₦airaland Forum

The National Youth Service Corps has restated its readiness to uphold the sanctity of its mobilisation process.

It said it would resist every form of sharp practices from some Corps Producing Institutions in some African countries, while soliciting the support of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Universities Commission in fighting the battle to ensure that Nigerian youths who studied outside the shores of Nigeria are not short-changed.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim stated this today in Abuja, in his address at the second meeting with representatives of Corps Producing Institutions of some African Countries and other critical stakeholders in the mobilisation process.

He added that the meeting, which aimed at entrenching the culture of regular contact with universities and other higher institutions of learning as provided by the law establishing the Scheme would also sustain the gains recorded in the maiden edition of the meeting held two years ago.

Ibrahim decried the outright sale of degree certificates to persons who never saw the four walls of the university, adding that those category of persons were unable to communicate in English language or defend their qualifications.

"The vacuum which existed between the Scheme and foreign Corps Producing Institutions created by communication gap gave rise to some unimaginable malpractices and irregularities on the part of the institutions, especially those within our neighbouring countries in West Africa.

The most worrisome was the outright sale of degree certificates to persons who never saw the four walls of the university. The effect of such a development on our national life cycle can only be imagined", the DG said.

Ibrahim stated further that the long-standing tradition of routine evaluation and review of the Scheme's performances in the mobilisation process with its critical stakeholders in the country has given the hope that the Scheme is on the roadmap to success in the foreign segment of the mobilisation process.

The Director, Corps Mobilization department, Mrs Victoria Ango said constructive engagement and method of data collection has helped the NYSC to reduce irregularities and errors in the process.

She stated that challenges such as bogus number, diplomatic hurdles and other bottle-necks associated with establishing regular contact with foreign Corps Producing Institutions have remained unresolved for many years until recently.

The Director added that the Scheme would continue to explore the best method to maintain reliable contact with institutions yet to be reached.

"We will continue to address copious challenges in youth mobilisation for the sake of our regional growth and development of our respective nation states", she said.

In her goodwill address, the NYSC National Governing Board Chairman, Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar said the negative tendencies from unscrupulous persons attempting to illegally participate in National Service potends a grave danger if left unchecked.

She commended NYSC Management for conveying the meeting adding that the last meeting exposed some of the malpractices in some Corps Producing Institutions in the West African Sub-region.

There were goodwill messages from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bello, represented by the Director, Youth, Mrs Asabe Umar, while Mr Koli Salihu Mongodida represented the Minister of Education, Dr Dakwak Gloria, represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr Cisser Lepare Karim, First Consellor, represented the Ambassador of Cote de Voire

.

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://von.gov.ng/2021/11/16/irregular-mobilisation-nysc-to-resist-unqualified-graduates/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwi6ibXn3p70AhVEz4UKHRcNDm8QFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVaw2AcbshDDBpS-SYajAqd-f2

Benue’s Days Of Holocaust Will Soon Be Over, House Of Reps Aspirant, Agbese, tells APC New Members

...Salutes Senator Akume’s Leadership Of Benue APC As One Family


As thousands of PDP members announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, November 14, 2021, a leading aspirant for the House of Representatives in Benue South 2023, Chief Philip Agbese has declared that the decision of Benue people to join the APC in large number will end the Holocaust under Governor Samuel Ortom and mark a new era of healing and prosperity for Benue State under the All Progressives Congress.

Agbese who is angling to represent the people of Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu federal constituency at the green chamber said Benue APC under the leadership of Senator Dr George Akume is one family in the State and that he was therefore elated that his brothers and sisters, especially the youths of Benue State have found a new voice since the emergence of Comrade Austin Agada as Chairman-elect of the party.

Chief Agbese, the Okanga 1 of Agila who is popularly regarded as the golden voice of Enone opposition politics was represented at the occasion by the Director General of his campaign organization, Hon Barr Akor Ikwuoche who told the mammoth crowd at the rally to shine their dancing shoes and prepare to celebrate the victories that lie ahead. He said, with the party’s new leadership in the state, nothing short of 100 % victory awaits APC in the 2023 election.
He paid glowing tributes to Sen Dr George Akume whom he said has kept the party united and strong in the state despite the cruel intimidations, victimization and harassment of APC members by the failed PDP government in the state.
He said with the level of suffering imposed on Benue people by the PDP government under Gov Samuel Ortom, no Benue person would want to hear anything about PDP again in the state.

He promised his continual support and physical presence in the subsequent defection ceremonies that will be held Local in every Local Government across the 23 LGAs of the state thereafter.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has initiated an entrepreneurship and empowerment programme for Corps Members.
Tagged the "Managing Director's Annual NYSC Entrepreneurship Competition", the programme involves business plan contest among Corps Members serving in the organisation.
At the end of the maiden edition of the initiative, three of the fifteen contestants came tops and were presented cheques of Five Hundred Thousand Naira each at a ceremony held at AMCON's office in Abuja.
They are Joanna Jewel Adamu (FC/21A/1265), Umar Aliyu Gosta (FC/21A/1251) and Abdulsamad Saidu Usman (FC/21A/1046) whose proposals centered on online art and fashion business; poultry production; and technological innovation respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, the Managing Director of AMCON, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan Kuru noted the high rate of graduate unemployment, and the need for stakeholders to work towards steering the mindset of the youths from that of seeking white collar jobs to that of entrepreneurial engagement.
The MD, who lauded the various empowerment programmes of the Federal Government, particularly added his voice to the advocacy for the incorporation of functional entrepreneurship training into the nation's education curriculum.
He said AMCON initiated the entrepreneurship programme for Corps Members in appreciation of the invaluable contributions of NYSC to national development.
Kuru said the intervention began with the conduct of Entrepreneurship training for the Corps Members with some members of Staff of the organisation volunteering as resource persons.
The Managing Director explained that the introduction of the business plan contest was aimed at providing funds to enable the winners actualize their business dreams and, in the process, contribute to the economic development of the country.
He further stated that aside the winners, many of the other competitors came up with excellent business ideas, adding that the latter group will also be supported with some tokens.
The MD expressed determination not only to sustain the programme, but also increase the number of winners in subsequent editions.
Kuru used the occasion to assure of AMCON's readiness to go into broader partnership with NYSC in the area of entrepreneurship and empowerment.
In his address, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the Scheme had been assiduous in the implementation of its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme (SAED), adding that many ex-trainees of the programme were now owners of flourishing businesses.
He said Corps Members had enormous potentials for self-employment, but added that the challenge was always that of access to fund to actualize their business plans.
The Director-General said this informed the proposal for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund, which would not only make the SAED training more functional, but also serve as sustainable source of funding for the Corps entrepreneurs.
Ibrahim thanked the AMCON Management for joining the leagues of partners supporting NYSC in the empowerment of Corps members, and assured that the Scheme would effectively partner the agency for the continued success of the new initiative.
He assured that the Scheme would strictly monitor the beneficiaries of the programme and provide feedback to AMCON on their business progress.
The Director-General congratulated the winners of the competition and enjoined them to make judicious utilization of the funds given to them.
Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, one of the winners, Joana Jewel Adamu, thanked AMCON for availing them of the opportunity for empowerment, which she described as life-changing.
She assured that they would justify the confidence reposed in them through judicious utilization of the funds.

Corps Members have been advised to avoid risky adventures such as unauthorised journeys, night partying and other types of misconduct as they proceed to their place of primary assignments.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, who stated this today in a nationwide virtual address to Corps Members and Camp participants also emphasised that there is nothing like two weeks leave for Corps Members after leaving the Orientation Camp.

He however advised them to utilise the lessons learnt during the three weeks of Orientation Course to contribute their quota to national development and also add value to themselves.

The DG in particular warned the Corps Members to be security conscious and avoid any act that can put their lives at risk in their respective places of primary assignment and host communities.

"I want to warn you that there is nothing like two weeks leave after Orientation Course. Settle down in your places of primary assignments.

As you leave the camp, you must be security conscious, don't travel at night and don't endanger your safety.

Shun cybercrimes, drugs, cultism and don't let your actions today haunt you tomorrow", he said.

He advised them to continue with the post-camp training of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme with their trainers in order to be self empowered, instead of seeking for the unavailable salary jobs.

Ibrahim added that the Scheme is advocating with the Federal Government for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund (NYSCTF) that would make start-up capital available to every Corps Member as they exit service, which would enable them establish their businesses in line with the skills they acquired through SAED.

The DG also informed them that the Scheme had partnered relevant institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Access Bank, Unity Bank among others to provide soft loans for Corps Members with good business proposals to establish their vocational businesses.

He advised the Corps Members to study the NYSC Act, NYSC Bye-laws and adhere strictly to the provisions, adding that every infraction would attract appropriate sanction.

The DG urged them to use the Social Media wisely to promote the unity of the country, and not to spread rumour.

Speaking further, he admonished the Corps Members to emulate their predecessors, who during the ourtbreak of COVID-19 pandemic offered selfless services by producing sanitisers, face masks, pedal operated water and sanitiser dispensers, free online extra- mural classes, among others, to cushion the effects of the pandemic and lockdown on members of the public.

He urged them to feel the pulse of their host communities and intiate laudable projects that would ameliorate their suffering, improve their standard of living and also give them a new lease of life.

General lbrahim also warned that presentation of fake medical papers for redeployment attracts sanctions.

He said posting, redeployment and other services rendered by the NYSC attracts no fee, adding that anyone caught offering bribe would be sanctioned appropriately with the taker.

He appealed to the Corps Members to embrace the Federal Government's gesture of free COVID-19 vaccine and be vaccinated in order to protect themselves.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of her colleagues nationwide, the Kebbi State Corps Camp Director, Bankole Shukurat Abiodun KB/21C/0304 appreciated the DG for his purposeful and coordinated leadership style of administration which has made the Scheme more relevant.

She said the NYSC over the years has been inculcating the spirit of teamwork, nation building and self- reliance among the Nigerian youths.

She disclosed that the knowledge and skills acquired during the three- week Orientation Course would be effectively used to become self reliant and job creators.

"The Orientation Course has afforded us the opportunity to learn leadership skills, para-military drills, security tips, martial arts, entrepreneurship skills, all geared towards making us responsible future leaders.

We promise to be law-abiding and good ambassadors of the NYSC and the nation at large, and we shall justify the confidence reposed in us", she said.

The NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has charged corps members to leave indelible marks of goodwill during the service year.

The Director-General gave the charge while addressing the 2021 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Corps members deployed to the Federal Capital Territory today at the Permanent Orientation Camp Kubwa, Abuja.

Brig Gen Ibrahim urged the corps members to be change agents by carrying out a needs analysis of their host communities and executing Community Development Services Projects aimed at alleviating the socio-economic challenges in that area.

The Director General further urged the corps members to remain patriotic and allow the spirit of NYSC live in them. He further advised them to resist the temptation of traveling at night and shun negative use of the social media.

Highlights of the visit was the presentation of cash gifts to Corps Camp Directors and deserving groups that distinguished themselves during the orientation course.

By Nkechi Odoma

The name General Tukur Yusuf Buratai might not fade away anytime soon. The name has continued to resonate with the exploits of the Nigerian Army in the prosecution of the war against insurgency in the country. I say this for the principal fact that while he held sway as the Chief of Army Staff; it was indeed a golden era in the annals of the Nigerian Army.

Ambassador TY Buratai, in some quarters, has been described as that Chief of Army Staff that left enduring legacies that redefined the ethos in counterinsurgency operations and civil-military relations. I must add that these two pillars were somewhat the hallmarks of the TY Buratai era in the Nigerian Army. The records are readily available for perusal. Hate him or love him; he was the soldier and the commander at the same time. He was in the trenches with the troops, commissioned projects, and engaged the intellectual community. He was robust and broad in defence of democracy in Nigeria.

The list is endless, and I would classify him in the region of legends that came, saw and conquered. And the awards and recognitions were not in short supply. At some point, it became a harvest of awards from within and outside the country. Needless I mentioned his conferment with the Brazilian Military Order of Merit Award, which is the highest military honours awarded to those military officers that have distinguished themselves in various military endeavours.

Looking at the Nigerian Army before and after him indeed reveals tales of an enduring legacy of unalloyed commitment and passion to ensuring that the Nigerian Army regains its pride of place in the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country. And this much he ensured through the numerous reforms carried out. I beg to state that the overarching objective was to transform the Nigerian Army into a professional force that implements its operational strategies with internationally recognized rules of engagement.

Under TY Buratai, the welfare of officers and soldiers was prioritized, so much so that it boosted the morale of a force that was hitherto laced with lethargy. What some might not know is that this lethargic feeling was primarily responsible for the inability of the Nigerian Army to confront the Boko Haram insurgents.

It's on record that in less than two years at the helm of affairs, the Nigerian Army gained ascendency over the Boko Haram group. The capture of the once dreaded Sambisa forest was the hallmark of the TY Buratai era.

In my considered opinion, one of the strategies of TY Buratai was the boosting the morale of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army through numerous ways such as prompt payment of salaries and allowances, massive improvement in the living standards in army barracks across the country and the institutionalization of research and policy formulation. For example, under TY Buratai, army barracks experienced a facelift. Command secondary schools were renovated and equipped with the best of facilities. The prestigious Nigerian Military School in Zaria also was not left out through the reintroduction of combat training to boost the students' morale.

The Tukur Buratai Institute for War and Peace is another legacy project of TY Buratai, designed to enhance training and capacity building for military personnel and civilians alike in counter-terrorism and insurgency, peacebuilding and construction. In this regard, I wish to state that the emphasis on training and capacity building was indeed strategic because, in modern times, tanks and guns are not the only weapons of warfare. This remains exemplary now and in the years to come.

The establishment of the Nigerian Army University was another brilliant one by TY Buratai. I dare say that in the annals of the Nigerian Army, there hasn’t been a period like the TY Buratai era because virtually all facets of the Nigerian Army as an institution were touched.

Therefore, it is not surprising that despite leaving office as the Chief of Army Staff, the name TY Buratai has ceased to leave the lips of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army. Let me digress and little. I could say that TY Buratai was somewhat selfish because he went all out to set lofty standards in leadership. This is good in the sense that anyone appointed as Chief of Army Staff must strive to build on these legacies at the risk of being labelled a failure because his name has continued to dominate the discourse in the security circles in the country.

Today, TY Buratai is the Ambassador of Nigeria to the Benin Republic. We must agree that the much regional cooperation in addressing the security challenges in Nigeria is gathering momentum. Nigeria is indeed blessed to have such a personality. My verdict is this; TY Buratai has undoubtedly raised the bar in leadership. And it behoves on those aspiring into leadership positions to take a cue. The lessons are of courage, character and competence. It was indeed an era of the enduring legacy of excellence.

Odoma, a public affairs analyst wrote this piece from Abuja.

As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) the Tinubu Support Group(TSG)and Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society(AWCS) on Sunday launched Operation Feed the Less previleged, a programme designed to cater for no fewer than 5000 families in Abuja and environs.

The two sister groups said the gesture is to cushion the economic effects of COVID-19 and to give back to the society.

Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society is a support group affiliated to Tinubu Support Group (TSG), a leading group calling on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to run for Nigeria's Presidency in 2023.

The President of AWSC, Chief. Mrs Toyin Badmus speaking at the palace of Ona of Abaji who doubles as the Chairman council of Chiefs,FCT, HRH. Adamu Baba Yunusa, said "We are here to pay homage to our royal Father, the Ona of Abaji, and as well to synergize support for our Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as well as to distribute food items to about 450 women in Abaji."

"We are supporting Asiwaju Tinubu because he's not a leader that uses people and dumps them. He rewards his followers and that's why we have so many people calling on him today to contest.

" We have traveled abroad and have seen how things are carried out there, just as it is done there we are looking forward to replicate that by creating food banks in all the 774 Local Governments of Nigeria where the less previleged can go and collect food whenever they don't have what to feed their family with."

Reacting on behalf of the Ona of Abaji, the Madaki of Abaji, Alhaji Ibrahim Agoi said the group has done well by taking a bold step towards the alleviation of poverty in the country and equally commend the group for starting the scheme from Abaji.

According to him, "You have done the right thing by honouring the Ona of Abaji first.

"Whoever comes for blessings get blessings from us, It is good you have come here for blessings. We are happy you recognize here and we will bless you.
"We appreciate you and we will continue to bless you and support you".

Addressing beneficiaries at the event held at the Abaji Local government Secretariat FCT, Toyin said that her group is focused- driven and would continue to push forward ideas that would always be of interest to Nigerian women.

"Our mandate as a group is to create food banks across the Federation, and as well make business loans available for our women to afford them better business opportunities.

"We are talking about soft loans, that women in general would be able to afford, without minding their economic or social class.

"This we believe we will achieve when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu becomes the President of Nigeria in 2023.

"Asiwaju's mother was the leader of market women in Lagos state before her demise, this is why our leader does not joke with any issue that concerns women.That is why we are championing this campaign for our leader and we know when he gets into office, he will do the needful".

One of the beneficiaries of the feeding initiative, Hajia Zainab Muhammad, in her word said " We are grateful for this great gesture. This food will go along way for my family, May Allah bless Tinubu and we pray Allah will use him to change this country for good", she concluded.

By Philip Agbese

The above news headline, “CBN spends N58.6bn to print 2.5bn Naira notes”, which got my attention requires analysis and a rejoinder to set the record straight. As a public affairs commentator, one is bound at all times to educate the public. So, it is not to hold brief for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or its Governor but to fulfill a sacred obligation which is to always set the record straight thereby saving the country from the grief some people are hell-bent on visiting the nation and the rest of us collectively.

One would be forgiven for frothing at the mouth and raining curses upon seeing the headline that suggested that the CBN spent N58.6 billion for printing currency notes. Such response is natural at a time when the average person is beginning to sign up to the clamor for streamlining the cost of running the Nigerian state. But one would discover the response is misplaced upon reading through the accompanying story and realizing that the N58.6 billion, relative to the N1.063 trillion or the 2.518 pieces of currency notes, is actually a downward trend in the amount the CBN spend for printing the naira.

Research would have shown that Nigeria is not in any way different from other countries when it comes to the cost of printing currency. The CBN, like its contemporaries, has to factor in the size of the notes, the number of denominations, embedded security features that are included in the notes, the existing currency stock, and the type of currency being ordered – paper or polymer.

There is equally the population ration to consider in addition to the attitude towards the handling of naira notes, which people routinely subject to abuse with the attendant consequent that more have to be printed.

The headline(s) looked away from these variables and played up the cost of printing in a manner that gave a negative spin to an otherwise sterling achievement. One is thus constrained to ponder what other angles this/these headline(s) could have exploited. Let us not forget that the apex bank did not attempt to conceal this cost that it transparently published on its website as its 2020 Currency Report.

There is nothing wrong with highlighting the decrease in the bank’s expenditure on currency printing, which at N58.6 billion in year 2020 is a reduction from N75. 523 billion, in 2019 and N64. 040 billion, in 2018. Nothing would have been lost by playing up the local handling of the printing or using the reported cost as a basis for urging Nigerians to increase their adoption of cashless banking in order to slash the amount the country expends on providing physical naira notes.

While at it, we should find a place to put in some commendation for the CBN Governor and the bank for staying true to the Federal Government’s commitment to building local capacity and strengthening the economy based on the report that the notes were printed in-country by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM Plc). This in itself is a confirmation that things were done in a manner that saved the country some money.

Not to be left out is the realization that the cashless policy has in its own way reduced the volume of physical cash once required to cater to the need of the population. Things may not be picture perfect yet but the movement despite the antithetic outcome that “report indicated, however, that Currency-in-Circulation (CIC) increased by 19.06 per cent from N2.441 trillion at end December, 2019 to N2 .907 trillion at end-December 2020.”

The lesson here is for us as Nigerians to orientate ourselves to the tyranny of the news headline, which can get us to react negatively without realizing that rather than being calamitous what we have just read is a piece of good news. When we also report monetary issues like the printing of currency, we must bear in mind that sending the wrong signal to the world can hurt the economy in matter of hours. There are folks with sadistic bent of mind who will rush to brandish these headlines as their smoking guns on why global anti-corruption bodies should unleash more woes on the country through damaging ratings while their currency speculating associates will find in such the leverage to further underprice the naira.

Other than pouring accolades on the cost saving decision on the printing of the currency, a desirous response from anyone that finds the cost shocking is to encourage Nigerians to improve on their handling of the naira. We throw our notes around at parties, step on them, write on them, expose them to moisture and do the unthinkable to the naira, which makes our currency wear out quicker than it happens to other currencies – one needs to see the utmost care the same abusers of the naira take of the money from other countries.

If we treat our notes right then the amount the CBN will spend printing subsequent batches will decrease even further. If we embrace the cashless policy, as we should, then the volume of physical currency to be printed will reduce even more and free vital resources for use where they are sorely needed.

Agbese is a UK trained human rights activist and public affairs commentator based in London.

