Month: July 2023

A development training institute, Coinmac International, has suggested the adoption of Artificial Intelligence to curb fraud and misappropriation so as to improve auditing processes in the public sector.

Its Managing Director, Mr Ayo Salam, gave the suggestion in Abuja on Monday at the opening of a training workshop on Developing, Improving and Monitoring the Internal Audit Function.

The training was organised for Internal Audit staff of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).

He said the new administration should do more to reduce corruption in the public sector by training and retraining auditors in the country.

According to him, when auditors are properly trained, there will be adequate knowledge to block corruption loopholes.

“Adopting new technologies on auditing processes will help many organisations.

“As the business world changes at an accelerating rate, auditors need to continually add to their skills and knowledge to stay relevant; they need to remain educated on changes in business in general, and in audit processes.

“There has to be transparency and accountability; information and communication technology currently rules the world.

“We can, as much as possible, discourage corruption with institutional development. We can do this by ensuring we have schools for auditing that can build capacity for auditors. That is the purpose for this meeting.

“Internal auditors are key agents in preventing corruption and ensuring compliance to relevant laws and policies. Auditing the public sector will prevent mistakes and shortcomings in public administration.”

Salam said that raising the internal audit quality in N-HYPPADEC would ensure that the establishment continued to be free of corruption, while financial transparency and accountability would receive a boost.

He added that establishing and strengthening internal audit departments in government establishments would mitigate the misuse and abuse of public offices and complement efforts of anti-graft agencies.

The Managing Director, N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, in a remark, said that the workshop would upgrade the Commission’s Audit Unit into a robust one.

“We shall build an honest and responsible workforce in line with the aspirations of the Presidency,” he declared.

Yelwa urged participants to embrace new ideas and solutions to auditing challenges so as to promote innovation and creativity.

He expressed optimism that his officers would gain more knowledge on the significance of professional ethics such as confidentiality and independent viewpoint in auditing.

“We expect that they understand the risks and ethical responsibilities of compromising auditing process to suit personal interests or the interests of senior officers.

“The participants should also know that workshops such as this one, are not enough to make them exceptionally competent in their field.

“I, therefore, implore each of you to put in personal efforts towards enhancing your professional capacity,” he stated.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has assured the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, of continued support and intervention in infrastructural development of the college.

Lagbaja gave the assurance when he received in audience, the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM Hassan Alhaji at the Army Headquarters, in Abuja.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Mwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He congratulated the commandant on his appointment, and appreciated the existing partnership between the college and the Nigeriam army.

He said that the army under his command will remain disposed to supporting the college, especially in the areas of electricity supply and accommodation, among others, to realise its objectives.

The army Chief said the college had over the years lived up to expectations in producing well trained officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigerian army in particular.

He added that the activities of the college had positively impacted on operational engagements of the army, both at home and abroad.

Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command will offer free services to enhance integrated Information Communication Technology status of the AFCSC college in training exercises and administration of students.

Earlier, the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM Alhaji, in his remarks lauded the army for being of tremendous support to the college in past years.

Alhaji said that the college had witnessed huge improvement in its curriculum, which has been tailored to meet specific needs of the services.

He added that the college was keen at leveraging on ICT to enhance students’ administration, registration, training directives and accommodations in its effort to enhance productivity.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), Dr Omar-Farouk Ibrahim, has urged the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) to turn the challenges of energy transition to opportunities for the country.

Ibrahim made the call on Monday in Abuja at the opening session of the 16th annual conference of NAEE and International Association for Energy Economics.

The theme of the conference was, “Energy Evolution, Transition and Reform: Prospects for African economies.”

Ibrahim who was the keynote speaker at the programme called on NAEE to tap from APPO’s reform to turn around the association by commissioning a study on the future of oil and gas industry in the country.

He noted that APPO in a study completed in 2021 identified four imminent challenges the energy transition posed to the oil and gas industry in Africa.

He listed the challenges as funding, technology expertise/skills, and market, noting that these challenges had been the preoccupation of APPO since its reforms.

However, the expert said APPO was responding to these imminent challenges in practical terms.

Ibrahim, however, urged NAEE to take a leave from that by converting energy transition challenges in Nigeria to opportunities.

“Going by the APPO credentials, I believe you have a big role to play in turning the challenges of energy transition to opportunities in Nigeria and indeed, in Africa.

“Regarding the funding challenge, APPO has gone into partnership with Afreximbank to set up the Africa Energy Bank (AEB); a Memorandom of Understanding to this effect was signed in Luanda in May last year and negotiation on the establishment of charter.

“Preparations of the host country agreement as well as other documents have reached advanced stage. We hope to be able to present the final documents to the next ordinary session of our ministerial council for approval.

“The focus of the AEB shall be the provision of funds for oil and gas projects on the continent, in addition to other forms of energy, shareholding in the bank was open to all APPO members’ countries, national oil company and other investment institutions,” he said.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, commended NAEE for organising the programme.

Komolafe said that NAEE had continued to build professionals in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

He said that the programme had brought on the dodgedness of the association in keeping to the objectives of the oil and gas sector as well as the advancement of professionals in the energy sector.

“In the last two centuries, the world has witnessed evolution of various energy resources, oil and gas is the most prominent of all these resources.

“I urged NAEE to leverage on these prominent resources for energy security for the betterment of the country,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Bello Gusau, the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), commended the general physical policies of the NAEE in the oil and gas industry.

Gusau was represented at the event by Mr Jide Adebulehin, General Manager, Strategic Planning and Documentation Department, PTDF.

He said that when NAEE approached the PTDF for partnership to host the programme, it had no option than to oblige because of the good work of the association in the oil and gas sector.

Gusau said, “if we are bringing on other resources in the energy sector, we must first develope human capital that will operate in such areas; there cannot be energy transition without human capital development.”

He said that the agency was getting prepared to know other programmes that would come up in the country drive for energy transition.

Gusau added that the agency would remain committed to human capital development in its drive for energy transition.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has rewarded seven officers and five soldiers for various acts of valour.

Lagbaja rewarded the officers with medals and special commendation letters at this year’s Army Day Celebration in Ibadan.

Among those recognised and honoured was Brig. Gen. Everest Ifeanyi Okoro of the Infantry Corps, who is the Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar.

Okoro was honoured for being “a very proactive senior officer, who conducted several operations to curb the occasional flow of the activities of Ambazonian rebels from the Republic of Cameroon.

The rebels had, hitherto, threatened the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

He equally prevented the incursion of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) secessionist group into his area of responsibility.

According to his citation, Okoro’s dynamic and bold actions led to the discovery and destruction of

IPOB training camp in Cross River State.

He also conducted operations that led to the interception of large cache of

explosive materials and ammunition in Amana in Northern Cross Rivers

during the conduct of the 2023 general elections.

“Gen. Okoro also accurately predicted the dynamics of the political landscape of the state in the lead up to the elections.

“He understood that it had a high propensity and potential

for political violence, and consequently took necessary measures to

prevent the breakdown of law and order.

“He planned and conducted many precursor operations that led to the arrest of many political thugs and recovery of dangerous weapons and ammunition that were to be used to disrupt the 2023 elections in his

area of responsibility.”

Also honoured was Brig.- Gen. Samaila Uba, Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade.

Uba, on assumption of office, displayed exemplary courage and

leadership character trait which greatly reignited the troops’ confidence

and combat efficiency.

“He personally led all clearance operations and reinforcements, particularly along main supply

routes like Baga–Cross Kauwa–Monguno which were hitherto prone to terrorists ambushes and attacks.”

According to the citation, Uba coordinated Sector 3 clearance operations to Gudumbali, Dabam Masara and Alagarrno among other areas, and

successfully cleared all areas of terrorist elements.

“Particularly notable was the destruction of the headquarters of the Boko Haram Caliphate in Gudumbali in January 2022, barely two days after it was

declared a Caliphate by the terrorists.

“This greatly deflated the Boko Haram propaganda machinery and portrayed it as an ineffectual and struggling band of criminals.”

Brig.-Gen. B. O. Omopariola, who was also honoured by the COAS, is famed with physically leading all operations

conducted within his area of responsibility and recording resounding

successes.

“Particularly noteworthy was when he led a daring reinforcement to Wajiroko in Borno when terrorist attacked the Forward Operating Base on Dec. 1, 2022.

“In that encounter, despite the ambush laid for him and his men that was preceded by an Improvised Explosive Device, he defeated the ambush, captured two gun trucks, cache of arms and ammunition, and neutralised several members of the terrorist elements.

“Also, on the 13 January, 2023, he successfully defeated terrorist on Azir Bridge and captured one adversary Phantom Mine Resistance Ambush Protected vehicle, one gun truck as well as a cache of arms and ammunition.

“In a similar manner, on 23 January, 2023, he led a reinforcement along main supply route of Damboa-Komala–

Maiduguri and defeated yet another terrorist ambush on troops,

capturing another Mine Resistance Ambush Protected vehicle, three

motorcycles, one QJC anti-aircraft gun and one AK 47 rifle, among others.

Also honoured was Lt. Col. I. B. Umar who assumed command as the acting

Commandant, Forward Operating Base, Magumeri, on 28 January, 2021.

“During the period under review, he conducted several onslaughts

against terrorist elements in his area of responsibility with impressive

results.

“Notably, he led an operation in Magumeri resulting in the

neutralisation of nine Boko Haram terrorists, and the capturing of 10 AK 47 rifles, one Beretta assault rifle, one QJC Anti-Aircraft gun and seven Dane guns.

Others are one Buffalo Gun Truck, one pick-up van, eight motorcycles, 147 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 13 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, two bandoliers and 2 x 36 hand grenades, among others.

The COAS also honoured Lt. Col. I. Indiorhwer, who assumed duties as Commanding Officer, 202 Battalion, on 17 March, 2022.

“He is result-oriented, intelligent, dexterous, dogged and courageous, thus serving as a source of inspiration and a rallying point to his men during all operational and

administrative matters.

“His exemplary leadership attributes, therefore, stand him out among his peers.

“Indiorhwer conducted several operational exploits to clear

several terrorists’ enclaves and strongholds within his area of responsibility, including Sambisa forest, amongst others.

“These operations led to the destruction of terrorist enclaves, neutralisation of

several terrorists and the capture of some high-profile terrorist

commanders.

“The operations also led to the recovery of weapons and equipment alongside the rescue of many hostages held captive in these terrorist dens,” his citation read.

Also honoured was Lt. Col. N. P. Ochasi, the Commanding Officer, 151 Task Force Battalion.

“His dedication to work as the Commander led to many successes in the

fight against terrorism within his Battalion area of responsibility.

“The daily Improvised Explosive Device incidents earlier associated with his

area of responsibility have reduced to the barest minimum.

“The officer advanced with his Brigade Commander on all the operational exploits to clear several terrorists’ enclaves and strongholds within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.

“His unit was equally part of the Brigade’s operation in Sambisa forest from 12-13 May, 2023 which led to the discovery of the terrorists underground

armoury and recovery of several arms, ammunition and equipment.”

Also honoured was Maj. C. U. Okereke, for his skills at the small arms proficiency test during the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship, a biennial competition among Nigerian Army formations.

“Okereke, of 43 Engineer Brigade, exhibited an outstanding performance during Nigerian Army Small Arms

Championship 2022.

“The officer won many laurels including

Overall Best Shot, Best Shot for Male Officers Category, and Best Shot in AK 47 Rifle.

“It is, therefore, worthy to

acknowledge his blend of professional skills in marksmanship, diligence and hard work.”

For the soldiers category, Staff Sgt Ayuba Yusuf, who was enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 3 August, 1998 and currently serves at 192 Battalion Nigerian Army Owode, Ogun State, stood out.

Yusuf, over the years, exhibited extra ordinary integrity and good leadership in the discharge of his assigned task.

“Particularly notable was when he led a stop-and-search operation at Balogun Igbogila Expressway Way which led to the arrest of 3 x 5 ton trucks loaded with 295,972 rounds of 12 gauge live cartridge ammunition on 30 May, 2018.

On 25 August, 2022 while on duty at Ilaro check point, he arrested two suspected illicit drug smugglers with 792 parcels of

marijuana.

“It is worthy to note that the smugglers offered him the sum of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) only, to allow safe passage of the illicit substance, which he rejected.

“This was a demonstration of integrity and professionalism.

“Equally, on 18 March, 2023, Yusuf arrested armed robbers with two locally- made pistols at Ibogun–Illaro axis while on Operation SAFE CONDUCT duties,” the citation added.

Sgt. Clement Morondo, who was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 36 Regular Recruit Intake on 19 July, 1993 and later posted to 7 Gds Bn on 31 August, 2016 was also honoured.

His citation showed that on 21 September, 2022, Morondo was deployed on guard duty at the Office of the National Security Adviser as part of the unit’s operational responsibilities.

“During the period, he displayed a high degree of alertness while on sentry at about 0300 hours when he sighted some unknown persons digging and loading 5G Armoured Cables into a vehicle.

“This prompted the soldier to challenge the suspects as they attempted to run away with the vehicle.

“Consequently, he fired at the vehicle killing one of the thieves.

“The stolen armoured cables and other items were recovered and

subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.”

Also honoured was Sgt. Gibson Ezukanma, a member of 44 Regular Recruit Intake, currently serving at 81 Division Garrison and deployed to the

Intelligence section.

He was described as a hardworking and disciplined soldier who had

prevented the activities of criminals in 81 Division area of responsibility.

“Notably, in the early hours of 23 March, 2023, he encountered a robbery incident at Eko Bridge on his way to the office.

“In that episode, some commuters were disposed of their belongings by Lagos petty robbers.

“On arrival at the scene, he confirmed the escape route used by the

robbers and went after them with his motorcycle. He sighted

them under the Ijora/Iganmu bridge while trying to share their loot,

and accosted them.

“They abandoned the stolen items and ran away, leaving the items intact. The soldier subsequently returned to the robbery scene with the recovered items and handed them over to the victims.

LCpl Julius Ogunmakinwa of 156 Task Force Battalion, Mainok, was also honoured.

On 30 December, 2021, he effectively served as the driver to a mine resistance ambush and protected the vehicle.

On 6 June, 2022, while on duty with his assigned vehicle,

Ogunmakinwa exhibited his brave driving skills in a hot pursuit of

terrorists who attacked commuters at Goni–Masara village along

Damaturu–Maiduguri main supply route.

“Due to his ingenuity, contact was made which led to the capture of three Gun Trucks, three anti-air craft guns, three AK 47 rifles, one PKT Machine Gun and three extra barrels of anti-aircraft guns.

Also captured were two AK 47 Magazines, 438 rounds of 7.62 mm special rounds, 291 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, and various types of controlled substances.

Also honoured was LCpl Suleman Musa.

According to the citation, On 22 December, 2022, two suspected gun-runners were arrested by troops of 63 Bde in conjunction with personnel of the Department of State Services, Delta Command.

“The arrest was premised on a tip-off by Musa when he was approached by one of the suspects to procure AK–47 rifles from him, on December 20.

“Musa exhibited a high sense of integrity by rejecting One Million

and Thirty Thousand Naira (N1,030,000.00) given to him for the purchase of two AK–47 rifles.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS, in line with the welfare scheme of the Nigerian Army, also rewarded some Warrant Officers with Toyota Hilux for serving for 32 years without blemish.

The officers are Ajayi Adebayo, Dauda Waheed, Arogundade Tajudeen, Nnadi Victor, Mohammed Haruna and Mathew Ogbu.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria