NEWS
Era of violence, arms struggle in Niger Delta region over, says Amnesty boss
Era of violence, arms struggle in Niger Delta region over, says Amnesty boss Amnesty By Mufutua OgunyemiEse-Odo(Ondo State) April 19, 2021 (NAN) The Interim Administrator (IA) of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) rtd Col.
Milland Dikio says the era of violence and arms struggle in the Niger Delta region is over. Dikio made this known on the graduation of 200 delegates of PAP at in Bradama International Skill Works Ltd. , Agadagba-Obon in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Sunday. This according to him has “given way to new ideas in intellectual space, driven by science and technology to advance speedy development and growth of the people.The trainees completed a six -month intensive classroom and workshop trainings in Welding/Fabricating, Abrasive Blasting, Mechanical Fittings, Industrial Painting and Scaffolding/Rigging under the 2019/2020 PAP Delegates Training Programme. He noted that the success story of PAP had affirmed that given the right orientation and skill, youths from the region had risen to the technological challenge of the 21st century as better alternative to arms struggle.” We are here to celebrate what is possible in the Niger Delta region and beyond by reorientation and re-dedication of our core values as a people toward seeking better living conditions for everyone.“ I am going to charge you (graduands) to leave here with the spirit of excellence which the Chief Executive Officer Managing Director of Bradama International, High Chief Bibopere Ajube has excellently demonstrated as a leader of ex- agitators in the region.“ As ex-agitators, you don’t need to look any further for mentorship, the managing director of Bradama Intl has competed with the best in the world and continued to stand out among his peers. He is indeed, the new face of technology advancement in emancipation struggle of Niger Delta.“ This is not an ordinary graduation ceremony, and so, we hold the sixth graduates of Bradama and the first under my watch, in high esteem. We hope and pray you will be the difference makers as you go into the world.“ As you leave this place, you will meet challenges but as the saying goes that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going, i assure you that the sky is not your limit but your starting point,” he said. In his response, Ajube thanked the Federal Government under the leadership of President Mohammadu Buhari for the financial and administrative support for the Amnesty Programme. Ajube urged the graduands to use the practical training and certificate obtained to seek gainful employment to better their lives and that of their family members. This, he said, would justify the huge investment of the Federal Government expended on them during the course of the training. According to him, Niger Delta region needs peace now than before to enable her compete favourably in Project Nigeria and advance her people in developmental strides through innovations, science and technology“ Please, don’t waste the skills you acquired here. Put it to productive use and change your lives for good.“ I thank you for your cooperation and peaceful composure during your stay here in Bradama and I wish you good luck in your future endeavour,” he said. In his vote of thanks, a trainee, Agent Benson commended the Federal Government for the huge financial commitment expended on them through the Amnesty office, vowed that they were ready to impact the society positively with their newly acquired skills and knowledge. Benson also thanked the administrator and other officials of PAP, the CEO of Bradama Intl. and his coordinating staff for the dedication and ensuring that the trainees were adequately trained and completed the six months programme, despite the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic since the kickoff of the programme in December 2019.Guests at the ceremony include the Paramount ruler of Arogbo-Ijaw kingdom, HIM Pere Zacchaeus Doubra Egbunu, the Ahaba of Ajagba land and the member of House of Representatives for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Mr Kolade Victor Akinjo. Others in the entourage of the PAP Interim administrator included, the special adviser to the National Security Adviser, Amb. Yusuf Mamman, Coordinator of Amnesty Office in Bayelsa, Dame Esther Boro, her Ondo state counterpart, Mr Samuel Twatimi and head of vocational training of PAP, Mr Ebiegberi Lambert.(NAN)
NEWS
Uba Sani Attends Christmas Carol, Maulud to Strengthen Muslim-Christian Unity
By Nasir Dambatta
Governor Uba Sani has once again underscored his commitment to fostering unity among Kaduna’s diverse religious communities, attending both the 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol and a Maulud celebration in Zaria within the same week.On December 21, the Governor graced The 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol at ECWA Goodnews Church, Narayi Highcost, an event organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna Chapter.
The Carol, an annual tradition, brought together Christians from across the state in a celebration of joy, love, and togetherness. Governor Sani’s presence at the event highlighted his inclusive leadership and his efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony in a state known for its rich religious diversity.Shortly after, on December 22, Governor Sani attended a Maulud celebration in Zaria, organized by the Fityanul Islam group. Maulud, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a time for reflection, prayer, and communal unity. The gathering in Zaria was attended by numerous dignitaries and religious scholars who reflected on the Prophet’s teachings of compassion, tolerance, and peace—values that resonate deeply with the Governor’s vision for Kaduna.Observers said the Governor’s presence at both events was a powerful reminder of his dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the state. “Through these actions, Governor Uba Sani is leading by example, demonstrating that religious celebrations and dialogue can serve as a foundation for a united, progressive society.”, one of the observers said.NEWS
Abuja Stampede: Wike Directs Free Treatment for Victims
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has directed government hospitals to provide free treatment to the people that sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.Wike gave the directive in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Saturday.
No fewer than 10 people including children lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries to the stampede, during the distribution of food items to less privileged and the elderly by the church. The sad incident occurred around 6:30 a.m on Saturday.Wike said that the FCT Administration would ensure that the injured received adequate medical attention.The minister, who commiserated with the victims, also directed that henceforth, police permission should be obtained by individuals or organizations planning public distribution of palliatives, either food items or cash.Describing the incident as “painful”, Wike prayed for the repose of the souls of the lives that were lost and fortitude for their families to bear the irreparable loss.He commended the Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, saying, “the promptness in which security agencies responded to the incident was commendable.”In a related development, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), equally commiserated with the victims of the stampede.The acting Director General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a statement said that nine out of the 10 injured persons earlier taken to Maitama District Hospital, have been treated and discharged.Mohammed also appealed to organisations that intended to give out food items to the less privileged to involve security agencies or FEMD for adequate planning to ensure safety of beneficiaries.He also advised the use of coupons and segregation of the beneficiaries into groups to avoid crowd and rowdiness that could lead to stampedes.Similarly, the Police Command in the FCT has ordered organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals to notify the police when planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the territory.In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the notification was to enable the police to deploy adequate security measures for public safety.According to her, failure to comply with the directive will result in the organisers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from negligenceMeanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and funfairs, which have led to stampedes and fatalities among vulnerable citizens.The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, gave the warning during a media briefing on Saturday in Abuja.Adejobi explained that the warning came in response to the increasing number of stampedes resulting in injuries and deaths, particularly during palliative distributions. (NAN)NEWS
NDA Records Successes in Military Training, Academics in 2024
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), says it has recorded a lot of successes in military training and academic activities in 2024.
The Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said this at the Nigerian Defence Academy Social Activities (NDASA), held at the headquarters of the academy Afaka on Friday in Kaduna.
Ochai said the essence of NDASA was to end training activities of the year.
He said the 2024 NDASA was unique because the academy marked 60 years of existence from 1964-2024.
Also of significance, Ochai said, NDA had passed out the largest number of officers commissioned into the Armed Forces of Nigeria in 2024.
Equally, he said, in the same year (2024), the academy had the largest number of officers trained outside the country.
He emphasised that the NDA does not only train leaders for the Nigerian Armed Forces, but those for the Nigerian nation and humanity at large.
“After five years of training, we imbibe in officers leadership qualities that are everlasting.
”The traditions, ethos, characters that we instill in our cadets follow them forever and become very useful in all spheres of human endeavors,” Ochai said.
Mr Martins Amaram, Country Security Manager, Nigeria Breweries, PLC , who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the event fostered unity, cultural awareness and comradeship among the cadets and the larger community.
Amaram said, “The academy has always been a beacon of excellence in producing military leaders for integrity, resilience and capacity to face in a dynamic and complex world .
“Beyond academics and military training the academy still values cultural respect and social engagement, recognising the diversity of our great country. Nigeria.”
He commended NDA for creating the platform where cadets can appreciate the rich cultures and build bonds that transit borders.
Amaram added, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are playing a critical role in ensuring the stability and progress of our nation. “
He urged the academy to continue to record more successes in its mission of excellence and service to the nation.
Report says that awards were given to deserving soldiers who distinguished themselves in 2024.
report says that 22 soldiers were decorated from Warrant Officer(WO) to Master Warrant Officers(MWO). (NAN)