Ogidi Ben Bara (OBB), the CEO of TrackNews Media Ltd. and a resident of the Fonibiri and Eniwari towns in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was the target of an attempted assassination.
According to intelligence reports, Hon. Bara has been facing security issues for a number of months, which is why he hasn’t been able to reside at his home with ease.
The pinnacle of his political career occurred on Saturday, November 4, 2023. He is a devoted PDP member and a fervent disciple, preacher, and admirer of the Diri Gospel. He is running to unseat His Excellency Senator Douye Diri for a second term in office.
Hon. Bara, has always joined the PDP Campaign train for the November gubernatorial elections in the state wherever campaigns were held and he has done so peacefully as a law abiding citizen of the Federal republic of Nigeria. But, some political marauders never liked his supporting and working for Senator Douye Diri.
Narrating his ordeal to the press, “after leaving the campaign ground at OMPADEC Amarata in Yenagoa Local Government Area which closed a little late on November 4, 2023 , I went as usual to drop one of my workers at the Etegwe Roundabouts then headed to Agbura to drop my PA. My Personal Secretary and I were the ones in the car returning after dropping off my PA . Just after we negotiated the first bend after the first bridge in Agbura, I was busy discussing with my personal secretary on the way forward in the forthcoming elections, and we heard a loud gun shot targeted at our car , precisely at the “owner’s seat”, where I normally sit and where I sat all through yesterday when we joined the campaign train” Bara said.
“The noise of the gun was so loud that the only thing I remember saying was blood of Jesus while I heard my personal secretary saying zoom off. From all indications, it was a well organized and calculated attempt because I normally drop off my PA, so the attackers assumed and got it right that I would come around after the campaigns. By the special grace of God, I was the one driving and wasn’t seated at my regular spot at the back seat which was accurately targeted,” he continued.
He said he has been threatened severally by some mischievous persons who have vowed to make him see hell because they thought he has constantly been a thorn in their flesh politically and that this is nothing but a clear attack from those persons.
According to Hon. Ogidi Ben Bara, his style of politics has always been that of ideology and diplomacy, non confrontational and non violent as he has never conceived or partaken in violence as far as politics is concerned.
He said he remains a firm democrat who believes in the power of the ballots and not bullets and that threat to his life will not make him shift his game to that of complete annihilation of political opponents.
He therefore called on the security agencies, to as a matter of urgency rise up to the occasion and ensure that the security of voters and all INEC officials are guaranteed on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
He also urged the security agencies to look into his assassination attempt with keen interest in order to bring to book the perpetrators of the ill-advised and conceived act of barbarism and political witch-hunt as it is his right to belong and support any political party he deemed fit.
He added: “My only crime is supporting His Excellency Senator Douye Diri for a second term in office. Our democracy has grown above this level of bullets instead of ballots, something that must be relegated to the background. You can’t maim, threaten or kill people in your quest to govern, it is unacceptable, something that must be resisted in its entirety.The relevant authorities have been briefed and a police report has been entered and I believe the law will take it’s full course, Hon. Bara added.
His car was damaged but no harm came to him or his personal secretary, as two of them were in the vehicle.
He thanked well-wishers, supporters , family and friends that have stood by him since the unfortunate incident happened. Most especially God Almighty God for His goodness and mercy upon hi life.
Twenty more former agitators from the Niger Delta Region have started a five-week required training programme that will eventually result in their type rating and certification as authorised aircraft maintenance engineers. This will be preceded by a 12-month on-the-job training (OJT) following their successful completion of the program’s class course phase.
The recipients are among the 75 Pilots/Aircraft Maintenance Engineers who are enrolled in the Aviation Training Scheme under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). The first group of 20 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers graduated on October 31, 2023, with great success.
Charging the beneficiaries in his goodwill message on Monday in Lagos at a Program Inauguration Event, the PAP Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd) noted that the flag-off of training for the second batch is another “promise Kept” by his administration.
Ndiomu who was represented by PAP’s Head of Reintegration, Mr. Wilfred Musa, posited that currently, the global aviation industry is expanding at a rapid pace and manpower development is being emphasised by both the industry operators and regulators.
