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NYSC Corps Members Tasked With Selfless Service In Ebonyi

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coic
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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, has charged members of the Corps who are nearing the end of their orientation course to provide selfless service to the communities where they are stationed.

This was stated in an address given by the NYSC Director-General, Professor Shauibu Ibrahim, who was represented by the state Coordinator, Mrs Mercy Bamai Dawuda, at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Old MacGregor College, Afikpo North Local Government Area of the State, during the terminal parade/closing ceremony of 2021 Batch ‘C’ stream II.

Volunteering in the host community

Professor Ibrahim urged them to contribute to the community’s living standards in their current location.

“I implore you to add value to the communities by participating in individual and group Community Development Service projects that will improve their living conditions.” The NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development SAED program, as I mentioned during your swearing-in ceremony, is designed to prepare you for self-employment and wealth creation. I was blown away by your enthusiasm during the vocational and entrepreneurial training you received at the Camp,” he urged.

The DG praised them for their patriotic zeal and high level of discipline, both of which contributed to the exercise’s success.

“My dear compatriots, the next phase of the Service Year is critical, as the entire nation looks to you for your expected contributions to our fatherland’s unity and development. As a result, I implore you to keep the spirit of patriotism, hard work, and perseverance that you acquired during the Orientation Course.

“You will receive your postings to Places of Primary Assignment shortly after this ceremony.” I strongly advise you to accept any assignment and to do your best to carry out your responsibilities diligently. You must also respect and appreciate the cultures of the host communities,” he said.

He encouraged them to build on their newfound skills by taking advantage of post-camp training opportunities.

“We, for one, will continue to strengthen our partnership with relevant stakeholders in order to maximize the program’s impact,” he said.

Security

He reaffirmed Management’s commitment to the Corps members’ security and general well-being.

“As a result, we’re in constant contact with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure your safety while also addressing other critical needs for a successful service year,” he stated.

He urged them to be vigilant about security at all times.

He also advised them to avoid high-risk activities such as staying out late, attending late-night parties, visiting dangerous locations, and accepting a ride from strangers.

“I also implore you to abstain from drug use and trafficking, as well as cybercrime, advanced-fee-fraud, and other vices.”

“Remember, too, that participating in local politics in your host communities is a no-no for you.” Always be conscious of the implications of your actions or inaction for the image of your families, the NYSC, and your graduation institutions.

Read also: Understanding the New Shadow of Buhari at NEMA

“Furthermore, I’d like to reiterate our cautionary message about unauthorized trips and nighttime excursions. According to statistics compiled by relevant agencies, night travel is a major risk factor for road traffic accidents, and such timing may also make rescue efforts futile. On this basis, all Corps members in transit are now required to cut short their trips after six o’clock in the evening and spend the night at military barracks or other officially designated safe locations.

“While I applaud you for following the Covid-19 prevention protocols during your time at Camp, I would like to remind you that the virus is still present.” As a result, you should remain vigilant in all situations where you find yourself. I also encourage you to get the Covid-19 vaccination and, if you’ve already had it, keep an eye out for an invitation for the second jab, if necessary. In addition, I expect you to assist in educating members of the host communities about preventive measures, such as the importance of accepting vaccines,” he said.

He urged Corps Employers to not only accept Corps Members who will be assigned to them, but also to provide an environment that allows them to reach their full potential.

“I implore you to provide mentoring while also enhancing the leadership skills that they gained during the Orientation exercise. In the same vein, I urge state and local government officials, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to support the Corps members’ Community Development Service initiatives,” he said.

Ibrahim praised the State Coordinator and other Camp officials for their hard work and dedication, which contributed to the Orientation Course’s success.

Read also: Support Nigerians’ Hustle, says Osinbajo to NAFDAC, SON, and CAC

He expressed his sincere appreciation to the Federal Government for its unwavering support for the Scheme. Similarly, he thanked state governments, local government councils, security agencies, the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the TY Danjuma Foundation, traditional rulers, Corps Employers, and other stakeholders for their support.

The total number of 2021 batch ‘C’ stream II candidates is 1651, with 805 females and 846 males.

Oluremi Tinubu reveals how Elephantiasis killed mother of former governor in Lagos

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coic
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Senators expressed concern on Monday about the spread of elephantiasis, a tropical disease that is said to have killed the mother of a former Lagos State governor.

In Abuja, lawmakers led by APC Lagos Central Senator Oluremi Tinubu revealed that the deadly disease is one of Nigeria’s 14 Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis), Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH), Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), Trachoma (Granular Conjunctivitis), and Schistosomiasis are tropical diseases, according to them (Bilharzia).
Rabbies, Leprosy, Yaws, Snakebites, Leishmaniasis, Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Mycetoma, and Fascioliasis are among the other parasitic diseases.

Senator Tinubu lamented the neglected killer diseases at a High-Level Round Table Meeting organized by the Nigeria National Task Team (NNTT) to eradicate them at the Transcorp Hilton Hotels, saying that concerted efforts by both public and private organizations are required to eradicate the diseases from Nigeria.

“Though many of these diseases are not as common in Lagos State as they are in other parts of the country, Elephantiasis killed the mother of one of the state’s one-time governors.”

Read Also:  Three Indians  arrested For Stabbing Nigerian Man To Death for refusing to share beer with them

“A few years ago, the one-time Governor, Alexander Enenagu, who is now a Ph.D. holder in law after graduating first in his class at the Lagos Law School, revealed this to me.”

“After coming to the Senate and passing through the Committees on Health and Women’s Affairs, the prevalence of diseases, with their attendant casualties primarily among women, dawned on me, as did the need to eradicate them.

“Because most NTDs are preventable,” she said, “awareness is critical for this campaign.”

Senator Brahim Yahaya Oloriegbe (APC Kwara Central), his counterparts on the Senate Committee on Water Resources, Senator Bello Mandiya (APC Katsina South), and other stakeholders have urged the government at all levels in Nigeria to eradicate diseases that kill vulnerable Nigerians on a daily basis in rural areas.

Senator Oloriegbe, the round table dialogue’s convener, stated that NTDs are widespread in Nigeria and require immediate attention from all stakeholders.

“I’m hoping that my National Assembly colleagues will be persuaded to add the elimination of NTDs to their list of constituency projects.” This will go a long way toward alleviating the suffering of Nigerians who are afflicted by diseases in some way,” he said.
Water and sanitation are critical in preventing and eliminating diseases, according to Bello Mandiya, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources, as 72 out of 774 local government councils in Nigeria are free of open defecation, a practice that is most prevalent in Nigeria across the globe.
Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, the Minister of State for Health, stated in his submissions that Nigeria ranks first or second in the world in terms of disease prevalence, with the exception of Malaria, which is a major killer in the country.

Read Also:  Bandits kill FIRS manager of Nigeria’s tax agency, after collecting ransom of N7m

He explained that the government alone cannot do it all and that corporate organizations must join the campaign to eradicate diseases that are primarily found in rural areas.

“Rural residents must also assist the government in eradicating killer diseases by being hygienic in terms of the water they drink and the manner in which they defecate.

Bandits kill FIRS manager of Nigeria’s tax agency, after collecting ransom of N7m

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coic
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Shila Ojebola, a Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) employee, was murdered by bandits in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Ojebola was killed by bandits after his family paid an N7 million ransom to secure his release, according to People’s Gazette.

Read Also:  Bandits demand huge ransom from family of Adamawa medical doctor kidnapped from hospital

Ojebola was recently promoted to a manager at the FIRS’ Medium and Small Tax Office in the FCT’s Lugbe area, according to sources.

After being kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway three weeks ago, Ojebola was reportedly promoted while in the bandits’ camp.

“While in their camp, he was promoted to the position of manager,” a family source said.

Meanwhile, it was learned that the police and the State Security Service (SSS) were both involved in the N7 million ransom payment.

Read Also:  Elections in 2023: New electoral law now awaits NASS, Presidency – INEC

The Abuja-Kaduna Highway has become a dangerous zone in the last year, with numerous kidnappings and murders of travelers.

Understanding the New Shadow of Buhari at NEMA

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Toby
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By Philip Agbese

Sometime in 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari effected a change in the leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Not many understood the president’s mind, as it were. Not many also knew that the president wanted more from the operations of NEMA, being that critical government agency saddled with the responsibility of mitigating national emergencies and disasters in the country.

There was also a masterstroke! The establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. And since then, there has been no turning back in the efforts of ensuring that NEMA fulfils its strategic mandate.

I must add here that heading such a sensitive social intervention ministry is quite a herculean task because it is emotionally, psychologically, and physically demanding. All of these combined is the daily routine of the Hajia Sadiya Farouq, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

Tow attributes have defined her since she assumed the headship of the ministry; fear of God and the selfless service to the country and humanity. I say these for two reasons. One is the manner she has devoted herself to her job, and two, how she has been able to stay focused despite several attempts at blackmailing her to succumbing to the whims and caprices of a select few.

The Hon. Minister of humanitarian affairs has constantly evolved strategies to position that agency for optimum service delivery. Let’s salute Saadiya for heading a critical agency. Despite the efforts by many to derail her, she has remained focused.

