President Tinubu Came Prepared To Transform Nigeria – SGF, Akume

July 23, 2023

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has made it clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ascended the leadership with the determination to transform Nigeria.
Akume, who released what he called “20 nuggets” of Tinubu’s developmental plans, emphasized: “Tinubu came prepared and came with plans. He knows what to do and he is doing it.”
Nugget 1: As a Government, we have heard your cries about fuel price increases, and be rest assured, we are working round the clock to normalize and bring solutions that ease the pain. Our job is to give you the quality of life you deserve when you wake up. So far, we are on course.
Nugget 2: To this end, we are already working out modalities to ensure market forces normalize pricing while we drive policies that better your lives and boost your earning power. We have a clear economic restoration plan, so I urge you to trust the process. #EconomicRestoration
Nugget 3: We need your understanding, cooperation and buy-in to properly harness our energy sector potential to fuel economic growth. Because we intend to diversify our economy to improve your living conditions, we cannot continue to operate as we always did in the past.
Nugget 4: At a mere 7%, Nigeria’s Revenue to GDP ratio (when we took over) was among the five lowest in the world. To reset this bleak reality, we must diversify our economy and address our perennial oil and gas challenges, else we will just be moving round and round in circles.
Nugget 5: We needed a strong man to take charge and give direction. We have a course now. The President is determined to restore, grow, and sustain our oil production levels to deliver economic growth as our #RenewedHope Agenda envisioned. Despite a few challenges, we are on course
Nugget 6: It’s very easy to ignore the fact that $70b worth of investments have been lost in the Oil sector since 2011. Insecurity has bedeviled us, with over $46b lost to crude oil theft between 2010 and 2020. These were issues no one was bold enough to address- till Asiwaju.
Nugget 7: For this regressive subsidy regime, just ended, know that annual subsidy payments due to inefficiencies in the oil and gas value chain stood at a colossal $11b. It was not sustainable and someone had to act. The President was decisive in doing so & he told us from day one.
Nugget 8: For our first 100 days in office, we had already decided to unify exchange rates, deregulate PMS pricing, and move to end insecurity in our oil-producing states by rejigging our entire security architecture. We’re taking strong measures to secure our nation’s future.
Nugget 9: After this, by the end of 2024, we are targeting minimum daily production of 1.8mb/d of crude & 3.5bcfg, up from present levels. We’re ambitious and committed to sanitizing the oil sector and turning around our economy., building on the success of the PMB administration.
Nugget 10: Our wider plan for the Oil & Gas Sector involves building 7 core development pillars to spur growth in the industry while driving industrialization and transiting to a Green Economy by 2060. @offcialabat is building a sustainable future for us & our children yet unborn.
Nugget 11: First Pillar is to conserve our revenues and drive development. We already decided to eliminate the ₦8 trillion/yr payments in PMS subsidies and use that money to drive social investments, spur real sector and build infrastructure in our cities and rural areas.
Nugget 12: Secondly, we intend to monetize our national oil assets by offering our stake in these assets to private investors. This will mean we have more revenues to drive growth and development in Nigeria. This is when our comatose refineries and @NNPC will take center stage.
Nugget 13: We will restore lost revenues by boosting oil production to 2.5mmb/d and 5bcf/d for export & domestic use while ensuring we run @Nigerialng at full capacity. We’re working towards building a more prosperous Nigeria and repositioning ourselves as a global energy giant.
Nugget 14: After we shore up revenues, we will grow production & export capacity to 4mb/d & 12bcf/d for domestic use and export by 2030. We will boost our power generation capacity to 25-30GW of output simultaneously, adding 12GW of stranded Gas-fired power. #PowerGeneration
Nugget 15: Next will be the Industrialization phase- the 6th pillar, where we will set about diversifying revenue sources & boosting job creation. We will begin converting our Oil & Gas output into industrial products, feedstocks, & aggregate demanded in industrial clusters.
Nugget 16: We’ll prioritize export-oriented projects to improve bankability and drive growth, to create a strong economy that benefits us all, increasing the earning power of Nigerians such that issues like fuel availability or the price no longer occupy national discourse
Nugget 17: Our transition to a Green Economy will reduce Carbon emissions and incorporate Carbon Capture, Usage & storage (CCuS), and utilization in LNG projects to drive energy efficiency. We’re committed to a sustainable future. #GreenEconomy #SustainableFuture
Nugget 18: The judiciary/legislature will lead the anti-corruption fight to ensure this is done, while freedom of information, security, and right of association will be enshrined in this dispensation. Together, we’ll create a better Nigeria. #BetterNigeria #StrongInstitutions
Nugget 19: This is the Asiwaju Plan for Nigeria, as envisioned in our #RenewedHope Agenda. Deregulation is only the first part of this process/plan. Other health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and more measures will come on stream soon.
Nugget 20: As we go about our lawful businesses this weekend, let us all mull over this message & pass it across to our neighbors, family & friends. I am a listening public servant, so please drop your observations & suggestions here- I am reading. Have a great weekend ahead.