He reiterated that by this specialised program, the PAP has become a critical supplier of strategic manpower to the global aviation industry.
He added that the PAP is poised to sustain this momentum of creating cutting-edge opportunities for the career advancement of Niger Deltans. He added that it is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for the all important Niger Delta region and Nigeria.
Ndiomu further charged the beneficiaries to prove naysayers wrong who suggest that the program is a waste of resources, by striving to be the best. “You represent not just the future of the Niger Delta, but the future of Nigeria and the global aviation industry,” he said. “The PAP has provided you with all you require to succeed on this journey, what you owe us in return is excellence”, he added.
In a separate remark, Managing Director of Alom Aviation Services Ltd, Captain Austin Omame, commended the PAP Interim Administrator for pushing on with the Aviation Resuscitation Program, adding that with their OJT/Type rating licences in their hands, they can secure aviation jobs anywhere in the world.
Onyeama Kingsley, one of the beneficiaries who spoke on behalf of the second batch trainees, promised that they would reciprocate the efforts of the PAP with dedication and hard work.
Mr. Adesola Olusade, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has been regarded as a fully bred public servant who is devoted to his profession and driven to always make it better.
The description was featured in a press release made on Sunday by a civil society group, Pro-Impact Initiative, and signed by its coordinator, Dr Osamudiamen Isokpehi.
The organisation, which was responding to smear tactics against the permanent secretary, encouraged the public to reject the creation of lies about a guy who has done his best to make the FCTA a better and efficient place to work.
Dr Isokpehi appealed to those carrying out such “satanic acts and their sponsors to redirect their time, energy and resources to ventures that would improve their lives and impact the society positively”
He noted that since the coming on board of Mr Olusade, “Regular Training is now being done with the ugly old practice of doing trainings on ‘man knows man bases.’ 40 per cent of Training Funds from each Department is expected to be pulled into the Department of Human Resource for them to identify people based on their specified training needs.
“Targets have been placed for trainings under the SOPs and Departments who failed to meet their quota are usually called to order where complaints emanate from the staff.”
The group noted that the Payment of Peculiar Allowance to staff soon after the exit of the former Minister, Mal. Mohammad Musa Bello was a testimony to the welfarist posture of Mr. Adesola who believes that when workers are well motivated, they tend to give their best.
Dr Isokpehi went further to argue that Mr. Adesola is equally reputed to have “used his Office to raise the Internally Generated Revenue of FCTA which made a monumental leap from N92.7B in the first half of the year when compared to N150B in 2022, N124B in 2021 and N102B in 2020. “Under these reforms, revenue collection from the Six Area Councils are now harmonized into the FCT-Inland Revenue Service eliminating the need for consultants.” Operations of the Department of Roads Traffic Services are now digitalized while the new Park and Pay Policy is smoothly on course courtesy of the Permanent Secretary’s Civil Service Reform Initiatives.
The group further pointed out that “over 3000 staff of FCTA have so far received Basic Digital Skills in an effort by the Permanent Secretary to meet the Digitalization efforts of the Administration. By 2025, Government Operations in the FCT are expected to be fully digitalized. This is courtesy of the deliberate Policy Initiative of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adesola Olusade who wants every staff to be digitally compliant ahead of the targeted date to completely transform the Civil Service in FCTA.”
Speaking on promotion of staff, Dr Isokpehi affirmed that “Regular Promotion of Staff as at and when due with payment of the Promoted benefits has now become the norm in FCTA with the reform instituted by the Permanent Secretary. “Before his posting to FCTA as the Permanent Secretary, backlog of Promotion Arrears amounting to Billions of Naira was owed staff. As I write, none of the over 32,000 strong workforce is being owed a dime. 100 Deputy Directors have now been promoted to the rank of Directors after a very highly competitive process. “Recently a Personnel Payroll Audit was announced by the Permanent Secretary which will be digitally performed with the view to weeding out ghost or non-existent workers in attempts to drastically reduce the monthly wage bill of N8B which the Territory is incurring every month on recurrent expenditures.”
The group noted that , “ It is also on record that Mr. Olusade streamlined all contract payment processes to make it easy for anyone who came into the FCT and becomes the Minister or Permanent Secretary to easily understand files that were paid with references, name of the project and level of completion backed up with pictorial evidence and dates.
“National Shopping has not been business as usual since Mr. Adesola became Permanent Secretary. He reformed this process by putting in place guidelines that must be put on board to merit National Shopping, a Procurement Term for handling emergency issues in the office that cannot wait for the long tendering process of procurement.”
Dr Isokpehi went further to state that “due to the Permanent Secretary’s insistence, the Annual Staff Recognition Award System commenced in FCTA for the first time in the first quarter of this year in line with the Federal Executive Council in 2021. This introduced a healthy competition among staff for awards with concomitant effects on increased productivity that is driving service delivery in FCT.
“Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), a Federal Government’s policy that things should be done in a structured manner which is meant to reduce expenditure on trainings was introduced by Mr. Olusade Adesola. So far 17 Departments in FCT are now fully automated and are deploying their SOPs accordingly.
“Through SOPs, the Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) will soon give way to the Performance Management Systems (PMS) where each staff will have their job prescription and every quarter, staff and their supervisors will seat down and analyze work done and review work plans for the future. “
Also speaking on the allegations that the permanent secretary is a tribalist , Dr Isokpehi challenged those “peddling such lies to go round the FCTA and check how many of his tribesmen are in key positions compared to some other tribes. This was how the former permanent secretary, Sir Christian Ohaa was accused of being a tribalist by these same characters and taken to berekete radio for crucifixion. Many thanks to the ordinary president , Ahmed Isah who investigated and found it to be a big lie”.
In the continuous effort to rid the country of terrorist/criminal elements, the ARMED AFORCES of Nigeria recorded success across different Security Operations in the Country.
This was contained In a press statement highlighting the success recorded across the different Operations which was made available to newsmen by the Director, Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba.
Troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI conducted fighting patrols and neutralized terrorists in Bama and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam and Tarmuwa LGAs of Yobe State. Troops conducted ambush operations on terrorists in Bama and Gombi LGAs of Borno and Adamawa States respectively.
Troop’s activities caused BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants to surrendered in Geidam LGA of Yobe State. Similarly, troops foiled attack on locals in Gujba LGA of Yobe State.
On 25 October 2023, troops ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama LGA of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 3 BH/ISWAP and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 magazines, 3 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 2 mobile phones, one bicycle, one camelback bag and the sum of the sum of Two Thousand Two Hundred Naira (₦2,200.00) only. On 25 October 2023, troops patrol intercepted suspected kidnappers in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State. Following troops engagement, the criminals fled causing troops to exploit the area and recovered 2 AK47 rifles , 15 rounds of 7.62mm special and one motorcycle.
on 23 October 2023, the air component conducted air interdiction on terrorists enclaves in Grazah. The terrorists were sited hibernating in the location, causing it to be acquired and engaged with rockets. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 41 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 241 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 57 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 22 magazines, 7 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones, one camel bag, one bicycle and the sum of N2,200. Troops also neutralized 42 terrorists, arrested 15 and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.
Troops of OPERATION SAFE HAVEN arrested criminals and members of gunrunning syndicate operating in Zango Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Troops also raided a criminals hideout in Bokkos LGA of Platean State and recovered arms and ammunitions.
On 23 and 24 October 2023, while conducting seperate operations, troops arrested 3 suspects in Zango Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspect is connected with a gunrunning syndicate that specializes in illegal distribution of arms and ammo to criminals in Southern Kaduna. Troops recovered one vehicle, wrist watch, NP camo cap, wallet, 2 ATM cards and 3 mobile phones. Similarly, on 26 and 27 October 2023, troops while conducting separate operations with hybrid forces arrested 2 suspected members of a gun running indicate in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Preliminary investigation revealed one to be a member of the gunrunning syndicate,while the other was an associate of notorious terrorist on the watch list known as Muhammad Kaduna Dantala. Troops recovered one pistol, 48 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 mobile phones, multiple ID cards, some illicit drugs and the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000.00) only.
Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recovered one pistol, 48 rounds of 9mm ammo, one vehicle, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N200,000 only, amongst other items. Troops also neutralized 2 terrorists and arrested 6, while rescuing 2 kidnapped hostages.
Troops of OPERATION WHIRL STROKE arrested suspected criminals in Katsina-Ala and Takum LGAs of Benue and Taraba States respectively. Troops also rescued kidnapped Okpokwu and Obi LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States respectively. Furthermore, troops raided criminal hideout in Takum LGA of Taraba State.
On 23 October 2023, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. The suspects are members of Benue State Livestock Guards. Preliminary investigation revealed the suspects masterminded series of kidnappings and other nefarious activities within Logo and Ukum LGAs of Benue State. Troops recovered 2 mobile phones, 2 ATM cards and the sum of Ten Thousand Nine Hundred Naira (₦10,900.00) only. Further investigation, ongoing. On 23 October 2023, troops patrol arrested 3 suspected terrorists in Takum LGA of Taraba State. The arrested persons reportedly masterminded the killing of one Mr Tyovenda Iordye at Tse-Tana Village in Donga LGA of Taraba State on 22 Oct 23. Further investigation , ongoing. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists and rescued 15 kidnapped hostages. Also, troops recovered 5 locally fabricated rifles and 2 motorcycles.
The troops of OPERATION HADARIN DAJI rescued kidnapped hostages in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Troops also made arrest and, recovered of arms and ammunition. On 24 October 2023, troops night patrol foiled a kidnap incident in Faskari LGA of Katsina State and rescued 2 hostages. The hostages have been reunited with their families.
On 27 October 2023 the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on a terrorists kingpin enclave in Zamfara State. The location belong to a terrorist kngoin known as Mai Solar was observed , acquired and engaged , destroying the terrorist hibernating in the location. Feedback reveals that several terrorists were neutralized.
Troops of OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH conducted raid on terrorists residence in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. On 22 October 2023, troops raided a suspected terrorist collaborator and logistician hideout in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. The suspect reportedly supplies ammunition and other items to the terrorist. The suspect identified as Dantani, supplies ammo to criminals around Zango Kataf general area while disguised as a yam seller. Following the raid,troops arrested 3 additional suspects and investigation is ongoing.
On 25 October 2023, troops arrested 4 suspected terrorists informants in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja. Investigation , ongoing.
Troops of OPERATION DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops arrested suspected criminals in Udu and Akpabuyo LGAs of Delta and Cross River States respectively. Troops also conducted raid operation in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State.
Troops discovered and destroyed 106 dugout pits, 111 boats, 229 storage tanks, 290 cooking ovens, 8 pumping machine, 10 outboard engine, 2 speedboats, one vessel and 96 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 506,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 477,790 litres of illegally refined AGO and 51,000 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 57 suspected oil thefts.
On 23 October 2023, troops responded to a distress call on youths firing sporadically into the air in Udu LGA of Delta State. The youths were said to be protesting a leadership tussle. During operation, troops arrested 12 suspects while 5 injured suspects were evacuated to the hospital. Troops recovered 3 pump action guns, 35 live cartridges, empty shell, axes and cutlasses.
On 29 Oct ober 2023, following a tip off, troops raided the residence of a suspected gun runner and arms dealer in Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom State. Following the raid, troops arrested one suspect and recovered one double barrel locally made rifle, 3 live cartridges, 4 walking talking radios, 3 mobile phones, assorted charms and some military accoutrements. On 25 October 2023, a fisherman handed over 166 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO (Linked) to troops in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State. The fisherman reported that he discovered the ammo at Nembe River wrapped and tied in a cellophane bag.
Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 106 dugout pits, 111 boats, 229 storage tanks, 290 cooking ovens, 8 pumping machine, 10 outboard engine, 2 speedboats, one vessel and 96 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 506,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 477,790 litres of illegally refined AGO and 51,000 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 57 suspected oil theft perpetrators and recovered 3 pump action guns, one pistols, one locally made double barrel rifle, one dane gun, 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO (linked), 2 rounds of 9mm ammo, 38 live cartridges, 15 vehicles, 6 motorcycles 3 mobile phones amongst other items.
Troops of OPERATION UDO KA conducted raid operation to criminals hideouts in Nnewi-South and Ohaukwu LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively.
On 23 October 2023, troops raided a suspected criminals’ hideout in Nnewi-South LGA of Anambra State. During the operation troops arrested 3 suspected criminals.On 26 October 2023, in separates operations, troops raided a suspected criminals hideouts in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State. Following the operations, troops made 3 arrest and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 48 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 magazines.
On 31 Oct 23, troops in conjunction with DSS personnel raided the house of an IPOB/ESN extremist at ISHIEKE in ABAKALIKI Metropolis of EBONYI State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected IPOB/ESN criminal and recovered one reel of detonating cord, 57 water gel explosive, and one bag of plastic explosive. Apprehended suspect and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action. On 30 October 2023, troops arrested 2 suspected IPOB/ESN IED criminals in Okigwe and Ishielu LGAs of Imo and Ebonyi States respectively. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspect identified as Mr AKACHUKWU OKECHUKWU (aka AKIN) as an IPOB/ESN logistician. Investigation , ongoing.
In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 6 terrorist, made 13 arrest and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated rifles, 2 pistols, one dane gun, 48 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 179 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO, 35 cartridges and 6 magazines.
Major General Edward Buba stated that all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action. underscoring the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to enhancing security and stability in the country.
The election of Hon. Joshua Audu Gana of the People Democratic Party (PDP) for the Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency in Niger State (2023-2027) has been affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
Responding to the historical judgement, Hon Gana said: “My dear Constituents on Wednesday, 1st November 2023, the Court of Appeal Abuja delivered a historic ruling on Appeal CA/ABJ/EP/HR/59/2023 where the Judges unanimously affirmed the mandate you freely gave me on February 25, 2023 election as the duly and rightful winner of that election.”
It would be recalled that the National and State House of Assembly Election Tribunal on September, 11th 2023 nullified Gana’s election and of which Hon. Gana appealed that judgement at the appellate Court.
“The affirmation by the Court of Appeal truly brings to rest the contest for our Federal Constituency,” he said.
The Court of Appeal on Wednesday, a three-man member unanimously upheld the argument by the lawyer of Gana, that the Tribunal was wrong to have held in favour of the petition, Abdullahi Usman Gbatamagi and the All Progressive Party (APC).
Describing the judgement, Gana said: “Our victory at the Court, which is a clear reflection of what happened on Election day reinforces the principle that the judiciary is the final hope for the common man and democracy.”
Still speaking on the judgment, he said that when the Election Petition Tribunal ruled against him on September, 11th 2023, he was sure that it would not stand, “I was optimistic that the tribunal had erred and that travesty of justice was not going to stand and today, their Lords at the Court of Appeal agreed with us that we won the elections,” he said.
He promised all inclusive representative saying, “We will not take the electorate for granted. We see the judgement as an opportunity to serve our people as a means of deepening the democratic culture and all hands must be on the deck in serving our people,” he promised.
To his constituents, he made more promises to them saying, “I wish to assure you my good constituents that I am more than ever ready to serve and will be more focused and consistent in drawing attention to issues affecting our constituency and follow through until solutions and resolutions are found.”
He called on his APC counterpart not to see the judgement as a blow, but to join hands with him in bringing development to their constituents. “I urge my brother and friend Hon. Abdullahi Usman to see the outcome as a true expression of the people’s will and God’s doing and give all the support that is required for the good of our people as we shall be magnanimous even in victory,” he said.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre of controversial Bayelsa Blogger and self-proclaimed ex-agitator, Mienpamo Onitsha Saint, for criminal defamation against the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu (Retd).
The defendant, the owner of Naijalivetv.com, is on trial on three counts of claimed deliberate libel, threat, inciting danger, and insult against the PAP Interim Administrator.
When the charges were read to him on Thursday at the commencement of hearing, the accused person however pleaded not guilty.
The charges read in part, “That you Mienpamo Onitsha Saint of Imiringi Road, Yenagoa, sometimes in September 2023 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did knowingly and intentionally sent a message/post by means of computer system network via your Facebook page ‘Mienpamo Onitsha Saint’ that vote of no confidence on Ndiomu as Amnesty Delegate strangled to death by Ndiomu Boys in Abuja which you know to be false, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, ill will and needless anxiety to one Major General Barry Ndiomu (Retd) and thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of the cyber crime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.
“That you Mienpamo Onitsha Saint of Imiringi Road, Yenagoa sometimes in September 2023 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did knowingly and intentionally transmitted and caused the transmission of a communication through a computer system network via public Facebook page known as Bayelsa Focus Group that vote of no confidence on Ndiomu as Amnesty Delegate strangled to death by Ndiomu Boys in Abuja which is aimed at bullying, threatening, threatening and harassing the person of Major General Barry Ndiomu (Retd) and such communication has caused him fear of death, violence, bodily harm and you thereby committed offence punishable under section 24 (2) (a) of the cyber crime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015”.
The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite therefore adjourned the case till December 4, 2023, for continuation of trial.
In a formal and objective expression of appreciation, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, the Minister of State for Defense, lauded the achievements of Nigerian cadets who secured medals and trophies at the Sailing games hosted in China. This commendation was made public through a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike mnipr.
Dr. Matawalle’s praise was extended to these triumphant cadets for their exceptional performance, and he assured them of the Ministry’s enduring support for future competitions.
These expressions of commendation and support were conveyed during a meeting between the Minister and the Commandant of the Nigeria Defense Academy (NDA) along with the victorious cadets. The meeting took place at the Minister’s office in Ship House, Abuja.
Dr. Matawalle, visibly impressed by the cadets’ accomplishments, emphasized the significance of their achievement in enhancing Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage. He underscored, “The trophy symbolizes an achievement not only for the Military but for the entire nation.”
Moreover, the Minister inspired the cadets to set their sights on more victories and promised his involvement in their upcoming sporting endeavors.
Major General JO Ochai, the Commandant of the Nigeria Defense Academy (NDA), added to the praise by highlighting the potential positive impact of the trophies on the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China. He noted that the sailing competition marked a historic moment, as the Nigerian cadets were the sole international participants competing against their Chinese counterparts in the inaugural edition.
The Commandant went on to emphasize the cadets’ significant achievements throughout the week-long competition, attributing their success to their exceptional physical fitness and military prowess.
The crowning moment of the event was the presentation of the trophies to the Honorable Minister by the NDA Commandant, signifying the culmination of this notable achievement.
In a formal and objective expression of appreciation, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, the Minister of State for Defense, lauded the achievements of Nigerian cadets who secured medals and trophies at the Sailing games hosted in China. This commendation was made public through a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike mnipr.
Dr. Matawalle’s praise was extended to these triumphant cadets for their exceptional performance, and he assured them of the Ministry’s enduring support for future competitions.
These expressions of commendation and support were conveyed during a meeting between the Minister and the Commandant of the Nigeria Defense Academy (NDA) along with the victorious cadets. The meeting took place at the Minister’s office in Ship House, Abuja.
Dr. Matawalle, visibly impressed by the cadets’ accomplishments, emphasized the significance of their achievement in enhancing Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage. He underscored, “The trophy symbolizes an achievement not only for the Military but for the entire nation.”
Moreover, the Minister inspired the cadets to set their sights on more victories and promised his involvement in their upcoming sporting endeavors.
Major General JO Ochai, the Commandant of the Nigeria Defense Academy (NDA), added to the praise by highlighting the potential positive impact of the trophies on the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China. He noted that the sailing competition marked a historic moment, as the Nigerian cadets were the sole international participants competing against their Chinese counterparts in the inaugural edition.
The Commandant went on to emphasize the cadets’ significant achievements throughout the week-long competition, attributing their success to their exceptional physical fitness and military prowess.
The crowning moment of the event was the presentation of the trophies to the Honorable Minister by the NDA Commandant, signifying the culmination of this notable achievement.
In a focused effort to bolster the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces with cutting-edge military hardware and equipment, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni, embarked on a significant visit to Turkey. The primary aim of this diplomatic mission was to engage in discussions and exploration of potential collaborations between Nigeria and Turkey in the realm of military hardware and equipment production.
This critical development was announced to the press by the Director of Press of the Ministry, Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic endeavor. Minister Badaru, joined by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, set foot in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, where they initiated their expedition.
Their journey led them to the doors of the Turkish Aerospace Industries, a renowned establishment engaged in the manufacturing of modern military aircraft and various other defense equipment. The Honourable Minister, keen on firsthand understanding, meticulously inspected different segments of the facility.
During this informative visit, Engineer Temel Kotel, the Chief Executive Officer of the Turkish Aerospace Industries, shared valuable insights with Minister Badaru. He elaborated on the history and scope of the company’s operations, which commenced in 1973. Their core areas of expertise encompass the production of military aircraft, satellites, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Minister Badaru took this opportunity to commend the Turkish Aerospace Industries for their impressive track record, spanning over five decades, in manufacturing military equipment. This visit undoubtedly served as an opportunity to witness the remarkable strides Turkey has made in this field, underlining the potential benefits of closer collaboration.
Furthermore, Minister Badaru expressed his intention to explore the potential for cooperation with Turkey in intelligence sharing and information exchange. Such collaboration holds the promise of fostering mutual gains in the realm of defense, thereby strengthening the ties between Nigeria and Turkey. This visit marks a significant step towards furthering defense cooperation between the two nations, with an emphasis on objectivity, precision, and a shared commitment to bolstering security and military capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence has inaugurated Strategic Planning Team to drive the full realization of the digitalization of the Service and institutionalization of the Federal Civil Service Strategic Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 25).
According to a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mr Henshaw Ogubike mnipr.
Inaugurating the nine members committee drawn from the core departments of the Ministry on Thursday, 26th October 2023 at a retreat organized by the Ministry on the development of the Ministry of Defence Strategic Plan in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni said that Head of Service (HoS) Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has directed the Ministry to develop its Strategic Plan that will help in achieving the Ministry’s peculiar mandate.
Consequently, the Strategic Plan and ministerial goals will be systematically disseminated from departments to individual staff members. This process will involve outlining job descriptions, establishing strategic objectives, defining key performance indicators, specifying key result areas, and implementing performance contracts and reviews, all aimed at optimizing performance.
Ms. Suzan Ochida, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, representing Dr Kana encouraged participants to give their utmost dedication to the development of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan.
In his introductory address, Olusa Dada, the Director of Planning Research and Statistics, implored all participants to engage in meaningful discussions and present innovative ideas that will energize the realization of the Ministry’s mission in alignment with FCSSIP 25.
The Director explained that the Strategic Plan represents a groundbreaking initiative by the OHCSF, designed to shift away from outdated practices and usher in a new era of a high-performing, world-class civil service, fostering rapid national development.
The highlight of the retreat was goodwill messages given by various stakeholders and paper presentations geared towards a robust Strategic Plan for the Ministry.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency stressed the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of the entire system. He emphasized that a well-structured strategic plan is essential for propelling the Ministry of Defence toward fulfilling its mandate in ensuring national security.
Additionally, Professor Ajayi Adeyemi, representing OHCSF, extended his appreciation to the Ministry for both the inauguration and the retreat. He noted that the retreat’s timing is aligned with a paradigm shift towards government business conducted by a highly efficient, world-class civil service. He remarked, “The Defense sector strategic plan will aptly support all six pillars of FCSSIP 25.”
The retreat received significant attendance from the Ministry’s management and staff.
