NEWS
Trade Unions Charge FG to Declare State of Emergency on Water Sector
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has vowed to continue to resist the privatization of water sector in the country.
They described Nigeria’s water policy as anti-people, pointing that experiences have shown that privatization has not increased universal access and has neither made water potable nor affordable in any society .
The National President of AUPCTRE, Comrade Benjamin Anthony and the Executive Director Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa “CAPPA) Comrade Akinbode Oluwafemi
in their separate remarks in marking the 2022 World Water Day in Jos, the Plateau State capital called on the federal government to urgently declared a state of emergency in the water sector.
They challenged the quest by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to foist the so-called National Water Resources Bill on Nigerians despite popular opposition.
In their words, “We have spoken out against this desperation which we see in the Federal Government to open our water resources to profit-only entities. We have stalled the progress of the bill this far, but there are feelers that it’s promoters are not ready to give up, we will not also give up.”
The Union further called on the National Assembly to convene an emergency session on water crises in Nigeria with the view to initiating the process for a truely Nigeria National Water Resources Bill with input from Nigerians and involvement of the Nigerian people from the beginning of the process through when it becomes law and further urged Plateau, Bauchi, Lagos and all the states of the Federation to jettison their planned public private partnership (PPP) and other form of privitization.
They noted that the union has been at the forefront of anti-water privatization struggles in Lagos, Plateau, Bauchi and the entire 36 states of the federation and warned that privatization of the water sector remained the biggest threat for Nigerians to access water in the country.
In his opening address at the 6th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) held in Jos, Governor Simon Lalong said AUPCTRE’s timely and effective interventions on many issues, have been successful in safeguarding the interests of vulnerable sections of members of the society.
Governor Simon Lalong who was represented by his deputy Prof. Sunni Tyoden at the event acknowledge the key roll played by AUPCTRE in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals objects in Nigeria.
He assured that his government will continue to support the relentless efforts of the union to protect the interests of working people, their families and communities.
Lalong recalled that in recent years, his government collaborated closely with the union in a number of initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting the workers’ rights, entitlements, their economic and social wellbeing in the State.
NEWS
CNS Says Forensic, Investigative Operations Key to National Devt
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has charged officers and men of the Nigerian Navy to uphold professionalism by continuously improving their skills and aligning with global standards in forensic and investigative practices.
CNS Ogalla assured that the Nigerian Navy is committed towards adopting global best practices in forensic and investigative operations to support national development.
He stated this during the combined graduation ceremony for three courses for the Advanced Provost Officers Course, the Advanced Detective Investigation Course, and the Outriders Course—held at the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School in Makurdi, Benue State,
Ogalla, who spoke through Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, highlighted the importance of the training, explaining that the courses were designed to enhance the competencies of the officers and ratings graduating from the Provost and Regulating Department.
CNS however commended the graduates, particularly those from the newly introduced specialist programs, as pioneers in advanced forensics and investigative fields.
“As pioneers, the Nigerian Navy is proud of the milestone you have achieved as custodians of forensics and specialist investigators within the Service.
“Our hope is that you will build on the knowledge gained here through dedication and professionalism in your assignments, striving for greater excellence” he maintained
Earlier, Navy Captain Henry Ejeh, Commandant of the School, detailed the rigorous 10-week training program, emphasizing its focus on instilling best practices in law enforcement within and beyond the military. He noted that the program employed diverse methods, including classroom lectures, practical demonstrations, and training attachments, to ensure the students were well-prepared for their roles.
The ceremony underscored the Navy’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its role in advancing national security through cutting-edge forensic and investigative training.
NEWS
Kwara NSCDC Organises Medical Outreach, Award Night
From Samuel James, Ilorin
The Kwara state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has organized a Medical Outreach, Security Summit and Award Night to mark its end-of-year activities in the state.
The event which was organized by the Tanke Division highlighted the Corp’s commitment to community service, security enhancement and the recognition of excellence.
The event started with a Medical Outreach that aimed at improving health and well-being of elderly residents in the Tanke community, as free medical tests were conducted to demonstrate the Corps’ dedication to social responsibility and care for the welfare of citizens.
The Security Summit, which followed, focused on strategies to enlighten neighborhood safety and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders. It also centered its discussions on proactive measures to tackle security challenges and to enhance collective efforts toward ensuring a safe society.
The event also culminated in an Award Night to celebrate officers and stakeholders who have shown outstanding dedication, professionalism, and contributions to public safety.
While addressing the gathering, the State Commandant, Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, who was represented by the Area K Commander, ACC Kehinde Adebayo, extolled the officers for their unwavering commitment to duty, and explained that recognizing hard work and dedication is not only to motivate personnel but also to inspire excellence and strengthen service delivery.
In his remarks, the Tanke Divisional Officer, SC Oyinloye Yinka, explained the importance of the event, describing it as a platform to appreciate officers for their resilience and to encourage stakeholders’ involvement while reinforcing the Corps’ mandate of safeguarding lives and property.
Oyinloye further appreciated the stakeholders for their unwavering support, acknowledging that the division’s achievements were made possible through the collaborative efforts and partnerships.
The State Command however reassured of its readiness to sustain these initiatives and to deepen community engagement, and enhance operational efficiency in the years to come.
NEWS
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 1,850 Personnel in Kogi
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,850 personnel to guarantee a seamless and secured yuletide celebration in Kogi State.
In a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Aliyu, noted that the Kogi State Commandant of NSCDC, Esther Akinlade, carefully chose these personnel from various units, encompassing the Operations department, Special Rapid response,Agro rangers, Female squad Intelligence, and Critical National Assets Infrastructure departments.
According to the statement, the Commandant emphasized that NSCDC in conjunction with sister agencies, is dedicated to ensure a crime-free environment in the State before, during, and after the festive period considering the peculiarity of kogi State bordering nine different States including FCT.
“Commandant Akinlade urged the youth to abstain from involvement in any form of social misconduct or unlawful activities that could disrupt law and order as anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.
“She urged the public to observe the celebrations with moderation and to relay any credible information concerning any form of criminal activities and hideouts to the relevant authority thereby contributing to the preservation of the relative peace prevalent in the state” the statement added.