Tinubu: A President Confronted By 2 Enemies, By Demola Alabi

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2023

The first time I voted was in the 1979 general elections because I was not old enough to exercise my franchise in the first republic. This notwithstanding, I have critically studied what occured in the first republic as a student of Politics, economics, history and law.

Premised on the above facts, I have enough experience and education to do a comparative analysis of the political and economic analysis of Nigeria from the precolonial days up till today.

I confidently posit that since independence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the ever first President to be confronted by two enemies @ the same time vis: the cabals and the masses.

The cabals are fighting tooth and nail with Mr President because he has prevented them from the several millions they make daily during the policy of dual foreign exchange rates. Through their connections to the topmost echelon in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), they were powerful enough to buy Dollars @ the official rate of about #460=$1 and sold it @ about #750 @ the black market rate. Can you imagine how much these cabals would make if each of them was able to get just $1million dollar every week? By my own estimation, they would be making almost #300million weekly @ the comforts of their homes without lifting a finger which in economics parlance is referred to as round-tripping. With the merging of the dual foreign exchange rates by this administration, do you think these people will in their heart of heart, want Tinubu to succeed in his bid to positively transform this nation? Your guess is as good as mine. What about the cabals that were profiting from the petrol subsidy regime? These cabals were fraudulently making several billion of Naira through the subsidy era on daily basis. The removal of the subsidy was a rude shock to these cabals. It has prevented them from their dubious and corrupt way of raking several billions of Naira on weekly basis. Do you think that these cabals will want this present regime to succeed too? These people are no doubt, enemy number one.

The second class of enemies of this regime, are the masses whom the present administration is trying to protect and defend by introducing these necessary but painful policies of the government but alas, they see the present president (Tinubu) as their number one enemy. They are ardent critics of this present administration. Their criticism is premised primarily on partisanship and partly due to ignorance. Refer to the article I wrote a few days ago on this platform, titled “excruciating pains of the hike in petrol price”.

I can confidently posit that, we shall arrive @ our comfort zone sooner than our expectations if we can endure, persevere and support these hard but necessary policies of the present administration. I pray that our present political leaders also play their parts objectively. The bitter truth is that the cabals who have been profiting from the two way exchange rates (official and black market rates) by raking several millions of Naira daily from differentials between the official and the black market rates vide round-tripping are covertly working against the good intention of our president and the masses who the president is fighting for, are critical about the good but painful policies of the government partly due to ignorance and mainly due to partisanship. I pray that these two types of people (the cabals and the masses) have a change of mindset, otherwise, the good intention of this regime may take longer than necessary before the set goals are accomplished, if it’s going to be accomplished@ all.

I admonish all of us to keep praying fervently for our good intentioned president and give him our absolute support to enable him accomplish his good and necessary intentioned but definitely painful policies. No doubt, no healing of wounds can occur without some pains. This is what most Nigerians don’t want to understand.

We are in it together. Our collective actions can make or mar the realization of the good intention but painful policies of the government @ the centre.

It is sad that a government that is confronted headlong by two major enemies in a nation, if not strongly determined, may be forced to appease the citizens by rolling out policies which might on the short run benefit the populace but not meant to positively transform Nigeria on the Long Run because most people want to eat their tomorrow today. Let us please, endure, persevere, tolerate and support this present regime in her bid to positively transform Nigeria.

Tiger’s Teeth Comes To Quell Famers-Herders Conflicts In Plateau

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2023

The Nigerian army has introduced what it called Hakori Damisa (Tiger’s Teeth) to quell the lingering herders – farmers clashes in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja who formally flagged off the special squad yesterday, said that the operation was launched to mitigate the crisis in Mangu and has progressively tackled the deteriorating security situation in the Local Government.
The army Chief charged the soldiers to stamp out every form of security threat in the locality and on the Plateau in general.

He urged them to sustain swift and timely response to distress calls, adding that they should also make it a point of duty to get feedback from the community concerned.
He asked them to build the people’s confidence in the ongoing operations, even as he assured the troops that topmost in his philosophy of command is the provision of Sound Administration, which places premium on the welfare and wellbeing of personnel.
The COAS also held a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders in Mangu, where he averred that all stakeholders must show commitment to what he described as the “Mangu Peace project.”
He said that they and their families are the end beneficiaries when the locality and the state are peaceful.
According to him, for peace and security to be guaranteed, it is pertinent for the tripartite components of the People, Government and the Security agencies to be harmonious and cooperative in their dealings.
General Lagbaja admonished all stakeholders to rein in their children and wards, who foment chaos and bear illicit fire arms, as troops are mandated to neutralize anyone bearing such weapons. He commiserated with every household that lost Loved ones or property in the crisis, saying that no amount of money is worth the life of any individual.
He directed the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, who also doubles as the Commander Operation Safe Haven to work speedily with the stakeholders in ensuring that lasting peace is restored, to facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons to their respective communities.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Council, Markus Artu expressed gratitude to the COAS and the troops for their swift intervention in tackling the upheaval.
He expressed hope that with all hands on deck, enduring peace and stability will be attained in Mangu and the Plateau as a whole.

Presidency To Atiku: Stop Blackmailing, Harassing Judiciary

Editorial staff

July 22, 2023

The Presidency has advised the Presidential candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Atiku Abubakar to stop blackmailing the judiciary all in a bid to unduly tilt the judgment in his favour.

In a statement today, July 22, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Duties, Strategy and Communications, Dele Alake described as “laughable and jejune statement” issued by Atiku.

He said that it is obvious that having been thoroughly defeated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former Vice President has not fully recovered from the shock of defeat, hence the current attempt to mischievously rake up another round of inanities that offend basic logic and rational thinking.

“In the ill-thought out and illogical statement, Alhaji Atiku accused the current administration of the governing APC of plotting to undermine the judiciary without providing any shred of evidence.

“Apart from innuendos, insinuations and outright lies contained in the said press statement, the former Vice President Atiku didn’t put forward any convincing argument to support his claims on how the President Tinubu-led administration and APC sought to undercut, undermine and compromise the judiciary.”

The statement continued:

If the former Vice President believes in democracy and the sanctity of the Judiciary, as claimed, he would not engage in making spurious and wild allegations aimed at disparaging and discrediting an important arm of government that should serve as the bulwark for our democracy.

He shamelessly resorted to this cheap attempt to intimidate and blackmail the Judiciary even when he is party to a case before the Presidential Election Petition Court.

Let it be said that when it comes to matters of fighting for democracy and democratic ideals, rule of law and independence of Judiciary in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu stands shoulder above Atiku Abubakar. When President Tinubu was leading the charge against the emasculation of the judiciary and promoting the sanctity of rule of law as the building block for good governance as Governor of Lagos State between 1999-2007, under a PDP central government, Alhaji Atiku was nowhere to be found.

It is on record and to his eternal credit that President Tinubu, through the instrumentality of the law and Judiciary, successfully challenged many of the draconian and obnoxious decisions of the PDP-led Federal Government that trampled on the rights of the States as federating units. Lagos State under the leadership of the then Governor Tinubu won over 13 cases up to the Supreme Court against the hydra-headed PDP administration at the centre.

No leader with such a sterling and enviable credential as a champion of rule of law, independence of judiciary like President Tinubu will ever contemplate undermining the Judiciary as alleged by Alhaji Atiku.

President Tinubu won a free, fair and credible election. The February 25, 2023 Presidential election that produced him is the most transparent election ever conducted in Nigeria since 1999.

President Tinubu and the APC absolutely have no reason to undermine the judiciary in the hope of any favourable judgement.

His lawyers and that of APC have presented very solid defence of the result of the election and we are sure the judiciary will impartially deliver its ruling on the basis of points of law and evidence before it, not based on presumptuous speculations and unfounded accusations.

Atiku Abubakar should be honourable enough as a statesman to allow the Judiciary perform its sacred duty without harassment and this resort to self-help. Attempting to discredit an important institution of State for selfish political end is disingenuous, shameful and unbecoming of a former Vice President of Nigeria. This desperation must stop.

Gov Adeleke Sympathises With Ikire Flood Victims, Assures Preventive Measures

Editorial staff

July 22, 2023

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed sympathy with the people of Ikire on the flood disaster that wrecked havoc on the western part of the state.

He assured the people of his government’s commitment to address root cause of the flood and the fast tracking of the ongoing state flood prevention plan.

In a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said that his government has since embarked on Preventive actions and initiatives, citing the massive rainfall as the cause of the sad event.

He said that his government has activated emergency measures to rescue people and livelihoods impacted by the flooding.

“It is touching to learn about the monumental damages that flood has wrecked on homes and livelihoods in Ikire.

“The scale of the losses suffered by our people as a result of the flood disaster is too heavy especially at a time of economic strain as now.

“I want to, on behalf of the State Government, convey heartfelt sympathy to everyone affected in one way or the other.

“As a government, we stand with the people of Ikire in this difficult moment, and assure them of our commitment to support them overcome the challenges posed by the incident.

“Before this incident, our government has taken flood prevention steps, which includes expanding water ways and opening up water channels to ensure free-flow of water to Avery flooding.

“We will intensify efforts in this regard and ensure that we guide against the kind of experience seen in Ikire.

“I have already directed the Commissioner of Environment to address the root cause of the flooding so as to forestall future occurrence.

“The people of Osun can be rest assured that we are doing everything possible to tackle flooding in the state.”

Governor Adeleke advised the people of Ikire and Osun people as a whole not to panic as his government will be mobilizing every resources to confront the challenge and keep them and their properties safe, enjoining people of the state to stop the practice of dumping refuse on water ways among other factors that could cause flooding.

NNPC Breaks Jinx, Pays N123 Billion Dividend To Federation Account

Greenbarge Reporters

July 22, 2023

In a move to consolidate its post Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 status as an income generating company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Thursday commenced the payment of interim dividend and PSC profit oil into the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Recalled that on Thursday, FAAC shared N907 billion into the coffers of the three tiers of government with the nation’s oil giant contributing N81 billion as a monthly interim dividend and N42 billion as 40 per cent PSC profit oil totaling N123 billion.

This payment according to inside sources “is in addition to compliance on payment of royalties and taxes”.

The move, which is a marked departure from previous years of sleaze and wastages, according to a top NNPCL source is to set the track for future profitability and global best practices designed to build the company into a world class oil company in the ranks of Saudi Aramco, China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Exxon Mobil Corp., and others.

“The goal of the Mallam Mele Kyari led NNPCL is to set the nation’s oil company on the path of profitability and sustainable growth. Since the transformation of the NNPC from a loss making organization pre-PIA to a robust profit making company post-PIA, the company under the Group Chief Executive Officer (GECO) has pursued global governance best practices aimed at repositioning the company for greater growth,” another source at the NNPC Limited said on Friday.

The source that spoke on condition of anonymity said the payment to FAAC“ clearly shows that the company under the leadership of Kyari is moving in a positive trajectory as enshrined in the PIA”.

A statement issued by Bawa Mokwa Director (Press and Public Relations), on the FAAC sharing said the N907.054 billion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N301.501 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N273.225 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N11.436 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N320.892 billion.

He said in June 2023, the total deductions for cost of collection was N73.235 billion and total deductions for savings, transfers and refunds was N979.078 billion noting that the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $473,754.57.

The communiqué which was issued at the end of the FAAC meeting chaired by the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) Dr Oluwatoyin Madein stated that from the total distributable revenue of N907.054 billion; the Federal Government received N345.564 billion, the State Governments received N295.948 billion and the Local Government Councils received N218.064 billion. A total sum of N47.478 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13% derivation revenue.

Gross statutory revenue of N1,152.921 billion was received for the month of June 2023. This was higher than the sum of N701.787 billion received in the previous month by N451.134 billion.

From the N301.501 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N146.710 billion, the State Governments received N74.413 billion and the Local Government Councils received N57.370 billion. The sum of N23.008 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13% derivation revenue.

For the month of June 2023, the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N293.411 billion. This was higher than the N270.197 billion available in the month of May 2023 by N23.214 billion.

The Federal Government received N40.984 billion, the State Governments received N136.613 billion and the Local Government Councils received N95.629 billion from the N273.225 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.

The N11.436 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was shared as follows: the Federal Government received N1.715 billion, the State Governments received N5.718 billion and the Local Government Councils received N4.003 billion.

From the N320.892 billion Exchange Difference revenue, the Federal Government received N156.155 billion, the State Governments received N79.204 billion, the Local Government Councils received N61.063 billion and the sum of N24.470 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13 percent mineral revenue.

According to the communiqué, in the month of June 2023, Companies Income Tax (CIT) recorded tremendous increase. Import and Excise Duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), Oil and Gas Royalties increased significantly, while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) decreased considerably.

Nigeria Air Force Destroys Illegal Refinery with Petrol-Laden Tanks, In Rivers

Editorial staff

July 21, 2023

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft has destroyed an illegal refinery at Dariama Village, in Abonnema, South West Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It was gathered that the illicit refinery also ‘housed’ dozen tanks and reservoirs which store stolen crude oil for criminals.

A military intelligence source with knowledge of how the latest bombardment at the Rivers’ illegal refinery site was executed said that the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has sustained onslaughts on crude oil thieves, in the past weeks.

“Our latest airstrike, which was intelligence-driven, took out an illegal oil refining site situated at Dariama Village, a locality about 20 Kilometers South west of Abonnema and 50 Kilometers South west of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“It is important to note that this illegal site was observed to be active with tanks and reservoirs filled with suspected illegally-refined products.

“The airstrike yet again reaffirms the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards eradicating the activities of oil thieves and illegal oil bunkerers.

“With the appointment of the new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, NAF has sustained aggressive and precision military offensives in various theatre operations. The operations are inspired by credible intelligence to ensure accuracy of the strikes,” the officer, who preferred to remain anonymous said.

Source: PRNigeria

Police In Edo Arrest 124 Suspected Secret Cult Members

Editorial staff

July 21, 2023

The Edo Police Commissioner, Muhammad Dankwara, has announced the arrest of 124 suspected secret cult members in various parts of the state.

Addressing newsmen in Benin City yesterday, the Commissioners said that out of the 124 suspects arrested, 97 have been charged to Court, 13 have been cleared and released while 14 others are still under investigation for murder and cult activities in the State.

He said that the Command is working with the government to check the spate of cult killings and other criminal activities in the State.

“On Thursday, 13th July 2023, the Command’s anti-cultism, anti-kidnapping, and cybercrime unit, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Network, while acting on credible information, arrested a total number of 53 male suspects in different locations across the City.

“I want to use this medium to warn all secret cult members of different cult groups to stop the killings. Also, I want to warn all state and non-state actors and sponsors of various secret cult confraternity who give out their monies, hotels, apartments, lounges, houses, drinking joints, or any other dwelling place as support for clandestine meetings to withdraw their patronage or be ready to face arrest and prosecution in Court, and such properties sealed-up through the instrument of the law.”

Dankwara assured the people of the State that operations to get rid of cultism and other heinous crimes in the State are ongoing and will be sustained, and asked for the collaboration and support of residents.

He said that three locally made single barrel guns and two cartridges were recovered from those that were arrested.

Africa Must Evolve New Military Strategy With Change In Mindset, Strategy, Tactics – Tinubu

Editorial staff

July 21, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised Africa to evolve a new military strategy with a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear.

“We must also be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle. No, we contend against mobile, elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare.

”We must adjust accordingly to subdue the menace. This shall require a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear.”

These were the charges given to African leaders by the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State today, July 21.

He emphasized the need for Nigeria and the neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region to display courage in reforming their military doctrine and practices.

He said that the change in tactics has become necessary because the countries in the region are battling a “mobile and elusive irregular force” that disregards established rules of warfare.

The President pointed out that the adversaries facing countries in the sub-region are not conventional armies engaging in traditional battlefield warfare.

The Nigerian leader, who encouraged African countries to work together against common threats, acknowledged the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region.

He reinforced his message that the collaboration should serve as a commendable example to be emulated and improved on wherever necessary.

The President also used the occasion to spell out his National Security Objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through state power.

While acknowledging the commitment of the immediate-past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the President pledged to “pick up the pace,” by providing the necessary support to the military.

”As Commander-in-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure security of our people and property in a just and democratic society.

”Under my predecessor, the Armed Forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace.”

President Tinubu described the role of the armed forces in combatting Africa’s greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as crucial, urging them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition.

”We live in a moment of flux. Geopolitical change is afoot. Old alliances and assumptions are being tested as new ones are being shaped. Trade and global economic activity are fast, yet fragile and easily disrupted by war, weather or pandemic.

”Underlying it all is the often unspoken but urgent competition for precious resources. Water, food, gold, oil and other items have all been placed in contest.

”In too many instances, the contest turns violent. Areas that should blossom into economic prosperity and hope become factories of pillage and oppression.

”In Africa, this condition is perhaps our greatest challenge and harshest injustice.

”Your role combating this grave evil is crucial. For we call on you to defend not only our land and resources but our people and their democratic existence.

”Your training was sculpted to fit the imperatives of our times,” the President told the 291 graduating officers.

Commending the graduates from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as students from Asia and sister Africa nations, the President underscored the importance of the College and its contributions to professionalism and defense of national interests.

Addressing the graduating students from Asia and Africa, the President said their presence in Nigeria is a testimony that national security is not solely achieved through muscle and might, but also in building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance and mutual respect.

”Notwithstanding the demands of your training, I hope you have enjoyed our customary Nigerian friendliness as well because Nigeria is one of the most hospitable countries you can find. We have opened our arms like friends and brothers to you.

”To the graduating students from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, you have warranted the confidence of your respective organizations.

”The knowledge gained here will prove invaluable in our mission to harmonize all aspects of government policy and programs toward the twin goals of national security and national prosperity.”

The President also commended the College’s efforts in curricula improvement and facility upgrade, encouraging the graduates to stand brave and unwavering in their constitutional responsibilities as defenders of the nation.

”I leave you with a charge much like the one I gave myself. Your nation has invested much in your training.

”Much faith has been placed upon your broad shoulders. Our collective safety rests in your hands.

”Your graduation today is a call to greater duty for the nation you love. May you stand brave and unwavering in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities and may you always do honour to the sterling name of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.”

At the ceremony, many of the participants who distinguished themselves were awarded various prizes. Squadron Leader S.S Yikawe got both the Chief of Defence Staff Award (Department of Joint Studies) and Chief of Air Staff Award (Department of Air Warfare) prize. Major A.A Bako was awarded for Chief of Army Staff Award (Department of Land Warfare) while Surg Lt Cdr. K.O Nwagwu got the prize for Chief of Naval Staff Award (Department of Maritime Warfare).

Dr. K.O Adams got the prize for the Commandant’s Award for Best Non-military Student. Major PJ Nartey from Ghana won the Commandant’s Award for Best International Student.

Present at the colourful occasion were Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, all the Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Oyo Govt Shut Down 5 Hospitals, Allegedly Managed By Quack Doctors

Editorial staff

July 21, 2023

The Oyo State Government has shut down five private hospitals in Ibadan, as part of measures towards protecting the health and well-being of residents.

A statement today, yesterday 20, by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Rotimi Babalola, said that the hospitals were shut down for employing unqualified and unlicensed doctors, commonly referred to as quack doctors.

Speaking during an inspection recently at Olodo and Moniya axis of Ibadan, the Director for Secondary health care and training, Dr. Wale Falana had said that the action became necessary after an extensive monitoring and evaluation of hospital facilities was carried out in the state.

“The inspection revealed alarming evidence of malpractice, misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments being administered to unsuspected patients.”

According to him, the five health care facilities sealed were found to be lacking in terms of equipment, personnel, and compliance with standard medical regulations.’

“Also, some hospitals were staffed with unqualified personnel who were practicing medicine without the required qualifications and license.’

Dr. Falana expressed deep concern and warned hospitals not to compromise on the quality of healthcare offered to patients, even as he said that the facilities will remain closed until they meet the requirements and standards set by the regulatory bodies.

“This administration underscores its commitment to ensuring that health care services in the Oyo State adhere to the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

“The government of the day, distinguished health as one of the cardinal programmes, consequently, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde takes the health of the people as essential, which is the reason behind the omititun free health mission held quarterly throughout the state.

“We will not tolerate any compromise in medical standards that could put lives at risk. Our action in closing these hospitals demonstrates our commitment to maintaining quality healthcare delivery within our state.”

Dr. Falana advised citizens to be more cautious when seeking medical attention and reminded them to verify the qualifications and licenses of healthcare providers they visit for treatment.

He asked the citizens to report any suspected cases of quack doctors or substandard medical practices to the Ministry of Health.

“This will enable the government to take swift action and ensure that the healthcare system in Oyo State remains trustworthy, reliable, and patient-centric.”

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