From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Nigerian Army has pledged to cooperate with the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to rid the entire South-East of fake and unwholesome drugs, food and cosmetics.Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Enugu when he received NAFDAC team led by its Director South-East, Dr Martins Iluyomade, in his office on a courtesy call.

Olatoye commended NAFDAC for joining in the security of lives as it pertains to safeguarding the water, food and other consumables Nigerians use daily. “As directed by Nigerian Army Headquarters, we will continue to give you maximum security and even partner to do more. “Whenever you need us, reach out and we will surely be there to see that you carry out your mandate hitch-free and unhindered. “We also solicit that you share confidential security information with us to nip other forms of criminality in the bud since you live among the people and interact with them daily,” he said.The GOC also solicited NAFDAC’s help in sanitising the Mammy Markets in all barracks within the Area of Responsibility of the Division.He said that there was suspicion that some traders within the markets were using the guise of selling in barracks to sell fake, expired and unwholesome products to members of barracks communities. “We want a serious partnership to rid our Mammy Markets of activities of unscrupulous traders and their collaborators. “We are requesting enforcement activities within our barracks and we are ready anytime you are ready for it,” he said.Earlier, Iluyomade said that NAFDAC came to the GOC office to “say thank you to the Nigerian Army for supporting us in the recent enforcement operations in major drug markets in the South-East.”The NAFDAC director noted that fake, expired and unwholesome drugs worth over N1 trillion were seized and destroyed to safe-guard the health of Nigerians especially residents of South-East in that coordinated enforcement. “We are here to say thank you. The success of that coordinated enforcement operations is because the Nigerian Army remained on ground to the last minute of the enforcement operations.“We seek for great cooperation and partnership as we carry out further pursuit of our mandate anywhere and anytime within the South-East,” he said.On the need to sanitise Mammy Markets, the director noted that the agency would first carry out sanitisation workshops for traders in Mammy Markets as well as officers and men in various barracks.“This is to ensure that the people are aware of what constitutes fake, expired and wholesome drugs, water, edibles and cosmetics products and join NAFDAC to monitor activities in their markets, malls and shops within each barrack,” he added.The event witnessed exchange of plaques between the GOC and director as well as the director signing of the Division’s Visitors Note and a group photograph.

By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja

The Senate yesterday adopted a motion to convene a two-day national security summit to proffer solution to the challenges, stressing that the measure was necessary following the endless insecurity rocking states across the country.Sponsor of the motion, Sen.

Jimoh Folorunsho Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District in the motion attributed insecurity to the global security challenges involving Russia and Ukraine. According to him, the insecurity has become daunting due to new order in some of the advanced countries, citing the growing impact of the tariff war in America and the rising emphasis on balance of power by various countries.“The recent events in our region have led to feelings of discomfort and insecurity, which has placed the past accomplishments of our security forces at risk even though our military and its partners are striving to address these challenges.“They do not have solutions to the global economic conflict or the effects of new American tariffs and tensions with China.“As a result, insecurity across Nigeria has become pervasive, impacting both urban and rural areas, where banditry, ransom kidnappings and terrorism are pressing issues across the country as well as other violent crimes”, he said.In his contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District lamented that servicemen were being lost to bandits’ attacks each day across the country, noting that the country must rise to the occasion of taming the tide.He said: “If care is not taken, bandits are running Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi and Sokoto and I can assure you that you cannot go to Kwali in the Federal Capital Territory without encountering bandits now.”Senator Abdul Ningi insisted on improving the security architecture to solve the security issues.Senator Ennyinaya Abaribe representing Abia South Senatorial District, said there is no one among Senators that does not know what is happening in his area, calling on lawmakers to get serious and be truthful in tackling insecurity.Minority leader of the Senate, Abba Moro, decried the daily kidnapping and abduction in Otukpo in Benue South Senatorial District, saying a national security summit will afford experts to suggest solutions.He said: “Mr President, I want to say that what is before us now is whether we want to convene a national security summit or not, and if you ask me, I will say yes.“Security is everyone’s business and in proffering solutions, all must be carried along.Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, Titus Zam, revealed that bandits are hoisting flags in occupied wards in Benue State and to that extent, drastic action must be taken to recover the affected areas.Reacting to the motion, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio upheld a two-day national summit instead of the three-day as contained in the prayer of the motion.The Senate President expressed optimism that the proposed summit will proffer solutions even as governors, traditional rulers, Service Chiefs and security experts will participate to suggest solutions.

The Bauchi state government says it has earmarked N4.7 billion to reinvigorate Yankari Game Reserve and Sumu Wildlife Park, to encourage sustainable tourism development.

The government has allocated the fund in its 2025 budget, to fasttrack infrastructure development in the parks and other tourism sites in the state.

Mr Abdullahi Hassan, Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, said this in an interview with on Tuesday in Bauchi 

He said the government was making huge investments to upgrade key tourism facilities, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage for pleasure seekers and researchers.

Hassan said that N2.7 billion has been set aside for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Yankari Game Reserve and Resort.

He said the project included installation of solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply while modern park facilities would be provided at the cost of  N1 billion.

The commissioner said the government would expend N1 billion on the upgrade of the Sumu Wildlife Park to attract tourists and boost the state revenue base.

Hassan said that a 13.3 kilometre Kafin Madaki – Sumu  Road, an administration block and earth dams would be constructed to support  park operations and provide clean water for animals and human consumption. 

“Sumu Park, known for its friendly giraffes, zebras and other non-threatening wildlife will see enhancement aimed at preserving its unique features.

“Plans are underway to introduce new species to the park, further enriching the visitor experience,” he said.

Also, Nasiru Yusuf, the General Manager, Bauchi State Tourism Board, reiterated the state government commitment to revitalise the wildlife reserves through an ambitious project tagged: “Wildlife Rejuvenation Programme.”

The programme, he said, is designed to herald habitat restoration and restock endangered species as well as strengthen conservation laws. 

“We are focusing on rebuilding the wildlife populations, especially in the Yankari Game Reserve, which has long been a symbol of pride to Bauchi and Nigeria at large.

“Wildlife conservation is not just a government responsibility rather a shared duty for future generations,” he said. 

According to Yusuf, the state government is partnering with international bodies, including the Czech Republic,  and signed  several Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs), to enhance development of key tourism sites.

Similarly, Steven Gassol, a former Head of Forestry Department, said the Bauchi state government was collaborating with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), to innoculate over 12,000 cattle in agro pastoral communities surrounding the Yankari Game Reserve. 

According to Cassole, the current state of wildlife in several protected areas across the country remains precarious, largely due to poaching, habitat loss and climate-related pressures. 

He, however, said the federal and state governments have initiated a series of interventions  to counter the threats.

He said the interventions included the expansion of protected reserves, stricter enforcement of anti poaching laws, and community-based conservation programmes aimed at empowering local communities to take active roles in preserving biodiversity. 

This, he said, was being  complemented by awareness creation activities  to educate the people about the ecological and economic value of wildlife.

Cassole further lauded the synergy between regional bodies towards addressing cross border wildlife trafficking, which has been a major concern of the transnational conservation corridors.

“This collective action represents a promising shift towards sustainable conservation, continued synergy between the stakeholders will ensure long term success