₦airaland Forum

Abuja-kaduna Train Breakdown: My Experience

By Blaize Itodo

Over the weekend (Saturday, 26th) I was a passengers of a Rigasa -Idu bound train, we took off at exactly 6pm.

45minutes into the ride, our train came to a stop at a point that wasn't a train station, out of curiosity, i look out of the window and saw a fallen tanker across the rail and four others packed parallel to the train-tracks on a small hill.

We were there for about 5minutes. We continued our journey towards Abuja for another 30minutes and came to another stop at Rijana station, and since it was train-station, we thought our stop was to give way for the Abuja-Kaduna train, we were wrong. For 45minutes, we waited in vain. In that time frame, there was no form of courtesy from the management of the NRC to us in form of information on what the issue was.

The train stated moving at the point where people were beginning to ask questions. Again at Jere station we came to another abrupt stop, obviously to let the Abuja-Kaduna train through because we met it parked at the train station on arrival.

To our surprise, the engines of our train went off, few minutes later, the lights went off. In the dark we all began to ask questions and make speculations on what really has happened.

At Few minutes past 8pm, we began to leave our seats, the Air-Condition was not working (in my coach) before we stopped, the discomfort that followed became obvious with people moving up and down in all the coaches. Again we spent over an hour there without any information from Management.

We left Jere at 9:25pm for Kubwa train station, we arrived Idu at 10:25pm against our scheduled arrival time of 8pm. Till this minutes, nobody said anything to us for the inconveniences, not even the increasing insecurity across the land bordered them.

Again this morning, Monday, 28th June, an Abuja-Kaduna train is currently broken down at Dutse as reported by dailytrust.

Before we blame our leaders for this one, can we begin to call out the management of the Nigerian Railway Cooperation, NRC, for negligence and bad customer service for a start. For those of us who can, sue them for us abeg, maybe then, the government will begin to hold people accountable for the many ills and maybe, just maybe, governance will be better for it.

It is government of the people abi, and we are the people �

God bless Nigeria.
#citizenactivism #solutionjournalism #NRC #abujatrain

TeamApt Founders Selected As Endeavor Entrepreneurs

Endeavor has announced Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, Co-Founders of TeamApt as Endeavor Entrepreneurs at the 16th virtual International Selection Panel (ISP).

The ISP is the culmination of a rigorous multi-step selection process to identify high-impact entrepreneurs.

Head, Marketing and Communications, Endeavor Nigeria, Joy Mabia in a press statement issued on Monday June 28, 2021 said the entrepreneurs demonstrated the potential to leverage Endeavor’s resources and mentorship to create large-scale wealth and jobs, while also staying committed to reinvesting their time and money in their local entrepreneurship ecosystems.

TeamApt, founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike is part of a group of new mobile money operators that have driven the growth of agency banking in Nigeria by ~20X in the past 2 years. TeamApt’s core product, Moniepoint, is an agency banking solution that enables small businesses to provide basic financial services such as deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and bill payments to their customers.

Managing Director & CEO, Endeavor Nigeria, Tosin Faniro-Dada said TeamApt is reinventing banking and financial services to serve currently underserved populations across Africa.

“Tosin and Felix have deep domain expertise, having met and cut their teeth as software developers at Interswitch. They are big thinkers. In a little under 2 years, they have scaled Moniepoint to over 100K agents processing $3.5B monthly. We are excited to support the entrepreneurs as they increase access to financial services across the country and the rest of Africa.”

Agency Banking: TeamApt Hits N1.4trn Transaction In May


“There are still too many Nigerians excluded from formal financial services but we are at an interesting inflection point where fintech companies are poised to serve this population.”

Speaking on their ISP experience and joining the Endeavor network, Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO of TeamApt said, “I believe it's an exciting time to join the Endeavor network of high impact entrepreneurs, and I’m delighted for the opportunity. Felix and I look forward to accessing the abundance of knowledge and expertise within this network as we continue on our mission to close Africa's financial inclusion gap."

At the 16th virtual ISP, panelists from around the world interviewed entrepreneur candidates about their businesses, evaluating them on their potential for high-impact growth, and then deliberated on which candidates should be selected to become Endeavor Entrepreneurs. Once selected, Endeavor Entrepreneurs gain access to an unparalleled global network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, & investors who volunteer to mentor entrepreneurs as they face challenges with rapid growth.

Endeavor Co-Founder and CEO, Linda Rottenberg in her address said; “I’m excited to welcome Tosin and Felix into the Endeavor network. Their business is an exciting venture for the Nigerian market. We look forward to supporting the newest Endeavor Entrepreneurs in their journeys to scale, and welcoming them into our global network.”

TeamApt initially built back-end office operations software and white-labelled solutions for banks before launching Moniepoint in 2019. TeamApt is the 12th company selected into the global Endeavor network through the regional affiliated office in Nigeria.

The two entrepreneurs represent the growing expectation for exceptional entrepreneurs with big ambitions and the ability to execute at scale. They join Gbenga Agboola & Ife Orioke (Flutterwave), Ngozi Dozie & Chijioke Dozie (Carbon), Etop Ikpe (Autochek), Abasi Ene-Obong (54gene), Tayo Oviosu & Jay Alabraba (Paga), Ekechi Nwokah (Migo), Jasper Graf von Hardenberg & Christian Wessels (Daystar Power), Bukky George (HealthPlus), Obi Ozor & Ife Oyedele (Kobo360), Kene Okwuosa & Moses Babatope (FilmHouse Group) and Onyekachi Izukanne, Michael Ukpong & Ruke Awaritefe (TradeDepot).

About Endeavor

Endeavor is the world’s leading community of high-impact entrepreneurs. Founded in 1997, Endeavor is a global organization with a mission to unlock the transformational power of entrepreneurship by selecting, supporting, and investing in the world’s top founders. Today, Endeavor’s network spans nearly 40 countries and supports more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, whose companies generate combined revenues of over $28 billion US, have created more than 3.9 million jobs, and, in 2020, raised over $4 billion US in capital. Endeavor’s unique entrepreneur-first model and network of trust provide a platform for founders to dream big, scale up, and pay it forward to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Endeavor launched its Nigeria office in 2018 to select and support the best founders of companies at the scale-up and growth stage, who recognise a responsibility to pay it forward and multiply their impact in Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. In Nigeria, we aim to select 4-6 companies a year and today there are 24 Endeavor Entrepreneurs who are leading 13 companies in the portfolio.

Sardauna’s minister, Danburam-Jada, dies at 97

Alhaji Abdullahi Danburan Jada, a former Northern Nigeria minister of Animal Health, Forestry and Northern Cameroon, has passed on at the age of 97.

The late district head of Jada, Adamawa State, died in the early hours of Monday, May 24, 2021.

Born in Nasarawa Jada in 1924, in the then Trust Territory of Northern Cameroon, the deceased attended Yola Primary School and Yola Middle School in 1937 and 1944 respectively.

Alhaji Danbuaran was a pioneering student at the Samaru School of Agriculture, where he studied between 1948 and 1952. He then served as supervisor of agriculture in Adamawa until 1955, when he was appointed district head and later elected.

Survived by many, children, grand children, great grand children and great great grandchildren. Among the children are: Usman Danburam, Ibrahim Danbura, Dr Nafisa Mohammed, the former CEO of Normadic Education Commission. In-laws include the late Dr Mahmud Tukur, Dr Dahiru Mohammed, Dr Bashir Gwandu, Current Minister of Agriculture Sabo Nanono, and Alhaji Bakari.

Bighomes Commissions First Mini Estate Project In Abuja

Big Homes Limited, Abuja real estate construction firm, has unveiled its mini estate project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The project, known as Black Roof, located in Jahi, Abuja consists of five units of terraces with five bedroom each, and a three bedroom flat.

Speaking on the project, General Manager of Big Homes, Topsy Essien, who spoke at the mini estate ground opening on Saturday in Abuja said, the smart home project started two years ago with the vision to provide the most affordable luxury homes in the most exclusive districts within Abuja.

Essien said the project is tailored to meet the needs of subscribers.

According to him “Our clients and subscribers are proud of this project, they are happy with their investment, they can boast of 100 percent growth within this two years, some of them bought for N25 million to N30 million, now it goes for N88 million, that is more than a 100 percent.

While noting that The Big Homes brand is poised to reinvent the real estate game through its affordable, luxury mini estates, he said the firm’s mission is to open the gates to exclusive and luxury living, thereby making it possible for the middle class and a portion of the lower class, to live the lifestyle of the super rich.

“Big Homes is focused on five business priorities; affordability, exclusivity, luxury, flexibility and quick delivery. These priorities helps us achieve our vision of attaining sustainable growth , value creation and customer satisfaction”, he said.

He further explained that the smart home has a high level of technology infused in it, adding that the security process has been infused to a lot of technology, particularly from the gate which has a key card and a remote.

“This mini estate has a high level of technology infused in it, the security process has been infused to a lot of technology, particularly from the gate, there is a key card and a remote to the gate. With this, there is no security personnel at the gate.

“If you are driving in, you use the remote, if you are walking in, you use your key card to walk through. There is so much on the inside that is technology infused, we have the lighting system, sound system which can be programmed.

Essien who identified funding as one of the greatest challenges in housing delivery, stressed the need for government’s partnership with private developers to tackle housing challenges in Nigeria.

“Our major challenge is financing, acquisition. Developers don’t have money to buy land because it is expensive, they also don’t have money to build and even when they do, people don’t have money to buy, so the financing has been very tough, we have enough land in the country and there are so many professionals on ground.

“If we can get this land at very minimal cost, and if it comes to us directly, housing issues will be addressed.

Also speaking, Big Homes Sales Representative, Bertha Kingsley, assured that that the firm will continue to provide quality and enduring houses to its clients.

“Apart from this project, we have different project locations in Mabushi and Asokoro”, she added.

Browncon Group Opens Corporate Hqtr In Abuja, Pledges Excellent Service Delivery

A business firm, Browncon Group Limited has stated that with the expansion of its operation despite the harsh economic situation in the country largely occasioned by the effect of COVID 19, it is now well positioned to give better services move to the citizenry.

It also stated that despite the pandemic and the prevailing economic fortunes, Nigeria and much of Africa now sits at an intersection of economic changes hence remains one of the best destinations for business and investment.

Speaking to media men ahead of the launch of the corporate Head office in Abuja, the Founder/Group CEO Browncon Group Limited, Samuel Brown Ndubuisi said the firm takes pride and reputation in building successful businesses out of the opportunities in Africa, with Key interest in Real Estate, Business Management Consulting, Export, Tourism, Agriculture, Construction, Lending, Garment production, Healthcare, Commodity trading and Investment, with operations in Nigeria and Ghana.

Brown added that the opening of the corporate headquarters strategically at the heart of the nation was a bold move to further push the business' frontiers at the highest level, even as we promise a better and convenient service delivery.

