NEWS
Zulum Seeks Deployment of Technology to Secure Nation’s Critical Infrastructure
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has called for the use of technology to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Zulum made the call on Thursday in Maiduguri during a Town Hall Meeting on power and telecommunications infrastructure security.
The meeting, organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, brought together stakeholders from different sectors.
He said it had become expedient to digitise the process of protecting critical infrastructure in the country.
“It is difficult and almost impossible to physically provide 24 hours surveillance on all power lines and other critical infrastructure.
“We need to look at the possibility of using available technology to secure our critical infrastructure,” he said.
The governor said that there was the need for mass sensitisation of the citizenry on the need to protect critical infrastructure.
“We need to realise that we owe the nation a moral obligation to protect all government infrastructure round us,” he said.
Zulum said that the meeting was very important following the need to protect the huge investments in infrastructure.
He expressed worry at the electricity outage in parts of the state capital due to the vandalism of power installations.
The governor lauded the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for its concern at addressing the power challenge in the country.
Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Garbai, Shehu of Borno, expressed the readiness of the traditional institution to support the protection of infrastructure in their communities.
Dr Bulama Mali-Gubio, Secretary, Borno Elders Forum, said that power infrastructure vandalism had impacted negatively on the availability of electricity.
“Inadequate electricity supply impacts negatively on the economy, we need to look at alternative power sources.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, reiterated the commitment of the military and other security agencies to protect infrastructure in the North-East.
The meeting was moderated by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
The meeting featured presentations on the effects of vandalism and the digital economy. (NAN)
NEWS
Benue killings: Benue reps frown on incessant attacks on communities, killings of his constituents
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The member House of Representatives representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Asema Achado, Wednesday, condemned the incessant attacks on Benue communities and killing of 28 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen militia in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Arc. Achado who described the action of the attackers as senseless, expressed deep condolences and solemn empathy to the grieving communities of Tse-Kperyisa, Tse-Adaa, and Tse-Shiver, where innocent farmers were slaughtered by herdsmen. Achado in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mendah Manasseh, said he joined his voice with the Gwer West people in condemnation of the senseless and unlawful attacks..The statement said “the attacks have inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering upon the peace-loving people of Gwer West.”I implored the Benue State Government to urgently intervene by enforcing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, by ensuring that the perpetrators of these barbaric acts face swift and decisive justice.“They should also collaborate with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for these heinous crimes against humanity,” he said.”I therefore call on the people of Gwer West to remain steadfast and united in their quest to bring an end to the spate of killings.Achado assures his constituents of his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to championing their cause and advocating for lasting peace and security in the constituency.NEWS
Benue killings: Gov Alia Condemns Attack on Communities, Charge Security Agents to Rescue Those in Captive
From Attah Ede Makurdi
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Wednesday, condemned in strong terms, the recent horrific attacks on different communities in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders which resulted to the killing of several persons and scores kidnapped.
He wondered why such grossly offensive attacks continue on Benue communities despite the relentless efforts of government to arrest the ugly situation.
The governor in a statement by his Principal Special Assistant(PSA) on media and content creation, Isaac Uzaan, called on Benue people, particularly those at the frontline of the attacks to cooperate with the government and security agencies to bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
The Governor however extend his deep condolences to those whose relatives were killed in the attacks and called on security agencies to expedite their search and ensure safe release of those kidnapped.
Uzaan quoted the governor as assuring Benue people that his government, in union with security chiefs and traditional rulers is committed to concerted action to ending insecurity in Benue State.
NEWS
May Day: NLC Seeks Partnership with Anambra Sports Commission
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), says it is planning to hold some sporting events as part of activities marking this year’s May Day celebration.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Chairman of the NLC in Anambra, said this when he led members of the State May Day Planning Committee on a courtesy visit to Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, on Wednesday.
Nwafor, represented by Dr Emeka Odogwu, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Anambra, expressed satisfaction with the developmental programmes of the Sports Commission.
Odogwu, who is also the Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the Labour movement in Anambra was willing to partner the Commission to make its May Day sporting activities successful.
He said the games, planned for the day, were athletics, Football, Badminton, Nchoo and Volleyball.
“We are satisfied with what you are doing in the sports as Chairman of Sports Development Commission and we want to appreciate your doggedness and effective drive in the sector,” he said.
In his response, Onyedum commended the NLC for the innovation, saying that sports should be a habit for all to ensure healthier life.
He promised that the Sports Development Commission would take care of their technical needs to make the sporting event worthwhile.
“What you are doing is in line with the agenda of Gov. Soludo who has always been supportive of human capital development of the youth through sports.
“I encourage you not to relent in your efforts and support to the state government,” he said. (NAN)