Day: May 9, 2024

Nigeria and several African countries are currently grappling with the scourge of terrorism and its consequences.

Over the years, there has been deaths, massive destruction, displacement of millions from their homes, and crippling of economic and social life.

Many communities across the continent also face hunger, starvation, diseases, and homelessness as result of the devastation caused by terrorist groups.

For more than 15 years now the activities of terrorist groups such as Ansaru, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have continued to pose significant threats to lives and economic activities in the Sahel including Nigeria.

Experts have consistently said the present and emerging security threats require effective and comprehensive strategies to address the drivers of the unending conflicts.

They said African countries must pursue robust socio-economic development, ensure good governance, adopt new conflict resolution mechanisms, and strengthen regional and international coope
ration.

In a strategic move to address the challenges of terrorism and violent extremism, Nigeria has organised a high-level counter-terrorism meeting involving African countries and key stakeholders from across the world.

The meeting was coordinated by the Office of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (ONSA) with the support of the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism.

Key figures in attendance included President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo.

There were representatives of other countries and delegations from the UN, EU, AU, UNECA and civil society organisations.

Tinubu called for the establishment of a regional and continental counter-terrorism centre that will serve as a hub for intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building.

He also wants Africa to adopt comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, not only through might, but by addressing the root causes of the scourge, which include poverty, inequali
ty, and social injustice.

The Nigerian president also wants African countries to attack the roots that feed this evil branch – ransom and illegal mining – through which terrorists continuously finance, re-equip, and re-supply their sinister mission.

“Not only does it kidnap people, it kidnaps precious resources.

“Billions upon billions of dollars that legitimate governments should be using to sculpt better societies by providing education, healthcare, and food for its people now go to pay for weapons and response to mayhem.

“Look at the illegal mining that plagues so many of our nations today.

“Those who think illegal mining has no connection with financing terrorism are sorely mistaken.

“The international community has both the moral and legal obligation to help in this cause because it is external finance, not African money, that fuels these illegal operations,” Tinubu emphasised.

He said that the international community must answer to African countries call for justice, peace, and fair play.

“Key t
o our collective efforts against terrorism is the urgent need for a fully operational Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu challenged the continent to strengthen existing counter-terrorism structures, such as the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU) in Abuja.

Others are the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) in Algiers, and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) in Addis Ababa.

He underscored the importance of a regional standby force that includes tackling terrorism as part of its mandate.

Nigeria has over the years enhanced its counter-terrorism capabilities, enacted Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition law, and established the National Counter Terrorism Centre.

Nigeria has also been working with regional partners to strengthen arms control measures, enhance border security, and disrupt the illicit trafficking networks that fuel terrorism and organised crime.

National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu, also attributed te
rrorism in Africa to organised crime, foreign terrorist financing and training, poverty, inequality, and prolonged conflicts, among others.

According to him, counterterrorism responses in the continent are being complicated by political instability, governance challenges, ethnic and religious tensions, economic inequality, and poverty.

In spite of these challenges, Ribadu said Nigeria has been dealing decisively with all drivers of violent extremism, including economic and social enablers.

It has enhanced intelligence gathering through inter-agency collaboration and confidence building with citizens, strengthening the judiciary, and funding counter-terrorism efforts.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Amina Mohammed, said the continent needs to rebuild its social contract with citizens, and deliver good governance.

Mohammed also said that in tackling the menace of terrorism, Africa should learn lessons on the root causes, mobilise resources to rebuild torn societies, and formulate responses that address
conditions that drive conflicts.

One way of doing this, according to her, is to invest massively in the capabilities and aspirations of young people and creating the environment where youths could thrive.

The UN official said this would deter disillusioned young people from joining terrorist groups like ISIS or Boko Haram, who usually dangle prospects of better opportunities to entice young people to their fold.

People have been betrayed by decades of underinvestment, crises and a lack of governance, she said.

“It means building strong democratic institutions and promoting people-centered governments, grounded in human rights and guaranteed access to basic services and inclusive development for all people.”

For Mr Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General, UNOCT, the global community need to support regional initiatives like the Multi National Joint Task Force, to defeat terrorism in Africa.

Voronkov said there should global support to African-led solutions to African challenges.

He said the launch of
the UN Joint Appeal for Counter-Terrorism in Africa brought together 16 UN entities in support of 10 new multi-partner initiatives across the continent.

This is to tackle critical areas including border management and countering terrorism, the nexus between terrorism and organised crime, prevent violent extremism, and promote gender equality and human rights.

The fatalities from terrorists activities is alarming and calls for concern.

The Chairperson of African Union Commission (AU), Mousa Mahamat, said an average of eight incidents and 44 fatalities per day are being recorded since 2022 due to terrorism in the continent.

Mahamat said over 7,000 causalities were recorded in 2023 alone, over 4,000 security personnel had been killed by terrorists.

“At the political level, this situation was and is still being exploited to fit into the negative speech for unconstitutional change of government and for the rejection of our principles of democracy and human rights.

“These figures underscore our collective and
urgent need to reevaluate our counterterrorism strategies to effectively address our vulnerabilities and shortcomings in the face of this growing phenomenon,” the AU Commission chairperson said.

To silence the guns of terrorists and violent extremists African leaders agreed to confront the underlying causes headlong.

These include inequalities, poor governance, lack of development, violations and abuses of human rights, local conflicts and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

The leaders also agreed to an African-led and African-owned approach to countering terrorism, strengthening regional and sub-regional cooperation, and encouraging effective counter measures to address the spread of terrorism.

They reaffirmed their collective commitment to strengthening the security of African States in line with the Common African Defence and Security Policy and within the spirit of finding African solutions to Africa’s security challenges.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) says the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (Al) must be guided ethical principles, in spite of its enormous benefits.

The President, CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji said this in Abuja at the Maiden Communication Week (COMWEEK) Public Lecture by Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN).

The theme of the lecture was ” Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for Evangelisation and Social Development.’’

” Artificial intelligence is a subject of debate and labelling it as artificial suggests a replication or limitation, as it is derived from human intelligence.”

Ugorji, also the Archbishop of Owerri, said that in spite of its versatility and technological prowess, the AI remained a facsimile of the original, namely human cognition

“AI is a term born from advances in computer science and digital technology. It endows machines with the capacity for intelligent behaviour through sophisticated algorithms.

“Today, computers can perform tasks traditiona
lly requiring human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognising patterns, learning from data, and making decisions.

“This has turned out to be a cause for joy and a reason for worry at the same time.

“It is a thing of joy because of the enormous positive possibilities as a result of the digital technology and worrisome because of the grave life-defining dangers they pose at the same time,” he said.

” We must strive for a balance that prioritises human welfare alongside technological progress, being mindful of ethical and moral dilemmas as well as risks such as job displacement.”

He said that the church had ceaselessly emphasised that collaboration between Al experts and social development practitioners was crucial.

According to him, Al could significantly contribute to the common good of the people.

“At this gathering, we hope to learn from experts the responsible and ethical use of Al not only to benefit the society but also to support the Church’s evangelisation efforts.”

He sai
d that the Al should be a tool for empowerment and progress and not a source of division or destruction.

He said that the CBCN plans to create a forum for experts to discuss issues concerning not only the church and its mission but also the broader welfare of the society.

The Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, said the position of the Pope had been in line with the constant magisterium of the church.

He said that all scientific progress was gift from God to humanity and to be used for human well-being to the glory of God.

“The latest in the world today is bringing out machines that try to imitate human thinking. We don’t know how far developments in this regard will go.

“But the warning of Pope Francis remains valid: that it is not everything that we can do that we should do. Even scientific progress must be subject to human, moral, and ethical control.

“This is a responsibility that humanity abdicates at its great peril,” he said.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Akinwale, the Deputy Vice-Chancell
or of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos, said that artificial was not intelligence because it lacked self-determination.

“My argument so far has been, if it is intelligent, it is not artificial and if it is artificial, it is not intelligent.

“Artificial intelligence is not intelligent because of its privation of self-consciousness and self-volition. That raises a question: Where does this lead us?

“The submission in the preceding section of this paper neither diminishes nor denies the astounding accomplishment of science and technology in the area of computational informatics.

“It only serves to call attention to a misnomer conventionally taken for granted. This misnomer, if ignored, will have, and in fact, already having precautions in the arena of ethics in which we human beings find ourselves, the arena of inter-relationship.

“The pertinence of these remarks stems from the fact that artificial intelligence is a tool and not a substitute for the human person,” he said.

He, however, added that the
technology could be used properly if well understood because communication was not just about dissemination of information.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reiterated the need to reinforce proactive security measures toward safeguarding the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Bases and its installations.

Abubakar said this at a One-Day Air Base Construction and Security Workshop 2024, on Thursday in Abuja.

The workshop is with the theme: “Optimising Air Base Security Through Cost-Effective Construction Project Management for the NAF’’.

He was represented by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, AVM Pius Oahimire.

Abubakar said the importance of ensuring the safety and efficiency of air bases was as well for the defence of the nation and protection of personnel and assets.

“In an era where security threats are dynamic and multifaceted, it is imperative that we adopt a proactive approach to safeguarding our installations.

“However, we must do so in a manner that is both effective and sustainable.

“Mindful of the budgetary constraints that we face, the emplacement of physical security measures presents us w
ith a unique challenge.