It is on record that Hajia Sadiya Farouq has a penchant for getting results and would stop at nothing to ensure that tasks are accomplished and within record time. She is also known as one that brooks no excuses and, most importantly, abhors acts that undermine the process of the system.

A good example could be seen in the case of NEMA, where she strategically effected a change in leadership that saw to the coming on board of Alhaji Ahmed Mustapha Habib, a seasoned administrator, to lead the critical interventionist agency.

Those in the know of the pedigree of the Director General of NEMA are not surprised with the manner he has handled the affairs of the agency, with active supervision of the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development.

 

Ahmed Mustapha Habib is a man of ideas. According to feelers from the agency, it was stated that the norm had been jettisoned. It is a new era where every voice counts. And Staffers are tasked with effective service delivery, no matter how lowly placed the agency.

He has also placed a premium on a proactive response to issues, given that the agency is meant to be a rapid response agency in the attempt to mitigate issues relating to human lives and properties. This is indeed brilliant and thus resonates with the agency’s objective in managing disasters across the country.

In less than a year, the operations of NEMA have evolved dramatically and thanks to the leadership provision of Ahmed Mustapha Habib. In my opinion, the Ahmed Mustapha Habib example in NEMA is by every inch an indication that with exemplary leadership, Nigeria would experience sustainable growth and development.

An example of the resourcefulness of the Director General is the recent inauguration of a Technical Working Group on Flood Preparedness, Mitigation and Response to strengthen partnership among stakeholders towards efficient flood management in-country. This might sound strange to the ears because we are not used to such planning, hence the fire brigade approach we employ most times.

I recall that Habib stated that the inauguration of the Technical Working Group was in line with the recent National Consultative Workshop on 2021 Flood, organized by the agency, which drew participants from the State Emergency Management Agencies and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Another good example is at the practical level, where the Director General has restructured the distribution of relief materials so that there is accountability and transparency in the processes. The NEMA of today is quite different from the NEMA of previous years, where a lack of accountability and transparency has caused untold embarrassment to the government. I can bet that these and many more informed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to bring onboard well trusted and principled personalities to take charge of the critical social intervention agency in the country.

And the result has been outstanding in the sense that critical stakeholders have commended NEMA’s disaster management in the country for the way and manner it has carried on with its operations most efficiently and proactively.

These and many more are the hallmarks of the Ahmed Mustapha Habib leadership strides at NEMA. However, it must be noted that this was made possible by also the examples set by the Honorable Minister of the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry and also, by extension, the examples set by President Muhammadu Buhari. It can be thus said that the NEMA of today indeed reflects the new shadow of Buhari.

It is thus a new era at NEMA, and this much the staffers of the agency have acknowledged. They have rated that new DG high in works ethics since the establishment of the agency; they have also applauded his emphasis on rewards for hard work and penalties for questionable acts that would bring the agency into disrepute.

The new helmsman of NEMA has, by his actions, set standards in leadership in the country. He has proven that it is not how long but how committed one can be to discharge his duties and responsibilities. He has also displayed that in whatever we do once we lead with sincerity of heart and purpose, the tendency for success and the buy-in of critical stakeholders in policies and plans are always high.

This is the pleasant situation at NEMA, and it is hoped that in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, the DG would continue to improve the operations of NEMA and not get distracted by the antics of a few whose stock in trade is to cause a distraction in the polity for their selfish interests.

The NEMA DG must stand his ground and always have at the back of his mind that his action and inactions either put smiles on the faces of people who are faced with dire emergencies or compound their situations and lead them eventually to their early graves.

I am convinced that the NEMA DG desires to bring as much as possible comfort to victims of disasters in the country. This much he has displayed and this much he should continue to do in service to the country and humanity.

Agbese is a public affairs analyst and publisher based in the United Kingdom.

Three Indians  arrested For Stabbing Nigerian Man To Death for refusing to share beer with them

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coic
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Victor, a 35-year-old Nigerian man, was stabbed to death by three Indian teenagers because he refused to share beer with them.

Arun, Philip Raj, and Neelakantha, three Indians, were apprehended by police on Monday.

Treynae Campbell, 19, spent £19.99 on a 15-inch knife similar to this before handing it over to the killer Victor was killed on Sunday near Kullappa’s circle in Kammanahalli in Bengaluru, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka.

Read Also:  Wase accuses police of releasing suspects, jeopardizing fight against banditry

According to the police, the three local residents attacked the young man on the spur of the moment.

Victor arrived in Bengaluru on a business visa ten years ago and settled in the city’s east after marrying a Bengalurean woman, according to the police.