*Anambra Gubernatorial Election; NYCN Commends Corp Members for role in strengthening democracy in Nigeria.*


The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has commended Corp members that served as adhoc electoral officials in the Anambra Gubernatorial election that held on Saturday 6th of November 2021 for the applaudable role they have played in strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Vice President of the organization, *Amb. Comrade Akoshile Mukhtar*. He noted that the commitment and dedication of the Corp members to the election is an indication that the Nigerian Youth are not just ready to partner with the government to ensure the sustainability of Nigerian Democracy but also are willing to make sacrifices to drive positive changes.

According to him, on the spot information has it that the election was conducted in a free and fair manner, while Corp members deployed for the election showed the highest level of professionalism and moral uprightness. No Corp member was fingered for any malpractice or unethical behavior.

On behalf of the NYCN, he appreciates the Corp members and refer to them as a true ambassador of the Nigerian Youth. Furthermore, he applauded the men and women of the Nigeria Police Force for protecting Nigerians especially the Corp members during the electioneering process.

Mukhtar assures the Corp members, the security operatives and the Nigeria government of the Council’s support and collaboration to ensure the achievement of socio-economic and political development for Nigeria.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has commended the patriotism of Corps Members engaged in the conduct of the Governorship Election in Anambra State.

The Director-General made the commendation today while monitoring the election in nine Local Government Areas of the State. 

He said the Corps Members had written their names in the anals of history, having contributed towards the entrenchment of credible electoral process. 

Ibrahim enjoined them to remain impartial and perform their duties in line with the established rules.

In all the polling units visited, there were security agents on ground, and the Corps Members informed the Director-General that the conduct of the exercise was peaceful. 

At Unit 003 Ward 007 in Awka South Local Government, an election observer, Nwadishi Faith Ossai, from the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, was full of praises for the Director-General for taking time to go round and see how Corps Members were faring during the exercise. 

She also remarked that the Corps Members' performance was commendable.

Policy House International Country Representative Taiwo Akerele has been honored at the Focus Africa Awards & Expo ceremony for his contributions towards human capital development in Nigeria.

Akerele was honored, alongside other awardees by organizers of the event Focus Africa Award & Expo at a well-attended dinner event in Abuja.


While receiving the award Akerele dedicated the award to the advocacy for reduction in number of out of school children in nigeria which he said is the biggest security threat to Nigeria at the moment and in future if not curbed.

Akerele also thanked the organizers of the event for the excellent work it is doing in promoting Science and innovation in Africa through its Focus Africa Science, Innovation & Commodity Expo.

*NYSC DG JOINS ABDULSALAMI, OTHERS AT SIGNING OF PEACE ACCORD BY ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATES*

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim was among dignitaries that witnessed the signing of the Peace Accord by political parties and their candidates ahead of the November 6 Governorship election in Anambra State. 


Also in attendance at the event organised by the National Peace Committee in Awka today were the Chairman of the Committee and former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar; INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu; General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General TA Lagbaja; representative of the Inspector-General of Police, other top security officers, traditional rulers and clerics. 


In his address, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee General Abdulsalami Abukakar decried violence, ballot box snatching, vote buying and other irregularities that often marred elections in the country. 


He said the committee, which had been contributing to the improvement of the electoral process since its inception, was concerned about the peace of Anambra State.


Abubakar, therefore, called on all the political parties and their supporters to be committed to ensuring violence-free election and accept the outcome.


In his remarks, the INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu commended the National Peace Committee for its role in ensuring credible and peaceful conduct of elections in the country.


Yakubu noted that the accord brokered by the Committee contributed in no small measure to the peaceful conduct of the Governorship Elections in Edo and Ondo States last year, while also expressing confidence that similar feat would be achieved with that of Anambra State.


He called on all parties that signed the accord to abide by its spirit and letters.


Also speaking, the representative of the Inspector-General of Police, DIG Joseph Egbunike  said security agencies had mapped out strategies for peaceful conduct of the election, and assured that they would be firm and professional in their approach. 


The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim used the opportunity of his presence in the State to pay courtesy visits to the Commander 302 Artillery Regiment Onitsha, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and the Director, Department of State Services. 


He thanked the agencies for their support for the Scheme, especially in the area of security and welfare of Corps members, and called for the sustenance of the cordial working relationship. 


In their separate responses, the Commander 302 Artillery Regiment Colonel AB Usman and the Commissioner of Police Mr. Echeng E. Echeng assured of their support for the Scheme be sustained. 


Ibrahim also addressed Corps members in Awka, the State capital.  He enjoined those of them that would be engaged in the conduct of the election to perform their duty with high sense of responsibility. 


He urged them to act as impartial umpires and be guided by the provisions of the electoral laws.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, on Tuesday, met with the lawmaker representing Apa/Agatu federal constituency in Benue State, Hon. Samuel Odagboyi Godday.

The visit was on the sidelines of the budget presentation and defence by ministries, agencies and parastatals of government.

Shuaibu's meeting with the lawmaker is believed to be in continuation of his renewed efforts at partnering with all critical stakeholders across the nation in his resolve to advance the scheme.

This comes days after some stakeholders commended the DG over the proposed establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund.

By Philip Agbese

The forty-one-year-old, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, executive chairman of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is widely known as crack detective in frauds and economic crimes. For a span of over 15 years in the EFCC, Bawa has dispensed himself as an iconic and phantastic discreet investigator in financial crimes detection and prosecution of suspects in Nigeria.

Strictly, a product of EFCC’s training, I was not surprised when President Muhammadu Buhari nominated him for the commission’s chair and the Nigerian Senate wasted no time in confirming him the agency’s boss on February 24, 2021. I always preach the values of commitment and hard work because it pays unexpectedly. Bawa is my latest idol in this regard.

Bawa came into public service at a tender age, very determined to serve his country diligently and honestly. From the outset, Bawa aspired to assist his fatherland unravel complex mysteries of covert economic crimes, which have tethered Nigeria’s development. So, after his engagement by the EFCC as a Private Investigator, he averred himself for training at the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the United States Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FINCEN), and United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).

EFFC and its internal operations are very familiar to this financial crime fighter because he was among the foundation staff of the commission. Abdulrasheed Bawa was deployed to the EFCC as an Assistant Detective Superintendent (ADS) in 2004. I am impressed at his career progression; but I also know, it was not dashed to him on a platter of gold. He has earned my admiration because his elevation in the commission delivers a thoughtful lesson of reward in hard work and patriotism.

Before becoming the first non-police officer to head the EFCC, Bawa handled very dangerous and sensitive aspects of financial crimes investigations, but proved his mettle as a patriotic Nigerian public servant. He headed various EFCC Zonal offices, including Lagos and Port Harcourt. And the EFCC boss’s service in the anti-graft agency bears imprints of conclusive investigations and prosecution of high-profile cases of advance fee fraud, official corruption, bank frauds, and money laundering. But he refused to be compromised. These are impeccable credentials any Nigerian can proudly flaunt anywhere.

I have come to appreciate him the more because at every instance, Abdulrasheed Bawa neither disappoints his bosses nor Nigerians. But I know, fighting corruption in Nigeria is a difficult mandate to execute. Like Kenya’s anti-corruption evangelist, Professor PLO Lumumba often exclaim; fighting corruption is not a battle for the fainted-hearted. Nevertheless, in spite of the enormity of the task, Bawa’s youthfulness has not distracted his focus. His age notwithstanding, Bawa is equally a lion in the jungle in the face of looters and economic crimes offenders.

It was our own Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who once proclaimed, that everywhere corruption is fought, it fights back. We cannot deny that Nigeria is a cesspool of corruption. It is endemic and oddly dignified by some elites. Therefore, I am not appalled at the injurious darts hurled at Bawa at any time by his adversaries who work day and night to make him step on the axiomatic banana peels.

These enemies of Nigeria have plotted everything and anything to discredit Bawa’s personality and tarnish the image of the EFCC to make it impotent in the face of conspiratorial gangs of financial/economic crimes offenders. I expected that the siege on the Maitama, Abuja residence of a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Mrs. Mary Odili by security operatives would be dubiously and maliciously linked to the EFCC. I guessed accurately.

Trust Nigerians! We are good rubble rousers. We blamed Bawa and the EFCC for all the wrong reasons, but later evidence discountenanced the alarms as false. Truly, I was stunned at the level the incident was magnified and fresh windows of bile criticisms of Bawa generated. We delight in crucifying the innocent in favour of the guilty.

Unfortunately, the EFCC was persecuted over an act it never contemplated. Fables were crafted and narratives embellished which resisted every logic, but were spewed against the EFCC boss. Therefore, state governors, national parliamentarians, the NBA, rights activists, PDP, the main opposition political party, among others, rose in vociferous condemnations of the siege on the house of Justice Mrs. Mary Odili. It implies that Bawa was the target of some influential power brokers who are desperately searching for a space to cage him.

Justice Mrs. Mary Odili had no pending issues with EFCC. But in Nigeria, I know that most times, my compatriots’ mouth before cogitation. Certainly, ex-Rivers state governor, Dr. Peter Odili, Justice Mary Odili ‘s husband has his own altercations and nightmares with security agencies over his travelling documents.

And the security siege on the house of the Odilis was sprouted by a whistleblower, one Aliyu Umar who allegedly observed illegal activities at # 9, Imo Street, Maitama, Abuja, home of the Supreme Court Justice. Umar’s allegation compelled the Joint Panel Recovery unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice, to secure a search warrant from a Magistrate Court, leading to the security siege on the house of the Odilis. Till now, I cannot discern the nexus of the EFCC with the operation.

From the narratives I stitched together, it is obvious that the Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili was not the target, but had to bear the heat by virtue of matrimonial and residential association with her husband, Sir Peter Odili. Sadly, in Nigeria, we have placed some people above the law. We see them as demigods and untouchables, but offer others as sacrificial lambs. It’s our peculiar character as a people.

However, in the same African continent, former South African President, Jacob Zuma is now serving a jail term over contempt of court. It is the expression of the supremacy of the law. But perception of citizens in my country, Nigeria is different. And the most offending aspect of the incident was the attempt to falsely link Bawa to the raid or siege on the Odilis or whatever perceived wrong in the security operation.

These are far- rooted plots to intimidate Bawa and make him shirk from performing his duties, manifest in the conspiracy theories. It is meant to set him against the Judiciary, whose cooperation he needs to excel on the job. It’s a scare trick and I imagine the effect on the image of Nigeria in the international community, to read screaming headlines like “EFC C boss raids residence of a Supreme Court judge in Nigeria.”

