NEWS
Abiodun Harps on Intelligence Sharing as Southwest Security Chiefs Meet In Abeokuta
From Kunle Idowu, Abeokuta
Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for intelligence sharing among security agencies to enable them to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation.
Speaking at the 4th South West Conference of Directors of Security meeting held in Abeokuta on Thursday, the governor emphasized that intelligence is one of the needed tools that would assist security agencies to perform their duties optimally.
He noted that criminals have adopted new methods in carrying out their nefarious activities, hence the need for the security agencies, particularly those in the Southwest region, to up their game and share intelligence to nip crimes in the bud.
He said: “It is important that as a region, we share intelligence and see how to better secure our region because there can never be any meaningful socio-economic development in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“Nobody will come and invest in your state no matter the amount of road you build, no matter the amount of infrastructure you provided. As long as there is an air or a feeling of insecurity, all that will amount to nothing.
“It is important we understand that the socio-economic development that we all desire in our various states and zones can only be achieved when we have peace and security.”
Prince Abiodun said the issue of securing the region and bridging the gap in community policing led to the emergence of Amotekun, even as he expressed delight that the idea has led to the formation of similar outfits in other regions across the country.
“As a region, we still have a lot of things in common. We have the challenges of migration across the border from the north to the south. We have a student population, particularly in Ogun State, with a lot of tertiary institutions.
“Being close to Lagos State, which is the financial capital of Nigeria, we have a spill over of activities from there. Anything that happens in Lagos, within a few minutes, you will begin to feel the impact.
“We see ourselves as providing services that has to do with buying of land, setting up industry, people that want to live close to Lagos as possible and of course, people that are traveling from Lagos to the rest of the country all pass through Ogun, Oyo and at times, Osun, before going to the rest of the country,” he added.
Abiodun also called on the meeting to deliberate and look into the root causes of cultism in the region.
He noted that it was worrisome that cultism has now become prevalent, wondering what has suddenly gone wrong with primary school children, vulcanizers, welders, artisans, undergraduates, and graduates all getting involved in cultism.
“In the last few weeks, some of the things that we’ve experienced in Ogun State, which I am not sure you have experienced in your various states, are the issues of cultism.
“Why are they killing each other, is there something they are earning, is there some kind of reward? What is the incentive? I think these are posers and questions for you to look into.
“We cannot be focused on the symptom. Let’s try and drill down to find out what exactly is the root cause. Perhaps, if we do that, we can nip it in the bud. Then, we can begin to see a reduction in this incidences,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the opportunities the State enjoys as a result of its location, but was quick to also point out some challenges caused by its geographical location, expressing optimism that those in charge of securing the State would do the needful to keep the peace.
The governor said the meeting was a veritable avenue to cross fertilize ideas, which can be useful across the region.
“How can you help us in sharing experiences with us in Ogun State? Where are the gaps? What are these criminals taking advantage of? Is it our borders or any particular area where there is a vacuum?
“I believe with this kind of shared intelligence, shared understanding and inter-state cooperation, it will strengthen law enforcement and intelligence across borderlines because at the end of the day, we are one and the same people with the same language and culture,” he said.
Abiodun informed that he and his Lagos State counterpart are working towards providing street lights and installing cameras along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to enable security agencies to react to emergencies and distress situations in the axis.
He called on the security chiefs to brainstorm and come up with effective ways of dealing with security challenges to serve as a model to other regions.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman, South West Directors of Security, Mr. Bolade Olori said the meeting was to review the general security situation in the region with the aim of tackling it.
He assured the governor that topical issues would diligently be dealt with and solutions shared.
Welcoming participants, the Ogun State Director of State Services, Mrs. Folasade Adekaiyaoja said the meeting was to promote inter-agency cooperation that would allow for synergy in intelligence sharing, appreciating the state government for its support, and assured of renewed efforts to combat crimes in the state.
The meeting had Directors of Security from Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states in attendance.
From Abel Zwànke, Lafia
The 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has been decorated as a Fellow of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN). Ombugadu received the Fellowship Award of Excellence during the 41st National Solar Energy Forum (NASEF) 2024, held on December 10 at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Postgraduate School, Kaduna.
The award, presented by the NDA Commandant, Major General John Ochai, recognized Ombugadu’s exceptional contributions to renewable energy advocacy and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalist yesterday after receiving the award Ombugadu expressed gratitude for the honour.“I am deeply honourd to receive this prestigious Fellowship Award from the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian Defence Academy. This recognition highlights the importance of renewable energy in addressing our nation’s energy challenges and fostering sustainable development,” he said.
Ombugadu advocated for increased investments in renewable energy, noting that over 80 million Nigerians lack access to electricity. “This award is a call to action. Renewable energy is essential for our national development, and we must commit more resources to this transition to empower communities and combat climate change,” Ombugadu stated.
Reading Ombugadu’s citation, the organizers described him as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and visionary leader. Known for his contributions to healthcare, education, and water supply in rural areas, Ombugadu has drilled over 1,500 boreholes and enrolled more than 12,000 people in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Themed “Advancing Solar Energy Solutions for Sustainable Development,” the forum brought together energy experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to strategize on enhancing Nigeria’s energy security through solar technology.
Major General Ochai, who was also conferred as a Fellow, highlighted the NDA’s strides in adopting renewable energy for sustainability. “Earlier this year, the NDA established the Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, targeted at conserving the environment. In a few days, we will inaugurate a 2.5-megawatt solar farm, which will take the NDA off the national grid, help decarbonize the environment, and cut energy costs,” Ochai said.
He emphasised the academy’s commitment to community support, adding, “Whatever energy we generate through solar power will also benefit the Afaka community as part of our corporate social responsibility. Solar energy is the future, and we are proud to champion this cause.”
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmad Dangiwa, represented by Aishatu Yusha’u, emphasized the role of solar energy in urban development. “Solar energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainability in urban planning,” she said.
Prof. Magnus Onuoha, President of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEAA), praised the NDA’s bold step in constructing its solar power plant. “The NDA’s solar farm will serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when institutions prioritize sustainability and renewable energy,” Onuoha said.
He called for comprehensive policies to address Nigeria’s energy challenges. “Our alliance is committed to promoting the growth of renewable energy and transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner, more sustainable sources,” he added.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), through its Managing Director, Abba Abubakar, represented by Timothy Shekari, reiterated its commitment to providing energy access to underserved communities, highlighting initiatives that have energized markets and impacted over 1.2 million people.
The forum concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to advance renewable energy initiatives across Nigeria, with solar energy taking center stage in the nation’s sustainable development goals.
Other distinguished recipients included Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Power Supply Company, Aminu Idris, and Mrs. Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, CEO of the Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE).
Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged President Bola Tinubu to reduce the price of petrol to N300 per litre ,to make things easy for Nigerians during the festive season.
George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, made this plea at an interactive session with newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.
The price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, is currently above N1,000 per litre.
According to the elder statesman,Nigerians are going through hardship, the President should give an order to reduce fuel price, specifying time frame the people will enjoy such window of relief.
He said that the federal government as well as well- meaning individuals and businesses could bear the cost of such price slash , to bring happiness to all Nigerians.
The PDP leader, who noted that December and January are special months , said that such gesture could start from the middle of December and run through January.
“I have been thinking, as a Nigerian, what can we do because the anger and the hunger are almost equal on the streets of Nigeria.
“What am I suggesting is that Mr President should sit down with his managers and give an order that from the middle of December to the end of January, the cost of petrol will be N300 per litre.
“The government can absorb the losses in the interest of the suffering people.
“If they (government) want others to contribute, let us know how much that is going to cost and ask people to donate, to bear the cost.
“We will be sending a lot of messages of happiness across the tribes and homes.
“Everybody in Nigeria will be happy because it will positively impact on this period of the year. It is a challenge and he (Tinubu) can do it.
“We need this in this December and January to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, ” George, a PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) life member, said.
Advising the President to take further measures to bring relief to the people, he said that the gesture would crash prices of essential commodities and services for the benefit of all .
He said that government’s efforts should be concentrated on reducing high inflation rate, unemployment, poverty and youth restlessness in order to create a better future for Nigerians
Speaking on the recent presidential election in Ghana, George noted that Nigeria’s electoral system needed reforms to guard against electoral frauds and manipulations.
According to him, the nation will continue to grope for development if the system fails to encourage best candidates to emerge.
Stating that election must reflect the wishes of the people and be devoid of religious and tribal sentiments, George said that Ghana election should be a wake up call for Nigeria.
“INEC performance must improve. The commission must make sure that the voice of the people is heard in elections.
“Electoral offenders should be made to face the music and sent to jail. We must be very firm about due process, credibility and transparency in elections,” he said.
Urging the President to revisit resolutions in the 2014 Constitutional Conference, George said that the current constitution was not federal in principle and practice.
“We should not deceive ourselves, the constitution is a problem. It is a military constitution, it is not democratic,” he said.
George called on the National Assembly to ensure devolution of powers and electoral reforms that would do away with manual collation of election results and mandate electronic transmission of election results from polling units.
George disagreed with political watchers saying no vacancy in presidency in 2027.
On the dwindling strength of the former ruling party, George, who noted that all organisations had its ups and downs, said that selfish interests and disregard for party rules remained PDP’s major challenge.
He said that PDP could bounce back and win presidential election if the leadership decided to elevate national interest above selfish interests and adhere to the party’s constitution.
“We will tell ourselves some serious old truth. We messed ourselves up. ” he said.
Stating, however, that the PDP was not dead, George said that lack of justice, equity, fairness and the inability to adhere to the party’s zoning and rotational principle cost the party victory in 2023.
Calling on the party’s founding fathers alive to wake up and rescue the party, George said that Nigerians were still waiting for the former ruling party to take over power and put things right. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, is set to perform the groundbreaking of 2,000 housing units of the Renewed Hope City in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, in the next few weeks.
Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, announced this during an official assessment visit, on Wednesday in Lagos
Dangiwa said Lagos would represent the South-west, while the president would do that of the North-West in Kano, before doing that of the four other regions.
“Arrangements is already on ground, we have gotten sites, and work has commenced for 2000 houses in the Renewed Hope City that we intend to build in Ibeju-Lekki,” he said.
Towards achieving the set goal, the minister said the visiting team also paid a courtesy visit to Gov.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu to discuss area of collaboration between the federal and state governments.He disclosed that the federal and Lagos state governments had agreed to set up a Tripartite committee and ensure all the issues of concerns between the parties were resolved amicably for the benefit of all.
Earlier, the Minister embarked on an assessment visit of deplorable Federal Government buildings and assets across Lagos state in a bid to commence rehabilitation on them in a few months.
Dangiwa said the rehabilitation was necessary as the deplorable buildings posed a challenge and security concerns to the Lagos state government. (NAN)
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