“How do we achieve maximum security with minimal resources? The answer lies in innovation, collaboration and strategic planning.

“We must leverage the latest advancement in security technology to bolster our defences while also exploring creative solutions that offer the greatest value for money,’’ he said.

The CAS called for effective collaboration between various stakeholders, including engineers, security experts and project managers to ensure coordinated efforts and in synergy.

He said the workshop marked a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance the security posture of air bases while also optimising their resources.

He urged participants to critically and creatively explore new ideas, challenge conventional wisdom and seek out opportunities for optimisation.

According to him, their goal is not merely to secure our air business but to do so in a manner that is efficient, sustainable and cost effective.

“Therefore, professionalism should serve as our guiding principl
e, compelling us to consistently deliver our best efforts wherever our responsibilities take us.

“The Nigerian Air Force celebrates 60 years in a few days’ time and has had its own fair share of breach of security that we have had to deal with decisively to ensure security of our bases.

“To strengthen that resolve, I encourage you to approach this workshop with the spirit of collaboration and comfort,’’ he added.

The Coordinator, Project Implementation Management Team, NAF, AVM Babatunde Phillips, said the workshop was a continuation of their efforts to foster excellence in project management and security implementation in NAF.

Phillips said the need for robust and efficient security measures of NAF Bases had been heightened by the ever evolving security landscape characterised by uncertainties.

He emphasised the need to explore innovative strategies and best practices for constructing and achieving maximum security of air bases at minimal cost.

“Together, we will explore the latest advancements in secu
rity technology, share practical experience from the field and identify opportunities for synergy and collaboration.

“As we embark on this journey together, I encourage each of you to actively participate, engage with your peers and contribute your expertise and perspectives,’’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA), has sought the partnership of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to deliver affordable housing to Nigerians in the bid to address the spiralling housing deficit.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FHA, Oyetunde Ojo, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FMBN, Shehu Osidi in Abuja.

According to Ojo, there has been a very good relationship between FHA and FMBN, adding, ”it is obviously so because of FHA’s mandate to build houses and FMBN’s mandate to make finance available.

“Our job at FHA is to look for land and to build for Nigerians. We are very happy that since the inception of these two, FHA and FMBN, we have been on good terms, so we are going to see a good synergy for a better Nigeria.

“Let us come together. See us as partners in progress that wants a good development for Nigeria and for both of us to carry the mandate of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President Bola Tinubu in the area of deliveri
ng houses for people.

“However, it is not just about delivering houses. It is also about delivering affordable houses, for Nigerians to live in and in doing that, a lot is involved.’’

Ojo said that social housing could only be provided with government funds.

He, however, said the best way for FHA to go since it has been out of appropriation since 2002 was to leverage other means to deliver affordable housing, thus the meeting with FMBN.

Ojo said that the management of FHA had been to 23 states so far in the quest to provide affordable housing for Nigerians and the good thing was that governors had made some promises of free lands.

He said, ”Once the state governments give FHA the off-takers(lands) , part of the requirement was to have a mortgage bank to stand for the off takers.

”But that is yet to happen and that was what initiated the meeting with FMBN.”

Ojo urged FMBN to support FHA, adding, “I have checked through history and seen that we have been making loan repayments and we have also ensured th
at our books are opened between us and FMBN.

“In doing so, we are here to ask for more because very shortly Nigerians will soon enjoy a housing revolution, but we need your support critically to make these things happen in line with the president’s mandate.

“It is not about FHA nor FMBN, see it that it is about Nigerians and our collaboration and partnership will be able to go a long way.

“ I can assure you that the lands are available all over the country as we speak in 22 states already not application given, minimum of 50 hectares some 100 some 150 what is needed is finance for development .’’

Responding, the CEO of FMBN, Shehu Osidi, commended the FHA team for the initiative, adding that a collaboration between the duo was the best thing that can happen to the housing sector in Nigeria .

He said, “FHA as an institution has the largest land bank in this country and the FMBN is the only institution in this country that can also offer mortgages in single digit.

“That means it is a synergy that nobody c
an beat and that strategically places our two organisations on the front burner and the best that we can do is to collaborate to pursue the same objective. ‘’

Osidi said that the FMBN would continue to provide mortgages in order to actualise the vision of the president in the housing sector.

He said that the FMBN was making an effort to complete all its outstanding housing estates located in different parts of the country and ensure they are taken.

Osidi added, “Going forward ,we are introducing a lot of professionalism and diligence in the identification of locations for our new projects.

“The profiling and selection of potential off takers to ensure that only those with ability and capacity to repay their mortgage loans are offered mortgages is key.

“We are creating easy access to our various products and our processes will be seamless for people to get their mortgages approved and get houses .’’

