Day: July 2, 2024

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has tasked safety officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to ensure enhanced safety culture in all its activities and operations.

Abubakar said this at the NAF Safety Review Board Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the actions or inactions of personnel could either help to propel or break the accident chain sometimes experienced in the course of NAF activities or operations.

Abubakar also called for the emplacement of appropriate actions to break the accident chain, so as to enshrine a good safety culture that transcends all levels in the NAF.

According to him, it is vital to thoroughly examine all the safety issues arising from the meeting and come up with objective and innovative ideas to enhance safety in the Service.

‘While we all know that safety is a collective responsibility, this board is primarily accountable for safety administration in the NAF.

‘Accidents are the results of a sequence of events, beginning with deliberate decisio
ns taken and NAF cannot afford to pay lip service to issues relating to safety,’ Abubajar said.

He said the Service regarded safety as one of its core functions, and reiterated commitment towards developing, implementing and reviewing policies to ensure that all activities were conducted in a safe and conducive environment.

According to him, NAF will intensify efforts to enhance safety as it continues its transformation into, ‘an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments’.

He assured that more interesting and auspicious days were ahead for the NAF in view of the Federal Government’s commitment to equip it with modern platforms.

‘The need for a proactive and enhanced safety culture is thus critical in ensuring that their usage are maximised’.

The Chief of Standards and Evaluation, AVM Micheal Onyebashi, said the board, being the apex body of the NAF Safety Management Structure, organised the biannual meeting to deliberate on
major policy, resource allocation and regulatory issues relating to safety.

Onyebashi said the board was required to give direction and guidelines that would ensure the entrenchment of a healthy safety culture in the NAF.

According to him, the NAF has since commenced the introduction of safety education at all NAF entry points and training institutions as directed in the last safety board review.

He said the board also leveraged the online learning infrastructure at the Air Warfare Centre, to sustain an appreciable level of safety education across the NAF.

Onyebashi said there was need for the board, commands and units to work assiduously towards ensuring safety standards were maintained in all NAF activities, especially with the induction of additional platforms.

He urged the board to proffer strategies and ideas that would enable the NAF to experience continuous improvement in safety in all its operations.

In a paper presentation entitled: ‘Senior Managers’ Role in Organisational Safety Management Sys
tem,’ Dr Iteke Chukwunonso of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said that managing safety entailed managing risks reactively and proactively as well as predictively controlling risks to an acceptable level.

He said that safety management should have a business like approach and be woven into the fabrics of an organisation until it becomes a part of their culture.

He commended the NAF for its exceptional safety standards and enjoined its leadership to continue to retain the responsibility and accountability for safety.

Chukwunonso also emphasised the need for NAF leadership to promote open reporting through non punitive disciplinary policies while encouraging incentives for promoting safety.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Praises from around the world are rolling in for Dr Naledi Pandor as she steps down from her government position after serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1994.

Pandor is one of the Ministers who is not returning to Parliament to serve in the seventh administration.

In February this year, the outgoing International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister alluded to her retirement during an African National Congress (ANC) event in Cape Town.

She stated that she would ‘in any case not hold public office’ after serving in the position since 2019.

On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet, appointing Ronald Lamola to replace Pandor. Lamola had previously served as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Since then, warm wishes and tributes commemorating Pandor’s work continue to pour in.

DIRCO Director-General, Zane Dangor, described Pandor as one of the most principled and dynamic Ministers he has ever worked with and someone w
ith an ‘unrivalled’ intellect.

Pandor, a former teacher and lecturer, has numerous qualifications under her belt.

In interviews, Pandor credits her love for books and education to her anti-apartheid activist parents, Joe and Fikile Matthews, during the years they spent with her in exile.

Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, she grew up in exile. She completed her education in Botswana and London in the United Kingdom, achieving a professional qualification in teaching and a Master’s Degree in Education.

She holds a PhD from the University of Pretoria, a Master’s Degree in General Linguistics from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Diploma in Leadership and Development from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

She received honorary doctorates from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Stellenbosch, University of Lisbon, and University College Dublin.

Dangor said Pandor made her mark in all areas she worked in.

‘In the last five years, she emerged as one of the world’s lead
ing and valued diplomats,’ he added.

Adoration of a daughter

Pandor’s daughter, Dr Aisha Pandor, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to also honour her mother.

She shared that her mom has been a member of the ANC and an activist for as long as she can remember.

‘I share a birthday with the ANC, and for most of my life, I proudly spent January 8th with other family or friends, while my parents served the party,” she said.

After being elected as an MP in 1994, Naledi Pandor quickly rose to the position of Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC caucus in 1995. Subsequently, she was elected Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces in 1998 and then became chairperson in 1999.

‘Since I was almost nine years old, she has served as a member of South Africa’s democratic government. During those three decades, she has led with dedication, integrity, intelligence, wisdom, a love for her country, and a focus on principles, those held high by her religion, upbringing, country and party,’ Pandor’s daughter sai
d.

