Investors again demonstrated confidence in the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Securities by the high level of subscription of N91.42 billion recorded in the recent Sovereign Green Bond offer.The offer, which closed on Wednesday was for N50 billion and represents the third Green Bond Issuance by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on behalf of the FGN.

According to a statement by the Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha, the issuance attracted strong investor interest, with total subscriptions reaching N91. 42 billion, representing a subscription rate of 183 percent.Oniha said that the impressive demand reflects investor confidence in Nigeria’s growing Green Bond market and its commitment to sustainable finance and development, as well as climate action.“Investors were allotted a total of N47.355 billion at a coupon of 18.95 percent per annum.“Proceeds from the issuance will be used to finance projects in the 2024 Appropriation Act that supportNigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and its broader climate commitments, including the target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.“The strong investor interest in this Green Bond demonstrates growing confidence inNigeria’s commitment to sustainable financing,” she said.According to her, Green Bonds are becoming an increasingly important instrument for mobilising capital towards our climate objectives and sustainable development agenda.The Green Bond is yet another contribution of the DMO towards the deepening of the domestic capital market.The DMO had held an investors forum for the Series III Sovereign Green Bond issuance on Monday in Lagos.At the forum, Oniha said that Nigeria was taking a significant step in tackling climate change with the planned issuance of the Sovereign Green Bond.She said that the initiative aimed to fund environmentally sustainable projects and reinforce the nation’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.According to her, the offer is a continuation of Nigeria’s climate financing journey following earlier issuances in 2017 and 2019 that raised N25.69 billion.She said that the five-year green bond would provide funding for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (NAN)

By David Torough, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said 6,260 terrorists have been killed while 14,138 terrorists and other criminals were apprehended in joint military operations across the country in the past two years.The Deputy Director Defence Media Operations, Brig.

-Gen. Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, revealed this while giving an overview of military operations in two years, at the Expanded Parley with Media Executives yesterday in Abuja. The parley was being held to mark the two years in office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa and other service chiefs.Abu-Mawashi said the troops of the armed forces also rescued 5,365 kidnapped victims and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in different operations within the period.Giving details of military successes in each of the region, he said the troops of Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta region recovered N83 billion worth of stolen crude oil.Abu-Mawashi said the troops also killed 103 criminals, apprehended 2,760 others and rescued 266 civilians from the kidnappers’ den.In the North East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified operations resulting in the killing of 1,246 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, while 2,467 of them were arrested within the period.According to him, the troops rescued 1,920 civilians, recovered 982 arms and 2,153 ammunition in the Northeast.In the North West, Abu-Mawashi said the troops of Operation Fasan Yamma killed 1,374 bandits, including their top commanders in Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto State.“They also arrested 2,160 bandits and rescued 3,288 hostages from bandits enclaves.“The arms and ammunition recovered are 947 weapons and 25,802 rounds, respectively,” he added.The defence spokesman said troops on operations in the North-Central, killed 730 terrorists, bandits and violent extremists, and arrested 7,153 violent extremists.He said that a total of 1,510 civilians were rescued, while 1,065 weapons and 19,709 rounds were recovered.In the South East, Abu-Mawashi said the troops of operation UDO KA had in the past two years eliminated 440 terrorists while 1,677 criminals were arrested.According to him, the troops also rescued 294 civilians and recovered 683 weapons and 21,300 rounds of ammunition.“Finally, Joint Task Force South West killed 80 criminals and arrested 1,763 others, while they rescued 89 kidnap victims.“Troops recovered 143 weapons, and 177,904 rounds of ammunition,” he added.In his remarks, the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the event marked a significant milestone in their collective efforts to address and mitigate the complex security challenges confronting the nation.Gusau said the programme was conceived in alignment with one of the leadership philosophies of the CDS, which is “leading a people-centric armed forces”.He pledged the commitment of the military to ensuring that the Nigerian public remains accurately and adequately informed about the activities, achievements and sacrifices of the armed forces.COAS Hails 542 New Military Retirees over Selfless ServiceThe Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday hailed the sacrifices and efforts of 542 military personnel who retired from active service.Oluyede made the commendation at the passing out event of Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Course 1/2025 in Lagos.Oluyede was represented by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe.The COAS said that the occasion was a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, discipline, resilience, selflessness and unwavering commitment of the retirees to the service of the country.“As you transit from the battlefield to civil life, I pray you will enjoy your post-service life and apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired.“You will from now on take full charge of your time as planners and executors of your personal daily activities.“This may sound exciting and promising but be aware that you need to properly manage your new vocations in order to be successful,” he said.Oluyede further urged them to maintain their honour before the civil populace, adding that the society would expect a high ethical standard and discipline from them.“You will also have to prove in your social and business interactions that you passed through a highly disciplined system.“I believe you are all capable of excelling in your future endeavours and will positively influence your environment by contributing to the security and development of your various communities,” he said.According to him, communities will look up to them to support safety and security initiatives as well as agencies to tackle community-based crimes and security challenges.“Please, be an advocate of peace and make yourselves available in providing such assistance within the ambit of the law,” Oluyede said.He, however, reminded them that post-service life has its peculiar pitfalls and challenges at individual level as such there was the need for extra care.“Some of these challenges you might encounter include; inadequate resources, misuse of retirement benefits, negative influences and deceit from fraudulent persons.“Others are poor management of physical and mental health as well as life devoid of regimentation and uniform-induced immunity to mention but a few.“It is therefore unwise to embark on an extravagant lifestyle that is above your means or engage in non-familiar business ventures,” he said.The COAS also said the essence of the training was to expose them to several vocational opportunities and management skills to have a meaningful life in retirement.“On this wise, I enjoin you to employ the experience and skills you have acquired for a productive economic life as you reintegrate into the society.“Continue to inspire, continue to lead and never forget that you are, and will always remain, heroes of our land,” he said.He thanked NAFRC and urged them to sustain the high quality human resource development training for retiring personnel and the society at large.“On our part, the Armed Forces leadership will continue to ensure that personnel welfare at all levels are given prime attention in line with our various command philosophies.“We will also sustain support for the advancement of this centre with a view to transforming it into an international centre of excellence for vocational training,” he said.The COAS commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa for his exceptional leadership and guidance.“I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for his support towards capacity development of the Armed Forces and the welfare for serving and retired personnel,’’ he said.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibak has presented a revised budget of N1.846 trillion to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Oversight, an increase of N360 billion from the initial estimate of N1.486 trillion submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

The revised budget includes allocations for security, pension and gratuity arrears, and capital projects to support economic growth and entrepreneurship. Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele defended the increase, citing the need to address the state’s pressing issues.Bamidele highlighted the allocation of N50 billion for pension and gratuity arrears, saying it’s a moral obligation and a peace-building effort.“One of the standout components of the revised budget is the allocation of N50 billion for the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities.“These are citizens who served their state diligently and have waited far too long for their entitlements. We see this move as both a moral obligation and a peace-building effort.“Another major point of commendation is the budget’s structure. More than 70% of the total appropriation is earmarked for capital expenditure, while less than 30% is designated for recurrent expenses, including overhead costs.“This demonstrates a clear commitment to infrastructure, job creation, and development.“If our budgets focus more on capital projects, our people will see and feel the dividends of democracy.”The Senate Leader of the Senate assured that the Ad-hoc Committee would ensure faithful implementation of the Rivers State Budget, emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in public fund utilisation.Earlier in his opening remarks, the Senate Leader also assured that the adhoc Committee would ensure faithful implementation of the Rivers State Budget.“As representatives of the Nigerian people, we are not only tasked with evaluating figures, but also with ensuring the faithful implementation of the budget.“It is our mandate to track how allocated resources are utilised – project by project, sector by sector – to guarantee transparency and uphold accountability in the use of public funds.“This means that our engagement today on the Rivers State 2025 Appropriation Bill does not end here.“We shall, in the coming months, assess the performance of the budget by closely monitoring disbursements, execution timelines, and delivery outcomes.“Our objective is to ensure that approved funds translate into meaningful development and that deviations or delays are addressed promptly in the overriding public interest.“Beyond the numbers, we must also evaluate the real-world impact of this budget on the everyday lives of the people of Rivers State. In times of political uncertainty and emergency governance, government actions must not only be lawful, but also people-centred. We must ask: will this budget deliver improved roads, healthcare, education, safety, and livelihoods for the people? “This, ultimately, is how we build trust in government and public institutions like ours.“