Osidi welcomed the partnership and commended the FHA mortgage for not owing and always on track to deliver
its mandate on time.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has implored members of the 2024

Hajj Media Team to ensure accuracy and objectivity in their reportage throughout the hajj operation.

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, made the call while inaugurating the National Media Team for

the 2024 Hajj on Thursday in Abuja.

Arabi also emphasised the need for members of the media team to “be upright because so much depends on what you report.

“You are in a position that can make or mar a community. The concern is to ensure that you do what is right to the best of your

ability and conscience.

“I have no doubt in my mind that you have proven your worth in all spheres, but there is no harm in being reminded as to the high

expectations from you to do the right thing throughout the pilgrimage.

“The commission is open to constructive criticisms and guidance.”

Arabi also urged the media team to be participatory, saying “don’t just think you are going as media team only. You also have the

responsibil
ity to participate and guide other pilgrims where necessary.”

Earlier, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, the Commissioner, Planning Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, had enjoined members

of the media team to protect the interest of Nigeria and project the image of NAHCON positively.

Yagawal also reminded the media about the principle of information dissemination, set by Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him).

He said Prophet Muhammad said “whoever believes in Allah and the last day should either say what is good or keep quiet.”

Also, the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Mr Anofi Elegushi, said the media had been an important part of hajj operations,

adding that “whatever we do in Saudi Arabia must be reported back home.”

Responding, the Chairman of the media team, Mousa Ubandawaki, also the Deputy Director, Information and Publications Division, NAHCON,

assured the team’s readiness to work for the interest of pilgrims and the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) on Thursday began its malaria intervention programme for host communities at Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Group Head of Sustainability, DCP, Dr Igazeuma Okoroba, said the campaign was in commemoration of the World Malaria Day and to advance the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of the UN.

“As we observe, a significant portion of the population lacks access to vital healthcare services. Dangote Cement PLC aims to bridge this gap by addressing disparities in our host communities.

“We believe that healthy people are the foundation for healthy economies, and for this reason, countries are taking decisive actions to counteract health challenges. Our target for this campaign is Edo State.

“According to the United Nations, efforts to combat infectious diseases like HIV, TB and malaria improved between 2000 and 2015; however, progress has since slowed,” she said.

According to her, Dangote Cement’s response
to this situation is to join the world in “accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.”

She said that the event was aimed at engaging the communities, make health accessible and addressing malaria risk factors as well as the company CSR programme.

While calling on the people to participate actively in the two-day activities, she commended the Edo state Ministry of Health and partners for their collaboration in making this programme successful.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Coordinator Sustainability DCP, Okpella, Sunday Adondua, said the programme was aimed at reducing incidence of malaria to as low as possible in the company’s host communities.

Adodua, a General Manager, Training and Development, added: “If the people use what we gave them in terms of drugs and mosquitos nets, we will chase malaria out of the communities.

“The essence of this programme is to make life more meaningful for the people of our host communities who are vulnerable in terms of finance and resources endowm
ent to afford good medical establishments for treatment.

“So, we are bringing the treatment to them right in their homes. We want to reach as many people as possible, we start today, and it is continuing tomorrow. So those who heard the news of today’s event will come tomorrow. Even if 2,000, 5000 and 10,000 people visit us, they will get treatment.

“Dangote has a robust CSR programme for host communities, we have been doing this every year. Last year we have our sustainability week and at Okpella community we established a library with 10 laptops and internet connectivity for the community. The donation would be done next week.”

Speaking, Mr Victor Ojeifo, Director Community Health Service, in charge of Malaria Elimination Programme, Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Etsako East Local Government Area, commended Dangote Cement for the medical outreach.

“This is what we have been expecting to see when we preach to nongovernmental organization to try to attend to the vulnerable who can’t afford to buy
drugs.

He called on communities to complement the Dangote programme by clearing bushes and stagnant water in their areas as part of efforts in eradicating malaria.

A beneficiary, Mrs Adiza Aliu, who was treated, said the programme has given her the opportunity to attend to her health without spending money.

“I was diagnosed of malaria. They gave me drugs and mosquito net. They asked me to be sleeping under the net to prevent malaria. Look at the drugs they gave me. I didn’t pay any money.”

Another beneficiary, Innocent Valetina, Dangote is God-sent to alleviate their suffering concerning health challenges.

“Drugs are expensive and not everybody can afford drug now but with this programme, we got free test, drugs and mosquito nets for ourselves and children. God should continue to bless Dangote.

On her part. Mrs Adiza Sedu, said she was happy to be among the beneficiaries of the free malaria treatment.

She added: “I was screened, I don’t have malaria, but they said my blood pressure is high. They gave m
e drugs and mosquito net and advise me to always go to the health centre to check.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria