Boko Haram: UN, EU renews support for stability, resilience in Lake Chad Basin
By Isaac Aregbesola
Support
Abuja, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The UN has renewed its support to continuous quest for stability, recovery and resilience to the Lake Chad Basin to put it on the path to sustainable development.
Mr Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, said this on Thursday in Abuja.
Kallon spoke at the Ministerial Conference on the Validation and Adoption of the Regional Strategy on stabilisation of Boko Haram affected areas of the Lake Chad region.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that UN said the resilience of the insurgent Boko Haram group in the Lake Chad basin since 2009 posed enormous security, humanitarian and governance challenges.
Four countries caught up in the insurgency are Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.
UN said the Boko Haram had displaced nearly 2.4 million people in the Lake Chad sub-region.
Kallon said: “UNDP and the entire UN system stands ready to support the Lake Chad Basin Countries and partners to ensure an inclusive, sustainable and accountable implementation of the regional stabilisation strategy.
“And, put the Lake Chad sub-region on the path to sustainable development.”
According to him, the UN is working closely with the government of Nigeria and other Lake Chad Basin Countries in their relief and recovery efforts in addressing the needs of affected population.
He said that the visit of the UN Security Council to the region in March 2017 and the subsequent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2349 (2017) further galvanised the world attention to the crisis in the Lake Chad.
“The adoption of the strategy fulfilled the Security Council’s Resolution 2349 that, among others, called for regional organisations to develop a comprehensive strategy.
“This will effectively address the drivers conflict that contributed to the emergence of Boko Haram and ISIL, with a particular focus on longer term development needs,” he said.
Kallon stressed the need for the collaborative efforts to mobilise resources to implement the strategy.
“Our task now is to take this forward and mobilise required resources to implement the strategy.
“The high level conference on the Lake Chad Region in Berlin slated for Sept. 2 and 3, will have a concrete regional stabilisation strategy to build on,” he said.
Also speaking, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Ketil karlsen, said that the strategy was more needed now than any other time.
The ambassador said that EU would support the depth implementation of the strategy.
Karslen stressed the need to recognise the significant progress and the achievement by the stakeholders in solving the crisis in Nigeria’s northeast and Lake Chad basin regions.
He expressed concern that with the magnitude of the crisis it had been one of those overlooked crisis in the global scale.
He said that the EU supports the integration approach to solving crisis, stressing for need to combine political and financial strength to end the crisis successfully.
He said the EU has been and will remain supportive in the fight against insurgence in the lake Chad basin, stressing that the union had spent more than 700 million Euros in its humanitarian assistance in the area. (NAN)
IAA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola
Blog
Boko Haram: UN, EU renews support for stability, resilience in Lake Chad Basin
2019: Saraki declares for presidency
Presidency
By Cecilia Ijuo
Abuja, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday declared his intention to run for the presidency of the country in the 2019 general elections.
Saraki made the declaration at a dialogue with youths and young aspirants in Abuja on Thursday, and promised an inclusive government for all Nigerians, if elected.
He said that he would ensure that all Nigerians enjoyed “the inalienable right to feel a sense of belonging no matter their background or creed or what part of the country they come from.
“No matter who you voted for or what your convictions are, government must work for you.
“I have decided to answer the call of teeming youth who have asked me to run for president.
“Accordingly, I hereby announce my intention to run for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the coming general elections in 2019 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“I do so with the firm conviction that I have what it takes to secure inclusive growth for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“My plan for Nigeria has inclusion in all aspects of the country’s affairs as a central pillar.”
Saraki said that the young generation did not deserve to “live in the poverty capital of the world’’.
“It is no longer an issue of how we got here, but how do we get out of this situation? I promise you that I will lead the fight and employ every God-given resource available to us in turning things around.
“I am determined to grow Nigeria out of poverty. We will stimulate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as one of the ways of energising the economy and to create wealth for our people, especially the youth.
“I want to see the youth play major roles at all levels, not only in government but also in the private sector and indeed in every area of Nigerian life.
“This will be a government driven by youthful energy, innovation and a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit.