Pleasantly, the incident has intensified my passion for a patriotic and loyal Bawa, who has remained unbowed despite glaring intimidations. Bawa is not just a youth, but an exceptional administrator and leader. His records of service yawningly attest to it. He is the constituency of Nigerian youths and we shall spare no weapon on his detractors or adversaries. Those wishing to drag his name in the mud should think twice.

Conspicuously, the EFCC boss is determined to discharge this presidential assignment with all decency and in conformity with the provisions of the law. In less than a year on the saddle, Bawa’s reforms and innovations have catapulted the anti-graft agency to a globally recognized financial crimes fighting commission. So, the enemies are trying to gag him, by attacking his credibility.

Observably, I see a confounding capacity of Bawa on the job, who amazes to a level one finds it difficult to blend his performance with his age. But he is a warehouse of experience in financial crimes fighting and no matter the complexity of the web of frauds, Bawa unties the knot. He is reorganizing the EFCC into a super anti-graft fighting agency of world class status. He is activating and operationalizing all the internal administrative structures/units of the EFCC as stipulated by law to streamline operations.

Bawa has purged the agency of attache staff who were famed for stalling case files of suspected looters and fraudsters. And the positive results are visible. In barely nine months of the year, Bawa’s leadership of the EFCC has secured a record 978 convictions, recovered properties from illicit wealth and billions of naira from the convicts in local and foreign currencies. The EFCC has also arrested over 1, 500 internet fraudsters who are being prosecuted.

Truth be told that such milestones are only possible because of the cooperation of the Judiciary and he cannot turn around to embarrass the same institution for no justifiable cause. I am optimistic that the anti-graft agency under Bawa’s watch cannot condescend to such levels of absurdity, infamy and brazen acts of glaring assault on the sanctity of our laws by invading the house of any Nigerian without due process.

I am one Nigerian who believes in Patriot Bawa and his leadership of the EFCC. Those who have devised ambush tactics to scare him have made the wrong calculations. Bawa may be young, with a tiny stature, but inside the small body-frame is encased a strong-walled heart. We are familiar with these strategies often adopted by Nigerians to frustrate or distract every determined public servant. We are ready to tackle them.


Agbese is an international human rights activist and public affairs commentator.

Invasion of Justice Mary Odili's Residence; Democracy no longer safe under Buhari.



The Southern Nigeria Frontier (SNF) is once again worried, about the recent invasion of the Abuja residence of Justice Mary Odili, of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. We consider this gestapo action, which available evidences have shown was ordered by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, as the height of corruption and executive recklessness, targeted at once again intimidating the Nigeria's Judiciary, a conduct now synonymous with the Buhari regime.



Despite the denial by the administration, particularly the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, we wish to let Nigerians, and the International community note that this is another move by the administration, to intimidate, denigrate and ridicule the judiciary just like what was done to unceremoniously sack former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onoghen.



What the Buhari administration is doing, particularly through AGF Abubakar Malami, is nothing but an executive recklessness and impunity. It must be known, that a Supreme Court Justice like Justice Mary Odili is a senior citizen of this country, whose residence cannot be hidden to the knowledge of the government, which should now be mistaken for an ordinary Abuja residence, where "Illegal activities" are supposedly taking place, as claimed by the invaders of her residence. This is barbaric and unacceptable.



There is no doubt that the continued attack on the institutions of our democracy, particularly the judiciary, by operatives of this administration, is a descent into a deeper dictatorship than we have ever witnessed in our polity even during military regime. If Supreme Court judges can be under this manner of assault and abuse of naked power, what would be the fate of the everyday citizens in Nigeria? This culture is no doubt, a new low never witnessed in our country and all lovers of justice, democracy and decency must condemn this barbaric act.



While calling on all Nigerians and members of the international community to pay serious attention to the abuse of power and threat to democracy under President Buhari, it is obvious that democracy in Nigeria is becoming unsafe in the hands of Buhari’s government.

Finally, we wish to state, that we shall not allow our democracy to be sacrificed on the Altar of the desperation of today's men in power, as we remained resolute in our avowed commitment to the survival of our democracy.





Signed:



Olufemi Lawson

Spokesman, SNF

Stakeholders at the recently concluded symposium on the imperatives of an NYSC Trust Fund have expressed delight at the prospects of such a laudable initiative if established. The symposium, which had the theme “Consolidating the gains of the NYSC in Youth Empowerment and National Development in the face of Economic Realities: The Imperatives of a Trust Fund", brought together various stakeholders across the country.
Those interviewed highlighted the necessity of the NYSC Trust Fund in the face of economic realities occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic. A development expert, who pleaded anonymity, stated that the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund would serve as a critical interventionist vehicle to harness the vast potentials of youths in the country.
“ What we must realize is the huge potentials in the youthful population in Nigeria, and when we have such a vehicle that would harness these potentials, the rational thing to do is to hit the ground running as soon as practicable.”
The Minister of the FCT corroborated this much. He stated that the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund could not have come at a better time in cognizance that the NYSC can drive Nigeria's economic recovery process, through the empowerment of its teeming youth, given the budding talents at its disposal.
Dr Ifeuko Amadi, a civil society organization representative at the symposium, stated that the NYSC Trust Fund is as exciting and interesting because of the positives that would accrue to the country.
“We must begin to think outside the box in efforts at addressing the myriads of socio-economic challenges in the country. This is no doubt a laudable initiative that could not have come at a better time than now. The prospects are unimaginable, and if properly implemented, it could serve as a model for sustainable growth and development, not just in Nigeria, but across the African continent."
In his remarks, the NYSC DG stated that the NYSC Trust Fund initiative came about after extensive consultations to strengthen the operations of the NYSC, in the same manner, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Police Trust Equipment and the Petroleum Technology Development Trust Fund.
“The NYSCTF, when operational, would help address the infrastructural and other logistics needs that would aid the smooth operations of the scheme, while resources from the Fund would support staff training for higher productivity. “
This view was supported by the vast majority of stakeholders, who commended the NYSC Management for the initiative to propel the economic recovery process in Nigeria. Mr Stanly Anene, a representative of the Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative, stated that the NYSC Trust Fund could bridge the gap in youths' contributions to national development. “The youths are always referred to as the leaders of tomorrow. The youths can be referred to as the nation's backbone and have a higher success rate to change the dynamics to have a new model modification in the society. The youths are needed to serve as the lubricants for wheels of change and the NYSC Trust Fund presents us that unique opportunity to turn things around in the country."
He further added that it was a thing of delight for the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund and indeed a welcome development.
This was the general view of other stakeholders at the symposium. They opined that the NYSC Trust if established, would add bite to the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development initiative of the NYSC through adequate provision of training facilities and required funds for startups.
The visibly elated stakeholders further emphasized the need for the government to expedite action towards establishing the NYSC Trust Fund. They stated that the benefits of the NYSC Trust Fund could not be overemphasized. Emmanuel Bwala, a youth empowerment advocate, noted that the NYSC Trust Fund is long overdue given the strategic importance of the NYSC in national development.
“The NYSC as a scheme has contributed to nation-building over the years, aside from serving as that vehicle for national integration. Therefore, establishing the NYSC Trust Fund would make the scheme robust in delivery to the national development. It is indeed a well thought out initiative that the government must accord all necessary seriousness.”
It would be recalled that the DG of the NYSC, Brig Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, had advocated for the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund to cater for the financial empowerment of corps members as they pass out of service. He emphasized that the NYSC Trust Fund would help them establish their vocational businesses with the skills they acquired from the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme in service.
Also, some stakeholders had lent their support, stating that the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund would reduce unemployment amongst youths and curb the crime rate in the country.

The management of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has so far displayed professionalism and excellence in the discharge of their duties and conduct at various camps across the country. A civil society group, Nigeria First movement has said.

The group, which made this known in a press statement on Friday in Abuja, said it came to this conclusion after an assessment tour of NYSC facilities across the nation, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Nigeria First movement said it visited the FCT camp on Thursday and Friday, expressing satisfaction with its officials in ensuring that the scheme does not lose focus on its core mandates.

According to the statement signed by its President, Richard Adie, the group hailed the management over its strict adherence to Covid~19 safety protocols across orientation camps.

From their visit, Adie further revealed that corps members are subjected to coronavirus tests on arrival before they are admitted into the camps while prompt medical assistance are rendered for those who tested positive.

He added that the FCT orientation centre, in particular, has taken other pragmatic steps to de-escalate the pandemic.

The group also applauded the measures put in place to secure young Nigerians who are on solemn duty of serving their fatherland.

Adie, also acknowledged the gallantry of the military and law enforcement agencies for the prompt release of two abducted prospective corps members.

In terms of welfare and other psychological support for corps members, Nigeria First scored NYSC high for the many initiatives that the scheme has introduced for corps members.

While applauding the FCT management for their cooperation, the group said the scheme is even more attractive now despite the challenges confronting the nation and the world at large.

Read full statement below:

We are elated to be here today, in furtherance of our patriotic mandate, as a group that represents the purest interest of our dear nation, to appraise the situation at the FCT NYSC orientation camp in the following areas:
a) The efforts to de-escalate the spread of Covid-19.
b) Measures on the security of the members.
c) Welfare and other psychological support for corps members
Nigeria First has a special interest in the NYSC, a scheme established in 1973, to encourage peaceful coexistence and cultural integration in the country after a devastating 30 months of civil war, that weakened the bond of unity that held the country together as one nation. We are not unaware of the critical role the NYSC scheme plays in bridging the widening gap of disunity in our dear nation. As an outfit that stands out as one of the symbols of unity and cohesion in Nigeria today, at a time when our very fabrics of unity is once again, shaken to its roots, with secessionist calls from some quarters, a Nigerianist organization like the Nigeria First, see it as a patriotic call to ensure that NYSC is better placed to continue to serve its unifying purpose.
The world is yet to recover from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic which since its detection in 2019, has continued to form a barrier on in-person activities around the globe. This has posed a serious challenge for the NYSC scheme, which depends on the gathering and movements of persons, to fulfill its mandate. The resolve and courage in carrying out the core mandates of the scheme in the face of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic is commendable. However, we do not wish to in the euphoria of the many positive impacts of the scheme, lose track on the need to ensure that the corps members are adequately protected from the deadly virus, this is why we have come here today to assess the efforts of the NYSC scheme to de-escalate the spread of Covid-19 in the camps. From what we have seen in this Orientation center, the strict adherence to internationally-accepted Covid-19 protocols; including the provision of many hand-washing points, aimed at suppressing the existence and spread of the virus in the Centre, subjecting all members to Covid-19 tests on arrival and the prompt medical assistance made available to those who are tested positive, have left us satisfied that the NYSC in general and the FCT Orientation Centre in particular, have taken pragmatic steps to de-escalate the pandemic.