He said: "the move for the launch of the corporate headquarters to be strategically embedded in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory is both as it is spiritual and physical at a time others are shying away from this sort of endeavor.
"This will, in no small measure enhance our corporate image and position us as a global brand that we are in doing business at another level, as we plan to launch operations in Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda and the UK.

" without a doubt, Nigeria and much of Africa now sit at the intersection of deep-seated economic changes. We believe this changes will drastically improve the economic prosperity of Nigeria and Unleash multi-dimensional opportunities for wealth creation and wealth building.
"So, in spite of the well-known challenges of the country, Nigeria remains one of the best countries for business and investment.

On of its subsidiaries, Reyfield Properties & Construction, is a reputable Real Estate firm poised to contribute its quote in reducing the 16million housing home deficit in Nigeria, by 2030 by providing modern affordable housing for Nigerias, Africans by using modern housing technology and approach,
 
"Importantly, the group is focused on contributing her quota to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 1 and 11, 9 & 17 by 2030 which drives towards alleviating of poverty in any form, sustainable cities communities, "Industry Innovation and Partnerships.
"We are very deliberate about each step and ambition to bring about huge social-economical impact in Nigeria and Africa, as we promise, you can be PRODUCTIVE WITH US."

Real Estate Firm BigHomes organizes Football Tournament In Abuja

Real estate firm, BigHomes has organized a football club tournament, as part of it's corporate social responsibility between four clubs in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The tournament tagged; “BigHomes Super 4” held at the Jabi Lake over the weekend, aimed at giving support to football clubs, players whose activities of play within and outside the country may have been affected by COVID-19 pandemic.

The Clubs, Spurs FC, Karmo FC, Great FC and Flame FC competed in the tournament which saw Great FC emerged winner in the final. Cash prizes were given out to winner and all participants.

Speaking with journalists, Managing Director of BigHomes, Mr Topsy Essien said the soccer tournament was part of the company’s corporate social responsible to assist clubs in this period of pandemic.

According to him, “Many organisations, individuals have been locked down for a long time due to COVID-19. Especially young players that are due to travel out, and even those who got visas before the COVID have been stuck. We need to reach out and support them in these hard times as football is their main source of income.”

Essien, while speaking about the real estate industry, said BigHomes is ever committed to bridging the gap in housing deficit in the country.

“Even though many organisations have suffered the impact of the global pandemic including the real estate sector; we are bouncing back very fast and stronger. Housing is a part of the few basic needs of humanity and there’s need to continue to provide affordable homes and shelter to Nigerians," he added.

Also speaking, Marketing Manager, Ms Bertha Kingsley, said the aim is to bring people together to socialize. "We hope that this is going to be an annual event were we will filter out the best among the best and sponsor them. It’s all about giving back to society.

“We are excited about the turn-out and play. The quality of play among these clubs have been very professional. They’ve exceeded our expectations.”

Bertha also revealed that the tournament by next edition will go beyond football to include other sports and other talent hunt competitions.

Rotary Club Offers Free Medical Services To 500 FCT Residents

By Jerry Emmanson, Abuja

The Rotary Club of Asokoro has provided free medical services to 500 residents of Pasali 2 Village in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The Club, to mark the 2020 Rotary Family Health Day during the weekend, collaborated with Alpha Zone Eye Clinic and Prime Pharmacy to offer free health services such as Malaria, HIV test, eye screening, free eye glasses, birthing kits, polio immunization, family counselling, free distribution of condoms, drugs sanitary pads and mosquito nets.

Speaking during the event, president of Rotary Club of Asokoro, Felix Akinseye, said Rotary Family Health Day is set aside by Rotary International yearly between 19-21 of November, adding that the Club has decided to take the project to one of its adopted communities, Pasali 2 village.

He said, “This year, we decided to do two big projects – one is the normal Rotary Family Health Day, and now we have collaborated with these health care providers to offer free services.

“Today over 500 residents of this village have benefitted from free eye test, eye glasses, malaria drugs etc. The significance of this project is aimed at bringing health services closer to them, because we have noticed that there is no Primary Health facility around them, except far off in Kuje Area Council. I’m happy that we have handled so many cases here today. All the children have been dewormed, tested and those with malaria given treatment.”

Akinseye further said, “This is the second time we are coming here this year. We have done a project to feed 140 families and have also donated a borehole to provide safe drinking water to them.”

The chief executive officer of Prime Pharmacy, Tunde Adetoba in his address, said the company is partnering with Rotary Club in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility for the Health Week.

“We find Rotary as worthy partner in reaching out to the less privilege because they are actually structured and is part of their vision. Although we have carried out interventions as this, but not as structured like this. We couldn’t have been able to locate this place on our own if not for Rotary.

"We are happy that we took the step to reach out the rural populace so they can feel part of big Nigerian project, and don’t feel neglected."

Also speaking, representative of the community, Mr Ayuba Shekwoyandu, expressed delight for the health outreach, thanking Rotary Club for all the support the community has received.

He said, “On behalf of the community, we deeply appreciate this gesture. We also want to thank you for the borehole that is still serving us.”

Ayuba, however, called on government, concern individuals and corporate organisations to come to their aid in restoring electricity supply to the area, saying the community has lived for over seven years without power supply.

He also begged for empowerment for the teeming youths to be able to assist themselves and their families.

Inspired By SDG 1, We Aim To Build People At Any Level Into Millionaires - Brown

Samuel Brown is the MD/CEO of Browncon Investment Ltd. He speaks on the move to create and sustain wealth through an investment product, The Millionaire Journey as part of the company's desire to fulfil SDG No. 1


With recent economic downturn occasioned by the impact of COVID and the #EndSARS Protest, why are you launching this business product?

Nigeria (and much of Africa) now sit at the intersection of deep-seated economic changes. We believe this changes will drastically improve the economic prosperity of Nigeria and Unleash multi-dimensional opportunities for wealth creation and wealth building.

So, in spite of the well-known challenges of the country, Nigeria remains one of the best countries for business and investment.

Browncon Investment Limited is a reputable alternative investment company that invests in Real Estate, Export and Agriculture which has a reputation for being an investment firm that has never lost an investment.

Importantly, the company is focused on contributing her quota to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 1 which drives towards alleviating poverty in any form. This is the reason our firm launched an investment product called THE MILLIONAIRE JOURNEY.


What is the goal of this Investment product and how is it different from others?

The millionaire journey is a wealth building project that aims to build people on any level into millionaires and help others who already have a level of financial stability to build further from where they are. Browncon Investment is interested in creating a financial experience that will enable you to see the process of wealth building as you participate.

Understanding the SDG No. 1, the Millionaire journey is crafted to build people's finances from a particular point where they are to their first million status.

Inspired by the SDG No1 on Poverty Alleviation, The Millionaire Journey is one of many products I’m excited about, that took us some time to conceive."


Individuals who are interested in the project are to invest a one time amount of N200,000 to be part of the 5 year journey; these funds are then invested in various sectors such as Real Estate, Agriculture and export. Returns are compounded over a 5 year period and the investing partners earn a return of 1 million for every N200,000 invested.


How Can Nigerians access this facility and what are the benefits?

The company believes that the benefits for this kind of investment is enormous apart from being able to get 1 million Naira after 5 years. It also serves as a legacy fund for many families and for many young people seeking to build a stable financial future for themselves. It can also serve as a long term saving avenue for any one interested.

Rotary Club Donates Handwashing Machines, Writing Materials To FCT School

By Jerry Emmanson, Abuja


The Rotary Club of Asokoro has donated two hands-free hand washing machine, and over 100 writing materials to Junior Secondary School, Aleita, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT-Abuja.

Some of the items donated include exercise books, pens on the project tagged: “Back to School” at the school premises as part of the club’s intervention to promote hygiene among the students to prevent Coronavirus and any other diseases.

Speaking during the event, yesterday the president of the Club, Rotn Felix Akinseye said the decision for the project is because students are back to school and there is a need to teach them to wash their hands regularly in order to prevent COVID-19 andother diseases.

“We brought this project here because we have an Interact Club, and we want other students that are not Interactorsto know what Rotary is all about.

"What we are trying to let the students know that there’s an organisation called Rotary International and to also tell them of the positive impact the Club is doing to better humanity," he said.

Akinseyi further stated that aside from secondary schools within the FCT, a Rotaract Club, which is for tertiary institutions has been set up in university of Abuja.

He said, “We have donated handsfree washing machine to some areas within the FCT apart from schools, to help governmentcombat the spread of COVID-19.”

The principal of the school, Mrs. Abdullahi Toyin Oyiza in her remark, expressed delight in the donations, saying the handwashing machine will help boost the effort of the government in makingsure that students wash their hands regularly to prevent diseases and germsincluding COVID-19.

“This is a motivation because it is ahands-free machine, unlike buckets with taps they are used to. We are veryhappy for the writing materials also, because it will go a long way to encouragethe less privilege students to learn,” she added.

Salvaging Our Nascent Democracy: 2023 – Ideal Time For Breath Of Fresh Air (2) - By Nasir Buba Hassan

In the first part of my writing on captioned subject, I carefully took an overview of the Nigerian struggle, her democracy, her leaders and the people. It was clear from that piece that the Nigerian nation is suffocating in the midst of heterogenous assemblage of politicians who have been lost in the political space; appear not to have a clear understanding of why they are where they are and not knowing anything more to do than what they have done before.

This is sad and has not been helped by the fact that pockets of well-meaning public office holders have been put in the same basket of ineptitude because, “when the oil smears a finger, it extends to all other fingers involuntarily”

It was a Nigerian musician – SUNNY OKOSUNS, of the blessed memory who asked in a song – “Which way Nigeria” In the lyrics of that song he noted:

“many years after independence we still find it hard to start, for how long shall we be patient to get to the promised land? Let’s save Nigeria, so Nigeria won’t die…”

This song was described as a smash in its time! Sang by the Late Sunny Okosun who died in 2008, "Which way Nigeria" addresses the issues that plagued Nigerians and her teeming youths. The empty promises made by the leaders and the dashed hopes of the children who were always told they were leaders of tomorrow but never got a chance.

The song asked the relevant question - How long shall we be patient before we reach the Promised Land? Decades after independence, a lot seems to go unchanged. Late Sunny Okosun was one of the leading Nigerian musicians from the late 1970s to mid '80s and was a man who dared to question the ills perpetrated by the powers that be.

We have pointed out the snag posed by Military interventions in our democracy, yet we are still to get it all correct after several years of democratic rule. There is one thing that is common knowledge, Nigeria at both Federal and State levels have consistently suffered inconsistency in developmental projects and programs in successive governments. We see so much of abandoned projects because of the quest by a new administration to start her own projects and/or programs that will be wholly ascribed to its credit. The implication has been that so much financial and economic wastages arise from this. It is a clear misunderstanding of governance as service to the people.

