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Appraising SMEDAN under Radda

By
Toby
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The overriding obsession of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration since inception in 2015 is how to grow Nigeria’s economy into one of the strongest and virile in Africa. The President also understood in clear terms the certified global endorsement of the strategic hold of Micro, small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the growth of local and global economies.
By submissions of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), MSMEs unarguably comprises 90 percent of operative firms in countries, about 70 percent of total employments and derives a whooping GDP growth rate of 50 percent. Therefore, the Buhari Presidency directed attention, energies and resources to Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the regulatory and coordination agency of MSMEs for their development.
The President sought to fully harvest the economic potentials of MSMEs in the growth of the Nigerian economy. Therefore, the initial appointment of Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda as the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in 2016 and the subsequent renewal of his tenure in March 2021 are the testimonies of Mr. President’s commitment to the economic ideas of poverty eradication and energizing a robust MSMEs subsector.
The SMEDAN boss, Dr, Radda, an entrepreneur per excellence, banker, astute administrator and proficient organizer has undoubtedly proved his mettle in galvanizing the potentials of MSMEs for the economic development of Nigeria in the past five years.  His tenure has repositioned the agency, stamped the visibility of SMEDAN in national psyche and initiated multiple programmes to enhance entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.
Of particular significance is the rigorous campaigns mounted by Dr. Radda’s leadership which have drawn the attention of the Federal and state governments as well as other stakeholders, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),   in economic management affairs in the country  through the recognition of MSMEs as an influential  catalyst.
Thus, under the guidance of Radda, SMEDAN has initiated and consummated programmes like strengthening of business membership organizations, Enterprise Network Initiatives, Commercialization, Empowerment Initiative for ICT, Financial Empowerment for MSMEs and Credit Information Portal.  The agency has also contributed immensely to Nigeria’s search for   economic development evident in platforms of  rural industrialization, formalization of business development, loans and incentives and moratoriums  issued to business men/women in the country.
Other robust signature programmes  or packages like the Young Business owners in Nigeria (Y-BON), Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS), Leather Cluster Enterprises Scheme, Garment and Textile Cluster Growth Support Scheme among hordes of others have been the more exciting and beneficial aspects of SMEDAN’s impacts on entrepreneurs. No doubt, these initiatives have repositioned MSMEs and catapulted them to higher to productive capacities.
Therefore, Dr. Radda’s leadership of SMEDAN has assisted MSMEs access finance, workspace, capacity building, working capital, equipment, micro insurance, formalization and business development services. It explains the loud endorsements from stakeholders when President Buhari reappointed Dr. Radda for another tenure of five years, as they were sure of continuity with these laudable initiatives.
The stakeholders believe SMEDAN under Radda has repositioned itself as a One- Stop Shop for MSMEs development or growth, which has attracted other benefits like growth of  the economy,  employment generation and poverty reduction. SMEDAN under Radda’s leadership has effectively entrenched entrepreneurial culture, ambitious industrialization of rural areas, enhancing industrial cluster development ideas through the MSMEs to increase GDP and support of Nigeria’s quest  for full utilization of her export potentials to other parts of the world.
Upon the reappointment of Radda as SMEDAN boss, an Abuja based businessman, Alhaji Abubakar Toyin,   a stakeholder in the MSMEs sub-sector expressed gratitude  to President Buhari for his commitment to the promotion entrepreneurial culture in a Nigeria as symbolized by the current effectiveness of SMEDAN operations. He was explicit that the SMEDAN’s current Director General has succeeded in reviving major programmes and launched fresh ones which have impacted positively on the MSMEs subsector.
The stakeholders are particularly thrilled with Radda’s successful launch of the Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS) and the One Local Government, One Product (OLOP) programmes  which are trending and greatly assisting  entrepreneurs’ in the MSMEs subsector of  the economy by providing  access to funding finance. And in the Covid-19 pandemic era, the agency’s excellent coordination and implementation of these packages have injected life into previously dormant businesses.
