so far been able to achieve this through focused training that has prepared its graduates to confront challenges in line with his philosophy.
He said, “To transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
”I wish to congratulate the graduands for their commitment and diligence in ensuring the success of this course.”
He charged them to bridge the knowledge and leadership gaps between the officers and soldiers in their various units and formations.
”Accordingly, it is hoped that the training you have undergone will reflect in your confidence, comportment, skills and overall bearing while discharging your responsibilities in the field.
“I have no doubts that you are now better prepared to earnestly contribute in ensuring better administration and more efficient operations in your respective
units and formations,” the COAS added.
Lagbaja also charged them to employ the knowledge and skills acquired to project their leadership and managerial capabilities for the benefit of the Army and the Armed Forces.
“I am privy to the fact that for the first time, four personnel of the Nigerian Air force are among the graduands for today’s ceremony.
“I am equally aware that among the graduates is a personnel of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Liberia while another Senior Non-Commissioned Officer from Liberia will be for the next course in July, ” Lagbaja said.
He urged that hands must continue to be on the deck to ensure that the Nigerian Army continues to achieve its mission.
”This is winning all the land battles in the defence of the country’s territorial integrity and protection of its interest thereby providing the required security for our dear nation, ” Lagbaja said.
The COAS appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his encouragement and continued support to the Nigerian Army in its resolve at repositioning the army for effective service delivery.
” Indeed, Mr President’s continued support to the Nigerian Army has significantly enhanced the combat effectiveness and morale of troops, “Lagbaja said.
Group photograph of the participants of Warrant Officer Academy course 43 at Jaji Military Cantonment on Friday in Kaduna.
Earlier, the Commandant of the academy, Brig.-Gen. Auwal Mahmuda , said the course was assembled in Jan. 8.
Mahmuda said it comprised 80 students made up of 75 Warrant Officers and SNCOs of the NA, 4 Warrant
Officers and SNCOs from the NAF and a Master Sergeant from the Republic of Liberia.
He said the 22-week course covered intense field training designed to enhance the capacity of warrant officers and Senior non-commissioned officers.
Mahmuda also said this was also aimed at developing the leadership and management skills of the students.
This is in order to equip them to efficiently interpret and communicate command decisions down the line, thereby bridging the gap between the officers and soldiers’ cadre.
Mahmuda said , “We shall continue to improve on the instructional curricular, facilities and environment in order to ensure that the training offered here is mission-oriented and beneficial.”
The commandant appreciated the Army chief for the tremendous support given to the Academy.
“Most recent intervention aimed at providing an access road, landscaping and car park for the newly constructed student hostel is greatly appreciated, “Mahmuda said.
NAN reports that awards were presented to the soldiers who distinguished themselves during the course.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).
Cross section of the participants of warrant officers academy course 43.
TJ/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 7, 2024
11-year old student urges effective use of natural resources
Miss Oluwateniola Olowoporoku addressing participants at the event.

Resources
By Okon Okon
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Miss Oluwateniola Olowoporoku, an 11-year old pupil on Friday urged concerted efforts towards effective management of the nation’s natural resources.
She made the call in Abuja during sensitisation tagged ‘Head Girl Initiative Capacity Building’ which she organised in partnership with Springhall British Primary School Abuja.
An initiative with the theme: ‘Natural Resources Governance’, is meant to educate students on importance of protecting the nation’s natural resources.
“Our school has always been a beacon of knowledge and leadership, and today we embark on a journey that reinforces our commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship of our environment.
“Nigeria is blessed with so many natural resources like trees, water, minerals, and even fresh air. They’re super important because they help us live our lives every day.
“We use trees to make paper for our books, water to drink and grow food, and minerals to make things like cars and phones.
“But here’s the thing, these resources aren’t endless, that means we have to be careful about how we use them. And that’s where natural resource governance comes in’’, she said.
Olowoporoku said the Head Girl initiative was aimed encouraging young persons’ participation in protecting God-given natural resources
Some participants at the event.
Mrs Juliet Ukanwosu, Executive Director Extractive 360 in a presentation on, ‘All about Natural Resources in Nigeria’, urged more sensitisation of young persons on effective use of resources.
Ukanwosu explained that the knowledge the children had received in the course of the programme would go a long way to shape their adulthood and prepare them for desired leadership roles in the future.
“The amount of values and knowledge that we impact on them is what will shape the adult and the leaders that they will become tomorrow
“So it’s important that we begin to catch them young and to imbibe in them the right values and the right knowledge as they grow,” she said.
Mrs Etareri Dekpe, Olowoporoku’s mother, expressed gladness over daughter’s passion to share her knowledge with her peers and school mates.
“Anything natural resources is my sector However, she is inquisitive about natural resources; their uses, among others.
“She came up with the idea to also extend the knowledge to her school mates and I said why not, she created the whole road map for the initiative.
“I just had to help her as her mother by sponsoring it,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MZM/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 7, 2024
Environmental expert says high-level deforestation ongoing in C’River
Deforestation
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ken Henshaw, the Executive Director, We the People, an environmental advocacy group, has raised alarm over the level of deforestation in Cross River.
Henshaw made the expression on Friday in Calabar at a round table discussion on the theme: “Fostering Strategies and Partnership for Forest Protection in Cross River”
He said that the current level of deforestation in the state could be described as ‘the fastest anywhere around the world’
Henshaw who was quoting data from the Global Forest Watch Platform, described the situation as ‘alarming and disturbing’
“Logging has taken an unbelievable dimension since the current administration in the state lifted ban on it.
“The administration merely set up a new forestry commission without addressing the key drivers of the illegal activity,” he said.
The executive director said that the state government introduced a scheme that permitted people to log identified trees and pay taxes to it.
“This means that the illegal activity has yet to be addressed. At the moment, the report we get from the field is even worse than that of 2023.
“The state government should not see the forest as a resource that can only bring revenue through logging,” she said.
Henshaw said that there were other non timber revenue sources that could be legally explored and tapped from the forests.
He said that the challenge of deforestation had taken a new twist as hundreds of young men had invaded the forests mining for solid minerals.
On his part, the Chairman, Cross River Forestry Commission, Mr George Oben-Etchi said that massive sensitisation was needed to educate rural communities on the dangers of deforestation.
Oben-Etchi said that the commission was challenged by the issues of poor funding, dearth of manpower and outdated laws.
He said that irrespective of the challenges, the commission would continue to do its best to tackle logging activities in the state.
A Calabar-based environmental expert, Mr Odigha Odigha, said that residents of the state should rise up in defence of their environment by tackling the growing level of logging.
“It will be wrong to blame the government alone, the problem is our own, we should rise up to tackle it,” he said.
Odigha, a former Chairman, Cross River Forestry Commission, called for collaborative efforts to fight illegal logging activities in the forests.
“Before now, it used to rain in Calabar all year round, but gradually the rains are getting scarcer and giving way to intense heat,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CBN/AZU
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Edited by Azubuike Okeh
June 7, 2024
Police arrest suspected vandal on Third Mainland Bridge
The suspect
Arrest
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has arrested an 18-year-old suspected vandal, Mubarak Abdullahi, for allegedly stealing LED road stud light on the newly renovated Third Mainland Bridge.
Mr Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this in a post he shared on his X handle, @Mr_JAGs, on Friday.
Gawat said that the suspect was arrested around 10.00 a.m. on Friday.
“The suspect, living in Makoko, had at the time of his arrest, removed 10 of the LED road stud light screwed to the road to enhance the visibility of road users.
“The suspect was caught red-handed by the operatives on patrol of the bridge around 10.00 a.m today,” he said.
According to him, RRS Commander, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, weeks ago, deployed bike riders on 24 hours security patrol in the area to monitor traffic and infrastructure on the bridge. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
DOA/FAA
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran
June 7, 2024
FG, partners revise policy on food safety
FG, partners revise policy on food safety
Policy
By Folasade Akpan
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, stakeholders in the food sector and partners have revised the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan.
The revised policy was presented on Friday in Abuja as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 World Food Safety Day with the theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected”.
The 2024 theme draws attention to food safety management and underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be.
Also, four inter-sectoral Technical Working Groups (TWGs) were inaugurated to provide expertise and leadership to drive effective communication, capacity building and strategic partnerships among stakeholders.
It is part of continued efforts to strengthen and harmonise Nigeria’s regulatory environment and risk-based food safety systems, while improving industry engagement in the national regulatory processes and compliance with international food safety standards.
The TWGs are focused on risk-based regulations and risk analysis in food and feed safety; food and Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary inspection; traceability and supporting technologies and education and research.
In his address, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said that the policy, rooted in the one health approach, addresses a spectrum of critical areas.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, Pate said it encompassed the principles of risk analysis.
“The issue of emerging contaminants within the nation’s food chain, and the establishment of an integrated foodborne disease surveillance and response system.
“Moreover, it sets forth benchmarks for the safe handling, marketing, and sale of food throughout our nation.
“Moving beyond mere food safety, the policy propels us towards a future where the food we consume is not only safe but essentially healthy.
“It lays out strategic plans to reduce the intake of Salt, Trans Fatty Acids, Sugar, and Alcohol, among others.
“By ensuring that our diets are healthful, we aim to alleviate the growing burden of non-communicable diseases that afflict our country,” he added.
Pate also said that the policy was a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of citizens.
He, however, called on all citizens to contribute actively to the preservation of the purity of food.
“Yet, the implementation of this policy is not a solitary journey. It demands the concerted efforts of all parties at both National and Sub-National levels.
“This includes our diligent farmers who nurture the soil, the regulators who forge the guidelines, the scientists whose innovations enhance safety, and the consumers who make informed choices with every purchase and every bite.”
Speaking to the theme of the day, he said it was a clarion call to action, a reminder that vigilance was the guardian of the nation’s sustenance.
He said: “We live in a world of unpredictability, where the unexpected lurks around every corner.
“It is not just the menace of foodborne diseases that we battle, but the unforeseen events that can compromise the integrity of our food supply.
“From natural disasters that devastate crops to the menacing power of climate change, from the accidental contamination of a trusted food source to deliberate adulteration for profit, the threats are as varied as they are frightening.”
The minister, however, assured that the Federal Government would explore public-private partnerships, leverage technology, and prioritise essential services for food safety.
One of the partners, Kelly Scavella, Programme Manager, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) said “the agency was partnering with the ministry and other Nigerian stakeholders to help build food safety systems that are relevant to consumers, producers and regulators’’.
She said TWGs were set up to modernise Nigeria’s food safety regulatory framework in line with international best practices to address food safety concerns and facilitate the development of a strong agriculture and food industry.
“Over the last decade, the Nigerian government has implemented important changes to bolster food safety by examining and enhancing critical components of the national food safety control system.
“Harnessing the expertise of the TWGs aligns with the core mission of World Food Safety Day, emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation in safeguarding food and feed safety.
“As we commemorate this global initiative, the launch of these TWGs underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable access to food across Nigeria.”
Other partners are Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA), the University of Missouri’s Africa Food Safety Initiative (AFSI) and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Food Safety Day, marked on June 7, every year is in response to the World Health Organisation (WHO) record.
The record states that every year, nearly one in 10 people in the world, an estimated 600 million people fall ill and 420,000 die after eating food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemical substances. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOF/GOM/AMM
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Edited by Gregg Mmmaduakolam and Abiemwense Moru

June 7, 2024
Tinubu inaugurates N21bn VP’s residence, abandoned since 2015
Residence
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Friday in Abuja inaugurated the N21 billion official residence of the Vice President, abandoned since 2015.
Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the event,, reaffirmed the unwavering dedication of his administration to the principles of accountability, transparency and efficient utilisation of resources for the betterment of the country.
He stated that a provision of suitable residence for the Vice President was not merely a matter of convenience, but a symbol of respect for the office and the individuals occupying it.
Tinubu added that the completion of the project was a testimony to the respect and affection that the President had for the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
” President Bola Tinubu deserves special commendations. We have seen how Vice President were treated in the past.
” However, with the present dispensation, it is a different ball game,” he said
The President said that the decision to complete the project after going through the required due process was highly commendable.
According to him, “it is not a secret that the project has faced numerous challenges over the years, including delayed and abandonment by the previous administration.
” However, rather than dwell on past shortcomings, we have chosen to take this opportunity to demonstrate our resolve to confront obstacles, head on.
“We also resolved to deliver on the promises made to the Nigerians, in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda which has, completion of inherited projects, as one of its cardinal objectives.
” As we commission this state-of-the-art edifice, we are fulfilling a long standing commitment and reaffirming our unwavering dedication to accountability, transparency and efficient utilisation of resources for the betterment of the our nation.
“I hold a very strong opinion that abandoning projects after substantial expenditures has been incurred is inherently wasteful.
” It is in the best interest of the government and the public, to see them through to completion,” he said
Tinubu expressed gratitude to the FCT Administration for taking up the responsibility to complete the project to avoid wastage of taxpayers’ money.
Earlier, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said that the project was awarded in 2010 at the cost of N7 billion, but was abandoned in 2015.
” It was in January this year (2024), that we had to review the project to N21 billion, from N7 billion, that means additional N14 billion.
” For a Vice-President residence to take 14 good years and then Mr President, within a year, made it a reality; this is what is called, renewed hope,” he said.
Wike recalled that when he came on board in August 2023, the project site was a bush.
“I, therefore, went to the President and told him criminals had taken over the place and the President directed that I should make sure that the project is completed,” he said.
The Minister thanked the President for supporting the completion of the project and ensuring his Vice lived in a comfortable environment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ngr)
SSI/ROT
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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

June 7, 2024
Sources: Yemen’s Houthis detain 12 UN workers
Worker
Sana’a, June 7, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have detained 12 United Nations employees in a crackdown in several areas of the war-wracked country, local sources close to the UN groups said on Friday.
The detentions were unleashed by the militia’s security and intelligence agencies earlier on Thursday in the Houthi-controlled provinces of Sana’a, Hajah and Hodaidah, the sources added.
The male and female detainees include three employees of the UN High Commission, three from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The others detained were three working with other UN bodies, according to a statement attributed to local employees working with aid groups in the country.
In their statement, they called on the Houthis’ ruling self-styled Supreme Political Council to immediately release the detainees.
There has been no comment so far from the Houthis or the UN itself.
The Houthis have controlled parts of Yemen since 2014.
In 2015, Saudi Arabia launched a military coalition to support government forces when the Houthis advanced towards the government’s temporary seat of Aden.
The UN considers Yemen’s conflict a humanitarian disaster.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia and its regional rival Iran agreed in a China-brokered deal to restore ties after a rupture of seven years, a step that raised hopes for an end to the years of bloodshed in impoverished Yemen.
In recent months, the Houthis have been targeting ships bound for Israeli ports or those owned by Israeli companies in the Red and Arabian seas and the Indian Ocean, in what they say is retaliation for Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.
The militia also attacked U.S. and British ships off Yemen after the two countries began launching strikes on areas under the group’s control. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
HS
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Edited by Halima Sheji

June 7, 2024
Man, 30, gets 2-week community service for impersonating police, army officer
Impersonation
By Joy Akinsanya
Abeokuta, June 7, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Friday sentenced a 30-year-old man, Oluwadamilare Salako, to two weeks community service for impersonating a police and army officer.
Salako, whose address was not provided, had pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of impersonation.
In her judgment, Mrs O.O. Odumosu, noted that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty as charged.
Odumosu held that the evidence presented by the prosecution were tenable, thereby sentencing Salako to two weeks community service without an option of fine.
