The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso who recently announced their withdrawal from the subregional bloc to have a rethink and follow the path of dialogue and reconciliation.

The Chairman of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar while insisting that the choice of the three countries would only hurt the people, when responding to questions at the end of the sub-region extra ordinary session of the Council.

Tuggar regretted that the decision of the three Sahelian countries under military rule would only add to increase hardship to their citizens, insisting that the path of
diplomacy and dialogue remains the only route out of the quagmire.

He said: “ECOWAS is for the citizens, that is why it is called the economic community. So there’s emphasis on community. And for that reason, ECOWAS maintains the path, the avenue of dialogue, of conciliation of diplomacy and that is what has further been reaffirmed here.

” And for us, is quite cognizant of the fact that this intention of the three countries namely Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to exit ECOWAS would bring more hardship and will do more harm to the common citizens of those three countries.

“That is not good, and that is why we continue to urge those three countries to remain and follow the path of dialogue and reconciliation. And ECOWAS is going to redouble its efforts towards diplomacy towards dialogue towards reconciliation”

Tuggar on the implication of the decisions of the three countries to the integration process, said it was just a hiccup to the integration process of the continent, stressing that: “It’s not enough to just think that because of this development, that’s it. It means integration has been derailed, far from it.

“This is just a minor hiccup. And we’re talking about 54 countries and even with this hiccup the integration has already started and ECOWAS gone further than a lot of other parts of Africa in terms of integration. So the number of citizens from the three countries living in the rest of ECOWAS (countries), even in this building (ECOWAS headquarters) the number of people from those countries that work in ECOWAS not to talk of the continuous movement of people. The seasonal migration which takes place across the region, these are all things that you cannot just undo overnight, so you know, it takes more than pronouncements.”

He added that: “ECOWAS continues to emphasise good governance, strengthening institutions, and one of the decisions taken here was on the issue of the ECOWAS standby force to combat terrorism, the need to put it, activated as quickly as possible. As you know, the issue of terrorism presents an existential threat to all the countries in the community, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. And it’s important to also bear in mind that ECOWAS in spite of the sanctions, has continued, during the course of this period, to render support in different forms to these countries when it comes to the issue of fighting terrorism.”

On his part, President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray while responding to the allegation that
ECOWAS has deviated from.the tenets of its founding fathers,said: “We have moved to ECOWAS of the people and people are asking for accountable governments, democratic governance. ECOWAS needs to reflect the aspirations of the people.

“ECOWAS is alive to the demands of the population. And I think we all agree, each and every one of us aspire to have accountable government, governments chosen by people.

“And this is why ECOWAS has revised its various instruments to reflect those demands and reflected the aspiration of the people.

” I don’t think it is the will of the people of ECOWAS to move away from democratic principles, to move away from transparency, to move away from popular participation in governance. This is what ECOWAS stands for. And we will continue to work with each and every member state of ECOWAS to promote those ideas.”

The Palestine on Thursday has described as unacceptable Israeli continued refusal to transfer their clearance fund for the third month in a row, lamenting that this has deeply affected the country’s ability to pay the monthly salaries and government daily running cost.

Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, gave the description during a press conference in Abuja.

He said this is one of the injustice by the Israeli government who have continued to bombard Gaza, noting that Palestinians have resolved not to give up in their fight against massacre by Israeli force in Gaza Strip until other powerful countries backing Israeli call for Israeli ceasefire.

He maintained that Palestine would continue to remain committed to the prisoners, martyrs and to their people in the Gaza Strip by virtue of their national, religious and moral responsibility.

Shawesh decried that the refusal of Israel to transfer their clearance fund for the third month has set back all macro-economic measurements and micro-economics activities, pushing more Palestinian families below the poverty line and causing the unemployment rate way up.

He lamented that “this is the 125th day of the Israel genocide, massacre, revenge war in Gaza Strip and our priorities are to stop Israeli brutal military aggression and securing the delivery of appropriate humanitarian aid to the Gazans.”

He emphasized the Palestinian Prime Minister, Dr Mohamed Shetiah saying that: “There will not be a State in Gaza, and there will not be a State Without Gaza.”

He said while USA and other countries are discussing the aftermath of the war, Israeli has taken a firm stance refusing the Palestinian Authority (PNA) to rule Gaza.

He explained that PNA in the Gaza Strip has 50,000 employees, including security personal who stopped working, doctors, teachers and other State employees in the administration.

He said: “In this particular issue, l would like to stress that Gaza is an essential part of the occupied Palestinian territories, and we never left the Gaza Strip. We are responsible for managing various aspects of daily life in the Gaza Strip, such as water and electricity, 35% of the government budget is allocated to the Gaza Strip, even though there are no revenues from it.

“On the 125th day of the massacre, genocide, revenue, war, Israeli military aggression or any other name, but not Hama’s Israeli war, unless you want to follow Western-Israeli propaganda, have accepted the brainwashing process and/or are fully complicit, the number coming from Occupied Palestinian Territories are totally horrific as followed:

“On Gaza Strip, 27.487 are officially registered as martyrs with more than 66,835 sounded and 8,000 still missing under the rubble. 7,000 if the sounded are in desperate need of intensive medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip. More than 1,650,00 people have been displaced in Rafah, which means that the area is now home to majority of Gaza’s population, making it the densest place in the world.

“Two State solution is an essential part of the birth certificate of the Siamese twins called the State of Palestine and the State of Israel as outlined in the 181 UNGA Resolution November 29, 1947. Theorizing about the two State solution is not just about spouting empty words without practical steps or embody the State of Palestine on the ground.

“The two State solution means dismantling all the illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied West Bank, including Occupied East Jerusalem.”

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has declared all round war against drug barons, instructing all commanders of the agency at different level to go all out and smoke out those still in hiding.

He as well ordered for the dismantling of all drug cartels as part of ongoing efforts to totally cut off drug supply which he insisted would drastically reduced growing insecurity and criminalities in the country.

Marwa gave the charge in his meeting with directors and all commanding officers of the agency at the national headquarters of the NDLEA in Abuja, where he commended them for the unprecedented successes achieved so far and tasked them not to rest on their oars.

He said no effort must be spared to remove illicit drug equation from the security challenges facing the country.

According to him, “Within the limit of our resources, we have been able to push boundaries. The statistics of our operations, empirical facts from the field, the general anti-illicit drug climate we have built and the rapport between us and our domestic and international partners, all speak volumes about how we are faring, especially against the backdrop of where we are coming from, of what the situation used to be a few years ago.
“Commendations apart, we also cannot afford not to tell ourselves the plain truth; we still have a long way to go. Hence commanders, officers and men of NDLEA can’t afford to rest on their oars.

“Yes, we have kept the flag of performance flying, but there’s still room for improvement. There is still much to do. And we cannot afford to be complacent now as we have committed to a lot of ongoing efforts to improve our operational capabilities. We are constantly engaging stakeholders within and outside the country to support and help optimise our capabilities. So, if anything, our performance should justify these ongoing efforts. We need to remind ourselves that to achieve our mandate, professionalism and discipline must be maintained at all times and in all our operations.

“We’re working with relevant authorities for improved funding so that we can comprehensively and holistically play our role as part and parcel of the solution to the security challenges facing the nation because if we are able to totally cut the access to and availability of drugs to the criminals, we would have effectively tampered with their nefarious activities and so we’re going to plead for enhanced funding to do more things in support of the fight against insecurity and I trust that the President will give us a listening ear because he’s interested in the progress of the NDLEA.

“This year, we want to raise the bar of our performance and this calls for commanders who are up to the task to be up and doing on the job. We must clean our streets and communities of illicit substances. We all are witnesses to the upsurge in the cases of kidnapping and such vices, this means NDLEA must remain upstanding. For those who have been watching and listening, recently, there is another demand by kidnappers and bandits aside money, which is drugs. In that sense, it means NDLEA is working because they don’t ask for it before, meaning that they’re no longer as available as they used to be and the prices of those available have gone beyond their reach.”

He charged the commanders to always ensure that the corporate integrity of the agency is always protected in all they do. He said: “Therefore, every command must shun any act capable of bringing into disrepute the hard-earned reputation of NDLEA. Where inappropriate actions occur, the management certainly will not overlook it. There will be penalties, just as there are rewards for good conduct, hard work and results. Now, the onus is on every commander to ensure the protection of our corporate integrity.”

While assuring that he remains committed to staff welfare including conducive work environment, allowances, remuneration and entitlements, and the basic welfare package, he asked the commanders to replicate such in their various commands.

He however warned that Commanders will have to justify their retention in Command positions with their performance.
“We have applied meritocracy to the rank and file; it is also fair to apply the same standard to the leadership. The implication for commanders is that your retention in command positions will henceforth be measured by your performance, which will be reviewed every quarter. In the new NDLEA, there is no room for laggards, and there are no excuses for laxity. Where there is a clear deficit of leadership, at zonal, state or area command, the agency will not hesitate to review and make a change of leadership, if necessary. This year, we want to raise the bar of our performance and that calls for having commanders who are up to the task.

“Our jobs are clearly defined: We must clean our streets and communities of illicit substances. Therefore, go and perform and let’s see greater results in the weeks ahead. And I assure you that at any time, you need backup, we are here to provide the necessary reinforcement. On this note, I want to implore commanders to let us keep our eyes on the ball. Let’s be prepared to work hard in 2024 and achieve unprecedented goals.”

As Foreign Affairs Ministers of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) meet to deliberate on how to move ahead after the with withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the bloc, the ECOWAS Commission President, Alieu Touray said now is the time for unity among all Member States.

He said: “If there is a time for ECOWAS to stay together, this is the time … There is no challenge that ECOWAS cannot overcome”.

Also for deliberation at the Extraordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at Ministerial level is the announced postponement of Senegal General Election.

Speaking at the opening session of the meeting, Touray said the meeting will consider the notification of withdrawal of the three countries and there wider implications.

Touray stressed that as a community, now is the best time for the sub-region to stay together despite the challenges, while reminding the gathering that ECOWAS is not an institution but a community.

He said the claims given by the countries have no real basis and hasty.

Touray said, ” Despite our collective efforts to create a conducive and
peaceful environment for our community citizens, the facts on the ground
show that we still have some more work to do collectively.

“Excellencies, while we were hoping to make more progress on transitions in terms of elections this year in these countries, it is really sad to note the unfortunate turn of events, as three member States – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger –announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS “with immediate effect” through a joint-communiqué signed by
representatives of all three countries on 28th January 2024.

Touray who noted that the claims of the three countries have no real basis, said “the hasty decision of withdrawal of membership of ECOWAS did not take into account the conditions for withdrawal of membership from ECOWAS, as espoused
in the 1993 ECOWAS Revised Treaty.

“But more importantly, the three
Member States have not really reflected on the implications of this decision on the citizens. “

He therefore said the Extraordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at Ministerial level should look into the wider implications of the withdrawal for the concerned Member States and the
Community at large. “

Touray also condemned the postponement of the Senegal’s general elections, saying “these unfolding events in the region are posing threats to peace and political stability in our Community.”

AU Commission Chairperson who was represented by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye said the withdrawal is a set back to the vision of integration of the region.

Adeoye noted that this is a trying times for the sub-region, adding that the AU Commission was convinced that the countries will continue to dialogue and cooperate with ECOWAS.

In his Opening remark, Nigeria Foreign Affiars Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said: “Our meeting here today provides us the opportunity to carefully assess the challenges presented by the decision of the military rulers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger arbitrarily to withdraw from ECOWAS, with all the potential implications for the lives of their people, and indeed for the Community as a whole.

“We are also here to review the unfolding situation in Senegal and develop a plan to navigate the resulting complexities.

“We have faced similar crises in the past. As a region, we have not been found wanting.

“There are high expectations out there, from ordinary people as well as our partners in the international community, that this meeting can come up with far-reaching decisions to transform our challenges into opportunities. It goes without saying that we are stronger, together: as a Community we project not just our common values and a more attractive market. “

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that a total of 15 drug kingpins out of 3,412 offenders that were successfully prosecuted and convicted in 2023 bagged 168 years of imprisonment collectively.

Marwa disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing commanders, officers and men of the agency during an awards and commendations ceremony.

A total of 104 personnel and 13 commands were recognized and rewarded for their outstanding performances in the 2nd half of 2023

Marwa said: “Indeed, our performance as individuals and as a collective could always be better; nonetheless, we must appreciate every effort made to help sustain the momentum of our upward trajectory since January 2021, when we launched the renewed fight against illicit substance trafficking.”

Ho noted that: “According to our statistics, we recorded 13, 664 arrests leading to the seizure of 1, 606, 799.09 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs and 3,412 convictions with a total of 5, 570 offenders charged to court in 2023. It’s indeed a year that at least 15 drug kingpins bagged 168 years of imprisonment collectively. That is a substantial improvement over our performance in 2022. Notably, in 2023, we also ramped up our enforcement action against cannabis farms and carried out at least seven successful major operations, leading to the discovery and destruction of over 206 hectares of cannabis plantations.”

The NDLEA boss also explained that to create awareness about the dangers of substance abuse aimed at prevention and encourage those already in it to seek treatment, the Agency intensified its war against drug abuse (WADA) advocacy initiative nationwide.

“The frequency and intensity of our advocacy throughout the year improved considerably. Zonal and state commands have been very dedicated to propagating WADA advocacy. As a result, a total of 2,725 sensitisation lectures and programmes were held in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others. A breakdown of the WADA lectures held in 2023 shows: 807 in Primary/Secondary Schools; 146 in Tertiary Institutions; 488 for out of school children; 264 in worship centres; 140 in military/paramilitary organisations; 90 in other work places, among others. Just as well, our commands and formations have coped with the increased workload of counselling activities leading to the counselling and rehabilitation of 10, 904 drug users.”

He said those who have been in the agency longer than 2021 can attest to the fact that the past three years have brought different dynamics to the operations and performance of the agency, a development that has attracted commendations from home and abroad.

He added that: “This is further reinforced by the content of a letter two weeks ago from the National Assembly conveying the decision of the national parliament to ‘commend the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against illicit drug consumption and trafficking.’

He said this recognition by both Chambers of the National Assembly should serve as a further morale booster and “a reminder that your efforts are not going unnoticed.”

“I must also say that the NDLEA management has no misgivings about instituting the Commands Awards and Commendations. This twice-a-year event, though a reward system, serves as an inward-looking glass for critical self-analysis and therefore a mechanism that puts the agency on its toes. Each time we gather here to honour exemplary officers and commands, we are making a loud statement that we value meritocracy and that hard work is a virtue we hold in high esteem. We are trying to normalise good performance”, he added.

He however assured that he will not relent in his effort to improve the welfare of the NDLEA workforce, stating that: “All the issues we are working on will soon come to fruition in a matter of time. For instance, we fought hard to have an amended NDLEA Act last year. Today, the bill is at the 10th National Assembly receiving due attention, and we are optimistic that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I am also pleased to inform you that our barracks projects have recorded progress. Before the middle of the year, some of our barracks will be ready for commissioning.

These few examples of the efforts going on behind the scenes are evidence that we are working in your best interest.”

Marwa warned that the agency will be firm on disciplinary issues. “We don’t take infractions lightly. Every officer of NDLEA is expected to work within the ambit of our core values and strictly adhere to our standard operating procedure. We expect our officers to be the epitome of service, selflessness and sacrifice.”

He expressed appreciation to individuals and institutions that have contributed to the success of the agency. He said: “As an institution, we thank the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, for being helpful partners on this journey. We appreciate the support of our other international partners from the US, UK, France, Germany, and India among others.

“We also appreciate sister agencies and security organisations, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Customs, Immigration, Police, DSS, NSCDC, NAFDAC, NYSC and FRSC, for the synergy that makes our job easy. Our profound gratitude also goes to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Importantly, we thank His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his encouragement and immense support to NDLEA.”

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced plans to provide petrol for farmers in Damasak at subsidised rates to enhance food security among residents, most of whom are recovering from the over a decade long insurgency.

The move allows Zulum to key into President Tinubu’s agricultural agenda of achieving food sufficiency through enhanced agricultural activities in places affected by the insurgency.

Zulum disclosed the plan on Tuesday, while addressing newsmen after supervising the distribution of palliative to vulnerable women and widows.

“I am here today to see the living conditions of our people, especially those who have recently returned from the Niger Republic due to the ongoing conflict. My administration will do everything possible to ensure that we provide for their basic necessities. In order to provide sustainable means of livelihood to our people, we are taking deliberate steps to enhance agricultural productivity and alleviate the economic burden on farmers in the Damasak region,” Zulum said.

He added, “For the farmers in this community, the primary source of energy has been generators powered by fossil fuels. To alleviate this challenge, I will be providing assistance to the farmers soon. The government will identify two fueling stations and supply PMS and subsidies to reduce the cost of PMS for the farmers. This will enable them to purchase PMS at a lower price, making it more affordable for them to irrigate their farmlands.”

In addition to providing subsidised petrol, Zulum also promised to distribute solar water-pumping generating sets, seedlings, fertilizer, and other agricultural inputs to the farmers.
 
“Borno State government will also procure solar water pumps, and in addition to this, we will install drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation facilities in this town,” Zulum said.

Damasak, in northern Borno, is an agricultural hub and one of the pilot sites for Borno’s agricultural rejuvenation. It was once a stronghold of the insurgents before it was liberated by Nigerian security forces, which enabled the Zulum-led administration to reconstruct and resettle residents and cultivate vast farmlands.

The Surveyor-General of the Federation, Surveyor Abuduganiyu Adebomehin has inaugurated a day-long hands-on training session on Continuously Operating Reference Stations (COR) software for the directors in the office.

The training focuses on enhancing their proficiency in utilizing the (COR) software, a critical tool in their technical repertoire. COR is a GPS station that provides positioning data for surveying and other uses. It has a GPS receiver, an antenna, a data logger, and a communication device. It can operate continuously or periodically.

Adeomehin urged the participating directors to approach the training with utmost dedication and encouraged them to provide constructive feedback to the instructors regarding their experience with the COR software. He emphasized the significance of COR while highlighting its role in predicting weather patterns and as an essential technical skill integral to their professional responsibilities.

The training underscores the commitment of the Surveyor-General and his team to continually invest in the professional development of the organization’s leadership, ensuring they stay at the forefront of technological advancements in their field.

Women in Delta State have joined their voices in praying for the well-being of their families and the prosperity of the state and Nigeria at the 17th Edition of the Mothers Arise prayer conference.

This year’s edition of the prayer conference hosted by Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, at the Government House Chapel, Asaba on Friday, February 2, 2024, was tagged “Remember me oh Lord” (Psalm 104:6).

The Mothers Arise prayer meeting held every first Friday of February, has been on stream for the past 16 years and overseen by two former first ladies- Deaconess Roli Uduaghan and Dame Edith Okowa.

The inter-denominational event featured sessions of praises, prayers, and sermons by notable clergies and guests from across the state.

In her address, Deaconess Oborevwori appreciated the women for coming out to pray for the state, stressing the need for fervent prayers as highlighted in 2 Thessalonians 5:17-18.

She also urged them not to let what they see stop them from praying, “Do not look at the wave going on in the world now, all you need is God. With God all things are possible, if there is a woman to pray, there is a God to answer”

Excited at being the host for the 17th edition, the Deaconess Oborevwori appreciated the past first ladies for instituting the prayer altar and sustaining it. She promised to keep the Mothers Arise prayer altar burning for the future years under her service as first lady.

She further thanked God for the victory of her husband, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Supreme Court and appealed to the women of Delta State to continue offering their support for the MORE agenda to thrive.

Speaking on the theme, Remember me oh Lord, the guest preacher, Pastor Vera Oroboh highlighted the accounts of Joseph, Noah, Mordecai, and other biblical instructions as contained in Genesis 40:17, Jerimiah 17:5, Numbers 23:19, Esther 6, Deuteronomy 8:11-18, Luke 12:20, Judges 4:4, Nehemiah 13:14 and Psalm 103:2.

Pastor Oroboh spoke on the importance of humility, honour, sincerity, consistent good deeds, and praise in gaining God’s remembrance. She charged the women to live in modesty when God remembers them and cautioned against taking credit for God’s deeds and getting lost in the euphoria of promotions or financial breakthroughs.

Prayers for families and marriages, youths, Governor Oborevwori and his aides, and the peace of Delta and Nigeria were fervently offered at the women’s conference.

The Belgium government has told prospective irregular migrants to Europe to bury the dream as there is no more Golden Fleece in Europe.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Director General, Office of Foreigners, Belgium, Mr. Freddy Roosemont, said right now there are no space for people to migrate to in his country, noting that a lot of irregular migrants end up on the streets.

He therefore stressed that most dreams of a better life in Europe are just fake as it is not easy to survive in Europe, insisting that the economic meltdown is a global phenomenon.

He said: “First of all, informing the people correctly, because that they often leave with a dream. If I say to the investor, you’re gonna win the lottery next week and it’s going to bring you a million euros and he believes me it will be a dream, is that dream realistic? Not at all.

“So first of all, you have to take away the dream. The dream is not real. That’s why I’m telling you and I hope that through you, the public is aware that that dream is not real.

“ It’s not easy to survive in Europe, without a decent job and without sort of being an employer or by a university. The dream is fake.

He said the number of regular migrants allowed are limited, strict and restricted, noting that it is only for “a limited number of people who goes to have gone through a number of conditions. Somebody who wants to study in Belgium is very welcome. But he first has to show to the university that he will be capable to follow the studies there in English, that if he’s studying medicine, that he has a sort of basics to study medicine, if he wants to become engineering, that he has a technical knowledge that he is good in maths and so on. So there it’s the division University is going to select who they want, it would not be only from Nigeria, it’s from everywhere in the world like that.

“The work is possibilities are there, but it will be Belgium employer who is looking for somebody who can fill in a position in his company, and he has connections, he knows that you’re capable to do so that he asks at the Belgium service of labour, if he can contact you give you a contract and get you over. family reunification is easy to do.

“So you need a family you need a wife and your children. But that those three are the three main levels of legal migration.”

He also warned that coming to Belgium with the intention to seek asylum would not also work, as there is low chances of obtaining a residence permit.

“So at that moment, we have to limit the reception of asylum seekers only to people who are vulnerable and that means families, women with children. No man alone, not in that group.

“So for the moment there are lots of this asylum seekers living in Brussels on the street, and I can assure you the temperature in Brussels is not what it is here in Abuja. It got to minus seven, minus five. Now it’s around zero Celsius.
“So it’s really not easy to survive in Brussels without help without an assistance.

“We are by law obliged to give that assistance but we simply can’t do it because places are filled up or simply filled up. It’s a very painful situation for Belgium, but it’s like that if you look at the newspapers, if you look at the journals, if you walk in the streets in Brussels, you’re going to see everywhere, people sleeping on the streets and people trying to survive with out any help.

“Secondly, we also see that a lot of people, especially girls are forced into prostitution in the big cities.

“If we find girls like that, we try to help them we try to help them to come to come them the people come keep guilty of that.”
He also added that there are certain procedures in the Belgium Justice Department that also would help girls who want to leave the profession. So we get quite good information about what they have to do and what they earn. And they earn nothing, their passport will be taking away from them. Their humanity will be taken away from them and they will end up in there and that’s why you have to inform your public, the people of Nigeria, the youth of Nigeria that things like that are still going on in Europe and in Belgium.

Roosemont pleaded with the media to help educate the people, saying: “Notify the youth that it’s not the dream to go to Europe to go to Belgium is not realistic and it’s very dangerous. So that’s why I making that brief. That’s also the reason why we were here in Nigeria the last week to try to inform the the youth directly or indirectly, that the thing that they hope is not a realistic thing. It’s a very dangerous thing.”

• Troops clampdown on illegal bunkering sites

In a relentless effort to curb illegal activities in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, has issued a stern warning to vandals and economic saboteurs involved in illegal oil bunkering.
According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the GOC emphasized the need for individuals to pursue legitimate means of livelihood instead.
This cautionary statement comes in the wake of an intensified crackdown on criminal activities within the waterways, creeks, and rivulets of the Niger Delta Region.
Major General Abdussalam personally led an operation against vandals and economic saboteurs, resulting in the raid of several illegal oil bunkering sites in Obama and Uzoma, located in Kom-Kom Community at Oyingbo Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, on January 31, 2024.
During the operation, the GOC highlighted the commitment of troops under the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, to restrict the freedom of action for criminals in the region. Substantial evidence of organized large-scale criminality was uncovered during the raid, including over 15 boilers, 9 reservoirs, extensive interconnected pipes, and other paraphernalia used in the illegal activities. The seized crude oil amounted to over 5 million liters, and numerous large Cotonou Boats, capable of transporting more than 200,000 liters of crude oil, were intercepted en route to the location.
Major General Abdussalam urged those involved in these criminal acts to abandon illegal oil bunkering, emphasizing its illegality and the environmental degradation it causes. He implored them to embrace legitimate business ventures, stating that the facilities used in these illegal operations required significant financial investment, expertise, and careful planning.
Addressing the press, the GOC emphasized that the ongoing crackdown was not solely aimed at those apprehended but extended to identifying and holding accountable those responsible for orchestrating such illegal activities. He reiterated the criminal nature of the enterprise and urged individuals to contribute to the region’s development by engaging in lawful businesses.
This operation against economic vandals aligns with the commitment of the Land Component of Operation DELTA SAFE to dismantle illegal economic hubs and target their associated merchants in the Niger Delta Region. The recent operation follows closely on the heels of the destruction of large-scale illegal bunkering sites at Odogwa in Etche LGA, underscoring the military’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has expressed its preparedness to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on raising awareness, providing rehabilitation and skills acquisition for Nigerian youths afflicted by the scourge of substance abuse.

The assurance was given by the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim when she paid a visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja to discuss areas of collaboration between her ministry and the anti-narcotic body.

Marwa had in his remarks painted a grim picture of the drug situation in Nigeria especially as it affects the youth population, noting that there was the urgent need for all stakeholders in particular Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen partnership with a view to curbing the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, given the strong nexus between drug abuse and security challenges facing the country.

The NDLEA boss while recognizing that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty and make life meaningful for the generality of citizens, said the benefits would sooner than later create more jobs for the good of youths and ultimately discourage most of them from going into substance abuse.

He said he foresees partnerships for instance between NDLEA and Ministry of Youth Development as well as Federal Ministry of Agriculture as one capable of not only curbing drug abuse but also creating millions of jobs and providing food sufficiency for the nation.

Speaking earlier, the Minister said she came on the visit to seek collaboration with NDLEA on advocacy, strengthening grassroots awareness especially among youths on dangers of substance abuse, getting counselling and rehabilitation for young Nigerians struggling with drug abuse or addiction and providing skills acquisition for youths undergoing rehabilitation in NDLEA facilities.

She expressed optimism that the National Youth Development Bank that will soon be launched by the Federal Government to empower Nigerian youths could also serve as a channel for rehabilitated young Nigerians to get funding for beneficial endeavours based on skills acquired during rehabilitation so that they won’t go back to the same environment and situations that led them into substance abuse.

 The British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, visited Rivers State between the 24th and 25th of January for high-level discussions with the state governor and key stakeholders in the state government, business leaders and civil society. 
 
During the two-day visit, the High Commissioner visited on the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara and paid his respects to the former State Governor, Sir Dr Peter Odili. They discussed the strong economic partnership that has existed between Rivers State and the UK, recent developments and future opportunities.
 
The High Commissioner also visited Shell Nigeria and Indorama at their operational bases. Discussions focused on the opportunities for growth and improvements in the extraction and manufacturing sections. He sought their views on efforts to advance UK investment in the state, and possible areas of partnerships to help boost economic growth and job creation. 
 
The High Commissioner met with NGOs and Nigerian government actors working on oil clean up and representatives of civil society organisations, operating across rivers State and the wider Niger Delta. Stakeholders gave a run down on the implementation of their programmes and some of the great opportunities for the state, to lead on efforts to combat environmental damage, climate change and improve sustainable livelihoods.
 
At the end of the visit, the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, said: 
 
“Rivers State is particularly important as a large economy, with strong assets and institutions, important for Nigeria’s national economy.
 
“My visit was a good opportunity to engage and interact with key players.
 
“I came to listen and learn about recent developments, and gather insights about some of our UK-Nigeria economic partnerships: the impact they have made so far, and the potential for more.
 
“We very much want to continue developing these bonds – both with governments and civil society – to enhance prosperity within the region.”

…As Oghenesivbe, DSOB Magt staff commences familiarization visits to stakeholders

Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Delta State Ministry of Justice, MOJ, Omamuzo Erebe, Esq, has again emphasized on the urgent need to curb rising cases of illegal migration, sexual abuse/child rape and use of narcotics in the state and across the country.

He said his ministry decided to set up two special units to focus mainly on; sexual abuse and illegal migration, to prosecute offenders, adding that his ministry will continue to collaborate with major stakeholders to curb the menace, while urging Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, to intensify efforts on result oriented strategic campaigns to reorientate the minds of citizens, especially the youth population on the dangers of social vices.

Erebe, made the assertions when he received on courtesy visit, the Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau and Executive Assistant on Communications to Delta State Governor, Dr Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe in his office on Tuesday in Asaba, the state capital.

The Solicitor-General noted that the rising cases of child sexual abuse, rape and defilements is becoming alarming, pointing out that apart from social deviants, some biological fathers who ought to protect their girl child and inculcate moral values in them are involved in child rape, saying that his ministry is handling multifaceted criminal cases of child sexual abuse, defilements, illegal human trafficking and forced labour.

He, however assured that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori under his MORE agenda promised to introduce reforms and policies that would help curb the menace, while urging stakeholders at local government, state, national and international levels to partner with the State government through the Orientation Bureau for the creation of massive awareness about the dangers and legal implications of human trafficking, rape and use of narcotics across the three senatorial districts.

The Permanent Secretary commended the management and staff of the State Orientation Bureau, especially the new CEO, Dr Oghenesivbe, who he described as a communication strategists par excellence, and a good ambassador of the Governor’s MORE Agenda, adding that with him as the Head of Bureau, greater results shall be accomplished in the areas of effective sensitization and far reaching media campaigns against drug abuse, rape and illegal migration in the state.

“This visit is timely, and we are ready to collaborate with Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, to curb the menace of child defilement, rape, drug abuse and illegal migration. As you sensitize the people, we shall continue to prosecute offenders and keep them away from responsible citizens.

“We are handling several cases in Court across the state, and we are doing our best to keep these criminals and social deviants behind bars, they don’t deserve to live among law abiding citizens.

“There are several cases wherein biological father defiled and raped his girl child, some of whom are children between age 5 and 10 years. It’s very sad.

“We’ve set up two special units to tackle illegal migration and sexual abuse. It very important that We join hands together to win the war against drug abuse, illegal migration, rape and sexual abuse. Rapist can no long escape under the amended laws.

“Let me also use this opportunity to thank His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for nominating a legal icon and learned silk, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Delta State. We at the Ministry are very happy.

“I have no doubt in my mind that with Dr Wilfred Oghenesivbe, Esq, a Communication Strategist and Justice of the Peace, JP, as Head of Bureau, the DSOB will accomplish tremendous results,” Erebe said.

Earlier, Oghenesivbe told the Permanent Secretary that his visit was to familiaze himself with hin and his team in the ministry, and to also draw his attention to some Nongovernmental Organisations, NGOs, engaging in drug abuse and other campaigns in the state without collaborating with the State Orientation Bureau, adding that the Bureau is saddled with the responsibility of championing campaigns and reorientation programmes.

Oghenesivbe assured that DSOB is willing and ready to partner with any Ministry, Department and Agency, as well as NGOs, but that it will be out of place for the Bureau not to be involved in any kind of campaign or sensitization programme or exercise within Delta State.

He commended the Solicitor-General for the huge successes recorded by the State Ministry of Justice in prosecutorial matters relating to illegal migration, rape, child defilements and other criminal matters.

“The MORE agenda of His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, captured the youth to a large extend, and the Delta State Orientation Bureau campaigns and sensitization programmes shall also target the youth audiences across the three senstorial districts.

“It is therefore, very important for us to visit you and your legal team to enable me and management staff of the Bureau to tap from your wealth of experience as the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Justice and Solicitor-General.

“We shall work with the information you provided. As a Bureau, we are ready to partner with your Ministry and other major stakeholders including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as Nongovernmental Organisations.

“But it will be out of place for MDAs and NGOs not to involve the Bureau in their campaigns and sensitization programmes. Infact, we are the engine room of awareness creation in the state. We are the first bus stop in terms of collaboration and partnership in campaigns and sensitization programmes in the state.

“We are humbled by the wonderful reception accorded us, and we shall do the needful to upscale campaigns against drug and sexual abuse, illegal migration and other social and criminal vices in the state,” Oghenesivbe assured.

Heads of various legal units of Delta State Ministry of Justice, and management staff of Delta State Orientation Bureau, were present during the courtesy visit on Tuesday.

The nation’s internal security has received a boost with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Monday took delivery of three drones and 100 highly profiled self-configured walkie-talkies from international partners.

Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi who received the gadgets on behalf of the Corps in his office, thanked Equipping the Needy Initiative (ETNI) and its partner for the kind gesture.

The Commandant General further reiterated that ETNI has demonstrated through their donation that security is a collaborative effort.

He said: “Our partners in their previous visit promised partnership and true to their words, they have come to fulfil that promise today, it shows that they just don’t do the talk they work the talk.”

Audi also gave the assurance that the gadgets donated will be optimally utilized, stating that “anything being given has been given as a trust and the communication centre so promised will serve as a command and control centre where we will harness our national operations. The Corps is in charge of liberated areas and provides safety and security to IDP camps.”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Equipping the Needy Initiative, Dr Benedict Aliku in the company of some passionate citizens of the United States who are also security experts and consultants, in his address said that their donation is a testament to their commitment to supporting the NSCDC, with the firm belief that security is a collective responsibility and their resolve to play their part effectively.

Aliku maintained that the organisation will explore other areas for more collaboration, hence the intention to leverage on the NSCDC Act for future endeavours.

He said: “One such initiative as we leverage on the NSCDC Act 2003 as amended 2007 is to embark on IDP shelter projects for the needy in five states of Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa, and will be managed by the NSCDC.”

He also added the construction of a Communication Command Centre that will be domiciled at the National Headquarters of NSCDC will coordinate surveillance across the nation.

Another high point was the presentation of the award to the Commandant General in recognition of his unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of the people of Nigeria.

The Commandant in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit, Edike Akpan, thanked the Commandant General and partners of the Corps for beefing up the unit to meet international best practices and assured of the unit’s readiness to utilize the facility well.

The passionate United States citizens present were Judd Saul, International Director ETNI, Steve Fisher- US Adversary Board, Doug Bouton- US journalist and Mark Danner- Security consultant.

The delegation later moved to the proposed site for the construction of the Counter-terrorism Response and Communication Centre.