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.
ABUJA – Sen. Andy Uba, a former Senator from Anambra South and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his recent Supreme Court triumph.
The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was the legitimate victor of the February 25 presidential election.
Sen. Uba, in a letter of congratulations to the President, said Tinubu’s victory was “truly deserved He said the victory was an attestation to President Tinubu’s “doggedness and sacrifice for building and strengthening our nations democracy over the years in our collective interest.”
The APC chieftain said with the legal distractions now behind, he has implicit faith in the President’s “capacity and ability to help us build and steer the nation of our collective dreams and aspirations.” The message read, “Mr President, l wish to congratulate you most sincerely for your hard fought, hard won and truly deserved victory at the supreme Court earlier today. A true attestation to your doggedness and sacrifice for building and strengthening our nations democracy over the years in our collective interest. “With these unwarranted legal distractions behind us, I have implicit faith in your capacity and ability to help us build and steer the nation of our collective dreams and aspirations.Congratulations Mr President on a victory truly well deserved.” “Please sir be assured of my highest consideration always. God bless Mr President and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
An important project in Nigeria, the Dangote Refinery, is becoming the subject of fresh debate. This time, there is conflict between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa and the proprietor of the Dangote Group, which has raised questions about the refinery’s ethics, quality, and safety.
According to inside sources, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has applied for a licence to operate, which is the final regulatory step before a refinery can begin any type of production. However, the regulatory body, NNPC, has been hesitant to grant this licence because of safety concerns because the refinery is still under construction.
He also approached the NNPC to purchase crude but the NNPC declined saying they cannot sell crude to a refinery that is uncompleted. It is now alleged that Dangote is trying to source Nigeria’s crude through trading houses which he would then import into Nigeria – a move that might be seen as ‘going through the backdoor.’
But even if he gets the crude, there are safety and quality concerns voiced by employees of Dangote, contractors, and some officials at NNPC. Without the completion of the refinery, there are concerns that the quality of jet fuel and diesel produced would be subpar. NNPC is anxious because substandard jet fuel and diesel could endanger lives. The refinery, as it stands, can only carry out the first phase of crude distillation which is similar to what illegal refineries operating in the Niger Delta region have been found to do. However, due to the complex nature of the Dangote Refinery, whose catalytic cracking unit is still uncompleted, the quality of the refined products is in question.
It is alleged that some staff within the Dangote Group have voiced their apprehensions regarding the move to start the refinery without its completion. Despite these valid concerns, Dangote’s response suggests a desperate need for the venture to work, potentially as a ‘matter of survival.’
Financial Strain biting hard?
Dangote is reported to be mired in significant debt, pushing the company to the brink of receivership if they don’t secure additional funds to repay certain loans by December. This financial pressure may explain why Dangote is so eager to secure a license to start operations, even with the refinery not being fully complete.
You will recall that earlier this year, the uncompleted refinery was hurriedly commissioned by the former President Buhari in order for Dangote to access additional equity funding from the Nigerian Government as well as a crude allocation of 300,000barrels per day which insiders say would have been sold to raise cash for creditors and partly fund the completion of the refinery. This crude allocation was however put to a hold when the new Government of President Tinubu was sworn in, and it was discovered that the refinery was far from being complete but was falsely commissioned in order to take the crude allocation and sell outside the country.
The standoff between Dangote and the NNPC underscores a broader issue of safety, quality, and financial security that have bedevilled the Dangote refinery project. With concerns over substandard products potentially jeopardizing lives of workers at the uncompleted refinery and nigerians in general, and a major business figure risking immense financial losses, the resolution of this impasse will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s oil industry.
Prince Benjamin.O. Etu might be introduced most simply as the CEO/MD of Bevian Oil And Gas Limited. The business tycoon, who was born in Edo, is more multiplex than this.
His multi-faceted personality needs to be panned in order to appropriately depict all of his various facets in order to capture his essence. Let’s begin: Fugar Etsako Land’s prince. Bevian Real Estates’ CEO. energy pioneer. Vehicle Titan. Titan of business and philanthropist. No amount of rhetoric will do him justice, so we won’t stop here.
Prince Etu is several things at once and has many different meanings to various people. He is a generous donor and a wealth producer to the underprivileged. To the voiceless, he is a dodged human rights activist. To the youth, he is a job creator, educator, and mentor. To the women, he is a gender-friendly empowerer. To the sick, he is a succor giver.
Well academically accomplished, Prince Etu is based abroad, although hails from a royal family in Fugar, Etsako Central local government area of Edo State.
To the people of the Fugar community, he is a bridge builder, an astute philanthropist, a community builder, and a beacon of hope.
To his Etsako tribesmen, he is one of the brightest stars from Etsakoland. To other Edo people, he is an illustrious example of a detribalized Edo son. To other Nigerians, he is a patriot and a nationalist per excellence. To other Africans, he is a pan-Africanist. And to other people of the world, he is cosmopolitan and humanist.
Despite his towering profile, Etu’s magnanimity is second to none. His milk of human kindness is unfathomable from the bridges of friendship he has built across cultures, races, and religions.
Prince Etu’s business cut across the oil and gas, real estate, and hospitality sectors as well as automobile business.
Bevian Oil And Gas was registered and incorporated in Lagos, on November 17, 2006, and the company has since then been consistently servicing oil and gas and related industries. The company has a wide array of clientele.
Bevian Oil And Gas engages in installation of pipelines, fabrication, flow lines, wellhead platforms, construction, production of manifold, facilities, equipment supply services, supply installation and maintenance of oil field equipment and devices, emergency leak repairs, sectional replacement of vandalized and corroded lines, pipeline and production support services and maintenance, calibration services, relief valve certification, Supply of chemicals, pipes fittings hot tapping, logistics transport and marine services.
Prince Etu has other chains of businesses as highlighted earlier. He is married and blessed with children.
The Honourable Minister of Defence His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni received in audience the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria H.E G. Balasubramanian at SHIP HOUSE Abuja today .
In order to improve operations in the Niger Delta region, the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) and the Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have decided to collaborate.
When the PAP Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), was recently hosted by the Acting Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, a strategic cooperation was sought.
The NCS stands to gain from the PAP’s creativity in terms of information sharing, according to Adeniyi, who described Ndiomu’s visit as timely and said that it will further strengthen the peace building efforts of the two institutions in the Niger Delta region.
While commending Ndiomu on his massive achievements since he took up the PAP top job, the Custom boss equally expressed optimism that both agencies of government will work more closely to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
In his remarks, Ndiomu stated that the visit was part of his ongoing strategic and far-reaching efforts to create linkages between the PAP and other relevant institutions to create windows of opportunities for ex-agitators to secure viable and sustainable means of livelihoods.
Ndiomu further restated his commitment aimed at making the PAP more successful, and appealed to the Customs Chief to enroll ex-agitators with top degrees into the Service.
The PAP Interim Administrator lauded Adeniyi for his strides in the NCS, and assured that his administration will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace in the Niger Delta region.
As the globe commemorates the International Day for the Abolition of Poverty in 2023, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has stated that its actions are aimed at eradicating poverty in the Niger Delta Region, notably in the lives of ex-agitators.
Speaking to journalists on the International Day for the Abolition of Poverty on Tuesday in Abuja, the Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), said the PAP under his leadership is creatively setting up opportunities to impact the lives of ex-agitators beyond reliance on N65,000 monthly stipends. To Resurrect Abandoned Rural Social Services
Harping on this year’s theme of the Poverty Eradication Day – ‘Decent Work And Social Protection: Putting Dignity In Practice For All’, Ndiomu said the initiatives that the PAP has so far introduced, will create windows of opportunities for ex-agitators to escape the prediction of the World Bank which estimates that over the next decade, “one billion young people will try to enter the job market, but less than half of them will actually find formal jobs.”
Ndiomu noted that the already floated PAP Cooperative Scheme for ex-agitators, Empowerment/Vocational Trainings and many more initiatives that are still in the pipeline, will solve poverty and change the negative narratives of the region. He added that over 700 ex-agitators have so far received funding in loans to undertake Agribusiness and other lucrative ventures, while 2500 applications are waiting to be processed.
He highlighted the 75 pilots and aircraft engineers sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme to various Aviation Training Organizations (ATO’s) in Lagos (Nigeria), Johannesburg (South Africa) and Toulouse, (France) for type-rating courses as part of its aviation training scheme.
General Ndiomu recalled that when late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua instituted the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2009, the age range of ex-agitators who laid down their arms, was between 25 to 30. 14 years later, he noted that they have now hit an unemployable age range of between 50 to 55 years.
With this reality in mind, Ndiomu downplayed PAP’s drive to channel the mindsets of ex-agitators away from formal employment and entiltlement mentality, towards more viable and sustainable means of livelihood.
The PAP Interim Administrator commended President Bola Tinubu for his determination to give further support and sustain the process, and give the PAP more life. “The President has the interest of the Niger Delta at heart. We will work in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda to change the negative narratives of the region,” Ndiomu said.
***Sustains Momentum in Fight Against Terrorists, Criminals
The armed forces remain vigilant, adapting their strategies to counter evolving tactics employed by criminal elements nationwide.
They are also determined to eliminate safe havens that fund, equip, and support these criminals.
The military’s commitment is unwavering, as they intensify efforts across various operations to root out criminals and terrorists, ultimately restoring peace to the nation.
This was made known in a report made available to newsmen today 12 October 2023, signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence media operations. The report highlighted progress made across Troops in different Theatre of operations.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have been actively engaged in securing the region. Notable successes include the ambush of BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, resulting in the neutralization of five terrorists and the recovery of 5 AK47 rifles and 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. Furthermore, BH/ISWAP fighters surrendered in Bama LGA, and two terrorists turned themselves in, providing valuable information. Stop and search operations led to the arrest of terrorists and their collaborators in Mobbar and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States. Overall, the operation saw the recovery of 17 AK47 rifles, one AK47 rifle loaded with 21 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36 hand grenade, and 137 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. While Troops neutralized 12 terrorists, arrested 26 individuals, and successfully rescued six kidnapped hostages.
In same vein in the North Central region, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have been conducting patrols and cordon-and-search operations to counter criminal activities. Notable successes included the arrest of suspected kidnappers in Kanam LGA of Plateau State and in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. The suspects were in the process of collecting ransom for kidnapped hostages. The troops recovered 2 mobile phones, local charms, and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.Troops also neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.
Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North Central region reported raid operations, fighting patrols, and the rescue of victims. Troops neutralized terrorists and arrested suspected bunkerers. Additionally, a gunrunner was arrested, and arms and ammunition were recovered, including 4 terrorists neutralized and 28 arrested.
The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted fighting patrol and neutralize terrorists in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Troops also rescued kidnapped hostages in Faskari LGA of the same. Additionally, troops conducted offensive operations in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State while arresting terrorist’s collaborators and informants in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State. The operation led to the neutralization of terrorists in Faskari LGA of Katsina State and the rescue of 22 kidnapped hostages. Offensive operations in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State led to the arrest of terrorists’ collaborators and informants. Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 155 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine, and one vehicle.Air interdiction missions disrupted terrorists’ activities, and the recovery of weapons and ammunition, including 5 AK47 rifles, was a significant achievement.
Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted offensive operations and neutralized terrorists in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested terrorist’s collaborators and informants in Chikun and Mariga LGAs of Kaduna and Kogi State respectively. Additionally, troops arrested a gunrunner and recovered arms and ammunitions in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, while foiling a kidnapped incident in Ankpa LGA of Kogi State. Troops also arrested armed robbers in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. On 3 October 2023, following credible intelligence of terrorists’ activities, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction at Palele. Overhead the location, the targets were acquired and attacked with rockets neutralizing several terrorists. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 2 pump action guns, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 empty cases of 9 mm ammo, 6 empty cases of 7.62 mm NATO ammo (blank ammo), 10 empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo among others. Troops also eliminated 4 terrorists, arrested 31 suspected terrorists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages.
In the South South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued their fight against crude oil theft and criminal activities. Several illegal refining sites were destroyed, and stolen products were recovered. Troops foiled robbery activities and rescued 3 kidnapped victims in Okpe LGA of Delta State. Additionally, a criminal was neutralized, and 19 suspected oil thefts were arrested. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 54 dugout pits, 66 boats, 138 storage tanks, 253 cooking ovens, 2 pumping machines, 8 speedboat, 17 hoses, 18 drums, 2 cylinders, and 53 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 983,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 144,980 litres of illegally refined AGO and 71,650 litres of DPK. Troops also neutralized one criminal, rescued 3 hostages and arrested 19 suspected oil thefts and recovered one fabricated rifle, 18 vehicles and one torch light.
Troops of operation UDO KA conducted snap operation and arrested suspected IPOB/ESN in Ikwo and Okigwe LGAs of Ebonyi and Imo States respectively. Troops conducted fighting patrols in Orsu and Okigwe LGAs of Imo State. Additionally, the operations led to the arrest of terrorists and the recovery of arms and ammunition. On 5 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid force conducted fighting patrols in Orsu and Okigwe LGAs of Imo State. Troops made contact with criminals. Following a firefight, troops arrested 2 criminals and recovered 2 locally made guns, 4 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one FN rifle barrel, one Ogbunigwe, several IED materials, 2 motorcycles, 3 CCTV cameras, one HP laptop and 8 mobile phones among other items. In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 12 suspected criminals and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 locally made guns, 4 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one FN rifle barrel, IED materials, 10 water gel explosives, 3 detonators, one detonating cord among others.
In the conduct of these operations, troops have neutralized terrorists, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages. Their efforts reflect the unwavering commitment of Nigeria’s Armed Forces to ensure peace and security for all Nigerians.
Major General Edward Buba, emphasized that the military remains dedicated to its mission of safeguarding the nation. While stating that all recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
