NEWS
Tinubu to Open CORFEPS Colloquium on Repositioning the Public Service
The Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFEPS), will hold one week forum to explore ways of getting the Nigerian Public Service back on track towards serving as the engine of good governance in the country.
A statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Dr Goke Adegoroye, the National Publicity Secretary of the Council, said the 2024 CORFEPS Week will be in three parts.
It will include a colloquium on Tuesday in Abuja expected to be declared open by President Bola Tinubu.
“The morning session will be chaired by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former Minister of Finance, His Majesty Oluyemi Falae, the Olu of Ilu-Abo and Baba Oba of Akure Kingdom.
“The afternoon session will be chaired by Amb. Babagana Kingibe, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former Minister of Foreign Affairs,” Adegoroye said.
He said the council will hold its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday in Abuja while Thursday will be for the Investiture of its Grand Patron, President Tinubu.
Adegoroye said the colloquium has as its theme, ‘Reflections on Nigeria’s Public Service: Way Forward for Good Governance’.
The lead speakers for the Colloquium are Dr Bukar Usman, who is to give the general overview of the topic, while Dr Timiebi Koripamo-Agary will present the ‘Insider’s Perspective’.
Mr Martins Oloja, the Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief of The Guardian, will present the ‘Outsider’s Perspective’.
“There will be three discussants, all retired Permanent Secretaries, namely, Amb. Godknows Igali, Ammuna Ali, and Dr Goke Adegoroye”.
The national publicity secretary said Falae and Kingibe were selected to be part of the event because they “are treasures of the glorious era of the Nigerian public service”.
Adegoroye said they stood out for their courage and ability to speak truth to power which made the post-independence civil service an institution that commanded the respect of all Nigerians.
“No one is better placed to remind us of how it was in those days, and what made the political masters respect the permanent secretaries than the duo of Falae and Kingibe,” he added.
Adegoroye said vital questions including how Ministers and Permanent Secretaries used to have mutual respect for each other and also between civil servants and the public, will be explored.
He said that the aim was to understand what went wrong and agree on ways to reposition the civil service to ensure good governance in the country.
Reports says that the CORFEPS Week was instituted by the current Chairman of the council, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Minister of Defence and later Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Chief Philip Asiodu, currently sits as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and was the
foundation chairman of the Council.
He was succeeded by the late Mrs Francesca Yetunde-Emanuel, the first female federal Permanent Secretary.
The council was set up to engage in meaningful discourse on important and relevant issues of national development, including matters pertaining to the Public Service.
It is also to draw public attention to matters of desirable national living standard and standard of values, morality, performance and conduct.
It carries out periodic objective assessment of the overall performance of the nation and offers constructive advice on key public policy issues.
The council also seeks to assist in restoring and maintaining the proper role of the Civil Service as a non-partisan organ to serve the government and the nation, among others. (NAN)
By David Torough, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group known as ‘Lukarawas’ in the North-western part of the country.The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on military operations on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba stated that the new terror group originated in the Republic of Niger after the recent coup, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. He explained that the terrorists began infiltrating northern areas of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali, particularly following the coup in Niger.According to him, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces, previously in place before the coup, had kept the terrorists at bay.He said, “The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions into remote areas in some north-western states to spread their ideology.“The terrorists were initially welcomed by locals who believed they had good intentions. However, the movement was not reported to the military and security agencies.”The DHQ spokesperson assured that troops have sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to degrade the terrorists.He added that the group continued to exploit vast ungoverned areas to hide, evade troops, and harass locals but stated that troops were locating and eliminating the threat.Buba also revealed that the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 216 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in October.He said the troops also destroyed 195 wooden boats as well as recovered 30 vehicles and 429 assorted ammunition during the period.Buba said that the troops also impounded 3.2 million litres of crude oil, 763,860 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) and 12,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS).According to him, troop operations have progressively increased the nation’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day.“During October, troops arrested 126 persons involved in crude oil theft and recovered 429 assorted ammunition,” he said.Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East, conducted offensive operations against IPOB/ESN terror group in several states killing 40 terrorists, apprehended 55 suspects and rescuing 35 kidnapped hostages.According to him, IPOB/ESN incidents were recorded in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu States.“Troops recovered 21 AK47 rifles, 24 pump action guns, 19 assorted arms, 177 live cartridges and 191 assorted ammunition,” he added.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has commiserated with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen Bola Tinubu over the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, on November 5.
In a statement signed by his media team from uphill, Minna on Thursday. His death, especially at this point in his life and career, is not only a profound loss to his immediate family but to our country as a whole. ”He was a fine officer and a dedicated leader of men whose sense of patriotism was exemplary”His vigorous effort at the frontline of the war to end banditry and insurgency has already borne good fruits, and it is unfortunate that he would not be around to see it through””Gen Babangida’s heart goes out to his beloved family, his officers and men, and the country that has once again lost a gallant army chief”He was one of the finest in the tradition of his brilliant predecessors. May his soul Rest In Perfect Peace”As the Nigerian Armed Forces continue to make the necessary sacrifice to safeguard our democracy, our territorial integrity, and our safetyHe joins other citizens in applauding the courage of their exemplary heroes.By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Key stakeholders from Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors convened in Lagos for a pivotal validation event dedicated to Nigeria’s Draft National Tourism Policy.Hosted by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the event marked a significant step toward aligning Nigeria’s tourism framework with global standards, while celebrating the country’s rich cultural and natural resources.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, delivered the opening address, underscoring Nigeria’s vast but untapped tourism potential and its diverse landscapes, vibrant heritage, and economic promise.She commended NESG and private sector partners for their dedicated collaboration on the policy, emphasizing that the last update to Nigeria’s tourism policy occurred in 2005. With a focus on sustainability, infrastructure, and community engagement, the revalidated framework aims to modernize the tourism sector, positioning it as a driver of national economic growth.Former Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, who played a vital role in the policy’s original formulation, emphasized the policy’s value in unlocking Nigeria’s tourism assets and praised NESG’s contributions in guiding the policy development process. She highlighted the potential for a comprehensive tourism framework to foster sustainable national growth.Representing the NESG, Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, Facilitator for the Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Culture, Creative, and Sports Policy Commission (THECCS), spoke on the importance of a robust tourism policy and the power of public-private collaboration in stimulating growth, especially in the post-pandemic era. He commended the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritizing tourism and underscored the essential role of NESG in shaping a responsive and inclusive policy.Public Sector Co-chair and Director of International Tourism Relations & Cooperation at the Federal Ministry, Dorothy Duruaku, welcomed attendees, after which Private Sector Co-chair and thematic Lead for Tourism and Hospitality Industries at NESG Lolo Ngozi Ngoka, presented the draft policy.Ngoka highlighted the policy’s priorities: diversifying tourism offerings, promoting inclusivity through broad stakeholder engagement, and advancing digital innovation to enhance Nigeria’s appeal as a global tourism destination. Notably, more than 200 industry professionals contributed to the review process over the last four years, reinforcing the impact of public-private partnerships in strengthening infrastructure and supporting community-focused initiatives.A major highlight of the event was the introduction of the Tourism Policy Review Committee to Minister Musawa and former Minister Ade-John, who jointly presented Certificates of Commendation to recognize the committee’s dedication and contributions. Additional commendation letters will be presented to sub-group members at a later date by the co-chairs.The event featured a dynamic panel discussion with prominent tourism experts assessing the policy’s potential impact, followed by breakout sessions where stakeholders offered valuable insights on key areas, including infrastructure, marketing and promotion, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement.Each breakout session allowed for targeted discussions, producing feedback that was expanded upon during an open Q&A session. Ngozi Ngoka noted that NESG, alongside the Federal Ministry of Tourism, will integrate approved recommendations into the final draft of the policy.The finalization of Nigeria’s National Tourism Policy, scheduled for November 2024, will include further consultations to refine the policy’s objectives. NESG encourages all stakeholders to remain actively engaged as Nigeria advances toward a thriving, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector.
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