“Nigerian youth will be given all the opportunities to realise their potential to the full within a national framework that guarantees inclusiveness.
“For youth who have ideas and capacity, we will make sure that there is funding for their ventures, and we shall build on the Made-in-Nigeria legislation as part of our job-creation drive,’’ he said.
The president of the senate also said that his plan was to secure Nigeria by redesigning national security architecture, while adequately equipping security agencies to fulfil their primary role of protecting lives and property.
He promised to address infrastructural deficit through aggressive financing initiatives, including mutually beneficial Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangements, regular floating of bonds and other financial instruments.
He explained that the partnership would ensure stable, adequate and reliable funding to see to the completion of core projects, especially road, rail and power.
According to Saraki, my plan is to protect all Nigerians and defend their constitutional rights and freedoms.
He said pledged that to stand for and uphold at all times, the principle of the rule of law, which was the bedrock of democratic governance.
“Ours will not be a selective fight against corruption. The emphasis will be on strengthening institutions, with a particular focus on deterrence.
“We cannot afford to compromise our institutions with proxy wars against perceived political opponents.
“We see the fight against corruption as crucial to Nigeria’s economic development. I offer leadership driven by empathy, where leaders are responsive to the citizens; where they know that government cares.
“We will not be indifferent or turn a blind eye to the real concerns of our people – every single Nigerian life matters.
“For me, the leadership we deserve is one that will be a source of pride to all Nigerians; one that will be respected and admired in Africa and around the world.
“It should be a leadership that can hold its own and stand tall anywhere in the world. That is the type of leadership I offer.
“As a former two-term governor and currently President of the Senate, by the grace of God, I believe I possess a unique blend of executive and legislative experience to push for and implement reforms.
“I know what it takes to create jobs and grow the economy. I can make the tough decisions when it matters. I will spearhead a new agenda that can transform the lives of ordinary Nigerians in real terms,” he said.
Saraki pointed out that it would not be business as usual, adding that his government would be dynamic and ensure the growth of the country with doggedness, determination and conviction.
He promised to lead a result-driven administration as well as set targets with clear timelines to ensure that anticipated deliverables were met.
He said, “You can benchmark us and hold us accountable. In short, I assure you that I will deliver on all promises.
“What I envision is a new chapter in governance in this country. We will be driven by what is best for Nigerians.
“I have deliberately chosen the opportunity of being here with you, my `Number One constituency’ who I see as the future of our great country, to make my intention known.
“I believe the Nigerian youth are critical to re-building and growing the economy, and restoring our national pride.
“Let me say, once again, how wonderful it is to see so many talented and purposeful young people at this first edition of the Public Dialogue Series with Political Parties on Youth Candidacy and Party Primaries.
“Looking at you, I see future leaders who present themselves as capable and worthy to take on the mantle of leadership in this country, and this gladdens my heart.
“From my interactions with many of you, and with your contemporaries across the country, I can see that we are blessed with a determined generation that stands ready to join with us to power a Nigerian renaissance.
“The quality of people I see here today affirms my belief that, indeed, you are Not-Too-Young-To-Run.”
Saraki appreciated the youth for the opportunity to share some of their ideas about the challenges before Nigeria as the 2019 elections approached.
According to him, it is widely acknowledged that ours is a relatively ‘young’ country bursting with tremendous energy, ability and potential. More than 70 per cent of our population is under the age of 40.
“You are indeed the future of this country. Ordinarily, such a young population would be the envy of many Western countries that are faced with ageing populations, but the dire state of our affairs tarnishes the youthful advantage that we have.
“Nigerians are crying out for succour everywhere; many of our children are hungry. Many people are dying of avoidable or otherwise treatable diseases.
“Many have fallen below basic living standards, and are now among the 87 million that sealed Nigeria’s position as the country with the highest number of people in extreme poverty.
“Our young people lack opportunities. The necessary education facilities and system to equip them for the future simply do not exist.
“We are not creating the jobs needed to usefully engage them in order to grow our economy.
“Too often, the youth feel shut out, prevented from having any say in the direction of this nation.