He’d just bought some beer bottles and was walking back home when he ran into Neelakantha, a familiar face.

When Victor arrived around 9:30 p.m., the trio had been drinking for several hours. He took a lighter from them and started smoking. After that, the group began to converse. Victor was carrying beer bottles, which the trio noticed.

Read Also:  Bandits demand huge ransom from family of Adamawa medical doctor kidnapped from hospital

They were running low on alcohol and asked Victor if he could give them some of his, but he declined.

Following an argument, Victor pushed the trio aside and allegedly hit one of them with a bottle, according to the Times of India.

The trio then pounced on him and stabbed him in the neck near the shoulder with the same bottle, killing him.

There were no other injuries to the body, according to the police, who are awaiting an autopsy report.

Residents initially told police that the killers were also Africans, according to SD Sharanappa, Deputy Police Commissioner (East), but investigation and forensic evidence revealed the true perpetrators.

Read Also:  Elections in 2023: New electoral law now awaits NASS, Presidency – INEC

Victor, according to his wife, dealt in medical equipment.

The trio allegedly stabbed Victor in the chest and neck with a broken beer bottle, according to the Banaswadi police. Victor passed away on his way to the hospital.

Elections in 2023: New electoral law now awaits NASS, Presidency – INEC

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coic
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The National Assembly and the Presidency, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are responsible for developing a new electoral framework ahead of the 2023 general elections.

INEC Commissioner Festus Okoye said this on Monday in Abuja at the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room National Stakeholders’ Forum on Elections.

In terms of the electoral management body, he claimed that INEC was still using the old electoral legal framework because the new one was not yet ready.

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He claimed that the new electoral framework had some fundamental flaws. One of the major concerns of the electoral management body is the deepening of democracy through the application of technology.

INEC, according to Okoye, decided from the start that it was important in the national interest to reduce human interference in the electoral process, and as a result, decided to expand the use of technology in the electoral process.

“That explains why, as of today, political parties file the information about their nominated candidates electronically rather than bringing documents to our office.

“As of today, domestic election observers, international election observers, and the media can all apply for accreditation online.”

“INEC was the first electoral management body in Africa to introduce online voter registration, and as a result, you can see an astronomical increase in the number of young people who have pre-registered before their biometrics have been captured.”

Read Also:  Wase accuses police of releasing suspects, jeopardizing fight against banditry

“Now, what is different about the new electoral bill?” Prior to this time, the uploading of polling unit results was solely for public consumption.”

The second issue, which Okoye described as “very challenging and difficult to handle,” was related to internal democracy in political parties.

According to him, two methods of voting in primary elections, direct and indirect primaries, have been imputed to the existing electoral legal framework.

Parties had held direct primaries prior to this period, according to Okoye, and the INEC had monitored both direct and indirect primaries.

“What we must keep in mind is that the political parties are responsible for the success or failure of direct primaries because they are the ones who will hire the venue for their own primaries.”

“INEC will not hire venues for them; they will print their own ballot papers and result sheets, and they will obtain their own ballot boxes because we previously provided them with ballot boxes, which they did not return.”

“This time, we’re not going to give them ballot boxes; they’re the ones who’ll secure the electoral environment; our job is to keep track of what they’ve said they’ll do.”

Read Also:  Andy Uba accuses INEC of frustrating his decision to go to court in Anambra

“There is no way we can put cost or even personnel to the number we are going to deploy until the political parties bring out their own design, which the new electoral framework says they should bring out,” he said.

Bandits demand huge ransom from family of Adamawa medical doctor kidnapped from hospital

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coic
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Bandits have contacted the family of Dr. Saidu Bala, a medical doctor and owner of a private hospital kidnapped in Adamawa State, and demanded an undisclosed large ransom.

The abductors contacted the family earlier today, according to a family member who is the Registrar of Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola.

“They called this morning, and we were able to speak with my brother, who assured us of his safety,” Halima Bala said, crying.

Read Also:  Bandits kill seven people, injure many in Plateau market

“My brother asked us to find a ransom; all he said was that you should all find a lot of money,” she explained.

Dr. Bala was abducted Monday evening in Ngurore, a satellite town on the outskirts of Yola, the state capital, while seeing patients at his Aisha hospital.

It was reported that four assailants stormed the hospital around 7 p.m. on Wednesday and forcibly removed him while firing shots to scare people away.

“Yes, shortly after Maghrib prayer, about three or four gunmen stormed the hospital and shot into the air to scare people away,” Halima Bala confirmed.

Read Also:  Wase accuses police of releasing suspects, jeopardizing fight against banditry

“The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, has directed that Bala be rescued and the assailants be apprehended,” DSP Sulaiman Nguroje, a spokesman for the state’s police command, said.

“The CP has also assured the state’s government and people that Bala will be rescued safely,” he added.

Nguroje has been plagued by violent crimes in recent years, including kidnapping.

Wase accuses police of releasing suspects, jeopardizing fight against banditry

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coic
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0

Idris Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has accused the police of sabotaging the anti-bandit campaign by releasing bandits who had been arrested.

Mr Wase, who moved a motion on the floor of the House on Tuesday about the killings in his constituency, claimed that police colluded with suspected bandits.

Read Also:  Bandits kill seven people, injure many in Plateau market

The deputy speaker, who represents Plateau State’s Wase Federal Constituency, cited a case of abduction involving his driver’s wife, claiming that the suspect was apprehended but later released by the police.

He also mentioned a case in Kaduna where bandits were apprehended but later released by the police. “I informed the Kaduna State governor, Nasir Elrufai, of the police release,” he said.

Nasir Ali, an APC member from Kano, questioned how the government can send thousands of security personnel to states for elections but fail to protect lives and property.

Emeka Azubogu of Anambra State, who also spoke on the motion, said that insecurity in Nigeria is affecting the economy. “Borno State is not contributing to the economy because of insecurity,” he said.

Ndudi Elumelu, the minority leader, slammed the ruling APC for the security situation, saying the party had failed.

As a result, the House decided that the Minister of Defense should launch a joint security operation in Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Nasarawa states to flush out bandits.

The Department of State Services and the Directorate of Military Intelligence were also tasked with gathering intelligence on bandit influx, camping, and operations in the Wase Federal Constituency and surrounding towns.

Read Also:  Naming Ambassador Buratai As Icon of Patriotism In Africa And Matters Arising 

In addition, the Speaker established an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and submit a report within two weeks.

Ex-INEC Chairman Jega explains why APC, PDP are unable to provide competent leaders to Nigerians

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coic
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Prof Attahiru Jega, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has stated that the two major political parties in Nigeria have failed to alleviate poverty and suffering among Nigerians.

Jega stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were unable to provide competent leaders to Nigerians, instead relying on members of their respective camps.

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He went on to say that despite the fact that both parties were in power for a long time, they were unable to transform Nigeria.

According to the Daily Trust, Jega stated this in an interview on Monday, stating that Nigerians had suffered significant losses at the hands of the two parties.

“There is no doubt that the country’s ruling elites cannot transform the country into a better one,” Jega said. They’ve been in power for a long time, and nothing has changed. The two major parties, the PDP and the APC, have effectively closed the door on good and competent people entering the leadership system.

“They only give people from their camp chances to continue ruling us.” And this has deterred many people, particularly young people, from getting involved in politics; they believe it is always a bad thing.

“As a result, competent people who recognize the need to change our development trajectory and save the country as a whole are in high demand.”

However, Yekini Nabena, the APC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, refuted Jega’s claims, claiming that the APC was healing the wounds it had encountered on the ground and thus was not a failure.

Read Also:   APC regime is oblivious to ongoing bloodshed — PDP

“Will he (Jega) churn out new politicians for his PRP?” They’re nothing more than political scavengers. The APC has not failed, and will never fail Nigerians, as he claims.

“We all know the PDP was a failure, which is why Nigerians elected a new president. As a result, the APC is mending its wounds; it is not a failed party,” he added.

Bandits kill seven people, injure many in Plateau market

By
coic
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0

Unknown gunmen attacked a piano market in Pinau community, Wase local government area, Plateau State, on Sunday evening, killing about seven people.

During the attack, the gunmen also injured a large number of villagers.

While buying and selling were taking place, the attackers stormed the market.

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On December 8, residents of some villages complained about an influx of bandits in some of Wase LGA’s villages, which raised suspicions about their movement.

Residents who expressed concern also claimed that local informants were working with the bandits to provide them with information about the area.

While confirming the latest attack that resulted in the loss of life, Wase youth leader Shapi’i Sambo described the incident as barbaric and unfortunate.

He explained that the gunmen stormed the market and began shooting indiscriminately, wreaking havoc on the area.

According to a source, the area has been invaded by gunmen in the last ten days, resulting in the kidnapping of many people and the payment of a ransom.

“The ransom demanded by the bandits is in the millions of dollars. They sometimes collect N2 million, and other times they collect N5 million. They collected N5 million in the last three days before releasing a man they kidnapped a few days ago,” he said.

read also:  BREAKING: Boko Haram fighters infiltrate Borno community in several gun trucks

ASP Ubah Gabriel, the state Police Public Relations Officer, did not return calls seeking comment on the situation.

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