Aisha mentioned that she admired her mother and was excited about the next phase of her life.

‘Yesterday, I told her countless times how much I love her; how much she inspires me, and how proud I am of her. I’m also hoping that as by far the most hardworking person I’ve ever met, she finally takes a bit of well-deserved time for rest.’

Gaza

Pandor is celebrated for her fearless advocacy for her country’s stance on Gaza. She has persistently called for increased action against Israel’s invasion of Palestine.

Under her leadership, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, as well as to provide more assistance to Palestinian civilians. This comes as Israel continues to engage in a conflict with Hamas militants.

The SKA and other ministerial appointments

During her time as Minister of Science and Technology, Pandor and her team successfully secured a competitive bid in 2012 to host part of the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope in
South Africa.

She has also served as the Minister in the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Education.

Serving with integrity

In 2022, she received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards for the role she played in government.

Former Minister and World Bank Group Executive Director, Ayanda Dlodlo, stated that Pandor’s integrity was unparalleled and that her work ethic was exceptional, demonstrating servant leadership.

‘What a woman. What a leader… Hope the next chapter of her life is even more fulfilling with more time with her family and many moments of love and laughter.’

The German Ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke, also expressed his thoughts on the matter.

‘We would like to thank Dr Naledi Pandor, outgoing Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, for her tireless diplomatic work. For Germany, it was a privilege to work with you. Re a leboga, Mme [Thank you, Mother],’ the Ambassador said.

Founder of the Kenya Climate Directory, Reuben Wamb
ui, expressed his disappointment at Pandor’s departure from the Cabinet.

‘Naledi is the true embodiment of diplomatic genius, and we will really miss seeing her conduct international affairs on the world stage. Thank you Naledi for your excellent service.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for adequate protection of the civilian population by peacekeepers, security personnel and humanitarian workers during conflicts to minimise casualties.

Mr Matthew Alao, Team Lead, Governance, Peace, and Security Unit, UNDP, Nigeria, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, during the inauguration of the Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 36/2024.

The exercise was being organised by Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAIPKC) and sponsored by UNDP and the Government of Japan.

Alao, who was represented by Mr Richard Olugula, said that civilians often bear the brunt of hostilities and uncertainties in conflict zones around the world, and stressed the need to ensure their safety, uphold their rights and dignities.

He said the course was designed to arm the participants with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of protecting civilians in armed conflict.

‘As we inaugurate this course toda
y, let us remember that the true measure of our success lies in the positive impact that we create in the lives of those we are committed to protect.

‘The protection of civilians is not just a professional call to duty, it is a moral imperative.

‘By enhancing our capabilities to protect civilians in armed conflict, we are contributing to a more just and peaceful world.

‘I encourage you all to engage fully, learn from one another, and take this opportunity to build a sustainable network for your career and leadership’, he said.

Alao commended centre for the unwavering dedication and leadership in developing national and regional capacities for peace support operations at tactical level.

He also lauded the centre for organising the course for the good and security of civilians in armed conflict.

According to him, the invaluable partnership and support of the Government of Japan has continued to strengthen their assistance to the centre, and expand durable peace and security in the ECOWAS sub-region.

‘Our
study partnership underscores our shared commitment to fulfilling the Resolution 1265 of the United Nations on protection of civilians in armed conflict.

‘This course, which will run through to July 12, is a testament to our collective commitment to the realisation of the UN Resolution 1265 on protection of civilians in armed conflicts’, he added.

Alao disclosed that the course drew participants from the military, para-military agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and non governmental organisations in six West African countries including Nigeria.

According to him, the diversity, cadre and inclusion of the group of participants underline the importance of a united but robust approach to addressing the complexities of civilian’s protection in armed conflict.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has strengthened its hand to fight corruption through data analytics.

This as the unit has joined forces – through memoranda of understanding – with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Anti-Corruption Coalition (ACC), the Transparency, Integrity, and Accountability Programme (TIP) of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

SIU head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, explained how the partnerships pave the way for the unit to sharpen its tools against corruption.

‘Through these partnerships, the SIU will embark on statistical research efforts, proactive strengths and risk exposures, sector-based data analysis, awareness and advisory initiatives, capacity building, and integrating data analytics and predictive analysis into the institutions’ risk management systems,’ he said.

He added that the unit must take the lead in fighting the scourge of corruption by making it increasingly difficult for criminals to have their way.

‘To achieve this
, the SIU must direct strategic decision-making processes and drive prevention activities through data analysis. This will provide the SIU with a competitive market advantage and long-term sustainability,’ Mothibi said.

The unit stated that the memoranda of understandings signed with the institutions are part of the SIU’s drive to halt corruption through a ‘whole of society approach’.

‘These MoUs are also part of the SIU’s implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, in particular, the whole-of-society approach, which is an integrated approach to the fight against corruption and calls on all sectors to participate in the fight against corruption and encourages collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society as one of the fundamentals of the strategy.