“The harsh conditions of extreme poverty faced by the people fuels the state of insecurity all over the country. Hunger, lack of education and lack of opportunities push many Nigerians into criminal activities, including terrorism.
“Many of our communities are paralysed with fear due to incessant communal crises, kidnappings and other social ills as well as the threat of terrorism.
“We are failing abysmally to tackle the problems of today and to prepare for the future,’’ he stated.
The president of the senate added that the nation’s economy was broken and in need of urgent revival in order for Nigeria to grow, adding that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate had declined and diversification remained an illusion.
“Unemployment is at an all-time high; businesses are shutting down and jobs are being lost in record numbers, and the capital needed to jumpstart our economy is going elsewhere.
“Nigeria is perhaps more divided now than ever before. We are increasingly divided along regional, religious and ethnic lines.
“Nigerians are also divided by class, a festering gulf between the ‘Haves’ and the ‘Have-Nots’.
“The fault lines of this nation are widening to an alarming degree. We must do something fast, and we must be brave about it.
“We must ensure the security of lives in Nigeria. As things stand now, no one is safe in this country; no one feels truly safe.
“We must restore the sanctity of the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions in order to build a just, fair and equitable society for all.
“We must rebuild the trust of our people in government. We need a new generation of leaders that are competent, with the capability to rise to the challenges of the 21st century.
“We must pull this country back together and rebuild, block-by-block, with dedication and commitment.
“You will agree with me that this is an urgent task that requires the concerted efforts of each and every one of us. If we look around today, what do we see? What is the condition of our citizens? Where are we as a nation?
“How are we perceived locally and internationally? Why are we not making the expected progress? Why are we not growing? There is no time to waste.
“The time is now to come together to stimulate growth in Nigeria, especially in the national economy,’’ he said.
Saraki added that the choice Nigerians faced in the forthcoming election was either to keep things as they were or make a radical departure from the old ways.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians to work with him to actualise his dreams. (NAN)
CJM/OPI
NSCDC arrests 25-year-old man over employment scam in Jigawa, recovers 5 fake appointment latters
Arrests
By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
Dutse, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa Command, has arrested a 25-year-old man over alleged forgery and sale of fake employment letters to unsuspecting job seekers in the state.The corps’ spokesperson in the state, Mr Adamu Shehu, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Thursday.
Shehu said the suspect, a resident of Kanti Quarters in Kazaure Local Government Area, was arrested on Aug. 16, at about 6:30 p.m. by men of the command.
He explained that the suspect was arrested after one Malam Inusa Musa, whose child was requested by the suspect to pay the sum of N120,000 to be issued with NSCDC employment letter, reported the matter at the command’s headquarters.
“Already, the suspect had collected N1,700 from the victim as payment for employment form, but the father, who later became suspicious approached our personnel in the area with the issue.
“Thereafter, the suspect was invited to come along with the employment letter and was arrested on arrival.
“Initially the suspect claimed to be fronting for one big man in Abuja, however, when thoroughly quizzed, he confessed to be the sole mastermind of the crime,” Shehu said.
The spokesman said that when the suspect was arrested, three forged employment letters of NSCDC were found in his possession addressed to Yahaya Saleh, Yunusa Sabo and Musa Inuwa, respectively.
According to him, on hearing about the suspect’s arrest, two young men Idris Isa and Ismail Isah came to it’s office with two forged copies of employment letters of the Nigeria Immigration Service given to them at the cost of N120,000 each.
“But they paid the suspect the sum of N20,000 deposit and agreed to pay the rest of the amount later,” he said.
Shehu added that investigation into the case was ongoing after which the suspect would be charged to court.
He, therefore, warned the public to be wary of fraudsters who paraded themselves as employment agents to deceive innocent and vulnerable youths for the purpose of obtaining money from them.
“The general public, especially youths who are desperate to get employment are implored to be cautious not to fall victim of forgery and scam.