I have dared to seek out a Nigerian leader who scored so high in carrying on with the projects and/or programs started by his predecessors and ONLY one person comes to mind. He is Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. He did it across Local Government, State, and Federal levels. By providence and divine mandate, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan found himself severally taking over leadership rolls albeit accidentally and while exhibiting a rare spirit of humility continued with legacies of the previous leader while finetuning and recalibrating others for more beneficial results.

Nigeria, this is the time to think. This is the time to eschew tribalism, nepotism, class, creed and religion. This time calls for sober reflections. As a country, we must appreciate Allah’s special love for Nigeria which explains why we have survived all these years despite the odds. It is however high time we embraced the truth and seek out the experienced achiever who can take us to that long-awaited promised land. What Nigeria needs now is a NIGERIAN PRESIDENT not PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA. We need to get out of the suffocation of today. We need a breath of fresh air. Yes, a breath of fresh air!

This is the Nigeria of my dream. A Nigeria where the citizens would not be drawn to increasing waive of criminal activities arising from hunger, starvation, unemployment and increasing poverty level. I have a dream of that Nigeria where our youths would not be drawn to gullibility of “get rich quick syndrome” but would embrace entrepreneurial ventures in a viable and conducive business environment. It would gladden my heart to see a Nigeria where the quest to run out of our country for greener pastures would be reversed even as we properly harness our God-given natural and human resources to its optimum capacity for a sustainable economy. This has to be truly home-grown leadership encapsulated with extensive international exposure and recognition.

Nigerians abound with credentials to give us the Nigeria of our dream. However, there must be someone on the driving seat to be supported by eminently qualified and experienced technocrats and coaches. I reckon this is the time to prevail on Dr. G.E. Jonathan to return and give direction to the Nigerian ship. He has done it before; he may have failed in some areas, but we must know he is today an International consultant of sought in Leadership and peaceful co-existence. Nigeria today could be rightly be described as needing peace stabilizing reagent even as drums of war sounds from all the nooks and crannies of the country typical of a rudderless ship.

Take a peep into the post-election GEJ. Since his concession in 2015, the former president is experiencing something of a renaissance as a senior statesman, at least in certain circles. He has been honored with international awards and invited to deliver keynote remarks at global conferences on everything from peace-building to improving educational opportunities. He is particularly sought-after as a champion of democracy, and recently led international election observation teams for the National Democratic Institute in Liberia and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in South Africa. His solemn tweets on respect for the rule of law in Ethiopia are covered in the press.

We must move beyond political inclinations and agree that there is still so much to tap from Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. It is not fashionable anymore to ignore wise advice nor look away from a positive finding. It is not America nor China that will take us to that promised land. We are to take our destinies in our hands and put our best foot forward to achieve our desire.

While we prepare for 2023 elections, all Nigerians within and outside Nigeria must keep supporting the government of the day in the quest to keeping one indivisible nation. We should support the President and Commander in Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and have him and indeed Nigeria in our prayers. I have no doubt he means well for Nigeria even as he may have been overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges of today which has not been help by a retinue of self-serving lieutenants that have continued to embarrass the government.

I have no doubt in my mind that as we push the Nigerian ship through to 2023, that a new template for a new and better Nigeria incensed with a fresh breath would emerge.

To end this writing, may I encourage us with the song by another Nigerian – VENO MARIOGHAE titled NIGERIA GO SURVIVE!

If dem thief our oil oo
Nigeria go survive,
I say if dem burn the oil oo
Nigeria go survive.
I say if dem drink the oil oo
Nigeria go survive.
Our roots them strong for ground oo
Nigeria go survive,
Ancestors no go gree oo
Nigeria go survive.
The god of thunder and lightning
Nigeria go survive.
United shield Nigeria,
Nigeria go survive.
Nigeria go survive
Africa go survive
My people go survive o
Nigeria go survive.
Andrew no checkout o!
"say what? "
Stay and build your country
Nigeria go survive.
Na who go die for you oo
Nigeria go survive.
Blood is thicker than water
Nigeria go survive.
If Andrew do hin work oo
Nigeria go survive,
And me I do my own oo
Nigeria go survive.
If our leaders do dem best oo
Nigeria go survive,
Andrew go stay to help oo
Nigeria go survive.
Nigeria go survive
Africa go survive
My people go survive o
Nigeria go survive.
Cocoa dey for West oo
Nigeria go survive,
Rubber boku for Bendel
Nigeria go survive.,
Palm oil dey for East oo
Nigeria go survive,
Timber dey for Sapele oh
Nigeria go survive.
Groundnut e dry for North oo
Nigeria go survive.
Rice e dey for Benue
Nigeria go survive.
Hide and skin e dey oo
Nigeria go survive
Cotton dey for North oo
Nigeria go survive.
Nigeria go survive
Africa go survive
My people go survive oo
Nigeria go survive!

I call on all Nigerians to be hopeful and positive that NIGERIA WILL SURVIVE, however, we need to work and walk on the path to making this a reality by choosing wisely who leads us in the next dispensation.

D’banj Commends FG over Agro-Rangers initiative, as NSCDC honours him

Popular Nigerian artiste DanielOyebanjo, a.k.a D’banj has commended the Federal Government forits Agro-Rangers initiative undertaken by the Nigeria Security and CivilDefense Corps (NSCDC).

D’banj gave the commendation in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by his Corporate Manager Mr Damien Okoroafor, following his decoration on Friday by the NSCDCCommandant General, Abdullahi Mohammadu, as an Agro-Ranger.

TheNews Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Agro-Rangers programmeinaugurated in mid-2016 is expected to forestall attacks on farms, boost farmers’confidence to work on their farms without fear and to enhance FG’s foodsecurity plan.

D’banjsaid he would dedicate his life and personal effort to put the country and theNSCDC on the global map and ensure that the insecurity challenges suffered byNigerian farmers would be a thing of the past.“

I find this initiative undertaken by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corpsas a wonderful opportunity to serve my country.

“Organisations or agencies such as the NSCDC need the support of the general public to do soeffectively since they were established to protect Nigerian citizens.

“Beingmyself a farmer of over 15 years, I very well understands the challengessuffered by farmers as incessant and re-occurring attacks stifle production andproductivity,” D’banj said.

Earlier, NSCDC bossMohammadu said the Agro-Rangers initiative was part of PresidentMuhammadu Buhari’s strategy to protect the lives and property of farmers, createjobs as well as guarantee food security in the country.

He urged D’banj to always promote the initiative asgovernment had concluded plans to employ young and agile people in the 36states of the country including FCT, as Agro-Rangers.

“Nigeria has witnessed an escalation of deadly attacks in severalyears between farmers and herdsmen in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Taraba and Niger States.

“We expect that all hands should be on deck to make theinitiative succeed and tacklehead-on the insecurity crisis suffered by our farmers’ country wide.

“It is expected that the initiativewill also create jobs and further empower the youths to participate moreactively in playing a role in the system,” Mohammadu said.

Chief Gbemudu’s tremendous sacrifice for Nigeria in fight against Boko Haram

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups is a Nigerian based, nonprofit driven pressure groups that has for nearly a decade championed the cause of justice, social integration and national unity through stakeholder engagement with government agencies, the private sector, the media, traditional and faith-based institutions as well as the academia on issues of national interest, particularly as they affect the Nigerian citizenry.

For years, the life of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Real Estate Investors and Financial Services, Chief Anslem Gbemudu, has been an entanglement of risks and high level threats targeted at exterminating his existence and decimating his business engagements by the dreaded Boko Haram sect of Nigeria owing to their tenacious belief that he masterminded the arrest and eventual killing of their top rank leader and spiritual director, Mohammed Yusuf, who died 2009.

A USA Army Veteran and Nigerian citizen of one of the most respected royal families from South Eastern Nigeria, particularly Delta State, Chief Anslem Gbemudu, having domiciled and gathered sufficient knowledge on the management of top profile security confrontations in the United States, saw reason to, in the wake of the security concerns in Nigeria, come back home and deploy his intellectual and professional acumen to dissuading the minds of younger Nigerians, particularly in the higher institutions of learning in Northern Nigeria, who were hypnotized with distorted Qur’anic teachings by Mohammed Yusuf, his cohorts and hirelings.

To check the negative and rapidly growing evil agenda and influence Mohammed Yusuf was exerting using religion to convert sincere Muslims into terrorists, Chief Anslem Gbemudu in 2008 and 2009 embarked on a mission to neutralize the ideas of Islamic extremism and warfare that was being inculcated at that time. He recorded monumental success in disarming the grip of inordinate religious teachings on young and innocent Muslims who later refuted Mohammed Yusuf and his representations.

With Mohammed’s death in 2009 following an unsuccessful attempt to evade police custody, members of his sect drew illogical conclusions that Chief Anslem Gbemudu could not be extricated of blameworthiness to the ill fate of their acclaimed spiritual leader. They have since then masterminded several attempts to eliminate his life, execute his family and destroy all his engagements within the shores of Nigeria and have placed surveillance to inform them of his stepping into Nigeria for his most eminent assassination.

The California-based business man and United States Defense Logistics contractor survived death by the whiskers in 2009 when he escaped back to his base in the USA. Having given the above historical trace to shed light into the unjustifiable circumstances that have made imminent, the sought death of this illustrious son of Nigeria’s origin by the Boko Haram, it is sacrosanct to inform the government and people of Nigeria as well as the international community in unequivocal terms, the position of the Civil Society Groups that, this inordinate plot that has lingered unhindered for many years is unreasonable, unfounded, unjustifiable, vexatious, malignant and a malicious affront to the inalienable rights of Chief Premium Anslem Gbemudu and the development of the nation and is deserving of condemnation by all.

We state categorically that Chief Gbemudu is a veteran and pathfinder whose commitment and traces of positive impact to redefining the chequered history of Nigeria’s political, ethnic and religious struggles ought to be given a nod and celebrated. His intellectual savvy and administrative ingenuity is ostensibly engraved on the consciences of those he rescued from religious hypnotism.

Chief Anslem Gbemudu is one of the few Nigerians whose national and international concern for the cause of the minority ethnicities of Nigeria has remained undeterred and dogged. His relished for fairness, equity, unity, peace, progress and social justice has endured a three decade test of veracity examined by threats and attempted assassination. In the interest of the Nigerian State and its peoples, we state without circumlocutions that we hold him dear to our hearts and in the highest esteem. An affront to him, is an affront to the civil liberties of the innocent citizens of Nigeria.

The Nigeria Civil Society Groups wishes to, in her role as watchdog of the society, inform teeming Nigerians and the international community that, Chief Anslem Gbemudu truly and firmly represents the ideal model of a true Nigerian armed with the deep historical knowledge, the requisite experience and the introspective capability to advance the cause of the welfare and aspirations of the people. He deserves as we have long accorded him, utmost commendation and national protection.

