Month: April 2024

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed optimism that Nigeria would come out of its current turmoil even stronger.

Wike gave the assurance when the Methodist Prelate, Most Rev. Oliver Aba, visited him in Abuja on Thursday.

He said: ‘I believe by the special grace of God, Nigeria will come out from the turmoil that we are in.

‘The signs are clear; we have no regret; and we have no doubt that victory shall be ours.’

The minister thanked the Church for the prayers for Nigerians and for the government of President Bola Tinubu to actualise his vision and dreams encapsulated in the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

He said that nobody could govern without the backing of God, stressing that it was important for every leader to know this.

‘That is why Tinubu has never failed to ask religious leaders to continue to pray for his administration and for the growth of Nigeria.

‘Prayer is key. We can do all we think, but without God, nothing can be achieved, so Tinubu’s victory; his hope
is anchored on God,’ the minister said.

He assured the Methodist Church that the FCT Administration would consider their request for land to build offices and a media centre.

Earlier, Aba explained that the land, if allocated, would be used for the development of a liaison office and a benefiting media centre to enhance evangelism and other social amenities.

He said that a similar request was submitted in 2023 but was not granted.

He pledged the Church’s commitment for continued prayers to support the Tinubu-led government to succeed.

‘This is because his success is our success, and his success is the joy of all Nigerians.

‘In actualising his ‘renewed hope’ agenda, I pray for economic renaissance for our dear country and taming the evil of insecurity in the land.

‘I affirm that there is hope for Nigeria and Nigerians,’ the Methodist Prelate said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, on Thursday took over office as the new National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), with a pledge to sustain the commitment in the fight against terrorism in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Laka took over from the erstwhile coordinator, retired Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa, who had been in the saddle at the centre since 2016.

President Bola Tinubu has on March 26 approved the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Laka as NCTC National Coordinator under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

In his remarks during the handing over, the new NCTC boss called for total support of all staff to be able to deliver in the mandate of the centre.

He said the support required from the staff comes with commitment, dedication and discipline, adding that the NCTC was a multi agency centre with staff drawn from different ministries, departments and agencies.

‘So I expect us to all drop our baggage outside, come together and work for the greater good of Nigeria.

‘Ni
geria and the world in general are facing the threats of terrorism and if we don’t come together to address it now while we have the chance to, will it be when we go back to our villages in Obomosho or somewhere else that will be calling those in the realms of power to help us do this, do that?

‘This is the time for us to come together to solve this problem so that we retire from the services and the various ministries we worked in peace.

‘So I expect nothing less than 100 per cent from my team and I don’t expect anything less,’ he said.

In his remarks, the outgone National Coordinator, retired Rear Adm. Musa, said the centre has pioneer key initiatives of providing leadership, coordination and strategic guidance to armed forces, security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies on counter terrorism matter.

Musa said the role of the NCTC became more alive as a value adding entity to other strategic and international partners on counter terrorism effort in Nigeria due to emerging threats.

He said the ce
ntre was established following the enactment for the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 so as to meet the increasing needs with the necessary requirements for effective coordination and collaboration.

He said the centre had made progress in leading national efforts in countering terrorism and violent extremism by developing coordinated strategies and integrating all counter terrorism actions.

He added that the centre has continued to provide terrorism analysis, intelligence and information sharing with national and international counterterrorism partner through various counter terrorism activities at the centre.

‘So this achievement actually amplified the vision of NCTC which is to be a center of excellence for counter terrorism activity in Nigeria and mobilise a stronger response to counter all forms of terrorism and violence extremism through a coordinated action based on knowledge derive from research and innovation,’ he said.

Musa thanked President Tinubu and the NSA, for supporting the cen
ter and creating the conducive environment for him to operate as the national coordinator.

He also thanked members of staff for their support and urged them to extend same to his successor.

He urged his successor to be committed to the mission and vision of the center in line with national security objectives.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some occupants and property owners in Guzape District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Thursday, sought the Federal Government’s intervention over what they described as ‘life-threatening blasting of rocks in the area.’

The resident of the district and former Deputy Governor of Kogi, Mr Simon Achuba, made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja.

Achuba, who alleged that the blast was being carried out by Gilmor Construction Limited, also called on the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to come to their aid.

He said Nigeria is a member of the International Treaty and Conventions on Explosive and Blast Technique.

He, therefore, submitted that the construction company, alongside its foreign nationals, ought to have been accustomed themselves to the law.

Besides, he said the construction company failed to heed caution from the police that it should observe regulatory guidelines for blasting.

‘For about three months, we noticed with tremor incessant blasting of rocks very close to our resident
ial accommodation contrary to statutory regulations governing blasting of rocks either for construction or mining exercise.

‘At any point the blasting is done, the whole residential houses within the vicinity of the blasting site shakes thereby injuring the integrity of these properties and the life of our wives and children staying within these premises,’ he said.

The former deputy governor said though they acknowledged that ‘the purpose of the blasting is for the construction of roads for the development of Guzape District,’ he said: ‘It is only the living that can enjoy amenities.’

‘In view of all these infractions and flagrant disrespect to the rule of law and statutory regulations, we are calling on NESREA, Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, Federal Ministry of Environment and FCDA to forthwith stop these incessant hazardous blasting which is injurious to our lives and properties.

‘It is only the living that can enjoy amenities. Nigeria is a member of the International Treaty and Conve
ntions on explosives and blasting techniques.

‘During the last world conference on explosives and blasting in 2022 in Netherlands, emphasis was laid on international best practice, which Gilmor with her foreign nationals should be accustomed with,’ Achuba said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

An NGO, Trueneed Stage Empowerment Foundation (TSEMF), says it has empowered more than 80 female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and grassroots women on how to promote gender equity and inclusion.

The Founder of the organisation, Olasupo Austin, made this known during the empowerment event in Abuja on Thursday, saying it was part of the group’s 2024 advocacy programme with the theme ‘Radiant Resilience: Every Woman’s Journey.’

Austin said the programme was to alleviate poverty, improve the quality of life of vulnerable and less privileged persons, as well as promote women inclusion in socio-economic and leadership positions.

He added that ‘after the programme, we want them to become advocates and we need them to realise that there is nothing they want to achieve that they cannot do.

‘We want to see them at the forefront, making impactful changes because when you empower a woman, you empower the whole nation.

‘We are here to get to the grassroots and also bring them to the fore so that the government
can see them, and their voices heard.’

Sophia Adeosun, the Project Officer, Innovation Empathy and Movement for Gender Justice (INEMO Foundation), said the exercise would empower women with skills that would enable them to excel in all areas.

Adeosun said ‘women and girls lag behind in our society due to certain factors, which can be addressed.

‘So, we believe that with women empowerment and girl-child education, we will be able to address them and provide them with opportunities to participate and contribute to the growth and development of the country.’

Dr Oshadare Victor, the Financial and Security Consultant, urged women to key into business opportunities that would empower them and enable them to access funds that would make them at par with others.

She said ‘you need to look for alternatives and earn for yourself from little things you are doing and start small and grow the business.

‘When you grow a business to a point, banks may even be willing to give you additional funding to expand it.’

Mrs
Patience Okolo-Dickson, the Founder/Executive Director, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), stressed the need to invest and encourage girl-child education to harness their potential and reduce inequalities.

Okolo-Dickson said there are challenges hindering the growth, development and utilisation of the potential of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and called for support and attitudinal change toward addressing them.

Ms Mainmuna Sani Magaji, a Youth Development Professional, called for mentorship and skill building to advance women in leadership positions.

Also, Ms Oluwatosin Folajimi, a youth corp member, said the capacity building has equipped her with investment skills that will generate income for her, rather than rely on government job opportunities.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini on Wednesday.

The courtesy visit was held by His Majesty King Mswati III in Lozitha, Eswatini.

‘On arrival in the Kingdom of Eswatini, the President first paid a brief visit to the Queen Mother, Her Majesty iNdlovukazi, before proceeding to meet with His Majesty the King,’ the Presidency said in a statement.

According to the statement, the two discussed the ‘historical bonds’ of the two Southern African nations.

‘The two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong historical bonds between their two countries, including growing political and trade ties.

‘They also highlighted the historical success of collaboration between the two countries, where the two leaders collaborated to work together for a better future,’ the statement concluded.

Source: South African Government News Agency

A former employee of the North Central Regional Electricity Distributor (Cenored), Mateus Fungo on Wednesday appeared in the Otjiwarongo Magistrate’s Court on a charge of fraud.

The 36-year-old accused appeared before Magistrate Immanuel Udjombala.

Fungo represented himself in the matter and informed the court that he would bring along his private lawyer during his second court appearance.

According to the charge sheet seen by Nampa on Thursday, it is alleged that Fungo who was employed as a system administrator, defrauded Cenored about N.dollars 12 million between September 2021 and December 2022.

In January 2023, Fungo resigned from Cenored and started running his own private companies he established in the areas of Kavango East, Zambezi and Otjozondjupa regions, stated the court document.

He was arrested on Tuesday afternoon at Otjiwarongo on a warrant of arrest issued in February 2024, it said.

Public prosecutor, Joas Neemwatja who represented the State in the matter did not oppose any granting of b
ail and suggested that the court grant him N.dollars 10 000 as bail money. The court, however, decided to release him on N. dollars 5000 bail.

His next court appearance is set for 15 May 2024, pending police investigations.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency