Buhari Describes Dogonyaro, Who Overthrew His Military Govt, As Legendary General

May 14, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has described retired Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Joshua Dogonyaro, who died yesterday, May 13, as a “legendary general.”

Dogonyaro was he, that read the coup speech overthrowing Buhari in 1985, ushering in Ibrahim Babangida as military Head of State.

In a message of condolence, President Buhari said that the death of Dogonyaro is “a great loss not only to the Nigerian military, but also to the country because of his patriotic sacrifices in defence of its unity and territorial integrity.”

“The death of Dogonyaro comes as a great shock to me because as a soldier, I know what it means to lose such an officer and a gentleman who gave his best in the service of the country.”

Buhari said that Dogonyaro was a thoroughbred soldier who had professionally distinguished himself in the course of his military career.

“Laying down one’s life for the country is one of the greatest sacrifices any citizen can make to his country. General Dogonyaro’s incalculable contributions will be remembered for years to come.”

President Buhari extended deepest condolences to the Government and people of Plateau State on the passing of “this legendary general.”

WHO Gives FCTA Pass Mark On Its Rapid Response To COVID19 Pandemic

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO), has described the response by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health challenges as one of the best in Nigeria.

The Country representative of WHO, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo who spoke today, May 13, when he led a delegation on a visit to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello said “we will like to appreciate your leadership in the ongoing COVID-19 response, which clearly demonstrates your commitment to attaining the highest state of health for the FCT residents”.

“This is demonstrative in the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 and robust outbreak response which you set up, leading to the highest containment, the highest testing rate per million as well as high vaccination rate of 2.1% of targeted population. It’s one of the highest in Nigeria and even in the world.”

He also commended the public private partnership through the Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee which established the Molecular diagnostic laboratory and which, according to Dr Mulombo, “Will improve access to testing for COVID-19 and other diseases and will go a long way in supporting early detection and response to diseases outbreak in the Territory”.

He applauded the Administration for its commitment to the improvement of maternal and child mortality rate in the FCT, saying that the establishment of a task force to address the issue in the Territory, will go a long way in identifying group causes of high maternal and child mortality rates and the development and implementation of programmes to address the challenges identified.

Dr. Mulombo said that WHO Is proud of the FCT’s achievement in this regard because its programmes “really aligns with the UN Secretary General’s strategy for women, children and adolescent health 2016 – 2030, which is articulated around survive, thrive and transform, building on enabling environment.”

Responding, the Minister commended the WHO office in the FCT for its successes and pledged the Administration’s support for it and other UN programmes within the Territory.

The Minister also said that emphasis will be placed on budgetary, support and counterpart funding in order to improve funding for WHO and other public health related programmes.

He however advised the World Health Organisation to continuously engage relevant private sector stakeholders and encourage private donors, within the country for improved funding of its polio and other programmes.

“As you can see, the coalition of the private of sector people did very well with respect of rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine. So, the same thing could be done for the maintenance and sustainability of what has already been established on polio eradication.”

Insecurity: Know Who Live Amongst You, Minister advises Communities

Editorial staff

May 13, 2021

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has advised communities to know the people that live amongst them as a way of helping ensure adequate security for the residents, especially during the ongoing Sallah festivities.

“We have to ensure that communities make efforts to know who they stay with and also ensure that information is gathered and sent appropriately to the right people.”

The Minister, who spoke today, May 12 at the monthly FCT Security Committee meeting in Abuja also called on residents to always collaborate with security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of lives and property within their communities.

He said that community, traditional, political and religious leaders should encourage their members to understand that security should not be left to the security personnel alone but should be a collaborative effort of all.

Musa Bello said that the issue of security in schools was discussed extensively during the meeting and that measures are being taken to ensure safety in all educational institutions in the FCT.

This was even as the minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu said that the issue of beggars on FCT streets which she said, constitutes security risks is being addressed.

The FCT Commissioner of Police assured residents that the Command would ensure the safety of lives and property during and after the Eid El- Fitr celebrations saying that the police has been re-jigging its strategies to meet ever evolving challenges.

After 3 Months Of Manhunt, Army Arrest IPOB Commander In Abia

Editorial staff

May 12, 2021

After three months of intensive manhunt, the Nigeria Army has announced the arrest of the Second-in-Command to the neutralised commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Awurum Eze.

The Director of Army Public Relations, in a statement today, May 12 said that the 48 years old Eze was arrested after escaping from his village on May 4 when the operatives of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) stormed his village house in Isiala Mbano where he was hiding.

The statement said: “the Second-in-Command to the neutralised IPOB/ESN Terrorist leader Ikonso, Awurum Eze, has been arrested by security operatives in Aba, Abia State.

