NEWS
Tinubu Orders DICON to Mass Produce Offensive Assault Rifles for Armed Forces
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has the most significant market potential in Africa and has been repositioned to leverage the vast potential of the private sector to pursue innovations and technologies.
Speaking at the 60th anniversary of DICON and the Inaugural Africa Defence Industries Conference in Abuja, Tinubu said, “My passion to see the speedy growth of DICON and Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex motivated me to sign the DICON Act 2023 into law within my first six months in office.
The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen George Akuma, said, “The right environment has thus been created for DICON to be equipped with modern automated production lines and production systems.
“The newly automated production lines for various categories of ammunition, Mine Resistant Ambush Patrol Vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carrier, drones, and unmanned ground vehicles, for instance, will provide our armed forces with advanced equipment tailored to our contemporary challenges providing our troops with the required advantage over our adversaries.
“Introducing the BAT A-1 Specialised Assault Rifle and its production line will address small arms proliferation issues while equipping our security operatives with modern fighting capabilities.
“The proposed state-of-the-art micro motherboard processing facility will be the backbone of robotics and artificial intelligence innovations, leveraging resources from our newly inaugurated lithium development plant in Nasarawa State.
“Expanding our production capabilities and enhancing our research and development efforts will create jobs, develop human capital, and stimulate economic growth.
“Establishing a tech hub and R&D lab in Abuja will provide the enabling environment and attract young talent to foster a culture of Innovation, driving Nigeria’s defence industry forward”.
In his opening remarks, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle said, “The establishment of DICON in 1964 was a bold and visionary step towards self-reliance in Nigeria’s defence capabilities, and it has since become a vital pillar of our national security.
In his remarks, the Director General of DICON, Major General A.E. Edet said the establishment in August, 1964 was borne out of a visionary mandate to support and enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
However, as the threats facing our nation and region became more complex and contemporary, so too has the interpretation of our mandate. In the 21st century, our projects have become more diverse, encompassing not only military products but also ventures into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities”, he added.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, former Service Chiefs, Commandants of Military Institutions among others.
NEWS
LITFCMB Condemns Illegal Use of Facility, Commends NAFDAC on Enforcement
By David Torough, Abuja
The Management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has strongly condemned the use of its facility for the production of fake products and any form of unwholesome activities, describing such developments as contrary to its long-standing commitment to promoting genuine trade and ethical business practices.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, while speaking on the recent arrest of two persons connected to illegal revalidation of expired drinks and production of counterfeit consumables within the facility, said that relevant authorities have commenced investigations to uncover certain facts that will help in preventing future occurrence.
She warned that any individual or business found culpable of engaging in activities capable of jeopardising public health and undermining the integrity of local manufacturing would face the full weight of the law.
“As a body rooted in the principles of ethical business practices, transparency and genuine trade, we strongly condemn any activity that threatens public safety or brings the reputation of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board into disrepute. Our facility exists to provide a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, not to serve as a breeding ground for the production or distribution of counterfeit and substandard products,” Ndanusa stated.
The LITFCMB boss while commending National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the enforcement operation; assured members of the public that the management was determined to work with all relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the facility is free of illegal activities.
Ndanusa further urged traders and business operators within the complex to uphold established standards, warning that the pursuit of profit must never come at the expense of consumers’ health and safety.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the nation’s Trade Fair Complex as a leading commercial hub, stressing that it would continue to support legitimate enterprises while maintaining zero tolerance for activities that undermine public confidence in locally manufactured products.
Education
Makurdi Old Boys Association Inaugurates BOT October 17, Launches N1bn Secretariat Project Fund
Government College Makurdi Old Boys Association (MOBA) has completed arrangements to inaugurate its Board of Trustees (BOT) October 17, at the school premises.
The high profile event will also witness the launch of N1billion Appeal Fund for the construction of its National Secretariat Project.
A statement by the Association’s National President, Dr Cletus Akwaya and the Central Planning Committee Chairman Cmrd.
Stephen Tadawus, reminded all members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees Members-designate, invited Guests, and the entire MOBA family to attend the event punctually at Government College Assembly Hall, Makurdi beginning by 10:00AMThe statement said the Governors of Benue state, Rev.
Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia; Plateau state, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutwang; Nasarawa, Engr. A. A. Sule and Bauchi, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed are expected to grace the occasion as distinguished guests of Honour.Similarly, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Benue State, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa and Executive Secretary, Teaching Service Board, Benue State, Dr. Bem Tseen have been invited as Special Guests, the statement said.
It named members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) to include Prince Yandev Amaabai, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, Hon Hassan El Yakub SAN- Hon, Alhaji Abubakar Giza, Prof. Terna Yawe, Chief Rebo Usman, Dr. Dader Mazadu Bako, Engr. Ali Rabiu, Prof. John Wade, Arc. Terseer Dankaro and Titus Ihunduas Secretary of the Board.
This event marks a new chapter in the life of the Association. We request all Old Boys to massively turn out and support the cause of giving back to their Almamater,” the statement further said adding, All concerned are therefore, requested to come together to make this historic event a success and to contribute generously towards the completion of Makurdi Old Boy’s Associations’ National Secretariat Project.”
NEWS
Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Prince Olusi at 90
Lagos State Govornor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of has described Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council of the Lagos Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), as an epitome of loyalty, trust, integrity and wisdom.
Sanwo-Olu said this in a congratulatory message to Olusi, the Baba Adini of Yorubaland and Atobatele of Ekiti, on his 90th birthday anniversary.
The governor described the nonagenarian as a father, whose counsel helped his administration to navigate challenges.
“Baba has taken me as a son; in fact, I am his political son.
He has guided me and offered advice on several occasions on matters of politics and governance while maintaining respect for the office I occupy.“He is a rare human being, whose wisdom, patience and peacemaking abilities remain invaluable,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said Olusi remained a repository of knowledge on the political and historical development of Lagos and the old Western Region of Nigeria.
According to him, the elder statesman has an exceptional understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.
“He can effortlessly recount events that shaped political decisions, from the days of the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group to the current republic,” he said.
The governor also commended Olusi for his loyalty to the APC.
“Baba Olusi firmly believes that the party is supreme.
“He often emphasises that no political group or association can stand the test of time if members fail to respect and abide by the party’s decisions,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He prayed for a longer life and continued good health for the elder statesman.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, I pray that Baba enjoys good health for the rest of his life.
“I wish Prince Oluyole Olusi a happy 90th birthday anniversary,” the governor said. (NAN)