She ordered that the sentence be served within the court premises.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, ASP Olakunle Shonibare, had told the court that the defendant committed the offence sometime in 2018 at Asero area of Abeokuta.
Shonibare said that the convict impersonated himself by wearing both the police and army uniforms to pose on his Facebook account, knowing it was false representation.
He said that the convict impersonated himself with the intent to deceive the public that he was a member of the armed forces and also a police officer.
According to him, the offence contravenes Sections 109(a) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IOJ/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
June 7, 2024
Police arrest 2 men over alleged production of adulterated drinks
Police arrest 2 men over alleged production of adulterated drinks
Arrest
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN)The Police Command in Lagos State, said it had arrested two men for allegedly producing adulterated alcoholic drinks at Oko-Arin Market on the Lagos Island.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
Hundeyin said that police detectives arrested the suspects at about 6.00 pm on Tuesday, following credible information “that a group of boys were sighted at the Oko-Arin Market allegedly producing fake alcoholic drinks.
He told NAN that the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team, Eko, immediately mobilised to the scene.
According to him, the team affected the arrest of the two suspects, aged 31 and 41, in the act, while other members of the gang escaped.
“Items recovered from the suspects included five cartons of Jack Daniels Drinks, two cartons of Black Barrel drink, one carton of Williams Lawson drink and one carton of Jameson drink.
“Police also recovered one carton of Black Label drink, one carton of Remy Martins, six cartons of empty and Glenfiddich bottles
“Others are one carton of empty Divin Bardar drink, one carton of empty Volka drink, as well as quantities of assorted labels and corks for producing drinks.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects often sold the illegal adulterated drinks to their customers in Cotonou, Benin Republic,” he said.
Hundeyin said that investigation was ongoing. (NAN)( (www.nannews.ng)
MIO/KOO/JPE
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Joseph Edeh

June 7, 2024
Effective audit findings key to financial probity – Expert
Audit
By Douglas Okoro
Abakaliki, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A Public Financial Management Specialist, Mr Chibueze Nwonye, on Friday, stressed the need for effective audit findings, saying it was key to financial probity.
Nwonye stated this while delivering a lecture at United States Agency for International Development (USAID) STATE2STATE Activity workshop on accountability, transparency and effectiveness in Abakaliki, Ebonyi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was aimed at developing, launching and implementing plans to address priority audit findings in the state.
Nwonye, a financial expert, said that the audit findings on the Auditor-General’s Reports was a key interest to the State2State activities, especially in the education, health, water, sanitation and hygiene sectors.
He said that the findings and the recommendations made would be beneficial in the implementation of the current budget, which would lead to proper service delivery.
Speaking earlier, the state’s Auditor-General, Dr Samuel Udu, said that the importance of audit findings was to ensure accountability, probity and good governance.
Udu said that his office had done a lot to ensure the effectiveness of audit findings, having worked and handed over audit findings to the state House of Assembly through the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
He stated that the findings in the field had testified to the readiness of his office to ensure that the state government got the best accountability records.
The auditor-general thanked the State2State Activity for its tremendous help in preparing the audit manual which was a guide to audit preparation.
He, however, explained that audit findings were not for witch hunting, adding that they were rather meant to put audit records straight and use it to correct any observed fault in future auditing.
“Audit reports are not meant for witch-hunts but they are meant to put audit records straight,” Udu said.
A member of the state House of Assembly, Mr Godwin Abiri, appreciated the organisers for putting together the workshop, saying it was a right step in the right direction.
Abiri, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, also thanked State2State Activity for its involvements in improving government’s ability to plan and budget, monitor the budget and be accountable for every item budgeted.
NAN reports that the Communication Specialist of the State2State Activity, Mrs Nneka Egbuna, presented communication strategies for rolling out a plan to address the audit findings.
Egbuna, in her presentation, said that Ebonyi had benefited much from the interventions, particularly the Public Accounts Department (PAD). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ODO/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
June 7, 2024