Category: News

Okpebholo suspends FEWMA CEO over alleged insubordination

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended Ahmed Momoh, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), over his alleged involvement in a turbaning ceremony and the appointment of Chiefs and Village Heads in the South-Ibie Kingdom.

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced in a statement released on Saturday by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.

The governor cited insubordination as the reason for the suspension and directed Momoh to hand over all government property in his possession to the most senior public servant at the agency.

Momoh, who hails from the South-Ibie Kingdom in Etsako West Local Government Area, reportedly defied a directive from the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs to halt the turbaning ceremony scheduled for January 25, 2025.

The ministry earlier suspended the event due to security concerns, warning that it could escalate tensions in the community.

According to the statement, the planned installation of new Chiefs and Clan Heads was to be conducted by Umoru Inusa Umoru, the alleged Aidenogie of South-Ibie. However, the state government deemed the ceremony unauthorised and ordered it to be postponed.

Despite this, Momoh allegedly proceeded with actions that threatened the peace in the area.

““The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, effective immediately,” the statement read.

The government reiterated that any actions by Umoru in his capacity as the purported Aidenogie must cease until proper clearance is obtained from the relevant authorities.

January 25, 2025
Troops neutralise terrorist commander, gunrunner, Abu Mosaje, 96 others

The Defence Headquarters says troops have, in the last week, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander and gunrunner identified as Abu Mosaje in Plateau and 96 other terrorists across the country.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Friday in Abuja.

Buba said the military has intensified ongoing counterterrorism operations across the nation targeting not just the terrorists but their network of collaborators, informants, and support base.

According to him, Abu Mosaje was killed in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau, adding that the same troops apprehended a wanted kidnap kingpin, Babangida Usman, in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Buba said that Babangida had been on the security watch list.

“Furthermore, troops arrested another notorious gunrunner and his son, identified as Timothy Yusuf and Timothy Obadiah.

“Meanwhile, in the South East, troops arrested seven IPOB/ESN terrorists, including a notorious kidnapper and informants, in Enugu North and Ehime Mbano Local Government Areas of Enugu and Imo States.

“Nevertheless, during the week under review, troops neutralised 79 and arrested 224 persons.

“Troops also arrested 28 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 67 kidnapped hostages,” he said.

Buba said the troops in the South-South denied the oil thieves of the estimated sum of N747m during the week.

He added that troops also discovered and destroyed 215 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 29 boats, 62 storage tanks, 20 drums, and 42 illegal refining sites.

He said the troops also recovered one barge, one tugboat, two pumping machines, two speedboats, nine outboard engines, two vehicles, 21 motorcycles, 11 mobile phones, and eight vehicles, among others.

“Troops recovered 842,685 litres of stolen crude oil, 12,340 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 200 litres of DPK.

“Furthermore, across all the theatres of operations, troops recovered 104 assorted weapons and 1,953 assorted ammunition.

“The breakdown is as follows: 53 AK-47 rifles, 25 fabricated rifles, one FN rifle, 11 Dane guns, two pump-action guns, one fabricated SMG, four IEDs, seven RPG bombs, 30 magazines, four IEDs, and three locally made butts.

“Others are: 1,186 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 417 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 49 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 190 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 12 live cartridges, three bandoliers, one Baofeng, and 35 motorcycles, amongst other items.

“Overall, troops remain steadfast in the destruction of terrorists across the country and remain committed to creating conditions in which the safety and security of citizens is guaranteed,” he added. (NAN)

January 25, 2025
Impeachment: Obasa knocks Lagos CP, accuses police of connivance

Impeached former Lagos Assembly Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa has accused the Lagos police of connivance during the impeachment process that ousted him from office recently.

According to Obasa, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police led police officers to invade the state assembly on the day of the removal, adding that over 200 policemen also invaded his private residence in Agege and blocked the gate, while they prevented members of his family from going out of the house.

“I am not afraid of being removed, after all it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well.

“They did the removal all because I was out of the country. Lagos is a special place, we cannot denigrate the state.

“When former speaker, Rt. Hon Jokotola Pelumi was removed, he was in the assembly and we did not invite policemen. When my sister, former deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho was removed, we did not invite the police.

“They should not discredit an innocent person, they should prove their allegations against me. The Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standard of excellence.

“I believe in the image of our institution, we must not destroy it and I will never partake in it’s destruction.

“I appreciate the members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of the state, he is my brother and he always calls me his younger brother,” he stated.

Obasa also thanked President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi who he said would always be his father.

He recalled that he had been with President Tinubu during his days in the Social Democratic Party, SDP, adding that he never expected to be Speaker in 2015, but that Tinubu supported him even when everyone was against him.

January 25, 2025
Excessive taxes hurting aviation sector, pushing Nigerian airfares beyond reach

On November 25, 2024, Mr Kay was seated in his living room feigning smiles that could not mask his sour mood.

Read Also: Detty December could serve as a model for Nigeria’s nationwide tourism revolution.

The senior citizen, who spent months preparing for his only child’s graduation at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, had missed out on what could have been a historic occasion.

Reason: He could not afford the cost of his flight, even though he explored options that would fetch him the money for eight weeks.

His last attempt, which was to get in touch with his former student, now an executive at one of Nigerian flag carriers, ended in futility.

While the airline offered him a rebate, which he also couldn’t afford, the retired secondary school administrator was stunned to discover that the flight’s tax alone accounted for more than 40 percent of the airline’s ticket price.

Though fictional, Mr Kay’s story is an accurate example of the challenges Nigerian travellers face due to skyrocketing airfares, made worse by multiple taxations.

Complaints

Before now, airline operators had consistently complained about multiple taxes, claiming it was one of the reasons for the high operational costs and frequent collapses within the industry.

In 2017, for instance, Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s largest flag carrier, Air Peace, Allen Onyema, lamented the excessive charges, saying it was affecting domestic carriers’ profit.

“I think there are over 37 of them. There are too many. It has really affected our operations and taken all the gains we are supposed to make,” Onyema told newsmen.

Taxes

Fast forward to 2025, the situation is practically the same, as checks by Saturday Vanguard revealed that domestic airlines pay no less than 16 taxes that include terminal navigation charges, enroute navigation charges, over-flight charges, clearance charges and extension charges.

The taxes, divided into aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenues, Saturday Vanguard learnt, are paid into the coffers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2.

Peculiar market

Commenting on the situation, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told Saturday Vanguard that unlike other countries, Nigerian carriers operate in a peculiar environment.

Sanusi, in a chat with Vanguard, said if taxes are reduced, the cost of tickets, which is affecting air travel, will also experience a decrease.

Hear him speak: “It (multiple taxes) does affect airline operational costs. First, you have to understand that the pricing of a ticket is a universal thing. You know, airlines try to recover costs and then make profit. That is how tickets are sold. But we are in a peculiar market where if we increase our ticket price so high to cover all the costs and to make marginal profit, it will make the ticket prices so high.

Number of passengers flying

“If you reduce the taxes, then that means we can reduce the cost of tickets. And when we reduce the cost of tickets, then that means we increase the number of passengers flying because they could afford to fly. If we do that, then we are organically growing the market.

“Our aim is to see that we have at least 10 per cent of Nigerians flying the domestic routes. We are not saying we want 50 per cent of Nigerians to travel, but 10 per cent.

“At 250 million, we just want to see 25 million flying a year. How can we achieve that? By making sure that we bring down the cost of the ticket to the purchasing power of an average Nigerian. The only thing we can do is to reduce our cost.

“And if we reduce our cost, then the ticket prices can come down. The only way we can reduce our cost is to reduce the taxation.

FG’s revenue

“I was surprised to see that the NCAA is one of the top 10 contributors to the revenue of the Federal Government. If I am right, it is about the fourth. I mean, they are contributing over N400 billion a year. Now, if the NCAA is contributing N400 billion a year and the industry is sick, I do not think we should be celebrating.