The SMEDAN boss has also embarked on aggressive and mass registration programme of MSMEs. The essence is to develop a comprehensive national database of all MSMEs in the country. And the registration particulars also capture the basis of products, sectors, geographical locations, size, and owners’ personal information. The MSME’s registration which is both digital (through SMEDAN website) and manual through enumerators, conducted in alliance with National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is free-of-charge. Certificates are issued to entrepreneurs’ who avail themselves for the registration.
The MSMEs registration is beneficial in many ways. It will enable SMEDAN know and identify all the MSMEs in the country by location, accurate data, business products/produce, skills specialization among others for the over 41 million MSMEs in the country so far registered. Additionally, the initiative is also hunting for  women entrepreneurs and  talent hunt  to discover national hidden talents in fashion and arts and craft.
According to Dr. Radda, the MSMEs mass registration will enable the agency use the data the “…. to formulate policies for MSMEs because of the accuracy involved. And then, any intervention that is coming from the government can easily be tapped from that. You can easily know the MSMEs you have and easily channel your intervention to them… it will help us, when investors come to the country. If they are looking for a particular product, we know those who are producing them and their location. Investors can use that source to get raw materials, and if it is skills they need, they can know the location of the person.”
And in the last few years, SMEDAN has intervened impressively in ensuring entrepreneurs under the MSMEs are organized to access the FGN’s Agri-Business/Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme (AGMIES) loans. It has raised platforms which have rendered entrepreneurship training, created public awareness of the loans, and assisted entrepreneurs’ in developing suitable business plans to access these loans, which are finally handled by the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The SMEDAN boss, a foresighted and compassionate administrator also discovered that many determined entrepreneurs’ under MSMEs were frustrated from accessing the FGN’s several loan schemes because of the demand for collaterals as condition for approval of the loans designed to empower more Nigerians become self-reliant. To resolve this hurdle, while marking the 2018 MSMEs day,   Dr. Radda persuaded and convinced the Buhari Presidency to embrace more flexible leading policy by backing down  on the  request for collaterals to access the loans. And the President endorsed it.
Therefore, from 2019 henceforth operators of MSMEs boosted their businesses by massively accessing the loans without the usual demand for collaterals. Thus, the Buhari Presidency  disbursed over N100billion under this loan scheme through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Dr. Radda has been working in the last two years to revise the National Policy on MSMEs document which is due for revision.  When finally approved, the new National Policy on MSMEs would encapsulate progressive contents in the classification of the MSMEs on the basis of indices of marketing, business development service, skills and capacity building contents.
The document also spells out strategies of its implementation by the various agencies and departments as well as the private sector stakeholders which are  in the overall best interests of MSMEs entrepreneur’s.  The document is at the final stage of finishing touches. It has been submitted to the Ministry of   Industries, Trade and Investment for verification, after which it will be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for final approval.
Dr. Radda has also entrenched transparency and accountability in SMEDAN. He has introduced a reporting system, which prepares quarterly reports on its operations, which is  forwarded to the chairman Technical Committee of the National MSMEs Council, who  is the Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment. The reporting system allows government to closely monitor SMEDAN’s implementation of the programmes under its jurisdiction.
Therefore, it is an understatement to assert that Director General SMEDAN, Dr. Radda has performed excellently in all ramifications. He has sauntered the agency on the path of unprecedented progress and development, evident in the increased number of revived and expanding MSMEs in Nigeria.
Dr. Radda is a quintessential leader ordained for leadership and he has not disappointed by demonstrating his managerial astuteness in the MSMEs vital subsector of the economy. With him on the saddle, SMEDAN will soar to unimaginable levels in performances. It basically accounted for the renewal of his mandate by President Buhari.

Our operations decreasing criminal activities across the country –DHQ

By
admin
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Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko,
The Armed Forces of Nigeria says it has sustained onslaught on all forms of criminal elements in their enclaves with scores decimated and cache of
arms recovered in the various theatres of operation across the nation.
Speaking Thursday at the Defence Headquarters, while briefing newsmen on the progress of military operations from 3rd to 16th June 2021, Acting Director, Defence Media Operations Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko said mop-up operations were carried out to clear criminal elements while civil military activities were conducted in some key areas to build trust amongst the civilian population.
“These operations recorded attendant successes as scores of criminal elements were decimated and neutralized with their hideouts destroyed and large caches of arms and ammunition as well as equipment recovered.
“In other cases, some kidnapped victims were rescued and rustled cattle recovered; and economic saboteurs arrested. The operations highlighted in the brief are Operations HADIN KAI; HADARIN DAJI; SAFE HAVEN; WHIRL STROKE; DELTA SAFE; and AWATSE as well as non-kinetic approach in tackling the security challenges.”
General Onyeuko noted that, comparatively there is a decrease in the criminal activities within the period under review. This he said is as a result of troops’ operational efforts to deny criminals freedom of operation and we remain resolute to take decisive and adequate actions to further abate terrorists and bandits’ activities as well as other vices across the Country.
He on behalf of the Military High Command lauded the efforts of the troops for their resilience and unrelenting commitment while calling the general public to support troops’ efforts by providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements.
Full text of the briefing reads below:
PRESS BRIEFING BY DIRECTORATE OF DEFENCE MEDIA OPERATIONS HELD AT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS NEW CONFERENCE ROOM ON 17 JUNE 2021
1. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, you are welcome to today’s briefing, which is as usual, intended to keep the general public abreast of the operational efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s in various theatres of operation across Nigeria. Once again as you are aware, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have continued to tackle the security challenges, characterized by killings, maiming and destruction of properties by criminal elements across the Country. This brief will highlight the operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other Security Agencies in the theatres of operations between 3 and 16 June 2021.
Within the period in focus, troops sustained the onslaught against all forms of criminalities by conducting series of operations ranging from aggressive ground operations to comprehensive air operations and exclusive maritime operations against criminal elements and their enclaves. These operations recorded attendant successes as scores of criminal elements were decimated and neutralized with their hideouts destroyed and large caches of arms and ammunition as well as equipment recovered. In other cases, some kidnapped victims were rescued and rustled cattle recovered; and economic saboteurs arrested.
The operations highlighted in the brief are Operations HADIN KAI; HADARIN DAJI; SAFE HAVEN; WHIRL STROKE; DELTA SAFE; and AWATSE as well as non-kinetic approach in tackling the security challenges.
OPERATION HADIN KAI
2. Between 3 and 16 June 2021, troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several raid operations and extensive air strikes, responded to distress calls as well as repelled and thwarted terrorists’ attacks. These operations were conducted concurrently in different locations in the North East Zone of the Country. These include Damboa Town in Borno State where air strikes executed with NAF platforms on 3 June, dislodged several terrorists and inflicted significant damages on their logistics facilities. Troops also repelled terrorists’ attacks on Damboa Town in Borno State on same day, where several fighters of the ISWAP sect, including one of their commander named Umar Tela, were neutralized. Other locations where troops recorded significant results were; Gujba Town in Gujba LGA of Yobe State, Magumeri Town in Borno State and Mubi Town in Mubi LGA of Adamawa State; where troops conducted raid operations on BHT hideouts on 4 and 5 June 2021.
3. Furthermore, in the course of these operations within the period under review, several of terrorists were neutralized, while some escaped with gunshot wounds. Large number of their gun trucks and other logistics facilities were as well destroyed in the process. Troops operations also led to the arrest of some terrorists and kidnappers including the leader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in the North East Zone, named Mohammed Maki, who is a Chadian. Troops also recovered large caches of arms and ammunition, large quantities of PMS and AGO in jerry cans in the course of the operations. The attendant results recorded by troops through their superior operational engagements have continued to degrade the terrorists’ operational capabilities and deny them freedom of operation in the North East theatre within the period under review.
OPERATION HADARIN DAJI
4. Troops operational activities in Operation HADARIN DAJI theatre of operation between 3 and 16 June 2021 were characterized with ambush operations, aggressive fighting patrols, air raids, sustained air Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance patrols as well as cordon and search operations. These operations yielded attendant successes in the period under review. Troops, during an ambush operation on 3 June, intercepted and neutralized some gunrunners who were in possession of assorted arms and ammunition between Naimaimai Village and Sabon Birni Town in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. Similarly, on 4 June 2021, troops, following credible intelligence report, conducted cordon and search operation along Gurbin Baure – Jibia Road in Katsina State.
During the operation, troops intercepted and neutralized some armed bandits. In another development on 6 June 2021, the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air raids on bandits’ enclaves at Jibia area in Katsina State. The air raid led to the neutralization of several armed bandits and destruction of structures used as hideouts. In same vein, troops while on aggressive fighting patrol arrested some kidnappers and rescued some of their victims at Bena Market in Danko Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. During the operation, large caches of arms and ammunition as well as equipment and vehicles were captured from the criminal elements. Troops have continued to dominate the theatre of operation with aggressive patrols and sustained air intelligence surveillance to deny bandits freedom of operation.
OPERATION SAFE HAVEN
5. In Operation SAFE HAVEN theatre of operations, troops between 3 and 16 June 2021, sustained their operational tempo and conducted fighting patrols, ambushes as well as cordon and search operations. These operations resulted in the neutralization of several armed bandits, arrest of armed bandits/cultists and recovery of arms and ammunition. These incidents occurred when troops on fighting patrol came in contact and engaged some armed bandits along Bokkos – Gana Rop Road on 4 June 2021. Several of them were neutralized during the encounter while others escaped with gunshot wounds. In another encounter on 5 June, troops on the heels of credible intelligence report, ambushed and arrested some cultists who reportedly belong to a criminal gang that attacks and robs commuters and dispossess’ them of their belongings at Terminus general area of Jos, Plateau State.
Similarly, troops on patrol on same day arrested a notorious kidnapper, who has been on the wanted list of security agents, by name Halilu Umaru, who was in possession of assorted arms and ammunition and other dangerous weapons around Mangu Market in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. All arrested criminals and recovered items have been handed over to appropriate agencies for further necessary actions.
6. Within the period under review, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN also conducted non-kinetic operations. On 15 June 2021, own troops held stakeholders meetings at different locations of the Operation SAFE HAVEN Area of Responsibility. The meetings were aimed at building peace, trust and confidence amongst the locals. One of these meetings was held at Wasa Village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, where locals were advised against taking laws into their hands. Another one was held at Tafawa Village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State with Fulani leaders and herders to discuss measures at tackling insecurity in the area.
Furthermore, a meeting was held in Bokkos LGA of the State with herders to discuss measures at controlling night grazing and use of minors for grazing as well as destruction of farm lands. At the end, all stakeholders were urged to give peace a chance and were encouraged to provide useful information on criminal elements to security agencies.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
7. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE remained vigilant and committed in the conduct of their operations during the period in focus. On 3 June, troops arrested some criminal gang members at Ayiin Town in Logo LGA of Benue State. The criminals were among others involved in kidnapping and other related criminal activities in the area. The arrested criminals and weapons recovered have been handed over to appropriate agencies for further action.
OPERATION DELTA SAFE
8. Between 3 and 16 June 2021, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted series of anti-illegal oil bunkering and raid operations that thwarted activities of economic saboteurs. These operations led to the deactivation of several illegal oil refining sites, disconnection of illegal pipelines, arrest of different criminal elements, interception and confiscation of contraband vessels, recovery of stolen items and resealing of reactivated illegal oil refining sites. These feats were achieved on 3 and 4 June 2021 as troops conducted anti-illegal oil bunkering operations to deactivate illegal oil refining sites at Ibaa in Emohua LGA and Kumufari and Yalama Towns in Asari-Toru LGA of Rivers State.
During the operations, several barrels of illegally refined PMS and AGO were impounded and storage tanks immobilized. Relatedly, troops, while on patrol on 4 June, intercepted and impounded several wooden boats; some laden with large quantities of stolen crude oil, others loaded with vandalized pipes at DSC Roundabout in Udu LGA and Opuama Creek in Warri North LGA of Delta State. Additionally, troops on 5 June disconnected an illegal pipeline laid by criminals connected to SPDC pipeline around Ibaa in Emohua LGA of Rivers State. Troops also re-sealed some illegal oil refining sites reactivated by criminal elements at Koko Community in Warri North LGA of Delta State on 6 June 2021. In another development same day, troops arrested some criminals disguised as lunatics, who were in possession of some stolen and illegal items, including several fake military barrack permit ID cards and military uniforms, at Tipper Garage and Navy Scrape Yard in Uvwie LGA of Delta State.
9. Meanwhile, the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies while conducting operations in the South East Zone of the Country contained several Independent People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) activities in the Zone between 3 and 16 June 2021. Within the period, troops responded to several distress calls on IPOB/ESN attacks on police stations, maiming and killing of security operatives as well as civilians and destruction of properties in the Zone. Some of these operations were conducted at Ukpong in Obot Akara LGA of Akwa-Ibom State, in which the hoodlums had a hideout from where they perpetrate illicit acts. On 4 June 2021, troops raided the hoodlums’ hideouts and dislodged them.
Troops also, on the heels of credible actionable intelligence on 4 June, engaged and repelled some IPOB/ESN hoodlums who attacked Okposi Town in Ohaozara LGA of Eboyin State and the Criminal Investigation Department, Abia State Command. Similarly, troops on 5 June 2021 repelled IPOB hoodlums attack on commuters along Igbo-Ekiti – Nsukka Road in Enugu State. In another development on same day, troops tracked and apprehended some hoodlums who vandalized and stole railroad sleepers at Nkwubor Road within Emene in Enugu East LGA of Enugu State.
OPERATION AWATSE
10. In the South West Zone, troops of Operation AWATSE sustained their operations against criminal elements in the Zone between 3 and 16 June 2021. On 5 June 2021, troops conducted operations to repel armed herdsmen attack and raided some criminal hideouts. One of these operations was executed at Igangan Community in Ibarapa North LGA of Oyo State where some armed herdsmen attacked and invaded the Community. However, troops mobilized to the scene and engaged the herdsmen, during which some of them were neutralized while others fled with gunshot wounds. In another development, troops conducted a raid operation on some criminals’ hideouts at Ona-Ara LGA of Oyo State on 7 June 2021. During the operations, some of the criminals were arrested and handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency for further action.
NON-KINETIC APPROACH IN TACKLING SECURITY CHALLENGES
11. In an extra-ordinary non-kinetic approach to the seemingly intractable security challenges in the South East, on 11 June 2021, the Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD) Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), led a Federal Government delegation to Enugu for the “HMOD/CDS Security Meeting with Stakeholders in the South East Geopolitical Zone”. The HMOD was accompanied by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola and the Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea Irabor as well as representatives of the Service Chiefs. During the Summit, a whole range of security challenges were discussed with all the Governors of the South East States, religious leaders, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and other stakeholders in attendance. The discussions and decisions reached at the end of the Security Summit were far reaching and would go a long way in tackling and bringing peace to the Region.
12. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, considering our operational activities in the various theatres of operation as highlighted in the brief, comparatively there is a decrease in the criminal activities within the period under review. This is as a result of troops’ operational efforts to deny criminals freedom of operation and we remain resolute to take decisive and adequate actions to further abate terrorists and bandits’ activities as well as other vices across the Country. The Military High Command also lauds the efforts of the troops for their resilience and unrelenting commitment and we wish to encourage the general public to support our efforts by providing credible and timely information that will facilitate our proactive engagements.
13. Once again, I thank you and God bless.

Don’t interfere in EFCC’s investigation of Jafaru Mohammed, group tells Malami

By
Toby
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Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami

The National Anti- Corruption Watch (NACW) has urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami not to interfere in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s probe of Brigadier General Jafaru Mohammed, the Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Following Mohammed’s petition to the AGF, the group urged Malami against using his office to shield persons of interest in corruption probes from being investigated.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Aboki Sulyman, on Tuesday, the NACW said Mohammed must be accountable, especially for industrial-scale looting of the money meant for purchasing arms and military hardware under the National Security Adviser.

Rather than hamper investigation, the group urged the AGF to prevail on Jafaru Mohammed to cooperate with investigators so that he can speed up his appearance in court if indicted.

The group, however, vowed to follow up the probe, adding that it would recourse to all available legal means to ensure that justice must prevail.

Read the full statement below:

The National Anti- Corruption Watch (NACW) is concerned to learn about the petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by one Brigadier General Jafaru Mohammed, the Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

We are worried that, of all possible defences, Jafaru Mohammed alleged “witch-hunt and personal vendetta” as a reason for the EFCC investigation. This is nothing but a shallow attempt at turning the truth on its head.

NACW appeals to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to whom Jafaru Mohammed’s petition was addressed, not to lend his office out for shielding persons of interest in corruption probes from being investigated.

We expect the Minister of Justice and Nigerians at large to note that the kind of blackmail contained in the said petition is a staple of those that once looted this country to the point of bankruptcy. While not advocating for the rights and freedom of citizens to be arbitrarily abridged, it is pertinent to also insist that those found to have been tainted with corruption in the course of serving the country are properly investigated and tried when indicted.

Nigerians must not forget too soon that the industrial-scale looting of the money meant for purchasing arms and military hardware under the National Security Adviser, whom Jafaru Mohammed served, was responsible in large part for the security challenges facing the country today. It is therefore a travesty that the person who held the purse while our commonwealth was looted can now be alleging witch-hunt and vendetta.

NACW, therefore, calls on the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami to allow the investigation of Brigadier General Jafaru Mohammed to continue without distractions as this is what his petition amounts to.

Nigeria wants Malami to allow EFCC to function without Interference as this is the only approach that will enable to the country rout corruption, which has remained the greatest problem facing the country. Rather than hampering investigation into the activities of the Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Attorney-General should rather prevail on Jafaru Mohammed to cooperate with investigators so that he can speed up his appearance in court if indicted.

NACW consequently puts the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice on notice that we would be closely watching the handling of Jafaru Mohammed’s petition to ensure that is it not used as smokescreen for eroding the independence of EFCC and cripple its ability to thoroughly investigate corruption. If Nigerians can establish interference on the part of the AGF, NACW will recourse to all available legal means to ensure that such unacceptable behaviour is halted before it does damage the credibility of the anti-corruption agency.

Return quarterly exercises to south-east to address insecurity, group begs COAS Yahaya, Nigerian Army

By
Toby
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0

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement (INM) has called on the Chief of Army Staff, Major Gen Farouk Yahaya to reintroduce special operations towards curbing the escalating rate of crime and criminalities experienced in the South-East.

The group made the call on Wednesday at a press conference comprising of stakeholders from each state in the region.

In his address titled ‘The Call for Special Operations in South-East Nigeria by the Nigerian Army’, Secretary-General, JohnBosco Ike, said this is necessary to curtail the worrisome rise in insecurity in the zone by various secessionist agitations.

Ike said they can no longer watch in silence as innocent lives are truncated for selfish reasons by a group whose agenda promotes their selfish interest to the detriment of all Igbos in Nigeria.

He noted that the urgent intervention of the Nigerian Army is necessary to restore law and order.

The group recalled the impact of army operations such as Operations Crocodile Smile and Python Dance that successfully addressed security challenges such as kidnappings, ritual killings, and other criminalities in the region.

While commending troops for previous interventions, the group vowed to stage a peaceful protest to the National Assembly and the Army headquarters in the full glare of the public if the Army fail to rescue its people.

Read the full address below:

We welcome you all to this press conference with all protocols duly observed. We recognize the presence of critical stakeholders in this press conference with gratitude given the short notice.

We must agree that events in South-East Nigeria are indeed worrisome given the acts of criminality that have gained prominence in recent times. Therefore, as concerned stakeholders in the South East region, with members representing every state in the region, called this press conference to press home demand for the immediate intervention of the Nigerian Army towards curtailing the declining state of security perpetuated by some groups and individuals whose motives remain suspect and from all indications meant to distort the socio-economic development of the South East region.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement would not watch in silence as innocent lives are truncated for selfish reasons by a group whose agenda promotes their selfish interest to the detriment of all Igbos in Nigeria.

We are worried and therefore left with no option to seek the urgent intervention of the Nigerian Army in the restoration of law and order in the South East region of Nigeria. However, we have consulted widely with our members from wide and far and conclude that there is an urgent need for the intervention of the Nigerian Army through the reintroduction of special operations.

Our considered opinion is that the reintroduction of special operations as in times past would go a long way in addressing the various secessionist agitations that are being propagated by a group of opportunists who do not mean well for the South East region.

We recall the impact of army operations such as Operations Crocodile Smile and Python Dance that successfully addresses security challenges such as kidnappings, ritual killings, and other criminalities in the South East region.

We must admit that the success of the various operations cannot be overemphasized, and the relative peace and tranquillity that pervaded the South East region as a result of the intervention was indeed welcomed by critical stakeholders, including the Igbos in Nigeria Movement.

It is, therefore, on the strength of the success of previous operations that the leadership of the Igbos in Nigeria Movement is making this passionate appeal to the leadership of the Nigerian Army to see to the reintroduction of army operations in South-East Nigeria.

This is cognizant that the South East region is presently under siege. Therefore, it will be a great disservice to the peaceful and loving people of the South East region if the leadership of the Nigerian Army does not introduce once again special operations in these trying times.

The leadership of the Nigerian Army must also realize that its previous special operations had brought about peace and stability in the region, which the people of the South East region were appreciative of.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement wish to state that should the leadership of the Nigerian Army fail to act on our request in reintroducing special operations to curb the growing tension in the South East region, we shall be left with no choice but to stage a peaceful protest to the National Assembly and the Army headquarters in the full glare of the public.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement wishes to remind the leadership of the Nigerian Army that the South East region is a part of Nigeria. As such, there should be efforts at deploying strategies towards addressing the security challenges in the region by the Nigerian Army through special operations.

The leadership of the Nigerian Army cannot feign ignorance of the security challenges in the South East region. Consequently, the leadership of the Nigerian Army cannot state that it can’t make interventions towards addressing the security challenges in the region.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement, in the light of the above, stated is making this passionate plea to the leadership of the Nigerian Army to come to the rescue of the South East region by reintroducing special operations in fairness to the people of the South East region.

Our plea is hinged on the necessity to see to the restoration of peace, which would go a long way in the socio-economic well-being of the South East region. Our faith and belief in the Nigerian Army remain sacrosanct.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement is using this medium to appreciate the leadership of the Nigerian Army for its various interventions in times past that has resulted in peace and tranquillity in the South East region.

We desire that in the coming weeks and months, the leadership of the Nigerian Army shall deem it necessary and urgent to see to the reintroduction of special operations to address the security challenges in the South East region.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement remains supportive of the operations of the Nigerian Army over the years. Consequently, our appreciation knows no bound in this regard.

At this point, we also solicit the support of other critical stakeholders to see to the materialization of this request in the interest of peace and tranquillity.

We thank you all for your time and attention.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma seeks the creation of an additional state in the South East, defends Buhari on restructuring

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coic
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Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma seeks the creation of an additional nation in the South East. He made this famous yesterday in a public hearing on the review of the constitution held in Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri.

The hearing was chaired by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Ahmed Idris Wase. The governor also urged Nigerians to quit asking President Muhammadu Buhari to commence the process of restructuring the country.

According to him, “We will need to understand the nitty-gritty of our democracy and our responsibilities in the office. President Buhari has no powers to overthrow the constitution. It’s the responsibility of our parliament to amend. For example, our folks are calling for restructuring.

Uzodinma called for dialogue and a strong debate to avoid violence and insurrection. He also appealed for a”peaceful, and transparent process”, urging the committee to become vocal and give equal chance to contributors.

Read also: NYSC DG visits Uzodinma, seeks enhanced partnership with Imo

Disclosing the standing of Abia, he stated the establishment of state authorities, and restructuring has been critical.

The state also demanded increased fiscal allocation to look after earnings coming into the sub-national government. In his welcome address, Wase promised the committee would do an acceptable job, advocating the presenters to feel free to create their submissions.

Other presenters at the event included the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); Imo State monarchs, represented by Eze Okeke; Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE); and leader Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice at Abia State, Theo Nkire.

 

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has restated the need for the country to regulate the social websites

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coic
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regulate the social websites

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has restated the need for the country to regulate the social websites.

The minister who talked against the background of the controversy monitoring the ban on the use of Twitter from the nation enjoined the lawmakers to grant complete regulatory powers to government over Web broadcasting and most of online media outfits.

He asserted that the country’s laws must not be subservient to global telecommunication union treaties in light of the requirement to safeguard peculiar scenarios in our country.

He also faulted moves to induce the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) to pay all the money accruing to it into the federation account in compliance with Section 162 of the constitution.

Read also: Lekki massacre was only on social media —Lai Mohammed

The minister said: “We’ve got an issue with this because it isn’t in accordance with the thinking about the executive. Very soon, the NBC will depart the number of parastatals whose salaries are paid from the federal authorities. To put it differently, the NBC would have to be paying its own wages, paying for its overheads and surgeries.

“If that is the method by which in which the executive is thinking, it’ll be a draw back should at this point you pay everything to the Treasury Single Account. It means that the authorities would have to continue to pay our wages and take care of all our needs. This will defeat the aim of the national authorities that certain parastatals should contribute more to the earnings of government”

Service Chiefs, IGP arrive Maiduguri ahead of Buhari’s visit

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admin
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The Nigerian Service chiefs have arrived Maiduguri the Borno State capital ahead of the presidential one day official visit to the state.
The service chiefs along side the Inspector General of Police are led by the Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor.
They are expected to meet with top security officers at the Theatre of Operations and make arrangements for the Presidential visit.
May be an image of one or more people, people standing, military uniform and outdoors
May be an image of standing and outdoors
May be an image of one or more people, people standing, military uniform and outdoors

New Army spokesman General Nwachukwu assumes duty, calls for media support

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The Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu has stated that the complex nature of security challenges being experienced in the country require a multi-disciplinary approach and the role of the media as a stakeholders is a very vital one.

Brigadier General Nwachukwu stated this during the ceremony of the formal handing and taking over ceremony of the Directorate of Army Public Relations, Army Headquarters, Abuja.

He emphasized that to surmount these challenges, the Nigeria Army and the media must be partners in progress in order to berth the peace and tranquility desire as a people and as a nation.

The new Army Director said he remains eternally grateful to God while appreciating the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya for his appointment and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor for his encouragement during his tour of duty as the immediate past Acting Director Defence Information.

“I have no doubt, in my mind of the responsibilities of my office as the Director Army Public Relations, which is summarily to project the activities of the NA with the objective of galvanizing public goodwill and support for the NA, as its strives assiduously to surmount contemporary security challenges bedeviling our nation.

Permit me to note here, that it is an indisputable and very well established fact, that the sword or gun cannot alone, provide a panacea to the complex and multifaceted security challenges that characterize today’s world”

“I must recognize the immense contributions of my boss, the immediate past Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General MM Yerima. Sir, on behalf of officers, soldiers and civilian Staff of the Directorate of Army Public Relations, I will like to appreciate you for the laudable feats recorded during your tenure. May I also assure you that I intend to consolidate on your successes. Please be rest assured that we will often times consult with you to seek your professional guidance as a seasoned Public Relations practitioner” said General Nwachukwu.

On his part, the outgoing Director, Brigadier General Yerima, was full of appreciation to the Late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru for the opportunity to serve as the Director Army Public Relations, and the the staff and officers for their support while requesting that the same cooperation that was given him be accorded to the new director, whom he extols as a fine public relations practitioner.

Highlights of the occasion in Abuja, was the signing of handing and taking over note by the outgoing and incoming Director.

Youth and Sports Minister inaugurates NYSC Board

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Toby
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The National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) remains a tool for national integration which fosters national development and unity for the benefit of Nigerian youth.

This assertion was made by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare while Inaugurating the new NYSC Board for a 3 year tenure.

According to the Minister”I wish to use this unique occasion to once again affirm the satisfaction of the Federal Government with the achievements of the present Management of NYSC, which has enhanced the visibility of the Scheme. Accordingly, I commend the Director-General, the Management team, Staff and Corps members whose collective efforts resulted in the successes recorded. I expect that members of the Board will deploy the political influence at their disposal to strengthen all levels of engagements aimed at sustaining the legacies of the scheme through continuous engagement with policy makers at various levels.”

The Minister revealed the FG Commitment not to scrap the NYSC.

“The NYSC Scheme will be sustained. It has become an integral part of our national development and unity architecture. Nigerian youth continue to benefit from this scheme.

I consider it appropriate to use this forum to once again endorse the proposal made by stakeholders for the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund. I am confident that such an initiative will go a long way in strengthening the Scheme and deepen its impact. Therefore, I appeal to all and sundry to support the actualization of the proposal. As a sign of the Federal Government’s unflinching commitment to the NYSC, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the automatic employment of 10 direct siblings of the deceased NYSC members who lost their lives during the 2011 post-election violence in Bauchi State. Mr. President also approved appropriate scholarships to the four children of Mr. Adowei Elliot”, the Minister revealed.

The Chairman of the newly Inaugurated board Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar, thanked the President for all the support given to the board.

“On behalf of the Board, I promise that we will not fail you, we will do our best because of the confidence bestowed on us. As board members, we have always been conscious of the fact that we are one of the sensitive boards because we take care of the most sensitive segments of our population , the Nigerian youths. I also urge every board member to bring in their vast experience and expertise for the benefit of the board and Nigeria.”

The Newly Inaugurated board members are:
Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar, chairman, Mrs. Binta Muazu, Maj. Gen. B O Sawyer, Architect Muhammad Sani Aliyu,
Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem,
Prince Oyekunle Oyewumi, Umar Yusuf Nalado, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi and Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, DG NYSC.

No Nigerian persecuted over religion, group replies ex-US Secretary of State

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Toby
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The Young Christian Forum of Nigeria (YCFN) has rubbished a report by the former United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, wherein he alleged that 1,500 Christians was killed in the last six months.

The group, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Roland Effah, on Tuesday said no Nigerian was persecuted for their religious belief as claimed by Pompeo.

Describing the report as misleading, the YCN noted that the motive is to cause religious disharmony in the country, pitting Christians against other groups.

Effah said by this action, Pompeo has displayed his bias and irritability with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its efforts so far at ensuring religious harmony in Nigeria.

According to the Christian forum, Mike Pompeo is out on a slander campaign, given that any empirical evidence cannot back his position.

The group, therefore, advised Pompeo to consult religious stakeholders in the country whenever he feels the urge to contribute to the discourse about Nigeria and desist from illogical conclusions.

It warned the ex-US Secretary of State and his co-travellers to desist from their despicable plot as Nigerians are not that gullible not to see the handwriting on the wall.

The group, however, urged Nigerians to rise in defence of their county in these trying times and not allow despicable elements to succeed in sowing the seed of discord amongst them.

Read the full statement below:

The leadership of the Young Christian Forum of Nigeria warmly welcome all and sundry to this press conference converged in light of the recent report released by Mike Pompeo, a former secretary of state of the United States of America, wherein he mischievously alleged that Christians in Nigeria had been targeted for extinction, adding that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, is not doing enough to protect religious freedom.

The Young Christian Forum of Nigeria views such allegations as a collective insult of the sensibilities of the various religious groups in Nigeria because the report is laced with mischief and a well-orchestrated attempt at puncturing religious harmony in Nigeria.

A critical look at the report reveals that Mike Pompeo ventured into an area he lacked adequate knowledge. It is, therefore, bemusing that a former high ranking official of the United States of America could issue such a misleading report without minding the consequences of his actions on the psyche of the adherents of various religious groups in Nigeria.

Thus, our considered opinion that Mike Pompeo has, by his action, displayed his bias and irritability with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its efforts so far at ensuring religious harmony in Nigeria.

The Young Christian Forum of Nigeria also frowns at the deliberate attack on the Muhammadu Buhari led administration, where he alleged that the Buhari administration had suppressed the news of the killings of Christians by masking it as a farmer-herder crisis. This is unfortunate.

Our position remains that Mike Pompeo is out on a slander campaign, given that any empirical evidence cannot back his position. Instead, a display of ignorance and playing to the gallery with an issue of such sensitivity.

Mike Pompeo is hell-bent on sowing the seed of discord amongst the various religious groups in the country for reasons best known to him and his paymasters for whatever it is worth.

The Young Christian Forum of Nigeria uses this medium to send a message to Mike Pompeo that he can’t be more Nigerian than Nigerians. He should do well to cross-check information gleaned from blogs and his paid foot soldiers to preserve whatever is left of his reputation.

The Young Christian Forum of Nigeria wishes to advise Mike Pompeo to devout more time and energy in studying the history of the farmers-herder conflict in Nigeria to realise that it predates the Muhammadu Buhari administration. He must also do well to recognise that the press in Nigeria is vibrant, and there is no way such killings can go unreported, as he has alluded in his mischief laced report.

Consequently, the Young Christain Forum of Nigeria wishes to state unequivocal terms that no Nigerian has been denied their rights to religious beliefs or practice, nor are Nigerians persecuted because of their faith.

As members of that critical constituency, it is vital to remind Mike Pompeo to consult religious stakeholders in the country whenever he feels the urge to contribute to the discourse about Nigeria. He should desist from illogical conclusions and outright insinuations as in this case.

The Young Christian Forum states that from all indications, the overarching objective of Mike Pompeo is causing religious disharmony in Nigeria, which in our considered opinion has been on the cards since his stint as the Secretary of State in the former administration in the United States of America.

We, therefore, wish to warn Mike Pompeo and his co-travellers to desist from their despicable plot as Nigerians are not that gullible not to see the handwriting on the wall. We also advise that they channel their energies and resources towards more charitable ventures that would impact positively rather than negatively.

As critical stakeholders in Nigeria, the Young Christian Forum of Nigeria debunks the allusions made by Mike Pompeo in his report as there is no iota of truth in it. It, therefore, remains a figment of his imagination.

We, therefore, urge all religious groups in Nigeria to continue to have religious tolerance as the watchword in our quest for sustainable growth and development. We must resist the urge to fall for the disjointed narrative pushed forward by the likes of Mike Pompeo, who are ignorant and mischievous in their public posturing.

We as Nigerians must rise in defence of our county in these trying times. And never shall we allow despicable elements to succeed in sowing the seed of discord amongst us.

We thank you for your time and attention and urge you all to take this message of hope to your various constituencies. May God continue to bless Nigeria and protect us from our adversaries from near and far.

This is indeed a deliberate attempt at causing religious disharmony in Nigeria

Thank you.

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