We, therefore, pledge our unalloyed loyalty to him and the commendable leadership strides he has taken in the interest of all. We draw strength from the juristic permutations of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa of revered and blessed memory who posited that, “if we must accept the intrinsic worth of any man, then justice remains the minimum debt we owe to him; for if we deny him justice, we have inexorably declared him worthless”.

High Chief Premium Anslem Gbemudu, in his statesmanly disposition, has contributed and is contributing fairly to the development of the Nation and should be applauded rather than insulted and sought to be persecuted. Our profound fear is the inability of the government of Nigeria to protect and avert harm from coming his way as the government continues to fail to contain Boko Haram.

David Yusuf, Convener of Initiative For Social Progress International, writes from Abuja

Hon. Binta Bello slams Gombe govt over LGs joint project agency, calls for conduct of LG election

Former Honourable Member Representing Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Deputy Minority Whip in the 8th Assembly, Hon. Binta Bello, has berated the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, over the bill which was recently passed into law for the establishment of the joint development project agency.

Hon. Binta, who described the law as obnoxious, said the joint agency was established to serve as a conduit to allegedly siphon local government funds and making them mere appendage of the state government.

The former federal lawmaker in a press statement over the weekend said, “It’s unfortunate that despite its outright rejection from various quarters and without holding any public hearing and consultation, the Gombe State House of Assembly members have blindly passed into law the bill that is meant to mortgage the future of the state.

“It’s obvious that the bill has come under scathing criticism as it is not only considered to be obnoxious but it is also a negation of the principle of federation because it’s inconsistent with the federal government’s regulation on the financial autonomy of the 774 local governments in the country.

“Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had, last year in a bid to free the local government from the shackles of state government as well as curb corruption in the joint account system operated by states, ordered the direct remittance of the third tier allocation from the federation accounts to the local governments. But here is a governor creating a law that is even more dangerous than the abolished joint account. This is condemnable and contestable by all well-meaning citizens of the state.”

She said, the bill, apart from being contrary to Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, is also contradicting the guidelines of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), which became effective on June 1, 2019.

The NFIU had also described the state and joint local government accounts as the biggest corruption, money laundering and security threats at the grassroots level and to the entire financial system and the Gombe new law will not be an exception.”

Hon. Binta stated further that it is crystal clear that the purported law seeks to usurp the powers of the local governments. “It's contradictory in all terms because the governor is the head with his commissioners, that's an extension of the state executive council. The law did not also provide for the conditions the "willing" local councils will fulfill before they are allowed to participate. It equally did not define the meaning of "willing" when it's the governor that's the head and the "appointing or selecting" executive.

“Consequently, we demand that the bill be jettisoned and be thrown in the dustbin of history where it rightly belongs. Gombe State cannot go through the back door to enact a law that is inconsistent with that of the federation. The government owes a duty to the good people of Gombe State to make laws for the good governance of the state and not otherwise. This bill is anti-people and a negation of the desire to ensure the autonomy of local governments and is hereby rejected.”

The former deputy minority whip has also called on the governor to immediately conduct local government election in the state. “The governor and his exco members cannot be judge in their own case and I call for an immediate conduct of local government election, he has been managing state and local government funds for over one year as there is neither appointed administrators nor elected chairmen which a clear bridge of constitution.” She added.

CoS: Dambazzau Hails PMB Over Gambari’s Appointment

House of Representatives Member representing Sumaila/Takai Federal constituency of Kano state, Hon. Shamsudeen Dambazau, has praised President Muhammadu Buhari over the appointment of Professor Ibrahim Gambari as his new Chief Of Staff, describing him as the right man for the job.

Hon. Shamsudeen Dambazau, in a statement said Professor Gambari is a man of impeccable character, right temperament, leadership and knowledge.

He said, ‘‘The choice of Professor Gambari as successor to the late Mallam Abba Kyari by President Muhammadu Buhari is commendable. Gambari is not just an academic or a diplomat, he is a fine gentleman, a decent Nigerian who epitomizes the Nigerian dream.

‘‘I have no doubt that Professor Gambari’s appointment is a major win for the presidency and the nation as a whole, especially coming at a time when Nigeria is confronting a major challenge with global outlook.’’

Danbazzau however, urged Nigerians to support the new Chief of Staff, saying the nation has a lot benefit from his varied skills.

“The several years of experience garnered by the newly appointed Chief Of Staff in various fields of international diplomacy and politics, academics, research and management, would help the President and Commander In Chief in the onerous tasks of administering the nation.”

CSOs tackle Permanent Secretary over allegations of forgery

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Mines and Steel, Mr. Edet Akpan, has described all the allegations of forgery and criminal information falsification made against him by the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Justice, as a deliberate attempt to rubbish his hard earned reputation.

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Justice, has accused the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Mines and Steel, Mr. Edet Akpan, of forgery and criminal information falsification, allegations the latter described as a deliberate attempt to rubbish his hard earned reputation.

In a statement signed by the Convener of the group, Comrade Ibrahim Dallah, alleged that Mr. Akpan was due for retirement two years ago but has remained in the service beyond his retirement age.

“According to available records, which is being investigated by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for unduly long time now. Mr. Akpan joined the civil service in Akwa Ibom State where records is said to show that his original date of birth is 1958.

He transferred his service to the Federal Government in 1999 with the same record. However, in his IPPIS, he entered his date of birth as 1962. This is a deliberate criminal falsification to help him overstay in service.

“For avoidance of doubt, without certificates to authenticate, Akpan is said to claim that he started his Education at Qua Iboe Science Secondary School (Etinan Institute) in 1965.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Mines and Steel, Mr. Edet Akpan, has denied all the allegations even as he explained that he never attended the said school not to talk of bearing a Senior Secondary School certificate bearing the said year.

While warning detractors to avoid any campaign of calumny against his person, he maintained that there was no iota of truth in what the group alleged as he was born in 1962 and not 1958 as claimed by the group.

He however advised the general public to disregard such information as its only aim is to misinform the populace while also rubbishing his reputation.

“I have never in my life forged anything. I wasn’t born in 1958 but in 1962. Also I never attended Etinan Institute. There is nothing they have not written about me, there is no amount of blackmail that they have not done about me just because I am a Permanent Secretary but they will never succeed.

“They claim that I schooled in Etinan Institute and that is not true. I never attended Etinan Institute, I was not born in 1958. I have never forged anything in my life be it certificate or anything.”

CSR: Bighomes uplifts 200 vulnerable households with food items, cash in Abuja

Following the global outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic and the impact it has brought on Nigeria and Nigerians, a real estate firm in the country, Bighomes, has distributed  palliatives and relief funds to about 200 vulnerable households in Abuja.

Bighomes Managing Director, Topsy Essien who spoke before the distribution exercise on Wednesday at Gwarimpa village in Abuja, disclosed that the firm has reached over 150 vulnerable Nigerians and was determined to reach over 500 vulnerable citizens.

Essien who condemned the act of gathering large crowd for distribution of palliatives to vulnerable citizens said the act will further spread the dreaded corona virus in communities and called on Nigerians to adopt the method of reaching vulnerables in their homes to curtail further spread of the virus.

The Director noted that the gesture was the firm's little way  to complement the federal government efforts in tackling the hunger aspect of the pandemic.

Also Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Leader of the team and Marketing Manager of the firm Bertha Obinna Kingsley said that as the pandemic continues, there are a lot of people that have no means to feed themselves or their family.

She said, “Some, especially artisans who earn from their daily pay jobs have not been able to go out to work since the beginning of lockdown, and we are glad to give our support by sharing food and relief funds to these people.”

Bertha called on other private organisations to emulate its gesture by also reaching out to those in need to cushion the effect of the pandemic.

Ramadan: Senator Goje donate trucks of rice to constituents

As part of his annual Ramadan Programme as well as to cushion the effect of the current lockdown in the state, the Senator representing Gombe central senatorial district, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje has donated two trucks of rice to his constituents.

The beneficiaries of the donation are orphans, underprivileged, widows, physically challenged, traditional rulers as well as religious leaders drawn from his Gombe central constituency.

Personal Assistant to the Senator on New Media, Muhammad Adamu Yayari, disclosed this while distributing the items to the beneficiaries at the Goje’s residence.

The Senator's aide charged the committees in charge of the distribution at wards level to ensure judicial distribution of the rice.

He also appealed to the Muslims to use the period of Ramadan to offer special prayers for God's intervention in the fight against the Coronavirus global pandemic.

FG urged to Make Timi Dakolo's 'We Are A Great Nation', COVID-19 Theme Song

The federal government has been urged to officially recognize Timi Dakolo's song 'We are a great nation' as the National song for COVID-19 in order to evoke patriotism among the citizens and portray rich heritage of the country.

The call was made by the Director General of Good Leadership Support Organization ( GLSO Nigeria) Bridget Torbua Igbauke (@bridgettorbua) in a Press release yesterday in Abuja.

She said the song will go a long way to remind the people of Nigeria's glory, unity, beauty and rich heritage even as the country goes through the struggle to defeat the global pandemic in Nigeria and the without prejudice to other musicians.

"The song will serve as a constant reminder to obey and adhere to the measures put in place by the authorities to help curb the spread of the virus.

"As we go through the pains we been handed and confronted with by the Global Pandemic Covid- 19, the great nation song will remind us to more united, without gender prejudices, it will remind that the labour of our heros past shall never be in vain, and it will remind us of who we truely are as a nation. The lyrics will be our shield in the battle against the virus ,and when we remember those words, we will test no defeat, " she added.

BigHomes Distributes COVID-19 Palliatives To FCT Residents

As Nigeria continues to combat COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown situation in the country, a leading real estate firm in the country, Bighomes, has distributed palliatives and relief funds to Nigerians to alleviate the suffering and hunger in many homes.

The distribution exercise which kicked off yesterday in Jahi,Abuja is expected to cover other places like Kado kuchi, Kubwa, Deidei,Gwarimpa village and Mpape all within the federal capital territory where about 500 homes will benefit from the palliatives distribution.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Leader of the team and Marketing Manager of Bighomes Real Estate, Mrs Bertha Obinna said that as the lockdown continues, there are a lot of people that have no means to feed themselves or their family.

She said, "Some, especially artisans who earn from their daily pay jobs have not been able to go out to work since the beginning of the lockdown, and we are glad to give our support by sharing food and relief funds to these people."

Bertha who urged Nigerians to observe the lockdown order by government, however, advised other private organisations to emulate its gesture by also reaching out to those in need to cushion the effect of the lockdown.

"We are calling on the government not to neglect the fact that there is a need to strategically loosen up shut down in the economy," she said.

Speaking about Bighomes, she said the firm, being one of the luxury real estate companies in Nigeria based in Abuja aims to provide shelter for everyone to own their home.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Oladokun Aremu lauded Bighomes team for the gesture. He said the donations have put smiles on their faces in this difficult time.

According to him, "I'm so grateful. I thank you all.This will go a long way to help my family during this period. God bless Bighomes. I want to call on the government to do more to help the citizens, Nigerians are hungry and in dire need of support to survive."

Avert impending food crisis, Prophet Omale urges FG, govs

The General Overseer of Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministries, Prophet Dr. Emmanuel Omale, has made an urgent call on the Nigerian government to send farmers back to the farm immediately, despite the lockdown occasioned by the Covid -19 pandemic.

In a recent set of prophecies just released, the man of God foretold of an imminent food crisis accompanied by extreme starvation and violence, if farmers are not sent back to cultivate food massively.

He advised the government to do this with a sense of urgency, while insisting on social distancing on the farms.According to the prophecy, farmers all over the country should be encouraged and massively supported with financial resources, inputs and necessary equipment or implement.

Such urgent action, he said, would be the only way to avert pervasive hunger in the land, the type that would see women on their way back from the market being attacked and robbed of their purchases, and people being attacked and robbed of the food they are cooking in their homes.

As he did in a previous outing, Prophet Omale declared the ingenuity and giftedness of Nigerian doctors,stressing that God had given them a cure for the new Coronavirus, which they would discover from research.

He also called on government to look inward for a solution to the pandemic, by listening to the professional advice ofNigerian medical practitioners, and supporting them, rather than inviting foreign ones.

By prophetic insight, he assured the Nigerian medical doctors and researchers that the results of their research would be accepted by government this time, so they should have no fear of working in vain.

The man of God also prophesied that 18 Nigerian medical practitioners would make discoveries that would provide solutions to several diseases in the world, for which they would become famous and wealthy.

He restated the important role of Nigeria and Nigerians in God’s plan for the world, and called on the citizens to rekindle faith in the government, to usher in prosperity for the nation.

Prophet Omale emphatically condemned violence in all its ramifications, describing it as a senseless way of trying to solve problems, since it only ends in destruction of lives, property and the national fabric.

Rather, he called for unity and more prayers for the nation and its leaders, in order to actualise the greatness ordained for it by God.

NCDC, MTN Support 7 Start-ups With $3,000 To Curb COVID-19 Spread

As part of efforts to curtail the spread of Covid-19, seven start-ups who are currently deploying solutions and platforms to mitigate the rapid spread of the pandemic in Nigeria has recieved $3,000 support fund from the #COVID19 Innovation Challenge Virtual Demo Day.

The virtual challenge was organised by Ventures Platform and supported by MTN, Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and Lagos State Science and Research Innovation Council (LASRIC).

A statement by Ventures Platform Communication Lead, Joy Mabia, made available to newsmen yesterday,revealed that the seven start-ups received $3,000 each equity-free grant funding from Ventures Platform and its partners - Loftyinc Allied Partners Ltd, Silverchip Fox Consulting, Bluechip Technologies, AGS Tribe, ACIOE, Lakunle Runsewe, Manasseh Egedegbe, Venture Garden Group, NESG, Sterling Bank and the Lagos State Science and Research Innovation Council (LASRIC), not $1,000 that was initially announced at the call for application.

According Mabia, on Friday, 24 April, 2020, the winning startups will also pitch their ideas to MTN staff serving as volunteer mentors and receive invaluable feedback on the required technical, business and functional skills to enhance their solutions before they are deployed in the fight to flatten the curve.

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Transformation Officer (CTRO), Olubayo Adekanmbi in his address, said, “We consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to lend our expertise and capabilities to the development of impactful innovations which can make a difference in curbing the spread of infection. We must all remain dedicated to bringing hope to our communities, especially in these times. Because there is only one way through this. Working together, with everyone doing what they can.”

Also speaking on the collaboration, the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu expressed gratitude to Ventures Platform, MTN, and Lagos State Science and Research Innovation Council for supporting in mobilizing innovative tech solutions to strengthen the national response to COVID-19 while stating that a whole-of-society approach is required to flatten the curve and enable gradual re-opening of the economy. “These solutions would be integrated with existing technology deployed for surveillance, contact tracing, and risk communications activities”.

In addition, Kola Aina, Ventures Platform founder, says, “We would like to especially acknowledge all our partners, especially MTN who joined VP, LASRIC, NCDC, and many others, in supporting these solutions to tackle COVID-19 in Africa. This is the time for more work and as we say in Africa, it takes a village - I am so grateful to our village for making this happen and we continue to call on more corporates to support these startups.”

The NCDC is working with the following startups:

● GLOEPID will be powering the NCDC’s official bot tool for self-assessment and contact tracing. The official mobile application will soon be available on app stores.
● Wellvis Health’s COVID Triage, to support NCDC in risk assessment. With their self-administered risk assessment tool, users will be able to assess their risk level for contacting COVID-19.
● INFODEMICS, a risk communications platform that helps disseminate health information in times of pandemic, will support NCDC to monitor and debunk fake news about the COVID-19 pandemic. Infodemics, in collaboration with the NCDC, is launching a web page that enables users to report fake news and get reliable information. They will also aid in disseminating information about the pandemic to local remote communities in local languages.

MTN will also be working with three of the winning startups- Wellvis Health’s COVID Triage, GLOEPID and My Service Agent, providing funding and mentorship.

Boko Haram: Why Nigeria Does Not Need Deby's Fraudulent Approach

By Ajibola Adeojo 

If recent reports of the success recorded by Chadian troops against the Boko Haram terrorists are anything to go by, then it would be taken that the Chadian forces used a new approach that had never been seen before.

Codenamed “Operation Boma Wrath," Chadian troops were said to have launched an attack on the terrorists, following an attack on their military base on March 23 by Boko Haram in which 98 Chadian troops were killed.


The revenge attack was adjudged a success because the Chadian troops killed many of the insurgents, destroyed five of their bases and many of their bunkers where its top commanders were hiding and recovered thousands of weapons from them.


Few of the surviving insurgents were said to have ran to Nigerian territories to escape been killed.


But if the Chadians had this  offensive strategy against the Boko Haram terrorists who have been taking refuge in their territories for several years why are they unleashing it only now?


The answer is not farfetched. Chad did not use any new approach in military warfare.


That it decided to come out against the insurgents now has more to do with the relationship between the Chadian president, Idriss Deby Itno and the insurgents.


Long before now, Chad had been engulfed in internal crisis for many years and many of its rebels frequently found themselves in Northern Nigeria.


Driven by hunger but with guns and other weapons at their disposal, they wreaked havoc on several Nigerian communities, seized their food supplies and extended their heinous criminal activities to highway robberies. They were known as Kwanta Kwanta due to the language they deployed in their operations.


With the advent of the Boko Haram, especially with the killing of Mohammed Yusuf, top commanders of the sect that were seeking revenge against the Nigerian State were mopped in by the Chadian rebels and in no time the latter surrendered to the command of the Boko Haram because it had more resources and an identifiable structure.


Chad therefore became an important operational base of the terrorists with the knowledge of the Chadian goverment.


The Chadian President had used this relationship to his advantage to demand financial support from Nigeria before.


But the relationship between Boko Haram and Deby went sour in recent times mainly because the Boko Haram were no longer economically useful since nobody was paying to have them kept at bay as was the practice during its early days and secondly, they were becoming a nuisance to their host communities.


The recent killing of the Chadian troops by Boko Haram broke the proverbial back of the camel and the Chadian government had to turn its gun on the terrorists.


The swift manner the exercise was carried out however raised the questions about the  approach used which saw the Chadian troops waking up one day to round up the terrorists in a singular attack.


Some say this is because the attack was led by the Chadian President himself and would want Nigeria to emulate that.


Those advancing this line of thought forget that about the same time that the Boko Haram attacked the Chadian troops killing 98 of them, the theater commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi was also ambushed by the insurgents and would have been killed if not for the deployment of superior military strategy that gave the insurgents a bloody nose.


It is recorded that the Boko Haram suffered so much in that attack that they abandoned a large cache of their weapons and fled.


But days after the Nigerian soldiers outmanouvered the insurgents routing them out in their numbers,  only a little media attention was given to it unlike the Chadian episode.


The truth is, apart from needless propaganda, Nigeria has fared far better in military operations than the tiny African country, hence has nothing to learn from Chad.


Even judging by the two incidents, it is clear which side gave a good account of itself as far as responding to attacks is concerned.


While Chad lost about 98 of its finest fighters, said to be the equivalent of its strike force, Nigeria lost only two soldiers in the ambush before reconnoitering to take on the insurgents and blowing them away.


It is obvious that the Chadian military strategy and approach to counter insurgency differs from that of Nigeria in many respects and it would be a great disservice to Nigeria for anybody to suggest that Nigeria should adopt the Chadian approach in its fight against the insurgents.


One, there is not even a clearly laid out strategy that has cast Chad as having an upper hand in the fight against insurgency.


In the history of warfare, before any strategy could be said to be superior, it must have  produced the same results over and over again.


This is not the case with the Chadians as what we have seen is a one off tit-for-tat mission that managed to succeed..


But the danger in playing the defensive or counter offensive like Chad has done in an asymmetric warfare like the one involving Boko Haram is that the insurgents are allowed to make their pick of targets before they are replied.


This could be counterintuitive as the insurgents while taking the time to plan and launch attacks would not always assemble in a place waiting to to be struck.


Another thing is that allowing the terrorists to converge at a particular place before taking on them.would be at a great cost to the civilian population along their camps who would be made to bear the brunt of their sustenance and the many humiliations that come with it.


The fact of the matter is that Nigeria is far ahead of Chad and other countries in the fight against insurgency.


Nigeria has been the leader on many counter insurgency operations across the continent including the multinational joint task force currently fighting the Boko Haram.


The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has been leading the fight from the front since he was so appointed in June 2015.


He has personally participated in drills and other military exercises with fighting troops, talked and interacted with them directly  and led operations in the theatres of war.


His presence at many operations has served to inspire troops and boosted their confidence in the battle field.


Apart from that, the Chief of Army Staff  has been able to win the war by adopting tactics and strategies that suits particular geographical locations which he is quite familiar with.


Troops confidence has further  been boosted with the keen interest he has shown in the improved welfare of soldiers and instilling in them a high sense of patriotism.


Chad on the other hand has had a pact with the insurgents which went sour and were driven by rage of betrayal by an estranged accomplice.


Nigeria however is driven by patriotism and the need to save humanity from catastrophe and disorder.


The two countries are not in the same category.


Nigeria is doing well in the fight against insurgency and has nothing to learn from a one off operation.


Adeojo, a security analyst wrote this article from Ibadan.