“The 48-year-old Awurum Eze, a native of Umoneke Nta, Isiala-Mbano LGA, Imo State, had on the 4th of May, 2021 escaped when operatives of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) stormed his village house in Isiala Mbano where he was hiding.

“Intensive manhunt was thereafter launched towards tracing and arresting him. He was eventually apprehended on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Aba after weeks of unrelenting follow-ups by operatives.

“Awurum Eze is one of the main sponsors of the numerous killings in Imo State and has been on the wanted list of security agents for more than 3 months.

“Many of the arrested IPOB /ESN terrorists had earlier mentioned him as their key sponsor, mastermind and Second-in-Command to the late Ikonso. According to them, amongst all their leaders in Imo State, only Ikonso and Awurum have direct communication link with Nnamdi Kanu. He can be seen in several photographs posing with the fugitive terrorist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

“Investigation by the combined team of security operatives continues.”

Economic Future Of Nigeria Is Extremely Bright, Says Vice President Osinbajo

Editorial staff

May 12, 2021

“The economic future of our nation (Nigeria) is extremely bright. Yes, we have challenges today and they may look daunting. But let me assure you that these issues will be resolved. The march of this nation to its manifest destiny as Africa’s leading economic power will not be aborted. We are more than able to overcome.”
these were the words of optimism by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo during his tour of SecureID company’s premises in Lagos yesterday, May 11.
he said that the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, “in following the recommendation of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, has determined that manufacturing will be our main focus in bringing about dynamic growth, jobs and exports. This will mean retooling our business environment for greater competitiveness, especially with the take off of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
“We are rethinking our tax regimes, sorting out external and internal trade issues, getting our regulatory authorities; SON, NAFDAC, and even Customs, to see their roles more as business facilitators rather than policemen or revenue generators. Our environment must be friendly for local businesses first, foreign investments will follow enthusiastically.”
On the efforts of the administration to position the country as a leading economic beacon on the continent, the Vice President said that the administration is ramping up efforts in improving the country’s infrastructure and digital space.
“Aside from the work we are doing with other infrastructure such as rail, roads and power we are committed to a plan of democratizing broad band connectivity. Our programme, which we have reiterated in our Economic Sustainability Plan, is broadband connectivity for all by 2023.
“The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Plan which is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25mbps in urban areas and 10mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population at affordable prices by the target date. Broadband connectivity is as important as electricity in the digital age unlike electricity we do not have to make several mistakes before getting it right.”
Osinbajo commended the efforts of the founder and Managing Director of SecureID, Mrs Kofo Akinkugbe, Prof. Osinbajo described SecureID facility as a place of history, innovation and creativity.
“This world-class manufacturing facility is reputed to be the first certified smartcard manufacturing plant in sub-Saharan Africa, the only smart card production and personalization plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent and one of only 80 in the world.
“The facility serves 21 countries across Africa and is fully certified by major commercial card companies – VISA, Verve and MasterCard. SecureID has shown that this country can be at the cutting edge of development in technology and digital enterprises. The world in which companies like SecureID operates, providing comprehensive end-to-end payment, identity management and digital security solutions is one that thrives on innovation.

Police Boss Admits: Security Ecosystem In Nigeria Is Challenged, But Surmountable

Editorial staff

May 12, 2021

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has admitted that the Nigeria’s security ecosystem is challenged, but that these challenges are not insurmountable.

A statement today, May 12 by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, quoted the police boss said that the Force under his new policing vision is already implementing new, improved, tailored-to-suit and robust security solutions aimed at tackling crimes and neutralizing both existing and emerging security threats in the country.

Usman Baba, who spoke against the background of Eid-el-Fitr celebration beginning in the next few hours, ordered a nationwide deployment of Police officers and other operational assets of the Force for water-tight security.

The IGP’s order was directed to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and other strategic commanders of the Force as part of efforts by the Police leadership toward stabilizing security, improving public safety and making the country a safer place for all citizens.

He restated his belief that the nation will soon overcome its security challenges, adding that the Force is equally upscaling its collaboration with the military and other law enforcement agencies in both intelligence sharing and other target-oriented missions and operations.

He enjoined citizens to support the Police to stage a common front in tackling the challenges.

The IGP reminded the citizens of the newly introduced Phase-4 National Response on COVID-19 Health Protection Regulation and called for voluntary compliance with the protocols.

He equally directed Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure full enforcement of the Protocols.

He however warned that Police officers deployed for such enforcement must do so with utmost professionalism, while exhibiting compassion, decorum and due respect for the fundamental rights of the citizens.

Buhari Wants Nigerians To Ignore Politicians Desperate For Power Through Blackmails

Editorial staff

May 12, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Nigerians to ignore politicians that are desperate for power through the use of blackmails.

“We should jointly pray against the tragic incidents of kidnapping and banditry and the desperate quest for political power expressed through blackmail against the existence of our country as a united entity.”

In a message of Sallah today, May 12, to Muslims across the globe, signed by him, the President wished that the Eid festival would bring with it peace, safety, security, brotherhood and love amongst all.

“Unity and solidarity among all citizens, Muslims and Christians are imperative especially at a time when our country is faced with multiple challenges which are surmountable only when we come together as one.

“It is important that we remember how we share, through our faiths, common bonds that should serve to unite us and not allow ourselves to succumb to those who seek to divide us, using our two great religions, for their own selfish advantages.

“We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities. I urge our political and religious leaders as well as traditional rulers to encourage our citizens to turn towards one another in love and compassion.”

President is delighted to note that Christians used to breaking fast and extending goodwill and gifts to Muslim faithfuls during the Ramadan.

“This model also shone through with Muslim groups joining Christian festivities. These are practices that promote brotherhood and forgiveness.”

The President advised Nigerians also to continue to observe all COVID-19 prevention measures and celebrate responsibly during the holidays.

Stay Away From Southeast, South-South, Delta Police Command Cautions Officers

Editorial staff

May 12, 2021

Delta State Police Command has cautioned police officers to stay away from the South-South and South-East region as unknown gunmen believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) continue to wreak havoc on police facilities in the region,

In a wireless message sent to officers, the command asked officers to desist from taking up escort duties to specific states in the South-South and South-East region till the region’s security situation improves.

“SECURITY GENERAL X ATTACK ON POLICEMEN / SNATCHING OF RIFLES BY IPOB X SEQUEL TO THE INCESSANT ATTACKS ON POLICEMEN / SNATCHING OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION BY THE PROSCRIBED IPOB / ESN ELEMENTS IN THE EASTERN STATES OF ABIA X ANAMBRA X EBONY! X ENUGU X IMO STATE X AND RIVERS STATE X COMPOL DOPS DIRECTS X YOU WARN PERSONNEL YOURS X THAT ESCORT OF THEIR PRINCIPALS TO THE SIX (6) EASTERN STATES IS SUSPENDED FORTHWITH UNTIL SECURITY SITUATION IMPROVES X ENSURE: * CT COMPLIANCE PLEASE XXXX,” the wireless message read.

The directive follows incessant attacks on Police and other government facilities in the South-South and South-East region by unknown gunmen. Some police officers have been killed in the last few weeks across the regions with police stations, divisional headquarters attacked, guns and ammunition snatched.

We’ll No Longer Make Our Tactics In Tackling Security Challenges Public – FG

Editorial staff

May 11, 2021

The Federal Government of Nigeria has resolved not to henceforth, make it’s security tactics in tackling the security challenges in the country public.

This is even as President Muhammadu Buhari, today, May 11, approved new security measures specifically for the South East and South South geo-political zones of the country.

The acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, who spoke to newsmen today, alongside the National Security Adviser (NSA), rtd Major General Babagana Monguno, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, after a security meeting with President Buhari, said that the meeting stressed the need to address the security challenges in the country, particularly those that have arisen in the last few months.

General Monguno said that the President gave marching orders to security chiefs to deal decisively with the emerging problems physically.

Details later…

Ramadan Fast Continues Tomorrow; Sallah Is Thursday

Editorial staff

May 11, 2021

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has said that new moon of Shawwal was not sighted today and therefore, Ramadan Fast will continue tomorrow while Eid-el Fitr festival holds on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

In a statement in Abuja today, May 11, by the Deputy Secretary-General of the group, Professor Salisu Shehu.said that the crescent has not been sighted to end Ramadan fast.

“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) – under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni – wishes to inform the Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was no proven report of the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal, 1442 AH on the 29th of Ramadan, 1442 AH.

“Ramadan fast will therefore continue tomorrow Wednesday, 12th May 2021 as the 30th day of Ramadan.

“Consequently, Thursday 13th May, 2021 is hereby declared as 1st of Shawwal, 1442 AH and the day of Eid-il-fitr.

“The Council prays that Almighty Allah accept our fasting and other virtuous acts in Ramadan and grant us all peaceful and blissful Eid celebrations.

“Wassalamu alaikum wa-Rahmatullah.”

Saudi Arabia had earlier said that it also did not sight the new moon today and therefore, the Ramadan fast will continue tomorrow, to complete 30 days.

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