May I also explore this medium to congratulate the NYSC, and salute the gallantry of our military and other law enforcement agencies, for the prompt release of the two NYSC members that were kidnapped while on the solemn duty of serving the fatherland. This has gone a long way to reinvigorating our hope in the ability of the NYSC scheme to go any length in ensuring the security of corps members. Their sleepless nights and pressure, coupled with the professionalism and gallantry of our law enforcement bodies and the military, ensured that no member was lost in that condemnable act of banditry and kidnapping. It is laudable that despite the security threats, the NYSC scheme has relentlessly put many measures in place to ensure the security of corps members. The movement of corps members in company of heavy security, especially in volatile areas, is the greatest demonstration of good faith on the part of the scheme to ensure maximum protection of corps members. Other measures which will not be made public due to the sensitive nature of the issue, will continue to guarantee safety of corps members.

In the area of welfare and other psychological support for corps members, Nigeria First again, scores NYSC high for the many initiatives that the scheme has introduced to provide mental support while ensuring the welfare of corps members.

Nigeria First is satisfied with the work of the NYSC in general and FCT orientation camp in particular, in ensuring that the scheme does not lose focus on its core mandates. The many initiatives of the NYSC that has continued to uplift the scheme and make it better cannot be fully enumerated in this speech, but on the three issues raised above, it gives us inestimable joy to see that the scheme is doing a lot to change the narrative and continue to make the NYSC an attractive scheme that will continue to stand in the way of disunity and balkanization of this country.

Finally, may I on behalf of the Nigeria First movement, express our gratitude to the coordinator of the FCT orientation Centre and the leadership of the NYSC scheme in Nigeria, for the friendly atmosphere that was availed to us during this finding mission. We use this opportunity to advise coros members to be security conscios and complement the efforts of NYSC Management to ensure that they do not put themselves in harms way.

A civil society organisation, The Abuja Grassroots Advocacy Project, has drummed support for the establishment of a Trust Fund for the NYSC.
According to the group, the establishment of the Fund will effectively complement the Federal Government’s efforts in moving 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
The chief advocate of the CSO, Comrade Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at a symposium organised by NYSC on the imperative of establishing a Trust Fund for the scheme in Abuja.
Yusuf commended the NYSC management for the idea of the Trust Fund while also calling on all and sundry to support its establishment as it will empower the scheme to effectively confront the emerging economic challenges of the 21st century.
He also commended the scheme for providing a platform that would engender greater appreciation of the imperative for the NYSC Trust Fund and generate ideas that would facilitate its actualisation.
According to him, resolutions reached at the symposium have the capacity to change the narratives of not only the NYSC scheme, but the teeming Nigerian youths.
He called on the NYSC management to sustain and expand the scope of advocacy for the establishment of the fund.
It was also agreed that to achieve the desired objectives for the establishment of the Trust Fund, it must have clear objectives to promote transparency and beneficiaries must be identified based on gender, geopolitical representation and other relevant demographies.
“The NYSC Trust Fund the realisation of the NYSC Trust Fund will effectively complement the Federal Government’s efforts in moving 100 million Nigerians out of poverty as those expected to benefit from the fund would be Corps members who have been trainedthrough the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme are expected to train and empower no fewer than five persons from their host Community,” he added.
He said that the recommendation adopted during the NYSC symposium was laudable and should be supported by members of the National Assembly when the Bill for the establishment of the Fund would be presented to them for approval.
“We also want to appeal to President Muhammad to make the bill an Executive Bill when presented to the National Assembly. Because if passed into law, many Nigerians will benefit from it greatly,” he stated.

By Philip Agbese


I read the London-based Economist magazine's editorial, the crime scene at the heart of Africa, and I ended having mixed feelings about Nigeria. The title of the editorial was well cast to elicit a wide readership. That was brilliant. It ran historical about Nigeria with flashes of the civil war. In the usual manner, it dwelled on historical disjoint regarding the remote and immediate causes of the war. This is a topic for another day.
The editorial board of the magazine sanctioned such publication without recourse to the sensibilities of its readership. It went on a foray of invectives that could be used in blogs and startup news mediums. This was what the Economist did, and it is somewhat indicative that editorial competence has eluded the organization.

My grouse with the editorial was the gross misrepresentation of facts regarding the prosecution of the war against insurgency in Nigeria and other forms of criminalities. "The Nigerian Army is mighty on paper. But many of its soldiers are ghosts" it stated. How could one possibly explain this statement? Was it a statement of fact or the usual attempt at jabbing the successes recorded in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country?
What was the source of information? A product of detailed field research or outright insinuations and illogical conclusions? I will go with the latter because the Economist got it wrong in all ramifications. A visit to the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria would help a great deal in understanding that the publication of the Economist relied on outdated data that dates back to 2009 when the Boko Haram group began its violent campaign in Nigeria.

I also need to add that the Economist must be educated to know that in the year 2016, while Lt Gen T.Y Buratai, now Ambassador of Nigeria to Benin Republic, held sway as the chief of army staff, the Nigerian Army gained ascendency over the Boko Haram group, that led to their dislodgement from Sambisa Forest. So much so, that it was common knowledge that the activities of Boko were restricted to the fringes of the Lake Chad basin region.

What about the super camp strategy introduced in 2019, that involved taking the fight to the enemies in their hideouts after dislodging them from their operational headquarters in Sambisa Forest. Again, the successes recorded were outstanding. But the Economist was not aware of these feats because its editors were probably holed up in their comfort zones in London.

This is 12 years after, and a medium as respectable as the Economist magazine is caught pants down. The conclusion is this: either the editorial was in return for a plate of porridge or a deliberate attempt to boost readership on its platform. Whichever motive was responsible, it remains that the Economist magazine is only mighty in name but meagerly in editorial content.

The death of Abubakar Shekau and Abu Musab al-Barnawi, known factional leaders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ought to have sent a message to the editorial team at the Economist. Did they deliberately ignore or they were not privy to the recent happenings in North-East Nigeria?
Let me digress a little. The real crime scene was at the editorial boardroom of the Economist magazine, where the publication of such misinformation about the Nigerian Army was okayed without due diligence. It, therefore, indicates that the tendency for readers to be misinformed by the Economist is high. Or could it be that the Economist has joined forces with the global network of terrorism promoters by promoting news stories that give terror gangs psychological advantages?

Back to the crux. The Nigerian Army remains a highly professional force, whose impact in Nigeria on addressing the myriads of security challenges has been noteworthy. The fact remains that the Nigerian Army has been extensively involved in Internal Security Operations across the country.
The editors at the Economist must come to terms that the Nigerian Army's role in internal security operations does not only have robust precedence; it has now become a national security imperative. And why is this so?

The Army’s readiness and availability suffices in this regard. Therefore, as The Economist put it, I am not convinced that “ghost” soldiers could attain such a feat.
I also wonder how it eluded the editors at the Economist, the political undertone to the security challenges in Nigeria. I would suggest that they lay hold of the profile of the Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria. After that, I believe they would have a rethink with regards to the term "ghost soldiers."
For the records, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya was the commander of the counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria before he was appointed Chief of Army Staff. And the records are in the public domain for their perusal. I am tempted to believe that the editors at the Economist are intolerant about Nigeria as a country for reasons best known to them. This intolerance they have recently transferred to the operations of the Nigerian Army.

For the records, almost 6000 insurgent commanders and foot soldiers have recently surrendered due to improved counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria. And many more exploits that are in the public domain that the Economist elected to ignore.
My takeaway from the editorial is that the Economist was economical in their analysis. It smacks of mischief and a deliberate attempt to misinform and create a crisis of confidence within the Nigerian Army. But did they succeed? The answer is no. and were there lessons to be learnt?

There are indeed lessons to be learnt in the sense that readers should be circumspect with content from the supposed mighty news mediums such as The Economist. Most of them have lost editorial standards. The staying power is the name and not the content, as evident in the analysis in “the crime scene in the heart of Africa”.
"The crime scene in the heart of Africa" is fiction. The Nigerian Army is not mighty on paper; it is a professional force with verifiable exploits in counter-insurgency and internal security operations. I would have availed more details about the achievements of the Nigerian Army in recent times. However, I will leave that for the army authorities.

This piece is not a structured response but an opinion from a concerned citizen who is conversant with the operations of the Nigerian Army and its numerous contributions to peace and stability. And I say in unequivocal terms that there are no “ghost soldiers” in the Nigerian Army. The Economist must do well to recant their stance.

Agbese is a human rights law researcher at the Middlesex University London.

"Having a good medical facility in the Niger Delta region is one thing that will help reduce the health issues and challenges faced by the people of the region". This was a statement made by the Special Adviser to the Interim Administrator/CEO of the NDDC, Engr. Udengs Eradiri.

Engr. Eradiri while ably representing the NDDC boss, had the privilege of cutting the tape of the newly built 10-bed dialysis centre of the Silhouette Diagnostic Centre in Abuja. Speaking to newsmen after the event, Engr. Eradiri enthused "Quality facilities such as this, is one that we deserve in our region and the country. I am super excited because this facility belongs to one of us, a Niger Deltan who despite the economic challenges in the country, overcame all odds to ensure he broke even and contribute his quota to building a world-class medical industry".

Engr. Eradiri wasn't alone in the opening of the Silhouette Dialysis Centre, the Founder of the Nigerian Young Professionals, Moses Siasia was also in attendance and he enthused that "at a time when medical practitioners are looking for a way out of the country for a supposedly greener pasture, you chose to invest and grow a world-class medical facility; I celebrate with you and promise to use my network to bring to the fore this facility"

It was a well-attended event with plans by the management to expand beyond Bayelsa, Rivers State and the FCT.

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi has described the Royal Turbaning of Alhaji Saliu Mustapha as the Turaki of Ilorin by His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, as a worthy recognition of Alhaji Mustapha’s contribution to nation-building. Senator Afikuyomi in a statement issued and personally signed, said said Alhaji Mustapha is a long-term associate who has been conscientious in politics, and painstaking in humanitarian services, not just around the people of Ilorin Emirate alone, but in the entire Kwara State and in Nigeria as a whole.

According to the Senator, who once represented both, Lagos Central Senatorial District, and Lagos West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, "Mustapha’s decent politics, maturity and candor have combined to portray him as a rare breed amongst the pack, which is why he is often welcomed in any circle he has pitched tent with."


“He has a great sense of fairness, comportment and is also result oriented. A loyal friend, with a god-fearing disposition, he passes as one of the most respectable public figures from Kwara State,” Afikuyomi added.

Senator Afikuyomi summed that with his turbaning as the Turaki of Ilorin, he is confident that Mustapha Saliu will impact on the people of the peace-loving emirate, in line with the vision of His Royal Highness, and the expectations of citizens.

“May God almighty give him the wisdom, good health and longevity to deliver the much-needed goods for his people, his fans and for humanity at large. Congratulations to a good friend,” the Senator concluded.

By Donald Okpeh

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has slightly clocked two years of its existence. Absolutely, in the last two years, NEDC has been on a progressive odyssey in the execution of its mandate in Nigeria’s Northeast region. It is a region hitherto, severely ravaged and devastated by multilayered, bloody jihadists campaigns of insurgency for over a decade.

Established by an Act of the National Assembly (NASS), and signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2017, the NEDC’s Governing Board was inaugurated in May 2018 by Mr. President. Thereafter, it commenced full-scale operations under the leadership of the Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali.

Sequel to the Buhari Presidency, Boko Haram insurgency totally paralyzed or crumbled economic activities and infrastructural facilities in the Northeast region. Many Nigerians never imagined that insurgency would be blighted to the point of mandating the NEDC or any other agency with the arduous task of succor to the displaced, traumatized and distraught populations in the Northeast region, comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.

Information on the NEDC website, disclosed its main mandate as; “among other things, is to receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federal Account and international donors for the settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling menace of poverty, illiteracy level, ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the North-East states”.

The statistics of devastations in the region were quite scary. Multiple media reports corroborated that between 2009 and 2015 insurgents’ atrocities in the region destroyed more than 900 schools and forced at least, another 1,500 to abrupt closures. And by early 2016, close to 1 million school-aged children fled the violence -prone areas of the region and the UN estimated a frightening figure of IDPs in excess of 2.4 million people, housed in various camps across the region, with its connected humanitarian crisis.

Therefore, NEDC’s immediate actions were directed at the reconstruction of the damaged physical infrastructures, reducing the humanitarian crisis faced by IDPs, evolving a solid peace-building, reconciliation, and de-radicalization framework. The NEDC management understood that issues such as illiteracy, poverty and unemployment were the bane of unending insecurity in the Northeast region.

In spite of the enormous responsibilities of the commission, the management has so far, glaringly proved its mettle, with meagre funds in the kitty, to the applause of Nigerians, especially, people of the Northeast region on execution of its official mandate. The Board has in the last two years, met so many popular expectations, remedied many infrastructural deficits across board, recording many success stories in projects execution and humanitarian services. To its credibility today, there have been unprecedented achievements in the reconstruction of housing units, hospitals, roads, bridges, portable water supply, schools, scholarship grants to indigent students, empowerment and skills acquisition programmes, among others.

In Borno state for instance, the NEDC has completed the construction of 1,000 housing units and equipped numerous Technical and Vocational/Skills Centres around the state based on the approvals it obtained from the FGN in 2019 to construct 10,000 houses, as well as establish Technical and Vocational Skills Acquisition Centres for the IDPs across all the six states in the region.

Ngowom Village, Mafa LGA of Borno state now bore the bold the imprimatur of NEDC’s first 1,000 housing units in the region. The completed housing units have since been handed over to the Government of Borno state, led by Professor Babagana Zulum. This is aside other resettlement programmes, infrastructural as well as scholarship programmes granted indigenes of the state, in tertiary institutions by the commission, a direct attack on the sermonized ideology of Boko Haramists.

The NEDC has also constructed and commissioned a world class Burn Centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching hospital (UMTH) to treat burns from bomb explosions or fire incidents. It has since been put to use to address incidences of burn injuries and other related matters in the state.

Similarly, in Yobe State, the NEDC identified the magnitude of destroyed infrastructures in the educational sector orchestrated by insurgency. The commission discovered that from the primary schools to the tertiary institutions, the scale of destruction as a result of the Boko Haram crisis was mindboggling. School buildings, furniture, and other equipments were destroyed by the insurgents.

But with the Rapid Response Intervention (RRI) programme of the NEDC in Yobe state, the last two years, has experienced massive renovations and constructions of new classrooms, offices, stores and supply of furniture across the 17 local government areas of the state.

Yobe state has also benefited from the commission’s initiative to provide affordable housing units for the people of the Northeast region. So far, 500 housing units have been completed in Yobe state. Out of this number, 250 units are located in Damaturu the state capital; 50 units in Buni Yadi; 50 units in Geidam; 50 units in Potiskum; 50 units in Gashua, and another 50 in Nguru.

The commission has also repaired and converted over 28 boreholes to solar hybrid and subsequent drilling and installation of 34 hybrid solar boreholes across Yobe, in order to meet the water and sanitation needs of the rural folks in the state. This is aside from the state-of-the-art molecular laboratory the commission has established at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH), for easy testing of Lassa fever, COVID-19, Yellow fever as well as other diseases and outbreaks in the state.

The agricultural sector in Yobe state too has enjoyed the commission’s intervention, as many dry season farmers in the state have benefited from the 1,500 participants in the Agricultural Support Scheme of NEDC in the state and the region. The state has also enjoyed the ICT and other trainings sponsored across all the states in the region by the commission’s management.

Also, in Bauchi State, the NEDC commenced the infrastructural rebuilding process after it had in September 2021, flagged off the construction of 500 housing units in the state. The distribution of food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state also took place the same day as the commission targeted tackling the issue of imminent food insecurity in the region.

Furthermore, the NEDC has commenced the construction of two major roads in Bauchi, which previously resisted the attention of successive administrations in the state. The roads are Alkaleri – Futuk road in Alkaleri LGA and Alkaleri -Kirfi- to Gombe Abba road in Kirfi LGA of Bauchi State. Construction work is also ongoing at the Soro cattle market in Ganjuwa LGA as well as at Fistula Hospital in Ningi LGA. The NEDC is determined to complete these projects in the next fiscal year.

In Adamawa, the NEDC has also taken over the reconstruction of three critical bridges in Kudzum, Dilechim and Wurro Ngayandi, all destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents in Michika and Madagali LGAs of the Northeast region since 2014. These bridges serve as links between Adamawa and Borno state and its destruction grounded socio-economic and commercial activities between the two states.

NEDC established another Burn Centre at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC ) Yola as well as infectious laboratory for testing Covid 19 at the state Specialist Hospital Yola, among many other life- saving or uplifting projects in Adamawa state have been completed by the commission, fully equipped and are ready to be put to public use. Notably, the NEDC boss, Mohammed Alkali led other top management members of the commission, the Governing Board, the minister of works, NASS members and other stakeholders to Adamawa state on a two-day official working visit, where the completed projects were commissioned and handed over to the Borno State Government while new ones were equally flagged off for execution on same day.

At the time of the visit too, the commission also flagged off the construction of 500 housing units for IDPs in the state; distributed various food and non-food items to victims of insurgency, handed over the well-equipped Burn Centre built at FMC Yola as well as the infectious diseases laboratory to the Adamawa State Government.

The NEDC has initiated similar projects in Gombe and Taraba states respectively. The construction of MEGA Schools, the reconstruction and rehabilitation of education sector’s infrastructures to address the high deficit in classroom blocks in both primary and secondary schools throughout the Northeast region is a commendable initiative by the Commission. These and many more have been achieved within just two years of the NEDC under its pioneer management.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the North East Youths and Elders Peoples Forum, (NEYEF)recently expressed satisfaction with the leadership of the NEDC under Alkali, commending the commission for making giant strides in its mandate of rebuilding and redeveloping the Northeast zone. NEDC has accomplished more than can be captured in a single piece.

But with these stated exploits, the NEDC has made within a short span of two years, the process of rebuilding the Northeast region is on course under the Buhari Presidency. And cynics are shamed that indeed, it is possible, the devastated region can regain its lost status, despite the afflictions of years of insurgency under focused leaders.#


Okpeh is a public affairs ansyst and wrote this piece from Abuja.

The deplorable state of infrastructure at the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan.

By Ibrahim Lawal Esq,

The Oyo State High Court of Justice, Ring Road, Ibadan, is the seat of the judiciary, the third arm of government. Apart from the fact that it hosts more than fifteen Court Rooms, the office of the Chief Judge of the State is there. The Judicial Service Commission, a body saddled with the responsibility of taking care of the appointment and welfare of judicial officers, has its office within the premises. It also houses the Probate Registry as well as the Court Registry.

This complex, arising from its centrality to the filing of judicial processes and the nature of the services it renders to the members of the public, attracts a constant stream of vehicular and human traffic. It is patently unjust for the Government to leave the whole complex in its present squalid circumstances. It has become urgent for the managers of administrative affairs in the State to address this deplorable situation.

A new visitor to the Court premises may be compelled to believe that all is well, especially when he/she does not have any reason to move beyond the first Car Park. Any venture into the so called extension, the second car park, reveals putrescence. Nobody with a modicum of self-respect will attempt a revisit after the first experience. Cars, drivers, litigants and lawyers bear the unmistakable imprimatur of pervasive decadence, occasioned by perennial neglect. Construction site workers have better tales to tell. Visitors to the premises are most reluctant to repeat the unpleasant duty, if they are obliged to do so. Lawyers and litigants have sorry tales of embarrassing moments during their visits. The roads are simply impassable and messy. The Court Rooms need urgent attention. They are too hostile to the business of adjudication which requires deep intellection. They are repulsive to decency. It is unjust to have the courts in the erstwhile capital of the defunct Western Region, the most advanced in all ramifications, reduce to a huge joke.

May we appeal to the Executive arm of government to come to the aid of the judiciary as urgently as the current partisan consideration will permit. The current hardship can be mitigated by the Governor. He is a man of exquisite taste. The intervention of the State at his private residence around Kolapo Isola Estate is a pointer to the quality of job he can bring to existence. We will not be asking for too much if we demand that the Governor intervene to save the Judiciary from further mockery.



Ibrahim Lawal is the Head of Chamber, Olujinmi & Akeredolu.

My Name is Amos Usman I am a Corps Member serving in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State with the State code Kb/20B/0218 I am serving in Government Girls Science College Yauri. I saved up my allowee to invest in green season rice farming.

Before my deployment to serve in Kebbi State, I run only a subsistent farm back in my state of origin, coming to Kebbi and being posted to Yauri Local Government, made me abolish my desire to further re-apply for relocation which was not granted to me while on camp.

Coupled with the consistent advices offered me by my Local Government Inspector Mr Femi Dada and my Zonal Inspector Mr Timothy Dikko on need to continue with SAED post camp training and also not to neglect the little idea I had in my yard farming, I decided to dabble into rice farming.

I had to follow the Principal and VP to their farms to learn about the plantation of rice. They eventually thought me alot on rice farming and helped me to secure a hectare of land at #10000. This alone served as push to put all my savings from my allowance to get every necessary thing done.
Rice seed...... #37,000
Tractor's-work.#14,000
Planters......... #25,000
Weeding......... #22,000
Chemicals...... #12,800
Fertilizer........ #39,000
Grand total 159000, while IAM expecting at least 40 bags of rice.

I am most thankful to the National Youth Service Corps for giving me this opportunity to be able to build on my passion .

Corps members serving in Òkè-ìlà community in Ifedayo local government area have put smiles on the faces of the people of the community by refurbishing two long abandoned boreholes in the community.

The project which was carried out on Thursday was commissioned by the Orangun of Òkè-Ila, HRM, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin.

Ọba Abolarin commended the Corps members for their selfless contribution to the community stating that their presence has always been a great source of motivation and inspiration for the youths and children in the community.

"you have indeed shown to me and my people that the NYSC Scheme is not a sham and that your training was indeed worthwhile.

" aside your imparting knowledge in our children in the classrooms, you have surprised us further by working towards making portable water available for our people. You have done well", he said.

Ọba Abolarin added that the people had given up hope of ever getting portable water from the boreholes because it had been abandoned for a very long time. He appreciated the scheme for believing in the unity of the nation and working towards achieving it.

"most of the Corps members who have carried out one project or the other are mostly from different states, tribes and climes but the scheme succeeds in bringing them together and they as a team work in harmonious symphony to achieve the mandates of the NYSC".

Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka, who was represented by the Local Government Inspector, Mr Oniye Damilare appreciated the Orangun of Oke-Ila and the good people of the community for the warm reception accorded the corps members when they first resumed, this, according to him, had made them feel at home in the community.

He stated that based on the training recieved by the members, it was expedient for them to reciprocate the hospitality of the people by leaving a positive landmark such as they had done.

The programme also had in attendance the LGIs of Ejigbo and Isokan local government, Mr Akin Owoseni and Mr Rotimi Onatade respectively.

By David Onmeje

The Sun Publishing Limited, publishers of The Sun newspaper is one of Nigeria’s leading generational news tabloid. Within a short time of its operations, the medium carved a niche for itself in credibility and media excellence in the industry.

Therefore, The Sun Publishing Limited has upped the ante by adding another garland on the shelve of the numerous public service accolades, received by the Director -General, National Youth Service Corps (DG-NYSC), Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim. The 18th Sun awards 2020 honour of Brig. Gen. Ibrahim was a loud reaffirmation of his splendid public service performance. It is Nigeria’s appreciation of a dedicated public servant.

In recent times, the DG-NYSC has been feted by highly reputable corporate bodies and organizations for his marvelous public service records. Brig. Gen. Ibrahim’s nomination by the Board of Editors of the Sun Publishing Ltd and subsequent conferment of the Sun Public Service Award for 2020 is a resounding and distinctive crest of excellence trailing his shadows in public service.

Some Nigerians may be wondering why the DG-NYSC has become a doyen and celebrity in the files of famed organizations in Nigeria. But is it undeniable that the over four decades NYSC scheme has been repositioned, reinvigorated and revolutionized under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Ibrahim despite the turbulent times in the country.He has defined new templates and set new targets for himself, which are religiously implemented.

Brig. Gen. Ibrahim, a crack soldier, military historian and an administrative czar is perpetually scared of failure. So, he strives to excel all the times. He once proclaimed that, “As I sleep and wake up, I think of death and what I will be remembered for and when God gave me this opportunity, I always think of what legacy I will leave behind.”

Propelled by this passion, his execution of the NSYC’s vision for the scheme has placed it on the fast-track of accelerated development; bolstered and renewed enthusiasm in young Nigerians in serving their country and sparked NYSC’s support of national productivity through its agricultural initiatives for corps members. Most significantly, the NYSC is now aggressively pursuing the agenda of morphing into an independent scheme, rather than the total dependence on funding from the FGN.

Thus, it is an accurate verdict to assert that Brig. Gen. Ibrahim has raised internal platforms in the scheme, which are gradually turning the NYSC into an investor, money spinner and active contributor to the focal national policy of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration on food security agenda. The NYSC boss also dealt a lethal punch on the nagging menace of dubious participation of graduates with forged certificates in the scheme and fake NYSC members, which were at the verge of completely eroding the credibility of the scheme.

At different times, analysts and public affairs commentators have applauded Brig. Gen. Ibrahim’s perfect initiatives on synergy with multiple agencies and financial institutions. He has his eyes fixated on skills acquisition and financial empowerment of corps members in order to adequately arm them for the post-service challenges of unemployment in the labour market.

The 18th DG- NYSC is famed for his religious implementation of the scheme’s five-point policy. Today, Nigeria can boast of corps members whose potentials are maximally consummated or utilized during the one-year duration of the scheme. The NYSC has repositioned serving corps members to derive multiple self- benefits.

The Director- General has enlivened and bolstered conversations and collaboration with critical stakeholders; improved welfare and security of corps members as well as staff. The NYSC boss has also birthed and reengineered a technology-driven scheme which is effectively creating, energizing and reviving the NYSC Ventures and SAED in line with NYSC Act.

At the precarious times of the COVID-19 outbreak, the NYSC boss ensured all orientation camps were secured and there is a laudable testimony that the scheme has not recorded any COVID-19 fatality to this moment. Rather, corps members displayed enviable patriotism in enlisting into their nation’s fight against the pandemic . They produced hand sanitizers’, face masks, embarked on sensitization campaigns on observance of COVID-19 protocols and in some instances, served as emergency health workers where necessary.

And today, the NYSC has invested in massive rice plantations across the country; built or revived Rice and flour Mills, water factories, and allied investments. These are indisputable landmarks which have elevated Brig. Gen. Ibrahim to the status of an exceptional leader deserving of the Sun Public Service award, as echoed by the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh.

Of course, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim has birthed his biggest project which is in the offing. He is committedly pursuing the initiative of NYSC Trust Fund. It is conceptualized to empower the corps members after post -service years and also, stabilize and sustain the scheme by attracting external revenues to fund its operations.

The DG-NYSC reasoned that “The skills acquisition project has taken many men and women out of the labour market because they become responsive to the challenges of a digital economy. That is why we also want to solicit public support and that of the federal government to set up NYSC Trust Fund. Supported by organizations, it will provide start-up funds for corps members for business and equip the scheme more too. Keeping the corps members busy with the empowerment from the Trust Fund will take many Nigerian youths off the streets and labour market.”

Therefore, the special recognition and award to Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim by the Sun newspapers has again trumpeted his finest innate endowments as a soldier and administrator, who has the knack for hard work, commitment to duty and a stickler for excellence wherever he is privileged to render public service. The Sun award is certainly not the last in the public recognition of the assets embodied by Brig. Gen. Ibrahim. When men of ideas, who are endowed with an innovative spirit mount the saddle, the impactful signs become are clear as manifest in the DG-NYSC. May God grant him the strength to drive his initiative of the NYSC Trust Fund to fruition. #

Onmeje wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

The Southern Nigeria Frontier SNF, is deeply worried, by the recent statement credited to Presidential spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, where he, in a malevolent manner, asserted that President Muhammadu Buhari has become so popular among Nigerians, that he now pulls more crowd than notable founding fathers of Nigeria such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Mallam Aminu Kano.

We consider it very pitiable and shameful, for anyone, particularly students of history, to compare the popularity of President Muhammadu Buhari, with that of our founding fathers, who did not only enjoy massive support and popularity among their people, but lived their lives, for a prosperous and indivisible Nigeria, unlike the now characteristics and very unpopular image of President Muhammadu Buhari.

We are more worried, that such a shameful statement, came from an otherwise promising front line journalist, and of course, a senior member of the media community, whose capacity for right thinking, has become an issue of serious contestation as at the moment.

We cannot but also state clearly, that Mr Adesina's statement is not accidental, as it is just one in the series of his hatchet jobs, of attacking every progressive and historic characters, that seek to expose the inefficiency of the Buhari Regime, which he has dedicated his life, towards the defence, of its glaring failure.

And to show the true intention of the person doing the comparison, he left out the former Premier of the Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello from his comparison as if he never existed in the political space, alongside Zik, Awo and Aminu Kano. Should we not ask Mr Femi Adesina, if he unconsciously left out the late Premier of the Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, in his 'popularity' rating, or he consciously did, out of the fear for his patrons or perhaps, the script he was out to disseminate.

Sincerely speaking, how can any adult or good student of history, begin to draw comparison or even rate President Muhammadu Buhari, higher in term of popularity, with nationalists, who did not only pay their dues, for the actualization of our nationhood, but also spent their lifetimes, defending the cause for the enthronement of democracy, many of those virtues, that the Buhari Regime has continually, aggressively eroded over the past few years.

How can a President, whose body language and actions of operatives of his regime, undermine everything fought for by Dr. Azikwe, Chief Awolowo and Mallam Aminu Kano, be rated above these nationalists, by Mr Femi Adesina?

While urging Nigerians, especially the younger generation, whom Mr Adesina's mischievous manipulation of history, tend to confuse, to disregard this distortion of history, we wish to ask, that President Buhari must listen to the yearning of Nigerians, and urgently address the unprecedented economic downturn and insecurities in the land, without further delay.



Signed:

Olufemi Lawson

Spokesman, SNF

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has again received another accolade to his already long list of honours as he was presented the Sun Awards 2020 for Public Service by the Publishers of ‘The Sun Newspapers’ at a grand ceremony in Lagos on Saturday.
In a short video aired before the Award presentation, Management of the SUN Newspapers said the DG NYSC was considered for the award because of the unprecedented changes he has brought to the National Youth Service Corps as the 18th Chief Executive of the organisation.
His collaboration with Agencies, Organisation and Financial institutions that seek to empower members of the corps were also presented as attributes that make Brig Gen Shuaibu and exceptional leader deserving of the award.
Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Sunday Dare who represented the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Boss Mustapha praised the Management of Sun Newspapers for sustaining the award ceremony for eighteen years and the very rigorous selection process that ensured only deserving individuals are selected for the prestigious award .
Twenty individuals were given awards for Public Service, Philanthropy, Business and Technology at the well-attended ceremony. Also in attendance were the governors of Edo, Kano and Ondo while Kogi, Yobe and Borno Governors were represented by their Deputies.
Brigadier General Shuaibu was accompanied by his wife and some Directors to accept the Award at the 18th Sun Awards 2020. Another winner in the same category was the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa.