The General Overseer of Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministries International Abuja, Prophet Dr. Emmanuel Omale has commended the federal and state governments, for the concerted efforts to fight the deadly coronavirus.

In an Easter message to Nigerians, Prophet Omale said the measures by government and its agencies had gone a long way to check the spread of the disease, thereby giving hope to Nigerians and making it possible for them to celebrate Easter peacefully in their homes.

Omale called on Christian faithful of all denominations to celebrate this year’s Easter with a heart of gratitude and high praises, to God who has spared their lives in the midst of the global pandemic.

According to him, Christians must continue to pray for the total eradication of Covid-19, seeing that the Almighty God is answering their prayers.

Prophet Omale also called on President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders in the country, to give all necessary support to our medical practitioners, as they possess innate and acquired knowledge with wisdom from God, to ease the effect of the pandemic.

He also urged the leaders to continue to serve the people with the fear of God.

He wishes all Nigerians a happy and peaceful Easter celebration.

Group urges IG to discard petition against minister

A political youth group, All Progressives Congress APC Nigeria Youth (APCNY) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed to jettison petition on alleged forgery against Minister of State, Mines and Steel, Dr Uche Ogah.

The group made the call in a statement issued by its Convener, Mr Paul Oyiborume, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oyiborume also called on the IG to investigate the group making the allegation he described as attempt to destroy the good works and legacy that Ogah had built over the time.

He described Ogah as an innocent and reputable man with proven integrity in the banking industry and other sectors.

“It has come to our sudden notice that an enemy within is set to destroy the good works that the Minister of State Mines and Steel has built over the years.

“Ogah is a very reputable, well respected leader is an honest, God fearing man who transacts his business with clean hands.

“He is highly regarded and widely recognized for his diligent nature as the zonal manager in the banking industry for over nine years.

“To this end, I wish to vehemently state that Ogah is innocent, with valid evidence to prove that he is not guilty of any fraud.

“Therefore, we are calling on the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate and bring to book the faceless group who wants to tarnish the image of the Minister.

“This is a mindless propaganda, we cannot fold our hands and watch any cheap attempt to sabotage the minister efforts prevail.

“Ogah is currently working with the President to ensure that the next levels agenda is achieved in the mining sector,” Oyiborume said.

A Coalition of Public Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) through its solicitor, Mr Pelumi Olajengbesi have demanded for immediate arrest of Ogah over alleged case of forgery.

Insurgency: Be Responsible in Reportage, Coalition Task Media

The Northern Youth Coalition has tasked the Nigerian media to be responsible in her reportage of security issues in the interest of national security.

The youth at a solidarity rally in support of the Nigeria security agencies fighting insurgency explained that the media has for too long concentrated in reporting perceived lapses rather than the successes recorded in the fight against insurgency.

Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on behalf of the conveners of the coalition, Mallam Ibrahim Usman and Comrade Sani Bala, both urged the media to highlight the gains made by the security agencies rather than hyping the destruction caused by insurgents adding that such reports tends to give impetus to the criminals and demoralise the troops.

"We have observed with dismay the continued hyping of activities of insurgents without corresponding reports of successes of our troops. As a people who have studied the situations since when the insurgency started to date, we are worried that the media has not reported adequately the gains achieved by our security forces.

"We know for a fact, the calls for the sacking of security chiefs is fuelled by the negative reports. As patriots, it behooves on us to put the records straight and urged the media to be more patriotic in the discharge of its duties.

"It is a global standard that you do not change a winning team in the middle of the game. The Nigeria Service Chiefs have performed creditably to the admiration of many who have done proper appraisal of their activities. The Nigerian Army and Air force in particular have witnessed unprecedented transformation in their operations, training, and welfare of its personnel amongst other things under this dispensation more than any other time.

"Today, issues of bombings in public places and other security breaches orchestrated by the Book Haram insurgents have been halted or reduced to the bearest minimum. That is why over 50 groups have gathered here today under the umbrella of Northern Youth Coalition to support our security agencies.

The group further urged the Federal Government to disregard calls for the sack of service chiefs saying such calls were either made out of share ignorance or mischief but rather keep fate with the security agencies in their resolve to winning the war.

"We call on the Army in particular to remain steadfast in her onslaught on criminals across the country. The Army must must sustain its gallantry within the rules of engagement and never to allows criminals frustrate the successes recorded so far.

"Also, it is the responsibility of all citizens to ensure that there is security of lives and property. To this end, we appeal to all Nigerians to show solidarity with our security forces and not try to dampen the morale of the troops particularly when the enemy attacks but encourage the troops to go for the jugular" the group added.

Gen. Buratai And A Rebranded Nigerian Army

By DAN AMOR

This year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day took place on January 15, about a month ago. It is usually an annual event during which the country and her citizens remember our fallen heroes -those who paid the supreme price to protect the territorial integrity of our beloved country. Nigerians use the date to celebrate not only members of our armed forces who died during the Nigerian Civil War (1967 - 1970), but also Nigerian soldiers who died during the Second World War or World War 2, a global  war that lasted between 1939 and 1945 when the principal belligerents also known as the Axis powers - Germany, Italy and Japan - and the Allies - France, Great Britain, the United States of America, the Soviet Union, and to a lesser extent, China, fought themselves with modern weapons.

It is also an event used to remember Nigerian soldiers who died during the United Nations peace-keeping operations since 1945 and peace-keeping operations in Africa like the Congo crisis of the 1960s, the Liberian and Serra Leonian civil wars in which ECOMOG soldiers led by Nigeria played a very significant role. This year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day was also used to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Nigerian Civil War. As a Nigerian child whose father also fought in the World War 2, I chose to use this piece to celebrate the Nigerian Army and its leadership, especially in these trying times. It is heartwarming to note that the Army, under the able leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has been rebranded beyond words.

Leadership is about using people and resources to achieve maximum results. A leader's history of successes and failures makes a big difference in his credibility. To build trust, a leader must exemplify these qualities: competence, connection and character. People will forgive occasional mistakes based on ability, especially if they can see that you're still growing as a leader. But they won't trust someone who has slips in character. In that area, even occasional lapses are lethal.

No leader can break trust with his people and expect to keep influencing them. Trust makes leadership possible. This is what the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai NAM GSS psc (+) ndc (BD) BA (Hons), MA, MPhil, exemplifies. At the emergence of the Muhammadu Buhari administration on May 29, 2015, the fear of Boko Haram, the Islamist terrorist organization which had crippled economic and social activities in the North East geopolitical zone of the the country was the beginning of wisdom. To stem the tide of this menace, President Buhari announced the relocation of Army Headquarters from Abuja to Maiduguri, the theatre of war. This was indubitably based on the necessity to intensify the fight against the terrorists. In fact, through alleged official negligence, conspiracy or collusion of previous leadership of the military, Boko Haram became a terrifying force taking tens of thousands of lives, destroying property worth billions of naira and capturing several towns and villages and even local government areas thereby rendering hundreds of thousands of Nigerians homeless.

Consequently, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the 26th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who was appointed on July 13, 2015, galvanized himself and swung into action. Launching his campaign on an enduring philosophy and vision of an army which could inculcate the ideals of discipline, professionalism, esprit de corps and hardwork, Buratai told his officers, rank and file that his administration would instill and imbibe the ideals of a professionally responsive army which must have respect for and be loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Under him and in just four years, renewed vigour and a rare sense of direction have been introduced to the Nigerian Army.

Aside from a potent manifestation of professionalism amongst the rank and file and the officers Corp, there is a high degree of human rights observance in the army. Also, there is a monumental degree of infrastructural development across all the formations of the Nigerian Army. There is, indeed, a remarkable increase in the Army equipment holdings and improved maintenance culture. The army is no more on the defensive, as the organization now defines the territory of combat and the battle taken to the doorsteps of the aggressors. Under Buratai the Nigerian Army is a consummate praetorian guard of the nation's inviolability.

As a practical leader, Buratai travels to war fronts in the North East to pray and felicitate with his highly motivated troops during Eid-el-Fitr. During Christmas, he visits several units and formations, and personally assesses their operations. Through specific directives, he proactively addresses some of the identified challenges of the troops. This is how it should be. Using the template tagged Operation "Lafiya dole", the Nigerian Army, under his command, has identified the challenges in the dynamics of modern warfare which requires constant innovation, research, intelligence gathering mechanism, advancement of technology and the building of local capacity.

In consequence, therefore, the COAS has set in motion a deliberate programme for the immediate repair and refitting of all the abandoned and unserviceable weapons and equipment in the Army inventory. In fact, about 178 armored fighting vehicles of various types are completely refurbished by the Army electrical and mechanical engineers at various workshops across the country. This has put paid to the over-reliance on foreign equipment and spares which was a huge setback in the immediate past. In fact, what the Army could not achieve in thirty years has been achieved within just four years of Gen. Buratai in the saddle as Chief of Army Staff.

Expectedly, this feat has attracted odium from his detractors who have repeatedly tried to haul mud on him. But he has refused to be distracted by such invidious campaign of calumny and media trials. Rather, he has kept his head above waters culminating in the recent victory of our gallant troops over the Boko Haram insurgents. Indeed, fifth columnists can go to town with their verbiage and vituperation that the insurgents are still not totally defeated given their occasional strikes at targeted objects and ambush attacks.

But they fail to understand that this is a nonconventional war in which the terrorists do not wear uniforms. How many times have the insurgents infiltrated Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory as was the case in the past when detonation of bombs in Abuja was almost predictable? A man of few words, Buratai blended words with actions, and by December 2015, barely five months into his appointment, Boko Haram was technically decimated leading to their total defeat in December 2016. Unarguably, the last vestiges of the Boko Haram insurgency were displaced from the Sambisa Forests at "Camp Zero".

The gallant Nigerian troops also dismantled the official flag of the terrorists and have liberated nearly 20 local government areas hitherto seized by the anarchists. An accomplished senior infantry officer who was commissioned in 1983 and has had multiple command, administrative and institutional appointments in his illustrious military career, Buratai gained admission into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna as a member of the 29 Regular Combatant Course on January 3, 1981.

A highly decorated senior military officer with several local and international awards, Gen. Buratai has a barrage of both military and academic qualifications and has served in various military formations in Nigeria. Under him, all information regarding the activities of the Army is known to the Nigerian public as against the past in which everything was shrouded in secrecy and cover ups leading to massive frauds. Nigerian troops are now properly motivated, all thanks to his eclectic leadership.

Amor is on the Editorial Board of TheNigerian Tabloid.

Zamfara: What does Yari want?

By Yusuf Suleiman Gusau

It’s no longer news that the Supreme Court has fixed Tuesday, February18, 2020, for the review of its judgement over the lingering case of the All Progressives Congress (APC) botched primary election in Zamfara state. I woke up today with nosiness on what really former Zamfara state governor Abdulazeez Yari want and what will be his fate in the hands of the judges of the apex court whom he oft openly vilify and denigrate, snubbing the consequences of his tout-like attitude, unbecoming of a former chief executive of a state.

Though, I’m not an indigene of Zamfara state but the ceaseless security challenges and political huggermuggers that bedeviled the state under Yari’s regime aroused my interest in the state that clearly lacked leadership at a point but for the recent change of events that brought the leadership of Governor Bello Matawalle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Yari ruled Zamfara in a manner similar to the epoch of invasion and occupation of territories by fascists unlike democracy where leadership emerges by the will of the majority by with defined principles and ethos. Zamfara state was always in the news during the Yari administration for his indifference to tackle bandits and kidnappers and most worrisome the financial recklessness of the administration.

Towards the 2019 general elections, the state occupied pages of newspapers and became the topic of discussion in both the television and radio stations in the country when Yari, who at a certain time opted to relinquish his status of being the chief security of the state having failed in his primary duty to protect the lives and property of the people, wielded his power and manipulated the APC’s primaries in favour of his anointed candidates.

Consequently, the people of Zamfara state were anxiously waiting for the 2019 elections to simply vote leaders who will protect them and their children from the heightening insecurity which prevailed under Yari’s watch. But when people like Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, who was then the senator representing Zamfara Central in the eighth Senate, expressed interest to contest the governorship election on the flagship of APC, Yari in his simplest nature tried all ways possible to shut them out of the primaries by holding a charade in the guise of primaries without recourse to the laid down procedures by his party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

To recap what transpired in the state that led to today’s legal battle, let me state that Senator Marafa, who stood out and identified with the people of the entire state at the time of their travail, was the choice of people. But Yari was threatened by Marafa’s soaring political support for a reason best known to him. In spite of the power of incumbency, financial war chest, and the government structure at his disposal, when the duo held political rallies in the state before the 2019 election, it was crystal clear that the entire people of the state were supporting Marafa as his rally overwhelmed that of the serving governor in the state. What else does anyone need to know where the people of Zamfara state belong? The two different rallies were broadcast live by national television stations and can always be retrieved and viewed side by side to distinguish between Yari’s feeble political climate and Marafa’s rising popularity in Zamfara state.



What many don’t know about Zamfara is that, it was Yari who went to court in Zamfara state with his self-generated result instead of his party and later to INEC for affirmation. This was after he had conducted his sham primary election and denied other contenders an enabling environment to participate including his most intimidating politician, Sen. Marafa. It was like a case of a dog taking self to slaughter house for Yari to take his illegality to a legal jurisdiction.

Unfortunately, Yari deployed state power to get judgement in his favour, which was later overturned by the two separate courts and subsequently, the apex court issued a verdict against Yari and his political allies and godsons. His inordinate quest for power at all cost and political recklessness caused the APC to lose the state to PDP.

But, instead of realising his mistakes and where he shot himself in the foot and be humble, it baffles me watching a video clip where the same Yari was holding a political meeting at his Talatan Mafara residence, referring to the judgement by the revered Supreme Court; he insulted his party national chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, for rejecting the result of the charade primary election conducted by Yari without the supervision and endorsement of APC national secretariat and INEC. He said, referring to the present governor of the state, “You are beating chest that you are a governor, who is a governor? What power does a governor possess? But I am not surprised of what he is doing because he got to government house illegally, it's not the people of Zamfara that voted for him, he was imposed on them by the court that is why he is behaving this way. He is claiming that he wants peace, how? This is a lie and deceit.”

It’s the same apex court whose judgement Yari has called an illegality that he now wants to review its judgement, probably in his favour. It’s high time the court showed its supremacy to Yari and his co-travellers. It was the same desperate Yari who reported the Supreme Court to the US embassy in Abuja in protest over its judgment and now wants the same court to reverse its judgement. You can’t come back to the same institution you’ve publicly maligned and accused of imposition and illegality to seek legality.

Finally, if democracy is truly government of the people, by the people and for the people, since the people of Zamfara state have rejected Yari and his self-centered faction, returning them to the people of Zamfara can best be described as an imposition. The Matawalle administration has restored the lost glory of the state and the hitherto despondent people of the state now have hope and peace that eluded them for during the Yari regime of the locusts.


Suleiman writes from Kaduna

ICC: Global Amnesty commends Nigerian government’s effort in tackling threats to humanity

...calls for consideration of facts against Boko Haram, IMN others

Contrary to preliminary examination activities by the International Criminal Court that its prosecutor could press three cases against the Nigerian government, the Global Amnesty Watch (GWA) has commended the Nigerian government for its effort in tackling threats to humanity.

The international humanitarian organization made this known on Tuesday in a detailed report opposing ICC’s recent report with a view to put issues in proper perspective.

Among others, the international tribunal listed Nigeria as one of the countries being probed for alleged war and international human rights crimes.

On the opposite, however, Global Amnesty Watch believes the Nigerian authorities have done sufficiently well in its prosecution of the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

In the report signed by John Tom Lever, Africa Representative, GAW acknowledged some challenges were faced along the way but prompt and counter measures were put in place.

The Global Amnesty Watch added that the issues identified by the ICC are those already addressed by a presidential panel of inquiry and found the military innocent.

After thoroughly examining the facts, the group concluded that indeed the Nigerian military lived up to expectation and the position of the ICC is “misleading and not a reflection of the reality on the ground”.

In the interest of fairness to all, Global Amnesty Watch, therefore, called on ICC to investigate Boko Haram, IMN and others over war crimes.

Read full report below:

Preamble:

The International Criminal Court, in its 2019 edition of the annual report on preliminary examination activities, identified three cases that could be pressed against Nigerian authorities as issued by the Office of its prosecutor headed by Mrs. Fatou Bensouda.

The report amongst a host of others listed Nigeria as one of the countries being probed for alleged war and international human rights crimes. The possible crimes against the Nigerian Security and Civilian Joint Task Force include killings, torture or ill-treatment of military-aged males suspected to be Boko Haram members or supporters in the North East. The report also identified attacks against civilian populations and recruitment and use of children under 15 to participate in hostilities.

The Position of the Global Amnesty Watch:

The Global Amnesty Watch as an international humanitarian organization with a mandate of serving as that watchdog on Human Rights compliance by governments and organizations around the world decries the methodology employed by the ICC in arriving at most of the findings in its report, especially that aspects that relates to the Nigerian military and its prosecution of the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria.

The position of the ICC is at best misleading and not a reflection of the reality on the ground because of its failure to recognize appropriate mechanisms put in place by the Nigerian authorities to ensure that cases of excessive use of forces, human rights violations and other sundry issues by Nigerian military personnel are addressed.

Special Board of Inquiry:

The ICC may wish to recall that the Nigerian Army had indeed constituted a Special Board of Inquiry headed by Major General A.T. Jibrin, rtd, which investigated the cases of misdemeanour by officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism in North-East Nigeria and other security operations in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.

The Global Amnesty Watch as a stakeholder is privy to the content of the report and in times past called for it to be given wide publication in an attempt to put to rest the controversies that had raged around the efforts of the Nigerian military to secure the country and keep its citizens safe from terrorist and other militant groups in the country.

Presidential Investigative Panel:

In the aftermath of public outcry in human rights violations against the Nigerian Military in respect to the IMN and IPOB, a presidential investigative panel was instituted by the Nigerian government and headed by Justice Georgewill Biobele to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the Armed Forces and the extent of compliance with them. The panel sat in Enugu, Abuja, Maiduguri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt and received several petitions from individuals, groups and CSOs. The IPOB and their lawyers made presentations in Enugu, southeast Nigeria during which several alleged cases of military brutality were heard. It must be stated that cases as far back as 2007 were also presented at the panel.

The Global Amnesty Watch is aware that the Presidential Panel, in its submission, exonerated the Nigerian Military of all allegations of human rights violations against IPOB and the IMN.

Boko Haram:

The Boko Haram crisis that has ravaged most parts of North-East Nigeria is indeed as worrisome as it sounds. Regardless of the nefarious activities of the terror group, the Global Amnesty Watch can state that the operations of the Nigerian Military in the zone have been characterized by compliance with the rules of engagement in war situations. This much the Global Amnesty Watch has stated in its various reports on the activities of the Nigeria military in North-East Nigeria.

The much was also stated when a special rapporteur from Global Amnesty Watch commended the Nigerian Military for displaying effective coordination against Boko Haram terrorists in North-East Nigeria amidst conspiracy. This came about after a systematic tour of select communities, which included Chibok, Gwoza, and Madagali.

The findings of the Special Rapporteur revealed that the government of Nigeria has continued to review the rules of engagement to ensure that actions of troops are in tandem with the Nigerian Armed Forces published rules of engagement.

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria:

The position of the Global Amnesty Watch on the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has been documented in a series of reports made available to the public. The military action of December 2015, between the Nigerian Army and the IMN referenced by the ICC, has been investigated by the Global Amnesty Watch to ascertain cases of Human Rights violations by the Nigerian Army.

This was corroborated by the setting up of a Special Commission of Inquiry by the Kaduna State Government. The findings of the Special Commission of Inquiry made substantial revelations on the cause of the clash between the Nigerian Army and the IMN. The Global Amnesty Watch scrutinized this much, and a conclusion was reached that there was indeed a threat to the life of the Chief of Army Staff, whose convoy was ambushed in Zaria by IMN members on a procession.

It must be noted that there were several other instances where the IMN as an organization exhibited violent tendencies manifest in street protests in most parts of the country that resulted in deaths and destructions of properties. However, it must be stated that there were some established cases of human rights violations on the part of the Nigerian Military, and the Global Amnesty Watch did raise the alarm, which eventually led to disciplinary actions taken against such erring officers. And not in the magnitude the ICC is presenting.

Indigenous People of Biafra:

The agitations of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are one that should be a source of concern to all stakeholders. This much has been stated in numerous forums where the Global Amnesty Watch engaged stakeholders in Nigeria. Their agitations in most times result in violent confrontations with security operatives with little or minimal provocation.

The Global Amnesty Watch has indeed frowned at situations where groups have refused to be guided by the recognized constituted authorities in the country, which is indeed always a recipe for breakdown of law and order. This much was highlighted in the ICC report, but missing in crucial details as to how and what led to the confrontations with the security operatives.

It must be stated that there were instances where the security agencies deployed the excessive force in arresting threats posed by IPOB; the Global Amnesty Watch has roundly condemned such displays. However, it is our considered opinion that this act or actions should not form a basis for the ICC to press charges against the Nigerian Authorities.

The focus instead should be on these organizations that have taken laws into their own hands by constituting themselves into parallel governments threatening peace and tranquility in most instances.

Terrorism Trial:

We wish to state that due to the magnitude of the conflict caused by the IMN and IPOB, as stated earlier the leaders of the IMN, Sheik Ibraheem EL-Zar-zarky, as well as Nnamdi Kanu are standing trial in various courts in Nigeria on charges of terrorism brought forward by the Nigerian government. This is also cognizant of the fact that the Global Amnesty Watch is in receipt of evidence that the International Criminal Court is investigating the IMN and IPOB for war crimes due to the level of violence that has occasioned their activities in Nigeria.

Conclusion:

The Global Amnesty Watch wishes to put on record that the issues identified by the ICC are the very issues that a presidential panel of inquiry has addressed and found the military innocent. In the few cases where breaches were noticed, personnel have been decisively dealt with and it would only amount to double jeopardy for anyone to be sanctioned for one offense twice anywhere in the world.

It is thus our considered opinion that the Nigerian Military has indeed lived up to expectation in its prosecution of the war against terrorism in Nigeria. It must be stated that no society or endeavour is 100% perfect, but in instances where measures are instituted to check abuses or overzealousness must be commended and not crucified.

This is aside the fact that the Global Amnesty Watch is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the ICC investigation on the IMN and IPOB for war crimes in the interest of fairness to all.

Adhere To Party Constitution, Group Urges Presidency, APC

The Coalition of APC Civil Organizations groups which is the combination of over 550 different groups that tirelessly works for the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and as well for his re- election in 2019 respectively, has called on the Presidency and the National Executive of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to give every member of the party a free level play ground in the management of the affairs of the political party as enshrined in the constitution of the party.

The group made their plea based on the recent development at Awka, the capital of Anambra State where there was a hatched plans by some few executive of the Political Party in Anambra state to manipulate the election process regarding who becomes the successor of Chief Kingsley Moghalu who is the immediate past Auditor APC.

There are reports that Chief Moghalu was recently appointed the Managing Director of National Inland Water Ways (NIWA) with Headquarters in Lokoja the Capital of Kogi State hence, the need for his replacement.

It was however gathered that some leaders of the Party are using their Abuja connection to scuttle the ambitions of Chief Uche Ifearoh, Emeka Nwagbo and Mike Ugbah whom the National Secretariat of the party screened and certified as those ably qualified to run for the position as enshrined by the party constitution.

Speaking during the group quarterly meeting in Abakiliki the Capital of Ebonyi State, the group national Coordinator Hon. Adebayo Abdulraman Segun implored all the stakeholders of the Party especially at the National secretariat to urgently look into the matter to make sure that the selection process over who replaced Kingsley Moghalu is not hijacked.

He called on the party supporters in Anambra State to ensure that the right thing is done by allowing only those screened by the Party National Secretariat and given certificate, to be allowed to participate in the election process.
He made a special appeal on President Buhari to call on those causing unnecessary disagreement within the party in Anambra State to be call to order and ensure that the right thing is done in view of the fact that; every Nigerians know him for his honesty and integrity.

The group therefore urged the National Secretariat of the Party to make sure Chief Uche Ifearoh, Mike Ugbah and Emeka Nwagbo that have the screening certificate to participate in the election but, not to allow those without screening certificate to be part of the elections.

They plead with all the party leaders in Anambra State to join hands together to build the party as one family, not to allow inter party squabbles to tear them apart which if not properly handles may definitely lead them to defeat in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Elections in Anambra State.

Fakuade And The Silent Transformation Of MRI

By Dan Onmeje

There are indeed some Nigerians that can be labeled as quiet achievers. These sets of individuals are media-shy, but their level of competence is astonishing, so much so that a peep into their activities would reveal tales of achievements that would make every doubting Thomas’s green with envy.

This is indeed the case of Mr. Olabode Fakuade, the chief executive officer of the Metallurgical Training Institute, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. Since assumption of office, Mr. Olabode Fakuade has transformed the operations of the agency. But one of his undoing is the fact that he is one that chooses not to blow his trumpet.

According to insider sources, the agency has a meager allocation for publicity. The time the agency has been in the news is when it is calling for prospective candidates for admission into its various training programmes. As a background, the agency offers a modular 3-year intensive study programme 70% practical and 30% theory and supervised practical training in 6 specialized courses Mechanical Maintenance Engineering, Industrial Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control System Engineering, Steel Fabrication and Welding Engineering, Heavy Mobile / Automobile Equipment, Maintenance Engineering and Industrial Metallurgy and Foundry Engineering.


The agency also runs short term programmes ranging from 1 week to 12 months in the following courses: Auto-Mechatronics (Computerized Vehicle Diagnosis/Repairs), Foundry & Casting Technology, Special Welding (MIG, TIG, MAG), Advanced Machining Processes, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), and Electrical Equipment Maintenance/Installation Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Repairs (Cooling Systems).


Quite a sensitive agency you would want to agree and the more baffling is why it has remained anonymous in a clime where publicity stunts is the order of the day. This fact was what ignited my interest and the decision to pen this article.


I consequently researched on the agency that included on the spot assessment, interviews, and interactions with students and stakeholders in the industry. I must state that the consensus was the same; a trail blazing agency that is contributing to the training of Nigerians in the area of maintenance engineering with the aim of fast-tracking technological development in Nigeria.


Mr. Olabode Fakuade is a rare gem. He is one that devotes a substantial part of his life to service. Upon close interaction with him, I discovered a man that is passionate about what he does, and this much he has exhibited in the operations of the agency. Some reading this piece would be wondering the rationale behind this piece. I would consequently like to state that my fascination was occasioned with what I saw on the ground in the MTI.


On a first visit to the institute, you would be confronted with an ambiance that speaks volumes of hope for Nigeria. It was a common sight to see young Nigerians that are actively engaged in their studies and with promising prospects in contributing to the technological development of Nigeria. The array of courses offered by the institute is indeed strategic in the sense that Nigeria would experience phenomenal growth in our quest for technological advancement.


The MTI as an agency is primed to provide the required workforce in the technological development of Nigeria, and I must commend the rationale behind the establishment of the agency since 1981. The impact of the MTI in the technical space in Nigeria has been indeed felt in this critical sector, but for the fact that it has not been engaged in publicity stunts makes this silent.


Just maybe it is a strategy. But overall, I think it is a function of the leadership style of the Chief Executive Officer that believes in getting the task done without funfair. Those in the know of the leadership style of this unassuming chief executive officer attests to the fact that since his appointment, he indeed hit the ground running and turned around the fortunes of the institute.


The highlight amongst the numerous feats recorded is the fact that the MTI avails various calibers of Nigerians the opportunity to acquire technical education that provides for necessary skills for gainful employment, self-employment, and job creation. The construction of about 600 meters of deep concrete drains to link the tunnel adjoining Onitsha-Owerri Expressway to channel erosion water is one worthy example.


The impact of this feat cannot be overemphasized given the fact that soil erosion has been a considerable challenge in the southeast region of Nigeria. This is also aside from the fact that the institute has witnessed unprecedented facilities upgrade for maximum efficiency.


I dare to say that all of these were made possible by the leadership acumen and sagacity of the chief executive officer whose antecedent speaks volumes of a man on a mission to make an impact wherever he finds himself.


The students of the institute are full of praises for the chief executive officer whose tenure they have described as innovative and transformative. For the chief executive officer, it is about service. In his words, “It is evident, from the growing rate of unemployment and the effect on the overall economy of Nigeria, that technical skill empowerment plays a pivotal role to ensure that young Nigerians are well trained and given adequate skill to run the machinery of our nation’s economy.”


Lest I forget, the institute is taking advantage of the solar power system as an alternative source of energy supply to run its various departments. There is also an emphasis on training and retraining that has seen to the organization of workshops for members of staff of the institute to improve their efficiency at the workplace.


There is also strict compliance for transparency and accountability in the operations of the institute. Those conversant with the leadership style of the chief executive officer would always say that with Olabode Fakuade, every penny must be accounted for because he is not one that encourages frivolities.



If this is the case in most agencies of government, then Nigeria would be better for it. For me, Olabode Fakuade has indeed raised the bar in administration and an example of how public office holder should conduct their selves.

I can go on non-stop on the exploits of this unassuming administrator that has indeed redefined what service to fatherland ought to be. His infectious administrative style should serve as a reference point to those desirous of contributing to the development of Nigeria. His zeal for excellence is worthy of emulation. I salute this man of uncommon feat, and I desire that the country is blessed with such administrators that would assist in our quest for development. Olabode Fakuade is indeed a silent achiever.


Onmeje is the Group Managing Director of TheNigerian News Group and wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

Maryam Sanda: Rights Advocate Tackles Judge Over Ruling, Expresses Hope Of Judgment Reversal At Appeal Court

A human rights activist and Director of Communication and Advocacy of Make A Difference Initiative, Lemmy Ughegbe, has decried the failure of Justice Yusuf Halilu to diligently follow the letters and processes of law in reaching a decision to convict Maryam Sanda on the charge of taking the life of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

Speaking with ARISE NEWS, the human rights advocate said Justice Halilu, whom he described as a “courageous judge”, had stripped the judgment of legitimacy by abusing due process.

He noted that Justice Halilu had jumped the gun by hastening to deliver a verdict on trial without due regard to the preliminary objection, which challenged the competence of the charge and the jurisdiction of the court to entertain it.

He said, “The judge committed a fatal blunder when he failed to consider the preliminary objection and rule on it one way or the other before delivering his judgment.

“I have studied the judgment of Justice Halilu and it is crystal clear that he failed to rule on the preliminary objection one way or the other. Based on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Justice Halilu had upon hearing the preliminary objection announced that he would go ahead with the trial and when it was all done, he would rule on the objection and its success or failure and determine whether or not to proceed to deliver a judgment.

“It is trite that when issues of competence of a charge and jurisdiction of a court are raised, the court must dispense with that issue one way or the other.

"This judge misdirected himself by not considering and ruling on these issues raised and it is settled law that however elegant a proceeding or a judgment is, it becomes invalid, null and void in that circumstance.”

Ughegbe said the failure of the judge to rule on the preliminary objection amounted to a bias against the defendant and a consequent denial of her constitutional right to fair hearing.

He stated, “I advise them to make this a number one ground of appeal as I believe it is a settled principle in our law that without fair hearing a proceeding is flawed and incurably defective.

“No person should be convicted for the offence of murder, which attracts capital punishment based on circumstantial evidence.

“The absence of a murder weapon, autopsy report, confessional statement and pictures taken of the body of the deceased make it nearly impossible to convict Maryam Sanda on the charge of culpable homicide.”

Speaking further, the rights activist noted that the judge had misdirected himself and assumed the position of an IPO whereas the only job he was paid to do was look at the various evidence before him and evaluate them to make a decision.

Recall that on January 27, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja had sentenced Sanda to death for killing Bello.

Sanda had on November 19, 2017 stabbed her husband to death following an allegation of infidelity against him after seeing a text message on his phone.