“The command also wishes to draw the attention of the public that the corps is not recruiting any category of personnel,” he said. (NAN)
MNB/AOS/AMY
Edited by Bayo Sekoni and Abdullahi YusufNigeria tech space grossly underfunded, unprotected
Nigerian tech space grossly underfunded, unprotected
Technology
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Director-General, Delta State Innovation Hub, Mr Chris Uwaje, on Thursday said that the Nigerian tech space was grossly underfunded and unprotected.
Uwaje made the remark at a Quarterly Forum of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) held in Lagos.
The forum had the theme: “Local Content Development in Nigeria’s ICT Sector: Stimulant for National Economic Recovery.’’
According to him, the country builds people that migrate to other countries and their abilities are being used there.
“Government should put up an innovation hub whereby innovators are brought together to share their ideas and put it together for effective use in the country.
“This will encourage them to be more productive and ideas being lost to other countries will be reduced.’’
He also called for a mechanism that would ensure that 10 per cent of the national budget is earmarked for the development of the nation’s ICT ecosystem.
Uwaje said that the missing link and the challenge of local content was collaboration, urging for more of such activities among stakeholders.
He listed the way forward for the development of local content in the country as focusing on natural strength within the tech space, as well as capacity building from bottom up.
Uwaje listed others as including the servicing of the ecosystem not to be outsourced to foreigners, building knowledge labs in schools, and the regulation and registration of local content.
Dr Emmanuel Eze, Chief Technology Officer/Executive Director, System Specs, urged that the focus of government should be on true local content.
According to him, this will ensure that the country develops technology for its use, which he said, could also be exported to other countries.
“The country has human resources that will enable it achieve this goal of local content utilisation.
“We can also create an economy that is dependent on ICT, and we have all the resources to achieve that,’’ he said.
Earlier, the President of NITRA, Mr Emma Okonji, called on the Federal Government to formulate a new policy that would protect local content development in the country.
According to him, it was also essential for them to make sure that the policy formulated should be fully implemented.
“The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) should also be commended for its local content guidelines initiative which seek to help restructure and develop a strong indigenous ICT industry,’’ he said. (NAN)
CAN/FF/PIO
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Idonije Obakhedo)Zamfara Corps members taking orientation course in Katsina not for security reasons—–NYSC
Zamfara
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, Aug, 30, 2018(NAN) The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says the 700 corps members deployed to Zamfara State currently taking their orientation course in Katsina State has nothing to do with security reasons.The NYSC Zamfara State Coordinator, Mr Dahusi Muhammad made the clarification during the opening ceremony of the NYSC 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream II, on Thursday in Katsina.
‘’For us NYSC, we have our policy and procedures of doing things; we are always on camp based on the number of prospective corps members produced by institutions.
‘’Now as we speak, the number of corps members from our institutions are very limited to the extent that they cannot go round all the states of the federation.
‘’Because of that, the NYSC management deemed it necessary to merge some camps to make the orientation management easier.
‘’Only 700 corps members were deployed to Zamfara State as against the previous 2,000.
‘’That is the only reason, it has nothing to do with security situation in Zamfara as the security situation in the state has been taken care of by our able security personnel, there is no problem in Zamfara at all,’’ he said.
Also speaking, the NYSC Katsina State Coordinator, Hajiya Ramatu Sanda said that 1,700 corps members were deployed to the state.
She said that the NYSC has introduced Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurship (LIFE) to develop capacity of corps members in diversified vocational skills and entrepreneurship.
‘’That is in accordance with the National Qualification Framework, building capacities of these corps members has three approaches, entrepreneurship, vocational skills training, and Information Technology,’’ she said.
Sanda further said that the advantages of the project included free training opportunities for internship, provision of agriculture business opportunities, among others.(NAN)
ZI/CHOM/MTM
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma13 suspected cultists remanded in Ilorin prison
13 suspected cultists remanded in Ilorin prison
Cultism
Mujidat Oyewole
Ilorin, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) An Ilorin Magistrates’ Court has remanded 13 persons in prison for allegedly inciting public disturbance and belonging to a cult.The Magistrate, Mr A.M. Ibrahim, who gave the order, said they should be kept behind bars until the next date of adjournment.
Ibrahim also ordered that the community leader who the police claimed reported the case, should appear in court at its next sitting.
The accused pleaded not guilty, saying that they were arrested in front of their house.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Nasir Yusuf told the court that on Aug. 29, Mustapha Habeeb and 12 others were transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters at Adewole, Ilorin, to the State CID for investigation.
Yusuf said that on Aug.28, a community leader, Alhaji Isiaka Subair of Isale Jagun, reported the incident at the police station.
He said the complainant reported that some boys with inscription of Badoo on some of their vests, assembled and started smoking hemp, thereby disturbing the peace of the community.
Yusuf said that immediately the Police were alerted, they went to the scene, but the boys started throwing stones, bottles and also shot the tyre of the police vehicle.
“The accused persons were arrested at the scene while others ran away.”
The prosecutor, however, said that the community leader had testified against them at the police station that they were among the cult members disturbing the community.
The offences contravened Sections 2, 97, and 114 of the Penal Code.
The case was adjourned until Sept. 7 . (NAN)
MOB/DA
(Editing by Dele Akinsola)
Entrepreneur seeks effective implementation of ICT policies to boost local content
Content
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Mr Muyiwa Ogungboye, the Chief Executive Officer of e.Stream Networks, a licensed broadband provider, has called for effective implementation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) policies to boost local content.Ogungboye made the call on Thursday at the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) quarterly forum in Lagos.
He spoke on the theme “Local Content Development in Nigeria’s ICT Sector: Stimulant for National Economic Recovery”.
According to him, there should be a strategic plan that will yield productive activities to drive the policies for a conducive ICT ecosystem.
“There should be speedy implementation of the plan, creation of evaluation and enforcement unit that will see to adoption of local content in the country.
“There should be encouragement of knowledge and skills that are needed to adopt local content,” Ogungboye said.
He called for establishment of ICT parks which would be saddled with manufacturing of ICT tools.
Ogungboye urged the three tiers of government to give priority attention to the development of ICT through adequate allocations in their respective annual budgets.
He advocated a review of the nation’s education curriculum in a way that students would be encouraged to study science subjects at early stage.
Earlier, the President of NITRA, Mr Emma Okonji, said that attention to Financial Technology (FinTech) had led to the growth of FinTechs and more technology startups
He added that it had helped to develop home-grown technology solutions with best quality.
He noted that the technology solutions were commercially viable and addressed specific and organisational challenges.
Okonji called for support and patronage of the solutions by government agencies.
He described preference for foreign software and hardware solutions as detrimental to locally-developed technologies.
“If the right support is given to FinTechs and technology startups, it will boost local production that will enhance job creation.
“It will also help government to save huge revenues that would have left the country,” Okonji said.
He also called on governments to protect local content development.
He lauded the National Information Technology Development Agency for its local content guidelines designed to develop a strong indigenous ICT industry. (NAN)
CAN/USO/IGO
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Edited by Sam Oditah/Ijeoma Popoola
Total/NBBF Division Two: Raptors coach confident of team’s chances
Basketball
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Charles Ibeziakor, the proprietor/coach of Raptors Basketball Academy on Thursday said that his team was preparing hard for the Total/NBBF Division One which is set to dunk off in December.Ibeziakor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he had a solid team that could compete favourably and qualify to the elite division.
“It has been a tough year for us training all through but hopefully, we will get to play in the Total Division One League which is coming up in December.
“We played in the Division Two competition but it did not go down well with the team as so many factors led to our not being able to qualify.
“My team is good; but for the improper organisation of the local organising committee, we could have qualified,’’ Ibeziakor said.
According to him, the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) needs to do more on its organisation to make the Total/NBBF league a success.
“The just-concluded Division Two league was poorly coordinated and there were so many situations that required a lot of attention.
“There were problems with officiating, poor registration of players and coordination of the games, it was also too short to decide a real champion.
“The competition lasted for just four days and we only played three games.
“For a league to produce true champions there has to be more games just like the 74 games the NBBF board had promised,’’ Ibeziakor said.
NAN reports that following five days of heated action among seven teams in the league, Ondo Kings of Akure and Young Royals of Abeokuta qualified to play in the conference finals.
Golden Tourch of Nasarawa and Nigeria Prisons from the Savannah conference have also booked their tickets for the conference finals.
However, Raptors Academy will be relying heavily on their star player, Chukwudalu Ebejiogu, who has been very outstanding during their preparations.
Ebejiogu participated in the just-concluded Giant of Africa Top 50 All-star players that was put together by U.S. Toronto Raptors President, Masai Ujuri.
He was also one of the five young Nigeria players selected to play in the U.S. NBA Africa programme that held in April in Australia and South Africa. (NAN).
BAO/AO/PDE
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(Editing by Angela Okisor/Peter Ejiofor)
NYG: Lagos Karate pledges compliance with competition requirements

Karate
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Lagos State Karate Association (LSKA) on Thursday pledged compliance to the requirements of the 2018 National Youth Games (NYG), especially registering athletes within specified age brackets for the competition.The LSKA Head Coach, Sola Shoyoye, made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, adding that necessary screening of the athletes would done before the start of the Games holding in Ilorin from Sept. 7 to Sept. 17.
NAN reports that Ademola Are, the Director of Grassroots Sports Development of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, had said that only athletes of age 15 and below were eligible feature the competition.
Shoyoye said that eight karatekas, comprising four boys and four girls, were camping at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba for the Games.
“The age requirement was specifically pointed out at the zonal eliminations by the grassroots sports director, and it is binding on us to comply and portray good image of our state.
“We are running an open camp at Rowe Park for eight athletes now; and we are using their school data and available birth certificates to conduct a thorough exercises on them again.
“It will be a wasted effort to prepare and present over-age athletes in Ilorin because they will be disqualified; and we will lose the medal chances,” he said.
He noted that only four of the athletes in training would finally make the list, as two slots were open for the boys and girls events.
According to him, the boys will compete in the -50 and +50 weight categories, while the girls have their class in the -47 and +47 categories at the Games.
“We are presenting two boys and two girls for the available slots; and the selection will be strictly based on individual response to training, application to fighting rules and discipline.”
NAN reports that the NYG, introduced and held in Abuja in 2013, is a grassroots competition aimed at raising new talents that will be nurtured to stardom in the sport. (NAN)
MIL/FLP/PDE
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(Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Peter Ejiofor)Oil marketers pledge support to curb pipeline vandalism
Vandalism
By Yunus Yusuf
Lagos, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Thursday pledged to work with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to curb pipeline vandalism.
Alhaji Ayo Alanamu, the IPMAN Chairman in Ejigbo Satellite Depot, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos against the backdrop of frequent pipeline vandalism on the network.
NAN recalls that a five-member gang was apprehended for vandalising NNPC pipeline and scooping over 60,000 litres of petrol in Idimu area of Lagos on Aug. 29.
The suspected vandals were caught by a vigilance group loading petrol into three tankers in Idimu and were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Alanamu said that the association would continue to support the fight against vandalism and urged security agencies to support IPMAN in bring the culprits to justice.
“We will support security agencies to win the war against oil theft.
“We all know the damage oil theft is causing to our economy. Like every other responsible Nigerian, we will support every move to win the war.
“ We have constituted a surveillance team to support NNPC to curb activities of vandals along the petroleum pipelines across the System 2B network,” he said.
The IPMAN helmsman said that activities of vandals were causing the nation huge losses.
He said that the setting up of the team signified the readiness of IPMAN to support the Federal Government on surveillance of petroleum pipelines.
Alanamu expressed concern over incessant pipeline vandalism, especially in South-West zone of the country and commended government’s efforts to curb the menace.
“Very soon, the menace will be stamped out.
“I have advised my members to bear with government on the ongoing challenges facing loading at some depots.
“It is our collective responsibility to check and bring pipelines culprit to book,” Alanamu said. (NAN)
YO/AOM/TÁ
Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Tajudeen Atitebi