By Kolawole Anthony

The name Ambassador Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Lieutenant General (retd) sure rings a bell in the annals of the country. Take it or leave it, it would continue to resonate for a long time, especially at the mention of the Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

Ambassador TY Buratai is a former Chief of Army Staff. But one that redefined purpose and engagement. He is such a great thinker. I won't be wrong if I regard him to one of the great military strategists in the modern-day era because his exploits were legendary, from Operation Lafiya Dole to Operation Crocodile Smile, through Operation Sahel Sanity and others too numerous to mention.

I recently encountered Ambassador TY Buratai, and he remains every inch himself, filled with wisdom and willing to contribute to the discourse on national security. Indeed, there was something fascinating about TY Buratai. He is a man of conviction. I recall when he was appointed Chief of Army Staff, he stated that peace must return to North-East Nigeria. That conviction begat the famous Operation Lafiya Dole that saw the decimation of the Boko Haram group and its dislodgment from Sambisa Forest.

The exploits of operation Lafiya Dole in the war against insurgency in North-East Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. It was also on record that TY Buratai, as Chief of Army Staff, sometimes led operations and slept in the trenches with troops. I recall that on several occasions, his convoys were ambushed. But he wasn't deterred, and he carried on like the colossus that he is.

The TY Buratai era in the Nigerian Army remains remarkable. It would always serve as a reference point in leadership and patriotism. The establishment of the Nigerian Army University was also hailed as one of the highlights of the Buratai era. It was indeed a masterstroke that elicited commendation from wide and far. The Buratai era also saw to the introduction of numerous reforms in the operational strategies of the Nigerian Army that placed it in prime position to carry out its mandate in the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country.

TY Buratai was indeed loyal to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I recall some time in 2020, a well-respected former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Ipoola Alani Akinrinade, at the commissioning ceremony of the state-of-the-art Operations Room in Headquarters 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment Ibadan, Oyo State., commended TY Buratai.

He was quoted as saying "that the events of recent weeks which went beyond the END SARS protest have portrayed the Chief of Army Staff as a "rare breed officer and an exemplary leader" who did not betray the trust and confidence of the Commander in Chief, noting that Buratai has on many occasions made it clear that the Nigerian Army is a professional army and that the era of military intervention in political governance was gone for good."


I also recall an occasion where he was heaped with generous praises and referred to as Sun Tzu of Africa by his patriots and mentees within the military for religiously upholding soldiers' welfare and comfort like a commandment.

It was stated that his adoption of this philosophy was responsible for the Army's winning streaks in its counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria and other internal security operations across the country. I agree with this because TY Buratai was the soldiers' soldier who would join troops in a feast during festive seasons. He would visit wounded soldiers receiving treatment and many other instances where he displayed leadership at its finest.

I stand to be corrected; the likes of TY Buratai are in short supply in Nigeria. He is a combination of passion, diligence and hard work. He is also a great thinker and one whose operational strategies were always top-notch. It remains a statement that he left the Nigerian Army better than he met it. This much was acknowledged with the numerous awards and recognitions that came his way.

For example, he was conferred with the Brazilian Military Order of Merit Award, the highest military honour in the country and awarded to military officers who had distinguished themselves in various military endeavours. This is just one out of the numerous awards and recognitions that came his way during his remarkable stint as Chief of Army Staff.

And today, this legend and selfless Nigerian is still serving his country as Ambassador of Nigeria to Benin republic. It is also on record that he has been galvanizing the much-needed diplomatic support for the country in the fight against insurgency and other acts of criminality.

Most Nigerians might not know that TY Buratai, as Ambassador, is actively involved in the preservation of the country's territorial integrity covertly. He may have dropped the uniform, but his contributions to national security are invaluable. This is a statement of fact, which those in the security space can attest to. Only recently, he paid a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff in what could be dubbed a strategy session and the results have been overwhelming. Indeed the master strategist has returned.

Kolawole PhD is a security expert and wrote this piece from Abuja.

*DIRECTOR-GENERAL NYSC CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION AGAINST INEQUALITY AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.*

Director-General National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Shuaibu Ibrahim (Assoc. Prof. DSS Ph.D MTRCN) has called for collective action from all stakeholders in the fight against the ravaging effects of inequality and gender-based violence in the society.

The Director-General made the call during the flag-off of the first phase of NYSC Grassroot Gender Sensitisation and Advocacy Campaign in Rural Communities, held at Government Day Secondary School, Sunkaani, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

In an address read by the State Coordinator NYSC Taraba State Mr Anthony Nzoka, the NYSC DG lamented the discrimination against the female gender in some communities and warned against the physical harm and psychological effects of such discrimination to women and girls.

General Shuaibu therefore called on community leaders, religious institutions, local government administrators and other stakeholders to ensure that no man, woman, girl or boy is denied the opportunity to realise their God given potentials.

The NYSC Top Boss reiterated the Scheme's continued support and advocacy on gender matters and thanked all stakeholders and partners for their support.

Responding on behalf of the Local Government Area, the Hon. Chairman, Ardo-Kola Local Government, who was represented by the Director, General Services and Administration, Mr. Alexander Bingan expressed his sincere appreciation to the NYSC for the sensitisation program. He assured all present of the support of the Council in the fight against gender based violence and discrimination and called for the extension of the sensitisation to other communities within the LGA.

Present also at the flag-off ceremony were the Director PRS Ardo-Kola LGA Mr Bappa Waturu, the Chairman, Muslim Council, Ardo-Kola LGA Usman Abdulkarim, Gender Monitoring Officer NYSC NDHQ Mrs Patience Lenkat, Management Staff of NYSC Taraba Secretariat, Students and Community Members.

By Gbenga Osoba

Since the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by the Gowon military administration on 22 May 1973, to help quicken the process of reconstructing, reconciling and rebuilding the Nigerian state after a devastating 30 months of Civil War that tore the country apart, NYSC has proven to be an indispensable tool in engendering unity, reintegration, lasting peace and building a robust education sector in the country.

With the inception of the scheme, the widening gap of mutual suspicion, ethnic distrust and religious tension that was created by the civil war, began to close as the youths started to appreciate the similarities in our diverse cultures and beliefs. The opportunity the scheme afforded the youths to be abreast with the way of life of people outside their state and region, created an enabling atmosphere for Nigeria to quickly heal from the nearly three years of war. An expert on African history puts it even more better when she wrote, “the seamless recovery of Nigeria from a grueling 30 months of bloodbath was magical. A magic that was a masterstroke of the NYSC scheme”.

In the education sector, the role NYSC scheme plays in instituting quality education across board, cannever be over emphasized. It is on record that since the inception of NYSC, our education sector has reinvigorated the waning confidence of Nigerians in the sector, with a steadily increasing integrity. The scheme introduced a touch of dynamism, innovation, creativity and new discoveries in the sector, through the activities of Corps members sent to these schools for their PPAs. Students in majority of the remote villages were as well inspired by the corps members to study hard so they can equally graduate and serve their father land in the future. The new enthusiasm this created in the young students, paved way for a robust competition amongst them, encouraging a vivid growth in the quality of education at the local level.

The adventurous nature of their teaching method, created a fertile ground for raw talents to be hatched. New subjects and courses which were introduced by corps members in their various schools for PPA, provided viral alternatives for every student to fit in. It enabled every student to quickly discover their areas of strength and nurture same into a societal asset. The mental challenge the presence of the young corps members pose for the young students, equally enabled an efficient and effective learning process for the students. It raised the bar for industry and added impetus to the standard of education in our schools. Knowledge was effectively and seamlessly passed. This encouraged many people who were hitherto disinterested in formal education to find it captivating, thereby reducing the number of out of school children in the localities.

The leverage of higher academic training the corps members possess (University Graduates) over the school teachers (mostly NCE graduates) made them the rallying point for the students to get advanced knowledge and exposure on many contemporary subjects and topics. This also benefited the students in both public and private schools, in the areas of self-development and confidence building. The inability of the majority of corps members to understand and speak the native languages of students in the rural areas and had to rely solely on English language to teach and communicate with the students, provided a virile platform for the students to improve their communication skills in English language. The corps members therefore contribute immeasurably to the development and improvement of English language in our schools.

The contributions of NYSC scheme to the development of our education system and their role as the symbol of unity and cultural integration in Nigeria, has earned them, the confidence and respect of the majority of Nigerians.

In a new public opinion poll conducted by NOIPolls, it was revealed that 8 in 10 adult Nigerians do not support the scrapping of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

It was further revealed that out of the 80 percent who do not support the scrapping of the scheme, majority of the population (30 percent) affirms that the scheme is a tool for cultural integration in the country. While 27 percent believe that the scheme is an avenue for exposure and self-development, 17 percent believe it helps the youths in various ways.

It was also revealed via the poll result that most Nigerians (83 percent) who participated in the poll admitted that the scheme has met its objectives of fostering National Unity in the country.

“Interestingly, 83 percent stated that graduates do benefit from the scheme and when probed further, monthly allowance (30 percent), intercultural relationship (17 percent), and self-development (12 percent) were the three top benefits mentioned amongst others”, part of the report on the poll stated.

Osoba wrote this article from Minna.

*DG NYSC PAYS COURTESY CALL TO THE GOC 82 DIVISION ENUGU

The Nigerian Army has expressed readiness to continue to priotise the security and welfare of Corps members.
The General Officer Commanding 82 Division,Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General TA Lagbaja gave this assurance today, when the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, paid him a courtesy visit at the Division's Headquarters in Enugu.

He said the Army had mapped out strategies towards ensuring that residents of the State, including Corps Members on election duties,in Anambra state enjoyed peace and security before, during and after the exercise.

The GOC, who noted the contributions of the NYSC to the socio-economic development of the country, also praised its role in training and mentoring youths as responsible members of the society.

He commended Corps Members for their invaluable services to the various units of the Division, including the Command Secondary Schools in its Areas of Responsibility.

Earlier, the Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, had expressed gratitude to the GOC for the Division's support for NYSC, especially with regards to the welfare and security of Corps Members.

Ibrahim noted with delight that the GOC personally visited the Orientation Camp in Enugu to monitor activities and consolidate on the security arrangements in the facility.

He expressed commitment to further strengthen the cordial relationship between the Scheme and the Nigerian Army.

The Director-General also paid similar visit to the Commander 82 Division Garrison, Brigadier General CA Ataki.