‘Through these collaboration agreements, the SIU seeks to ensure that its anti-corruption tools are advanced and enable the SIU to move towards the prevention of corruption. The SIU plans to publish sector data intelligence a
nd use a prevention, advisory, and awareness capacity to advise stakeholders on systemic measures to proactively identify and prevent maladministration, fraud, and corruption,’ the unit concluded.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Chairman of Nestoil Limited, Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, has called for the enactment of Local Content Laws that are enforceable to build and protect local capacity.

Azudialu-Obiejesi made the call on Monday at a panel session on ‘Exportation of Local Capacity: Maximising Regional Opportunities” at the ongoing Nigerian oil and Gas conference in Abuja.

The 2024 NOG conference, scheduled to hold from June 30 to July 4, is themed: ‘Showcasing Opportunities, Driving Investment, Meeting Energy Demand’.

According to Azudialu-Obiejesi, making law is one thing, enforcement is another thing.

‘The Nigeria Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB) has done quite well but we still have setbacks due to how these laws are enforced,” he said.

Azudialu-Obiejesi said that effective implementation of laws was necessary to grow local capacity, while projects should be awarded to companies with proven capacity.

He called for a change in the implementation of the Nigerian content policy that allowed contracts
to be awarded to companies with lowest bid in spite of apparent lack of capacity to deliver the jobs.

According to him, if a country has enough capacity to make it a net exporter to African countries, it is paramount to address the factors limiting growth in country.

‘We can export the capacity in the oil and gas industry to other countries but exporting them means that we need to ensure that we will have those companies that are in Nigeria already developed.

‘The countries are expected to entrench all those capacities in terms of human resources, experiences, capital and equipment for export,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, Executive Secretary, National Action Committee (NAC) on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), said it was given the mandate to ensure that Nigerians benefited from the implementation of AfCFTA.

Represented by Oluseun Olutayo, a Senior Trade Law and Policy Expert, NAC, AfCFTA, Awolowo said the committee would inaugurate the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI ) in July
16.

‘The GTI helps to guide shipment through customs clearance, including reduced tariff treatment under the AfCFTA in the receiving AfCFTA countries.’

According to him, one of the core mandates of AfCFTA is harmonisation of trade in goods and services and Nigeria has high comparative advantage in this regards.

He said within the context of trade in services under the AFCFTA, four critical sectors have been identified and one of them was automobile, including the work of energy in the services.

The business sector allows anyone that has expertise in any of the services to actually maximise the advantage of AfCFTA,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has urged men to play their part to keep women safe and protected.

Ntuli on Monday officiated the launch of Men’s Health Month in Durban, which included a law enforcement parade by the police. The parade started at King Dinuzulu Park, and concluded at the Durban City Hall.

The parade aimed to promote positive male behaviour and address the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Ntuli emphasised the important role played by religion and culture in curbing GBV.

‘It is very shameful that the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide has reached worrisome proportions in our country. Even in war, since time immemorial, hurting women and children has always been seriously frowned upon.

‘Men who attack women have always been regarded as cowards. Even in rites of passage, conceptually, boys are taught to respect women… If this is no longer happening, those rites of passage violate tradition,’ Ntuli said.

According to statistics released last year, in KwaZ
ulu-Natal, Inanda is leading in terms of GBV related crimes, with 641 cases recorded in the period of April 2022 to March 2023.

The cases include rape, sexual assault, assault with a purpose to inflict grievous bodily harm, attempted murder, common assault, and murder.

According to the same report, the top 30 police stations in the province recorded 10 442 cases of GBV-related crimes.

Ntuli believes that ignorance, myths, fallacies and falsehoods also lead to high levels of GBV.

‘It is a major fallacy that men are made for leadership. Those men who believe this myth are likely to unnecessarily feel emasculated by the mere occupation of leadership positions by women…. We need to teach our male children that women are not their… toys or their punching bags, but are their equal partners.’

Ntuli urged men to ensure that they do not abuse any leadership role that they are given.

‘We must [also] teach our children that washing dishes and clothes; cleaning the house, and cooking are not gender roles but life s
kills. While such an approach is essential for our male children’s own development and readiness for the future, it also ensures that as they grow and meet women, they do not attempt to relegate them to their servants,’ the Premier said.

Role of law enforcement

Ntuli impressed upon law enforcement to take seriously the responsibility placed on them when it comes to the responsibility of protecting vulnerable groups.

‘When a woman is a victim of domestic violence, she relies on the paramedics in specific cases and the police, who are expected to make arrests and to process and effect protection orders. When these women walk, or, sometimes sadly, crawl into police stations, they expect justice and healing.

‘They do not expect negotiations to be brokered by police officers. They do not expect judgment when wearing revealing clothes and they do not expect lethargy and indifference,’ Ntuli said.

To show how serious he is about the safety and security of the people in the province, when he was sworn into the t
ask of being KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Ntuli announced that the Community Safety and Liaison function would move to the Office of the Premier.

Source: South African Government News Agency