By Sumaila Ogbaje

The President, Alumni Association of National Defence College (AANDEC), retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, says Nigeria needs a compact force that will focus on technology as a force multiplier to defeat insecurity.

Abdullahi, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the country had armed forces that had been performing in dealing with the widespread nature of the insecurity.

He said the military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes could be enhanced with the application of technology.

According to him, focusing on technology to enhance peace and security in Nigeria has become necessary, considering the dynamic nature of security threats.

We need to look deeper. We need to look at those areas that we can help our personnel because we cannot continue to recruit and recruit and train.

Meanwhile, there are systems that can help us to perform better with a compact force.

AANDEC president said that the just concluded 12th National Security Seminar of the association had examined critical issues and brought up reasonable ideas that would be presented to the government and heads of the military and security agencies.

He said that observations and recommendations had been made, adding that if the recommendations were implemented, they would go a long way to address key security issues.

He said the nations forest areas had become hideout for criminal elements as well as the cyberspace where a lot of recruiting into criminal groups had been going on. (NAN) ()

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Femi Ogunshola, News Agency of Nigeria

Among those jostling to be the Speaker of House of Representatives in the 10 National Assembly, Rep. Miriam Onuoha, representing, Isiala Mbano/Okigwe/Onuimo Federal Constituency, Imo, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the only female.

In the history of Federal legislation in Nigeria, Mrs Patricia Etteh is the only female to be elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Etteh later resigned following allegations of contract scandal involving N628 million.

In the 9 National Assembly, Rep. Nkiruka Onyejiocha was the only female lawmaker that indicated interest in the office of House Speaker but her dream was dashed when Rep Femi Gbajabiamila, the incumbent Speaker, won the election.

Etteh was unjustly removed from office. This is the time for restitution 16 years after her removal, she recently told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

She argued that if Etteh did not properly utilise the opportunity given to female lawmakers it was time to try another woman.

Onuoha said the Etteh incident happened about 16 years ago, adding that in the course of time the House of Reps evolved in a manner that the working relationship between female members and their male counterparts has improved tremendously.

I have not seen any guideline in the standing order of the House that excluded women from becoming the House of Reps Speaker.

Everybody is operating along agreed guideline and rules; the Constitution of Nigerian frown against discrimination, she told NAN, adding that women were natural leaders.

Onuoha said her success as the Chairman, House Committee on Disability, with its 80 per cent male membership was a testimony to her good leadership skill, stressing that many other female lawmakers also excelled in that role.

Committee is a miniature of the House, she aid.

She said by electing a female Speaker, the House would be making a bold statement for equal opportunities for both genders and demonstrating its institutional support for Affirmative.

Nigeria women were in court and got a judgment favorable to the implementation of 35 per cent affirmative and electing a female Speaker will be a bold statement in support of that judgment.

If we have the leadership of the National Assembly recognised as number three and four citizens in the country, and considering that the number one and two citizens are already men, why cant we make a woman the number four citizen.

I am not just from the South East, I am a woman and a youth and Christian and these are some of the things that have been raising dust and causing bickering in the country,

I am not just from the South East, I am a woman, a youth and a Christian. I possess all of these as an antidote to the toxicity in our polity now, she told NAN.

She said her leadership in the House would ensure equity and promote fiscal discipline and open door policy.

How can you be talk about a population with its 55 per cent made up of females yet there is no single woman on the decision making table in the country.

There are a lot of efforts that go into futility when tax payers money is being deployed by way of committee meetings and investigative hearings only for the outcome to be dumped; that will stop under my leadership.

Where you have committees with similar mandates, you will discover that they are inviting same minister over the same issue, this does not sit well and will be corrected during my tenure, she said.

She said her tenure would promote transparency in the oversight functions of the House members.

A situation where you want to carryout oversight function on a ministry and the ministry or agency government will send you vehicles, is not the way for a legislator to do his or her job effectively, she said.

In spite of the strong case for a female Speaker, some Nigerians say competence should not be compromised for gender sentiments.

One of them is Rep. Benjamin Kalu who posits that Nigerians are looking for a Speaker that will increase what I call parliamentary sovereignty; where the motions, the resolutions and independence of the arm of government will be showcased better than that of the 9th Assembly.

Nigerians are looking for a legislature that will be led by a Speaker that understands that though we are diverse, its not an impediment. We need a sensitive person to add to that diversity so that he would give everybody that sense of belonging, he said.

However, some gender-based pressure groups have thrown their weight behind the agitation for a female Speaker.

The Coalition for Women Participation in Governance and Leadership (CFWPGL) has even threatened legal actions if female lawmakers are not nominated as presiding officers in the House of Representatives.

Atinuke Olaolu, secretary of the coalition was quoted by the media as saying that there were enough competent women such as Onuoha to lead the House.

They must consider women who are ranking in order to emerge as presiding officers and chair of significant committees, Olaolu said.

Similarly, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) have urged the Lower Chamber to uphold provisions of the national gender policy by electing a female as Speaker.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, WIPF President, Ebere Ifendu, told newsmen that in addition to electing a female Speaker, the leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly should also appoint female lawmakers to lead key committees.

Although male legislators have successfully led the House in recent years, however, as gender advocates argue, what a man can do, a woman can do better. (NANFeatures)

Source: NAN News

Bola Tinubu

By Sumaila Ogbaje

An expert on economy, Mr Opeyemi Agbaje, has urged the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu to be decisive in dealing with the prevailing security challenges when sworn in.

Agbaje made the call while delivering a paper, titled, Crime and Insecurity: Understanding Nigerias Socio-economic Crisis, at a media parley organised by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in Abuja.

He said if the security challenges were not tackled, they would have cascading effects on socio-economic development of the nation.

He observed that available data indicated that Nigeria was engulfed in an economic crisis, and thus needed a capable leadership to contain.

Agbaje said that the subsisting security architecture was potent and only needed the political will to drive the entire process.

According to him, as long as there is a dysfunctional economy with weak leadership, crime rate would continue to rise.

He added that to address the current economic quagmire, a mix of market and social policy was needed to move the country forward.

In his welcome address, the Vice President, Corporate Affairs of the bank, Diran Olojo, submitted that an informed media would aid nations growth and better the society.

Olojo charged reporters on responsible journalism for the good of the citizenry and image of the country. (NAN) ()

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

NCWS National President, Hajiya Lami Lau

By Dorcas Jonah

The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), has called on Muslims to sustain the teachings of the holy month of Ramadan in their daily dealings.

The National President of NCWS, Hajiya Lami Lau, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, to felicitate Muslims across the country.

Lau advised Muslims to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan through prayers for the peace and progress of the nation.

The holy month of Ramadan teaches kindness, forgiveness, and sacrifice. We must uphold these teachings and imbibe them as we live together in peace and harmony.

We must continue to seek Gods face more than ever. At this crucial time in our country, we should join voices and seek Gods intervention on issues currently challenging our existence as a nation.

We should also use the opportunity to pray for the president-elect and the new administration to lead the country in the right direction, she said.

According to her, we learnt so much during the Ramadan. The period is indeed a spiritual aspect of our life, which comes only once in a year.

Every true Muslim must have benefitted from this spiritual obligation, which we embarked on for 29 or 30 days abstaining from eating, drinking and fleshly desires.

All this is to impact the spiritual aspect of our life and if truly observed, every Muslim must have achieved many things from it.

What this means is that, as Muslims, our faith and fear of God have increased and we must do all possible to sustain it, she said.

Lau called on the incoming government to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence among the people irrespective of their political affiliations.

As a council, we are calling on the new government to appoint more women into decision making positions since a lot of women were disenfranchised at either the party level or at the polls.

This is necessary because the number of women in political positions have continued to drop and there is need to improve women participation so that the interest of women can be protected in governance, she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Source: NAN News

Training for media and other stakeholders on SGBV

By Justina Auta

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has urged the National Assembly to fast-track the process of establishing Outdoor Advertisement and Signage as an agency to institutionalize its mode of operation.

The Vice President of NANS, Mr Victor Ezanagu, who made the call at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, said that the establishment of the agency by the National Assembly would free its operation from external interference.

He dismissed the call for the disbandment of the Federal Capital Territory Administrations Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS), as such would return the FCT to the days of unkempt environment.

He said that DOAS served as platform of engaging young people who are fresh graduates and unemployed, knowing fully well that majority of the activities of the department revolve around intellectual contributions and ability of young people.

NANS has taken it upon itself to embark on a fact-finding mission to dissect the activities of FCTAs Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage, thereby aiding our understanding on misconceptions and grievances from different quarters beyond what is reported on social media.

He called on mischievous people who are causing unrest within the FCT to put an end to their ugly acts, since the issue was before National Assembly for a thorough action as We crave for a speedy process in the betterment of Nigerian society.

It has come to our notice that issues revolving FCTA Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage and this has attracted the attention of every discerning Nigerian of which the students populace are not excluded.

It is on record that the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) is saddled with the responsibility to control, curb indecent activities and poor procedures and regulate adverts and signage practices in Abuja and its six Area Councils.

Aside from the professional practices of DOAS, it is pivotal to state that this initiative has helped in generating meaningful revenue in FCT since establishment and this has made the body a key source of generating funds for the government in the whole of Abuja.

The student leader, therefore, appealed to every warring parties to sheath swords and embrace peace in the interest of a greater Nigeria and betterment of all and sundry.

Ezanagu said that NANS had reliably gathered that all signage and billboard payments are made into the TSA through the REMITA platform, DOAS does not collect cash from clients.

Considering the benefits being enjoyed by Nigerians under DOAS, we perceive it is inhumane and maligning to call for this disbandment of such body, as such would return the FCTA to the days unkempt environment.

It will also lead to the proliferation and unprofessional activities of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage and further endangers an average Nigerian doing business by falling prey into hands of underworld agents. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

Gov. Babajide-Sanwo-Olu of Lagos

By Florence Onuegbu

The Lagos State Government on Thursday said it had paid over N50.7 billion to 13,928 retirees, from 2019 till date.

The Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs Ajibola Ponnle, made this known during the 100th Retirement Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony, organised by the Lagos State Pensions Commission at Ikeja.

Ponnle, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishments and Training, Mr Olawale Musa, said that the payments were made to retirees in the mainstream, local government, State Universal Board, Teaching Service Commission and other state parastatals.

She also said that the state government had paid accrued pension rights of N5 billion into the Retirement Savings Accounts of 1,768 retirees, alongside their monthly contributions.

According to her, the present administration has been consistent in the payment of pension obligations to its retirees, thereby, maintaining leading role in the administration of the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Ponnle said the Bond Certificates presentation ceremony was a testament to the state governments faithfulness in the performance of its obligations to retirees.

She said that the government was grateful for the diligence and commitment of the retirees while in active service.

Ponnle added that it was the recognition of the need to protect their retirement benefits that informed the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme.

She said that the present administration was currently working on some reforms, based on global best practices, to reduce post-retirement financial difficulties.

The commissioner said that the state government was committed to building an environment that remained safe and secure for all residents.

Ponnle also said that the state government would continue to raise the bar of governance to improve the livelihood of all residents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

Stakeholders at the Palladiums Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, sponsored by USAID

By Justina Auta and Angela Atabo

Palladium Nigeria, an NGO, has tasked the media and critical stakeholders on the need to eliminate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders were trained in Abuja on Wednesday under Palladiums Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, sponsored by USAID.

Other stakeholders trained were Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Business Member Organisations (BMOs) on reporting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM).

Mr Eric Umoru, the Social Protection Adviser, Palladiums SCALE project, said the exercise aimed at encouraging more reportage, sensitisation and advocacies on policy reforms and implementation that would eliminate SGBV and CEFM cases.

Umoru said the exercise was necessitated due to the increasing cases of SGBV, child early and forced marriage, trafficking in persons and so many other forms of violence in the society.

These cases are increasing because of the spate of insecurity and poverty, which has increased the rate of abuse.

So we decided to organise this training for these critical stakeholders so that they are better aware of some of the dynamics of abuse and some of the antics that exploiters use in carrying out their
cases.

Following this improved learning, we expect participants to develop reports, media contents from a trauma informed perspective on the extent of damage, that SGBV causes on victims, he said.

Stressing the need for collaboration between key stakeholders, Umoru urged them to amplify their voices on improving policy implementation towards ending violence and harmful practices in Nigeria.

There are a lot of policies around SGBV and CFM that have not been implemented adequately.

So they need to, as active stakeholders in response, call out stakeholders to push for reforms and implementation as the case may be, he said.

Umoru also encouraged media organisations to highlight the drivers, indicators, effects and the long term effects of violence in their work.

They should be able to amplify the voices of survivors, where they are not able to speak, theyre able to call out irresponsive government attitudes and behaviour that is facilitating that.

We are localising the responses by working with local organisations, media practitioners and grassroots base structures that can help to amplify it.

So we continue to engage government for accountability and increased great response, he said.

Dr Maji Peterx, the Country Director, Equal Access International, described SGBV and CEFM as an endemic, hence the need to sensitise the public on its negative impacts in the psyche and societal structure.

Peterx, also a facilitator, said the workshop would raise consciousness around negativities in the society and create a system that was more appealing to younger people.

This is to raise awareness, reconscientise people to increase knowledge about the ills of SGBV, he said.

Ms Ene Oshaba, a gender advocate, said the training had further enlightened her on new ways of reporting SGBV, especially the need to understand issues and why people behave the way they do.

One need to be very conscious of the fact that our society is context based and that shapes our attitudes and behaviour.

As a journalist, I have a huge responsibility in changing the narratives with very impactful and issue based reporting on women and girls.

Amplifying the voices of women and girls is a key step to finding lasting solutions to their societal challenges, she said.

Mrs Maureen Okpe, a gender reporter, said: We discussed about conflict, which we always tie to negative outcome, but the training made me understand things differently as conflict in itself is neutral.

But the outcome which is determined by our response is what makes the difference.

During conflict our response is influenced by so many things by our experience, educational qualification, exposure and environment; these determines how we react to things, she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

A cross section of teachers trained by Seplat Energy under its STEP in Benin

By Nefishetu Yakubu

Seplat Petroleum Development Company, a Nigerian independent oil and gas company, says it has graduated additional 271 teachers in Science Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics from its Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) in Edo and Delta.

It said further that a graduation and award ceremony was organised by Seplat in Benin on Wednesday for the beneficiaries of the 2022/2023 session of the STEP initiative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 634 teachers and Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) had benefited from STEP empowerment since inception of the programme in 2020.

The Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy, Dr Chioma Nwachuku, said that the 271 beneficiaries comprised 260 teachers and 11 CIEs.

Nwachuku said that teachers in public and private secondary schools in the host states were opened to benefiting from the programme.

She noted that STEP had impacted on more than 25,000 students within the third year of the programme.

Over the years, Seplat Energy invested significantly in other educational Corporate Social Responsibility such as the PEARLS quiz competition to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals 4, which promotes education for all, she said.

The Managing Director, NNPC E

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Jewish Community and the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, on Tuesday in Abuja distributed food items to 500 Muslims and Christians women in the spirit of Easter and the month of Ramadan.

Speaking while coordinating the distribution of the food items, Mrs Habiba Ahmed, Director, Welfare and Endowment Foundation of Al-Habibiyyah, said the gesture was aimed at lessening the difficulties the poor and vulnerable suffer during the month of Ramadan.

We give aid to the less privileged. We collaborate with charitable organisations who deem it fit and necessary to partner with us.

We accept donations and We distribute Zakat in the Islamic months of Shaaban annually, and during Ramadan, we have what call the food bank. We share raw and cooked food daily.

On Monday, we shared over 2,400 packs of food to the needy and the less privileged. Similarly, on Sunday, we shared fairly used clothes, gas cookers, plates, bags and shoes, she said.

She called on all Muslims, especially the wealthy to redouble efforts in assisting the poor and less privileged in society to reduce poverty in the country.

Also speaking , Rafat Salami, a volunteer with the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic society reaffirmed that the society over the years distributed food items to the less-privileged in the Federal Capital Territory.

So those who want to give out charity always look for us.

The Jewish community of Nigeria looked for us, and they brought about 200 packs of food items that we are currently distributing, she said.

On her part, one of the beneficiaries, Franca Amana, said I received food items from them.

May God bless those donors. We are thankful. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News