Day: October 26, 2023

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), are partnering to countering terrorism, preventing and countering violent extremism in Nigeria.

The National Coordinator, NCTC, retired Rear Adm. Yamimu Musa, said this when he received the leadership of CAN led by its president, Arch-Bishop Daniel Okoh, in his Office on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to a statement by the Director, Strategic Communication, NCTC, ONSA, Mr Ozoya Imohimi, on Wednesday in Abuja, Musa said the partnership was in continuation of the implementation of whole-of-government and whole-of society approach to counter terrorism efforts.

He said this was in line with the mandate of the centre, as stipulated in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022) and the National Security Strategy (2019).

He said the collaboration between the NCTC and CAN was necessary to formulate and implement the nation’s counter terrorism efforts as well as the overall national security policies.

He added that CAN had been a long time ally of the centre as a member of the National Strive Juvenile Steering Committee, chaired by the NCTC.

Musa assured the Christian body of the centre’s continued collaboration with relevant government agencies and other religious bodies, as well as the Civil Society Organisations in the areas of advocacy and sensitisation, so as to rid the country of terrorism and other violent crimes.

In his remarks, the president of CAN, Arch-Bishop Okoh, hailed the efforts of the Federal Government over the years, through the NCTC in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.

Okoh urged all Nigerians to see the current situation in the country as an opportunity to bounce back rather than lamenting.

He said the visit of his team had added to their knowledge of the efforts of government in addressing the security situation of the country and called for regular workshop to build the capacity of Church leaders in Nigeria as touching the security of the nation.

“CAN was not only formed to defend the Christian faith but also to work for the wellbeing of all Nigerians. We believe in Nigeria, we believe in one Nigeria,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Wednesday, said that the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army would depend on adequate appropriation by the legislature, critical to its operations.

Lagbaja stated this when he received the Senate Committee on Army led by the Chairman, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.

He pledged that the Army would continue to work harmoniously with the Senate Committee toward performing its constitutional responsibility effectively in meeting the needs of the generality of Nigerians.

“I want to start by appreciating this distinguished senate committee for the critical role you play in the effective functioning of the Nigerian Army.

“The Nigerian army recognise the critical role of the legislature in the effective functioning of the military, and the committee is critical to the performance of constitutional responsibility as an army.

“We know quite well that without you appropriating funds, the army cannot perform its day-to-day function.

“The Nigerian army will continue to conduct operations in the field, combat the myriads of security challenges that confront us across the country.

“It will also bring the military instrument of national power to bear and other areas where we can provide interventions and relief to Nigerians,” he said.

The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Yar’adua, commended the Nigerian army’s effort in curtailing the security challenges in the country.

He said the visit was to present the senate’s legislative agenda for the army to the Chief of Army Staff with a view to ensuring a harmonious working relationship between army and the committee.

Yar’adua promised to ensure that the army gets the needed funding for its successes in all its operations and activities as well as improved welfare for personnel.

The committee chairman said that the visit had afforded them the opportunity to have insight into the operational engagements of the army and its needs.

“I want to assure the Chief of Army Staff that all the challenges that have been highlighted in this interactive session, the committee will make sure we do our best.

“I also assure you that we will give you total cooperation and support to ensure that these challenges are surmounted.

“We all know what the army has been doing in terms of ensuring the safety of lives and also performing its statutory functions as mandated by the constitution.

“We will synergise and ensure that whatever is required by the army is provided to ensure the safety of lives of Nigerians and Nigeria,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to prevent foreigners from going directly to farmers to buy up cashews.

The National President of the association, Prince Ojo Ajanaku who gave the advice in a keynote address he delivered during a one-day stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Lagos, said the advice became necessary because the practice had led to premature harvest of the crop.

He said that the premature harvest of the crop and direct purchase of the same by foreigners were detrimental to the development of the cashew value chain.

Ajanaku acknowledged the outstanding position of cashew as one of the National Strategic Export Products in Nigeria, saying adequate measures are being put in place to ensure quality control at the farm gate.

He stressed the need for synergy along the cashew value chain in order to ensure increased production of the crop in Nigeria.

“When our investors go directly to our farm gates, there is an interference leading to a crash in the business and the reduction of the purchasing power of Nigerian local middlemen and farmers.

“This not only causes distractions for local farmers, it has also led to low quality of the produce, trade distortions, reduced value of the crop at the international market, and in the long run, putting the farmer at a disadvantage.

“The cashew business has been bastardised these days. Farmers are no longer patient.

“They don’t want to wait for the crop to fall off its tree when they become ripe. They are in a hurry to sell to foreign buyers.

“What legacy are we then leaving for the future generations?” he said.

Also speaking during the meeting, the Managing Director of Starlink Global, Murtala Adeniji, said that the cashew business “is capable of generating 15 billion dollars for the country annually and can create jobs.

“The investors should have their warehouses in Lagos. They can trust us and give us the money to deal for them.

“One of the ways the cashew business in Nigeria can grow tremendously is by backward integration,” he said.

He encouraged cashew farmers to see the cultivation of the crop as a viable job opportunity for youths as it can attract huge foreign exchange for the country (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally confirmed the release of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa.