“I think we should be asking what is wrong. Why is the industry contributing N400 billion on life support? It doesn’t make sense that we contribute so much to the federal government coffers and still there is no very beautiful airport to boast of. There is no very wonderful airline to boast of.

“The average lifespan of a Nigerian airline is usually 10 to 15 years. And most of the airlines are struggling. Bringing the cost down, of course, will change all that.

Unification

“There are 17 taxes and they are documented. All the taxes should be unified. I do not think any tax is not necessary or unnecessary. The taxes should be unified in such a way that when, let us take for instance NCAA, when you pay 5 per cent ticket sales charge, that is all. But you don’t have to pay for inspection, you don’t have to pay for this because you already paid for the ticket sales charge, five per cent.

Cost recovery

“All over the world, aviation is on cost recovery and we are not on cost recovery. So we are definitely doing something wrong. We are not on cost recovery, we are on profit making.

Genuine reforms

“It is necessary to have genuine reforms on the taxation in the aviation industry. Yes, there were some reforms made when VAT was removed on aviation. That is why I said we should do a comprehensive review on taxation in the aviation industry.”

Action

For the Principal Managing Partner at Avaero Capital Partners, Sindy Foster, multiple taxes have become an unending issue in the industry, noting that what is missing in putting an end to the situation is action.

“There is nothing new to say, what remains outstanding is action,”

January 25, 2025
Elon Musk trashes Trump’s $500 billion AI plan

Elon Musk, the billionaire tech CEO turned government adviser for President Donald Trump, openly questioned a new artificial intelligence initiative hours after the president announced it.

Musk claimed on Tuesday that the new AI initiative, called Stargate, did not have the funding necessary to fulfil its goal of investing $500 billion in building AI infrastructure in the United States over the next four years.

“They don’t actually have the money,” Musk said in response to the announcement on X.

The quick rebuke from Musk was noteworthy given his presence in the Trump world. Musk has been a vocal backer of the president and made his presence known throughout Trump’s inauguration.

The initiative is a collaboration between OpenAI, an AI research company that Musk co-founded before a falling out with Sam Altman, SoftBank and Oracle.

January 25, 2025
Bandits influx: South West govs not collaborating with us on security — Gani Adams, OPC, hunters

LAGOS — FOLLOWING the report that fleeing bandits and terrorists from the North were heading to the South West, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams; some security groups including the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC and the Hunters’ Association, yesterday, slammed governors of the region for not collaborating with them to secure the zone.

Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State raised the alarm over the influx of fleeing bandits from the North-Central to Southern Nigeria, especially the South West.

S-West govs yet to respond to my request —Gani Adams

Speaking with Vanguard, Iba Adams, yesterday, disclosed that the South West governors are yet to respond to his requests to partner with the state security architectures to get rid of terrorists and bandits across the zone.

Adams, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, said Yoruba land will be too hot for terrorists and members of the ISWAP, adding that efforts are on to stop the spate of insecurity in Yorubaland.

While reacting to the various threats emanating from the influx of ISWAP and bandits in the South West, he said: “Apart from the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, there are still over 10 private security groups, known as the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group, SSSG, under my leadership and are ready to flush terrorists and bandits out of Yorubaland.

“We are ready to do the job and we are not going to relent until there is peace in our region.”

We need govs’ approval —OPC

The OPC in the Southwest said it was ready to participate in the fight against insecurity in the region, but could not do so without the governors’ approval and necessary backing.

The Deputy Coordinator of OPC in Ogun State, Alao Olusola, who spoke with Vanguard, said the OPC leadership has written letters to all governors in the region, seeking their permission to fight the insecurity in the zone, but none of them responded.

Olusola said: “OPC wrote letters to traditional rulers in the region on the same subject matter, but none of them responded to the letter.

“But as members of OPC, we are partnering with Police in our different areas to fight the insecurity in our areas.

“If the governments in the Southwest can give us go ahead, we are ready to flush out all criminal elements in the region.”

Ondo govt ignoring us — Hunters, OPC

Lamenting that the Ondo State government has not carried them along in their efforts to tackle insecurity.

An OPC member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “It’s unfortunate that the Ondo State government has not deemed it fit to carry us along in their fight against insecurity.

“It will be in the interest of the state if we are carried along in the fight against insecurity across the states. It’s not only in this state, reports we get from across the states in the region are that the governors in the South West government don’t mind us. We are doing ours in the interest of humanity.”

Speaking with Vanguard, the South West Media Officer, Nigeria Forest Security Service, NFSS, formerly known as Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services, NHFSS, Bayo Adediran, said: “Some governors including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State have been assisting our group via provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles and adequate recognition.

“I strongly believe that our Southwest governors will join hands with the department to flush out criminals in our forests.

“The Southwest Special Forest Force, SSFF, under the leadership of Ambassador Emmanuel Adedayo is a department in the NFSS, specially designed to combat evil perpetrators in our forests.

“We hope that our governors in the region would collaborate with us to tackle insecurity in the region. They cannot tackle this menace alone. We are closer to the grassroots.”

Osun govt not reaching out — OPC

On his part, the Coordinator of OPC in Osun State, Mr Adeyemi Aboderin, disclosed to Vanguard that the group is still waiting for the state government’s invitation.

Aboderin said: “We have received a standby order from the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Iba Gan Adams to be vigilant and collaborate with the state government to ensure proper security of forest and border towns in the region.

“However, here in Osun State, we are still waiting for the State Government to reach out to us on areas of collaboration to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.

“We have 36,000 members spread across the 30 local government areas of the state and all of the units are ready to do the needful in contributing to the safety of the state. We are ready and would collaborate with the government whenever they reach out to us.”

Amotekun arrests 21 suspected kidnappers, others in Ondo

Meanwhile, the Commanders of South-West Security Network, SWSN, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, have vowed to flush out terrorists and other criminals that have invaded the region.

Chairman of South West Amotekun Commanders, Adetunji Adeleye, said this while parading 21 suspected criminals in the state.

Adeleye said: “We are determined to stop the influx and drive away those that have entered the region.
“The region is not home for criminals. We have put in place another strategy that I won’t want to disclose for security reasons.

“What is certain is that we are on top of the situation and ready to protect our people against these criminals.

“The South West is not a place for them to hide or stay; we will smoke them out and send them away.
“The breaches at our borders had reduced as a result of the activities of the Amotekun.”

Speaking on the suspected criminals arrested in the state, Adeleye said that his personnel intervened and foiled about 15 kidnap issues within a month.

He said: “We have four kidnapped suspects, five that violated the anti-open grazing law and 12 that breached the general law and order of the state. The implication of this after due analysis is that the state is relatively peaceful.

“The security breaches we have, range from suspected kidnappers, fighting and civil disorder, wandering, anti-grazing, stealing of phones and attempted murder, stealing of aluminium products, destruction of properties, conspiracy and stealing of motorcycles, conspiracy, stealing and aiding and abetting of motorcycles.”

January 25, 2025
Tinubu names former Lagos commissioner, Opeifa NRC MD

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Kayode Opeifa, as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC.

Opeifa was the former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, under the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola, before he was subsequently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to help tackle the perennial, intractable Apapa gridlock.

He was also appointed vice- chairman, Presidential Task Team, PTT, to free Apapa of gridlock by the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who chaired the task team then, charged with unbundling the ravaging traffic at the Lagos ports.

By his new appointment, Dr. Opeifa succeeded Ben Iloanusi who was acting managing director that replaced former Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, who exited on October 18, 2024 after completion of his second four-year tenure.

The appointment of Opeifa has been described as well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to the transportation sector in Lagos and Nigeria as whole.

Friends and family have expressed confidence in his ability to revitalize the nation’s railway system, given his extensive expertise and track record of success.

Dr. Opeifa gained prominence during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives that modernized the city’s transport sector.

His policies and innovations not only improved traffic management but also established Lagos as a benchmark for urban transportation systems in Africa.

Based on his laudable achievement in the sector, Opeifa was later appointed as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and competence, ensuring efficient transportation systems in the nation’s capital.

With a profound understanding of transportation systems, particularly railways, Dr. Opeifa is expected to bring a new vision to the NRC. His leadership is expected to drive the development of a more efficient, interconnected railway system that would boost economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians

January 25, 2025
Birthright citizenship: Nigerians in diaspora kick, say Trump’s action illegal

Nigerians in diaspora have condemned the move by President Donald Trump to cancel citizens by birth as guaranteed in the American constitution, saying an executive order alone was not enough to amend a constitutional provision.

They argued that in the end, it would be up to the US courts and the Supreme Court to decide on the legality or otherwise of Trump’s move.

President Trump had signed an executive order on assumption of office, Monday, seeking to end the age-long citizenship by birth among many other orders that aimed to reverse the President Biden-policy era.

The executive order seeks to stop automatic U.S. citizenship for children born on American soil to parents who are in the country unlawfully or on temporary stay.

The Executive Order states that the federal government will no longer issue documents recognizing U.S. citizenship to children born to parents who are in the country unlawfully or temporarily. The order specifies that it will apply to children born in the U.S. after 30 days from the date of the order.

The order has drawn immediate legal suits with 22 Democratic states and some civil rights groups filing court actions to stop the implementation.

However, reacting to the development, Mr. Ralu Ajekwe, who resides in the USA, said though the move might have been contrived to protect the national interest, the key thing to be considered was the legality of the order.

“Is it in line with extant laws? Is an executive order enough to amend a constitutional issue? One thing I will tell you though is that a government exists to protect the national interest of the state, both in local and international relations.

”This means that it has to take a stand that aligns with its goals, values, and objectives. If Trump has banned citizenship by birth, the questions should be: What are his goals and objectives?; Does it align with the interests and values of the American people?

” Are Americans happy with the policy? Does it lead to the greatest happiness of the greatest numbers?. If all the above is yes, then he is doing the right thing. Another thing I think we should look at is the legality of the policy,” he stated.

Speaking in the same vein, a diaspora Nigerian and a legal practitioner based in Canada, who declined to be named, dismissed the move, describing it simply as showmanship.

“There are two things with Trump: One is grandstanding or showmanship for his base or supporters and another is what would be legal. There is a limit to executive orders,” he said.

Citing a deviation from the 14th Amendment, he asserted that what Trump was trying to do was to introduce the concept of a parent’s temporary status or lack of permanent residency as qualification for US citizenship.

He stated that the US constitution used the wording: “All persons born… in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Can children of temporary residents not be subject to the jurisdiction of the US?

“There is an exception though. The children of people on the diplomatic mission are not usually citizens of the US (and Canada) due to their diplomatic immunity, privileges, conventions and practices.

“I think that executive order will be challenged. It will be up to the US courts or Supreme Court to determine. If the court determines against Trump, those who lost their citizenship while the policy is in force will regain their citizenship.

“Judiciary will have a final say and as such, there is no full details on that immigration policy till the legal challenges are decisively determined by the courts. Anything else would likely be posturing and grandstanding.

“Now, as to the illegal migrants or undocumented migrants, which is also mentioned in the order, the constitution did not say their children can not be citizens. The overarching phrase: All persons born may work in their favour as well.

“Come to think of it, most of the undocumented migrants are trying hard to be subject to the jurisdiction of the US through their action to or inaction to stay in the US albeit illegally. Most are pleading with the US to grant them a stay. Can one safely argue that the undocumented migrants are not subject to the jurisdiction? He stated.

Peter Obiora, online editor at InvestAdvocate, who lives in the United States, said: “It cannot work that way except they change the constitution on that. The constitution supersedes any other executive order. So, before that can happen, it has to be changed in the constitution.

“There would be a barrage of lawsuits on this. He touted that idea the first time he came in and it was shot down, this time around, he’s back with it. But there’s no way Trump can stop birthright citizenship except through constitutional amendment. I don’t see him actualising this until his tenure ends.”

Johnpaul Nwafidelie, who is resident in Canada, explained it was a way to control immigration into the United States.

He explained that Canada was also working on a similar policy action but was going through the parliament.

He advised Nigerians who want dual citizenship for their children to go through the right channel, given the current order in place.

“My point is that Nigerians took advantage of birthright citizenship while it lasted. So, now that it has changed, people should follow the current policy to get it if they so desire.

”It worked good for foreign nationals but is no longer working because it gives citizenship to the wrong people who shouldn’t have been allowed to stay in the country due to crime and terrorism.

“So, it’s a way they want to control the immigrants into the country. Like I always said, no door is shut, it’s just a change in process. So, whoever wants it should be patient enough to go through the right path and still get it,” he said.

January 25, 2025
Sanwo-Olu to Police recruits: Uphold ethics, professionalism

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, charged the newly recruited Constables to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, as well as treat all citizens with respect and fairness, irrespective of their background.

In his goodwill message at the Passing-OutParade ceremony of 10,000 Police Constables of 2022, held at the Police College Ikeja, the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Hudenyin, emphasized that the recruits should never compromise their values, even in challenging situations but should rather, strive to do what was right and embrace continuous learning and professional development.

While noting that 266 out of the 10,000 Constables who just completed the mandatory six-month course in four premier colleges and 12 Police Training Schools nationwide,

were Lagosians, he reminded them that they would face difficult situations that would test their resolve and character when they would be deplored by their various units.

According to the governor: “ . The challenges ahead will be daunting, as they are numerous and demanding. You will face difficult situations that will test your resolve and character.

“Uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrate professionalism in all your actions, and treat every citizen with respect and fairness, regardless of their background. Remember, the training you have received and the values you have learned.

“I urge you to remember the oath you have taken today. It is a solemn commitment to uphold the law, protect lives and property, and serve the public with integrity, courage, and compassion. As you embark on this noble career, remember that you are now ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force”.

In his remark, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the event marked the culmination of six-months rigorous training program that had pushed the recruits to their physical and intellectual limits.

Represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police ,Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade , he disclosed that a significant majority of the newly graduated Police Constables, were posted to their states of origin, in pursuant to the Community Policing principle of the current police administration.

This strategic deployment he explained, “ aims to augment ongoing law enforcement efforts and reinforce the fight against crime at the grassroots level. I am confident that these new officers will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service, thereby upholding the honour and prestige of the Police Force”.

In the course of their training, the IGP said “ we instilled in these recruits the necessary orientation to effectively address the complex security challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles of the law. Our comprehensive and research based curriculum has equipped them with fundamentals to policing ethics, norms, and practices, as well as modern law enforcement principles. We have high expectations for this graduating class of Constables, and we are confident that they will uphold the values imparted to them during their training, thereby contributing to the enhancement of law enforcement in our country”.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Commandant, Police College, Ikeja, CP Omolara Oloruntola, congratulated the Police Constables for their resilience and commitment to the rigorous training process. She admonished them to eschew corruption and uphold the principles of fundamental human rights as entrenched in the Nigerian Constitution.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, charged the newly recruited Constables to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, as well as treat all citizens with respect and fairness, irrespective of their background.

In his goodwill message at the Passing-OutParade ceremony of 10,000 Police Constables of 2022, held at the Police College Ikeja, the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Hudenyin, emphasized that the recruits should never compromise their values, even in challenging situations but should rather, strive to do what was right and embrace continuous learning and professional development.

While noting that 266 out of the 10,000 Constables who just completed the mandatory six-month course in four premier colleges and 12 Police Training Schools nationwide,

were Lagosians, he reminded them that they would face difficult situations that would test their resolve and character when they would be deplored by their various units.

According to the governor: “ . The challenges ahead will be daunting, as they are numerous and demanding. You will face difficult situations that will test your resolve and character.

“Uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrate professionalism in all your actions, and treat every citizen with respect and fairness, regardless of their background. Remember, the training you have received and the values you have learned.

“I urge you to remember the oath you have taken today. It is a solemn commitment to uphold the law, protect lives and property, and serve the public with integrity, courage, and compassion. As you embark on this noble career, remember that you are now ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force”.

In his remark, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the event marked the culmination of six-months rigorous training program that had pushed the recruits to their physical and intellectual limits.

Represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police ,Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade , he disclosed that a significant majority of the newly graduated Police Constables, were posted to their states of origin, in pursuant to the Community Policing principle of the current police administration.

This strategic deployment he explained, “ aims to augment ongoing law enforcement efforts and reinforce the fight against crime at the grassroots level. I am confident that these new officers will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service, thereby upholding the honour and prestige of the Police Force”.

In the course of their training, the IGP said “ we instilled in these recruits the necessary orientation to effectively address the complex security challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles of the law. Our comprehensive and research based curriculum has equipped them with fundamentals to policing ethics, norms, and practices, as well as modern law enforcement principles. We have high expectations for this graduating class of Constables, and we are confident that they will uphold the values imparted to them during their training, thereby contributing to the enhancement of law enforcement in our country”.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Commandant, Police College, Ikeja, CP Omolara Oloruntola, congratulated the Police Constables for their resilience and commitment to the rigorous training process. She admonished them to eschew corruption and uphold the principles of fundamental human rights as entrenched in the Nigerian Constitution.

January 25, 2025
FG advocates Africa’s permanent seat on UN Security Council

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has advocated for Africa’s permanent membership on the UN Security Council, emphasising Nigeria’s suitability to represent the continent in the global body.

This position was made in a statement by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy to the minister, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Tuggar made these remarks during a panel discussion on the theme “Africa’s Momentum” at the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) summit, which runs from January 20 to 24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland.

Tuggar criticised Africa’s exclusion from the Security Council, noting that nearly 60 per cent of the Council’s resolutions addressed issues affecting the continent, yet Africa had no permanent seat.

He pointed out that many of the Council’s decisions, such as the deforestation law that banned the purchase of goods from deforested land in Africa, have negative consequences for the continent.

He also highlighted the failure to hold companies accountable for contributing to deforestation in Africa.

The discussion, moderated by Bronwen Maddox, Director of Chatham House, also featured prominent speakers including Mohammed Nafti, Foreign Minister of Tunisia; Therese Wagner, Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Matia Kasaija, Ugandan Minister of Finance.

The panel discussed Africa’s role in global governance and the significance of the first 2025 G20 summit, which will take place in South Africa.

Tuggar further elaborated on Nigeria’s global outlook under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasising Nigeria’s strategic autonomy and nonalignment principles in its foreign relations.

He also pointed out that the G20 summit in South Africa provided an opportunity to advocate for Nigeria’s inclusion as a member.

“Nigeria’s involvement in South Africa’s liberation struggle and its ongoing support for South Africa solidifies our ties,” Tuggar noted.

He highlighted Nigeria’s significant contribution to African development through initiatives like the Technical Aid Corps, which sent volunteer professionals across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

Tuggar also stressed Nigeria’s non-threatening nature, stating that the country enjoyed good relations with its neighbours, which strengthened its global position.

He argued that Nigeria’s unique role in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council further supported its case for representation on the global stage.

Tuggar called for a return to commitments made by developed nations during the Rio Summit, particularly regarding the transfer of technology to developing countries.

He emphasised that Africa, as a continent of 54 nations, should not be seen as a single entity but as a diverse and powerful region.

Tuggar argued that Nigeria, with its large population and economic strength, was well-positioned to represent Africa on the global stage.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s track record of supporting both African and global causes, asserting that these factors made the country a suitable candidate for representing the continent in the UN Security Council and other international forums. (NAN)

January 25, 2025