Dr Peter Afunanya, the Director Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the DSS, confirmed the release of Bawa in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the former EFCC boss was released on Wednesday night but did not give details of the deal.

“DSS confirms release of former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a few hours ago, today, Oct. 25,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the former EFCC boss had been in the detention of the DSS since June 14 after his suspension by the Federal Government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the Founder of Red Carpet Protocol Ltd., a reputation management and VIP protocol company has launched three new magazines into the media market.

The magazines are Mandate 36; Talk of the Town; and Osaronno.

Speaking on the launch of the magazines, Onaiwu, said the publications “are curated to make a significant impact in the media industry by offering captivating content that caters to diverse interests.

“We are thrilled to introduce these three exceptional magazines to the public.

“Each publication has been carefully curated to offer an extraordinary reading experience, and tailored to meet the specific interests of our esteemed readers.

“They are a testament to our commitment to excellence and our passion for delivering top-tier media content.”

He said the introduction of the new magazines into the media space “further solidifies Red Carpet Protocol Ltd’s position as an industry leader.”

According to him, Mandate 36, the first and only magazine dedicated to showcasing the activities of the 36 state governors, promises to become an essential source of information for readers seeking insights into the leadership and achievements of influential figures.

“It aims to foster a deeper understanding of the role and impact of state governors on the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

“Talk of the Town magazine, another pioneering addition to Red Carpet Protocol Ltd’s repertoire, will provide an exclusive platform for sharing compelling stories and insights about news-makers from various industries.

“This magazine will serve as the go-to source for readers desiring to gain a comprehensive understanding of the exceptional individuals who shape Nigeria’s societal landscape.

“Osaronno, the third magazine being launched, encapsulates a world of men’s fashion and style,” he said.

Onaiwu stated that with its impeccable editorial content, Osaronno aims to redefine fashion trends and elevate men’s fashion sense to new heights. Osaronno will be a guidebook, merging elegance and sophistication with modern flair.

“The magazines will be available in leading outlets across Abuja.

“Readers can also subscribe to digital editions and explore the latest issues through the official websites of Mandate 36, Talk of the Town, and Osaronno.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the launch of the three magazines represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward enriching the country’s media landscape. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mouktar Mohammed, the Chairman, FCT Football Association has been honoured with an award in Paris, France for excellence in football development.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mohammed on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the award was for his immense contribution to growth and development of football in the FCT.

NAN reports that Mohammed, who was re-elected FCT FA boss for a second four-year term , has been hailed for the remarkable giants strides football in the FCT has achieved under his leadership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award tagged Nigeria-France Sports Award and Gala was organised by OJB Media.

NAN reports that the ceremony was graced by some Nigeria ex-internationals, including Super Eagles stars, John Utaka, Osaze Odemwingie, Elderson Echiejile, Taye Taiwo among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU), an International pan-African diplomatic organisation, is set for inauguration in Nigeria with a view to paving the way for Africans living across the world to reunite with their ancestral homes.

King Alfred Diete Spiff, Chairman of AFRIDU-Nigeria and Special Envoy of the African Union 6th Region said this in Abuja on Wednesday during a news briefing organised ahead of the International Conference of African Descents in Diaspora and Formal Launching of AFRIDU, Nigeria.

According to Spiff, the conference with the theme: “Fostering Global Partnership with African Descents in Diaspora for Economic and Infrastructural Development of Nigeria,” will lay the foundation for charting a way forward for African people whose great grandparents were taken away to foreign lands during the slave trade.

“These African descendants desire to return to their ancestral homes, especially those of Nigerian origin, for restoration, reconnection, and investment.

“AFRIDU was initiated as a civic organisation to propagate and work with various private organisations, institutions, and government agencies to mobilise African descents to return home for economic and infrastructural development of the continent.

“AFRIDU aims to foster unity, solidarity, and empowerment among the African descent in the Diaspora.

“The launching of AFRIDU Nigeria will serve as an important platform to bring together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss and explore investment opportunities and partnerships in various sectors of our economy,” Spiff said.

African diaspora populations include but are not limited to African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians – descendants of enslaved Africans taken to the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America during the Atlantic slave trade.

Spiff said that the conference would provide a unique networking environment for attendees to engage with potential investors, industry experts, and government officials.

He said that some of the African diasporas were well-to-do and successful people seeking to return home and establish a mega city in the likeness of the Vatican City in Rome, but not all African countries were open to the idea.

According to him, the idea of a mega city within a country in Africa is generating a lot of trepidation so much so that many consider yielding land for the project an impossibility perhaps out of fear of displacement.

He, however, said, “Nigeria is a big country. We are not afraid that anybody is going to come in with any amount of money and topple the government like some other countries are thinking would happen to them.

“Some countries have been very conservative and are not ready to receive them with open arms.

“They (diaspora population) feel a bit disappointed, but they are also very determined to return home.

“They have a group – that calls itself `The Right to Return’. None of us can tell them they cannot come back to their roots.

“They feel they are part of us and want to come home.

“All they want is to come and give us all the expertise and the help that Africa needs to stand out in the world.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike are expected to grace the occasion as special guests.

Diplomats, some state governors, and heads of agencies saddled with the responsibility of catering to diaspora matters are also expected to attend the one-day international conference which will be held on Nov. 2 in Abuja. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria