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  • National Assembly commends Tinubu’s 4D Foreign Affairs Policy

    National Assembly commends Tinubu’s 4D Foreign Affairs Policy

    The National Assembly has lauded the President Bola Tinubu administration’s 4D Foreign Affairs Policy, describing it as dynamic and articulate.

    The chairmen of both the Senate and House of Representatives’ committees on foreign affairs, Senator Abubakar Bello and Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, gave the commendation while speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

    Bello affirmed that the nation will soon witness changes in foreign policy adding that the National Assembly is working on imminent restructuring to effect the changes in line with global best practices.

    The immediate past governor of Niger State, Bello stated: “Essentially, we discussed our foreign policies and how to improve and have a robust clear foreign policy for the understanding of everyone and the benefit of Nigerians and Nigeria as a country.

    “We strongly believe that necessary steps must be taken to improve the image of Nigeria and Nigerians internationally. And I am glad Mr. President has taken bold steps towards ensuring that.

    “So, going forward in the next coming months, hopefully, we’ll start seeing some changes with regards to our foreign policies that will be clear and well understood by all concerned to ensure that Nigeria and Nigerians are given the right place in the international scene.

    “So, essentially, without waste of time, that is the reason we saw Mr. President today, and I think we had a perfect meeting. And we agreed to join hands between the executive arm and the legislative arm to work together towards achieving these goals.”

    Speaking specifically on how the changes will affect Africa as the centrepiece, Bello added: “You know, as I said, Mr President is very much interested in changing dynamics of our foreign policy which has been, if you may call it for, for a while now, obsolete. There hasn’t been any major review of foreign policies.

    “The time has come now to take the bold step towards working out some of our foreign policies to have them in line with best practices and to international standards.

    “So, yes, I believe going forward, we’re going to be working very hard with the executive arm to look at all our previous agreements and treaties or what have you, to see those that need to be amended or that one needs to be implemented.

    “So yes, there’s there’s a lot of work to be done. And by God’s ways, I think we’ll sail through.”

    Corroborating the Senate committee chairman, Jibrin in his remarks, said they advised the president on how to improve the policy.

    Read Also: Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

    He explained: “Building from where my colleague stopped, we commended the President for his very articulate and dynamic foreign policy captured in the four Ds – democracy, development, demography and of course, diaspora.

    “Everybody who is a follower of International Relations and foreign policy will agree that it’s a well-articulated foreign policy. And we assured him of all the necessary support from the National Assembly and gave some advice on one or two things, how things can be improved, which of course, my colleague has already delved into.”

    Recall that the Nigerian government launched a new 4D policy that provides dynamic and unique concepts, which is anchored on democracy, developments, demography and diaspora.

    The 4D policy showcases President Tinubu’s principles and the opportunities that will attract foreign direct investment.

    Kano Politics

    The Kano state legislator said he used the opportunity of the meeting with the president to discuss the political crisis in his state arising from the last gubernatorial tussle, hoping that it can be amicably resolved even before the final determination by the court.

    Jibrin said: “But of course, you know, he’s my baba, everybody knows my relationship with him. There’s no way I will come here without also discussing politics.

    “So, I also had my chat with him, particularly on how to ensure that we continue to have peace and harmony in Kano and also proffer some recommendations in that regard.

    “Hopefully, we believe that the burning crisis in Kano, as regards the governorship seat, will be resolved amicably without prejudice to the cases that are in court.”

    He stressed that the president is interested in peaceful resolution of the crisis, noting that the stakeholders will support him to achieve it.

    He said: “Well, of course, you know, the President, what he wants is peace and he will continue to support and encourage peace.”

  • Why FG must ban 85℅ importation, by ex-envoy Adejare

    Why FG must ban 85℅ importation, by ex-envoy Adejare

    The immediate past Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Adejare Bello, has urged federal government to ban 85 percent importation practice, warning that it is dangerous for the future of the country.

    Bello, who is the former speaker of Osun Assembly, made this known during a reception organised his party and loyalists after his sojourn in Mexico.

    He noted that the importation is ten times of what Nigeria exports, saying “if the country fails to ban 85 percent of its importation, the future of the country is glooming.

    He boasted that Nigeria will overcome its problems after two years of President Bola Tinubu in government, adding that the president needs prayer and support from the people to achieve his objectives.

    Read Also: Military officers found culpable in Kaduna attack will be punished, CDS vows

    Adejare: “Nigeria is battered, we all know it but we have to give him a kind of synergy, work together, and pray for him. Where there is a trade imbalance in Nigeria against other continents is because what we bring in is almost times ten what we send out. What that means is that we have to reduce our demand for imports.

     “Importation must be banned by 85 percent of what we bring in as of today. If we don’t do it, tomorrow of Nigeria is very gloomy and we should not allow it to run murky.”

     Bello speaking on the performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke who hails from his town, wished him but said “ Adeleke’s tenure remains less than three years so he may not have the opportunity to spend another time. APC is a party to watch out for in 2026. APC is coming back to power, you can be rest assured.”

  • States celebrate bumper revenue harvest as November FAAC allocation tops N1tr

    States celebrate bumper revenue harvest as November FAAC allocation tops N1tr

    The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed a staggering N1.088 trillion from November’s revenue to the Federal Government, States, and Local Government Councils.

    This significant increase from previous months offers a ray of light for improved living standards and development projects across the country.

    In a communique issued by the FAAC at its December, 2023 meeting, the N1.088 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N376.306 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N335.656 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N11.952 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N364.869 billion.  

    According to the communique, a total revenue of N1.620 trillion was available in the month of November 2023.  Total deductions for cost of collection was N60.960 billion; total transfers, interventions and refunds was N470.592 billion.  

    Gross statutory revenue of N882.560 billion was received for the month of November 2023. This was  higher than the N660.090 billion received in the month of October 2023 by N222.470 billion. 

    The gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in November 2023 was N360.455 billion.  This was higher than the N347.343 billion available in the month of October 2023 by N13.112 billion.  

    The communique stated that from the N1088.783 billion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received a total of N402.867 billion, the State Governments received N351.697 billion and the Local Government Councils received N258.810 billion.

    A total sum of N75.410 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

    Read Also: Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

    From the N376.306 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N174.908 billion, the State Governments received N88.716 billion and the Local Government Councils received N68.396 billion. The sum of N44.286 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

    The federal government received N50.348 billion, the State Governments received N167. 828 billion and the Local Government Councils received N117.480 billion from the N335.656 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.

    The N11.952 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was shared as follows: the Federal Government received N1.793 billion, the State Governments received N5.976 billion and the Local Government Councils received N4.183 billion.

    The Federal Government received N175.817 billion from the N364.869 billion Exchange Difference revenue.  The State Governments received N89.177 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N68.751 billion. The sum of N31.124 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

    In the month of November 2023, Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty,   Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Oil and Gas Royalties and Value Added Tax (VAT) increased considerably, while  CET Levies, Import Duty and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) recorded decreases.    

    The balance in the ECA was $473,754.57.

  • I was not rushed to hospital after my colloquium – Akpabio debunks rumour

    I was not rushed to hospital after my colloquium – Akpabio debunks rumour

    Senate president Godswill Akpabio on Friday, December 15, explained how he was diagnosed of malaria and stress by his doctor after colloquium to celebrate his birthday in Abuja.

    Akpabio, who spoke to the Senate Press Corps in his office said his doctor told him that he had malaria mingled with stress after he got home from the colloquium.

    In his reaction to reports of his being rushed to the hospital, Akpabio said: “I have been reading through the social media but I’m happy the Press Corps did not join the show of propaganda.

    “What eventually happened after the event was a show of humanity.

    Read Also: Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

    “I went home and I called my doctors and I was assured that I have malaria, mingled with stress, which could also be described in another way as exhaustion.

    “In fact,  anybody could be exhausted. Please, drink water daily so that you don’t get exhausted.

    “This is to say that the work goes on. I want to assure Nigerians that the National Assembly is intact and we are still going on with our duty, our appropriation.

    “We will resume on 20th December. But before then, the various committees must have finished their work to enable us meet the target to pass the budget before the end of the year for the President to append his signature.”

  • Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

    Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

    President Bola Tinubu has charged foreign ambassadors in Nigeria to prioritize the exploration of new frontiers of trade relations that will be mutually beneficial as they carry out their duties in the country.

    President Tinubu gave the charge on Friday, December 15, after receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Hungary, Lorand Endreffy; High Commissioner of Rwanda, Christophe Bazivamo, and Ambassador of Ukraine, Ivan Kholostenko, at the State House, on Friday.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President also assured foreign investors of diligent and predictable fund repatriation and the streamlining of the tax system.

    Speaking when he received the High Commissioner of Rwanda, the President said the long-standing concerns over trapped funds are receiving attention and that the funds will be processed expeditiously for release.

    “We are one family on the continent. We will continue to promote democracy and good governance. I will maintain an open-door policy, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff are also available.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, we are already working on the issues of double taxation, and it will be properly streamlined to favour business growth. Nigeria is home and a haven for investors,” the President affirmed.

    The Rwandan High Commissioner said the government of Rwanda was prepared to enhance bi-lateral relations with Nigeria, with new visa policies and trade agreements. 

    At the ceremony, President Tinubu asked the Ambassador of Hungary to explore all opportunities of building partnership, especially in the areas of agriculture and food security, and how to leverage the experience of the country in technology. 

    “Thank you so much for taking care of our students who are in your country. We are a very big country, with huge potential to sustainably spur economic growth. We are ready to improve relations, especially in the areas of agriculture and food security,” the President said.

    The Hungarian Ambassador commended the President for his bold, courageous, and strategic decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy, listing some areas of collaboration to include education, agriculture, food security, security, and medical technology.

    “My Prime Minister always says that our relations are based on mutual respect,’’ he said. 

    President Tinubu told the Ukrainian Ambassador that Nigeria will always work for global peace and harmony. 

    “We are with you in prayers. We will continue to support good governance and democracy,’’ the President stated. 

  • Military officers found culpable in Kaduna attack will be punished, CDS vows

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has assured that the military would punish any officer or soldier found culpable in the recent drone attack on civilians in Kaduna state.

    Gen. Musa said the military would not shield any personnel that was found wanting after the investigation on the incident.

    He gave the assurance on Friday, December 15, while fielding questions from journalists during his maiden media parley with Defence correspondents at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

    Over 85 civilians were accidentally killed by the the Nigerian Army drone on December 3, during operations against bandits in Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

    He said: “Wherever we erred we will say it, we have nothing to hide. Like what happened in Kaduna state. What happened is highly regrettable. At that time we were pursuing some bandits and that happened. Thank God the President has instituted an investigation into the issue.

    “Officers that are found culpable for the Kaduna incident will be punished. In the armed forces we don’t shield offenders. We are going to be transparent about it. The members of the investigation committee are not even from the Armed Froces.

    “We have been doing it (punishing erring officers and soldiers) at the Operation Hadin Kai. We have punished many officers. Many of them are in jail after court martial.

    “During operations we have human error and machines also misbehave. The incident in Kaduna is just one of those.

    “If you could recall, it is the terrorists in the Birni Gwari general area that attacked the NDA some years ago. It is the same that threatened the Kaduna air port.

    “A few days before the recent attack day some soldiers were killed by the bandits, and we started tracking them. The drone was following them. We know that there were interaction between the community and bandits. And moulud were not held in that community for some years. But we waiting for the report of the investigation.”

    Speaking about recent military operations in Niger State, the CDS said there is a strong indications that a wanted and notorious terrorists kingpin, Kachalla has been killed by the Nigerina Air Froce during airstrikes.

    “About the killing of Kachalla we have human intelligence that have confirmed that he has been killed. But we are awaiting further intelligence for use to go public about it.”

    The military high command said Nigerians should appreciate the efforts of the military in the ongoing fight against terrorism, through positive comments and commendations.

    The CDS said: “The security challenges in the country should concern everybody. You (journalists) are in the frontlines like us. We want you to tell the people that people are out there sacrificing their lives, and we should not do anything that will demoralize our troops.

    “If you see anything bad, even if it is our troops, please report. If you don’t it means you support it. In anywhere we operate we have court martials constituted so that any of our personnel that erred is being punished according to the law.

    “ I felt very shocked recently when I saw my obituary in the media. That very day we are live on Television at the National Assembly. That is very unprofessional. We don’t want any issue with the media. We operate an open door policy. If there is anything please clarify.”

    “The media has a crusial role in shaping people’s perception. Hence, the relationship with the media is very important.”

    The military high command said contrary to opinion is some quarters after the Kaduna drone attack, there is synergy between the services of the Armed Froces.

    “ Some people say the war in the North East is taking long because some people are benefiting. We are not benefiting from any war. I lost men everyday. Nobody, no Commander benefits from people dying. That is what people need to know,” he said. 

    “Anywhere in the world accemetry warfare is difficult to win. Don’t just allow it to happen because it is difficult to curtail.”

    He said the antitode to insecurity is good governance, adding that some problems contributed to the present security challenges.

    “ Farmer helders clashes, ethic clashes, and others, caused the terrorism to spread. That is why we advocate good governance. If there is good governance many security challenges will go down,” he said.

    “Our porous borders also contributed. Nigerians should began to take ownership of the Armed Forces. They should take issues of security seriously.”

    “We should put hands on deck to address insecurity. We must join hands together to end it. The fight is not for the military or police alone, but all of us. Populace should not support terrorists or.bandits in any way.”

    He said the military is winning the war against terrorists, but there is still more to be done.

    “We don’t know when terrorism will end ,but it is going down,” the CDS said.

    “When I was in the Operation Hadin Kai, 77,000 terrorists surrender before I leave the theater, but now over 140,000 terrorists have so far surrendered to the military.”

    On the issue of allicating largest sum in the 2024 budget to Defence and Security, General Musa said fighting insecurity involve a lot of funds.

    He said: “We don’t produce anything we buy everything. Even the bullets we buy them.

    “So when people thing defence budget is huge, if you take 100million naira into the theater before you know it is gone. In United States of America over 100 billion dollars is voted for Defence sector. 

    “But I can assure Nigeria that the Armed Forces is making judicious use of every money that is given to it.” 

    Earlier in his remarks, the Director Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the meeting was organized to enable the CDS interact with Defence Correspondents about his command philosophy, and to solicite media support on the ongoing fight against insecurity.

    Read Also: Kaduna drone incident will never repeat itself, CDS assures Nigerians

    Speaking on oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region, the CDS accused the communities for protecting the oil bunkerers. He, however, said that the military wouldl continue to pursue Non-Kinetic approach to wining the hearts ans minds of the people or order to summount the present security challenges.

    “But my appeal to all of us is that Nigeria is our country, we shouldn’t destroy our country ourselves. We will have challenges but let work together and see how we can solve these challenges,” he advised.

  • Why Supreme Court reversed Nnamdi Kanu’s acquittal

    Why Supreme Court reversed Nnamdi Kanu’s acquittal

    The Supreme Court on Friday reversed the October 13, 2022 decision of the Court of Appeal discharging and acquitting the  leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on the case of treasonable felony brought against him by the Federal Government.

    A five-member panel of the apex court, presided over by Justice Kudirat Kekere-ekun, held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to have discharge and acquitted Kanu because the prosecution acted illegally in the manner the IPOB leader was brought back from Kenya to face trial after jumping bail.

    In the lead judgment written by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, but read on Friday by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the Supreme Court held that despite the fact that  he was illegally brought back to Nigeria from Kenya, that unlawful act of the prosecution did divest the trial court of the jurisdiction to continue Kanu’s trial.

    The Supreme Court held that under the Nigerian law, evidence obtained as a result of the violation of the right of an accused person to privacy and the evidence obtained as a result of illegal search are legal evidence before the court.

    The court further held that the law did not support the position where an accused argued that an illegality has been commuted against him/her concerning his/her standing trial before a court, that illegally committed against him/her by the prosecution should divest the trial court of jurisdiction and render the prosecution process incompetent.

    “We have made analogy of the use of illegally obtained evidence or evidence obtained as a result of the  of violation of the right of the accused to privacy and the evidence obtained as a result of illegal search. 

    “What is the response of our law to such situation. Our law is that despite what happened, that evidence is proper evidendence before the court.

    “If the police should illegally detained a person accused of commiting a crime and illegally arrest him, torture him and subject him to all kind of dehumanisation, should that divest the court of the jurisdiction to try the case brought against him in that process?

    “The courts have continued to insist that as long their is a reasonable basis of suspicion of the commission of an offence, an accused should tried on that basis,”Justice Agim said.

    He added that where an accused person who is standing trial before a court feels that his/her rights have been violated by the prosecution, the remedy, by law, lies in a civil proceeding.

    Agim added: “That has been the position of the Nigerian law for a very long time. The Nigerian law has not developed to the point whereby it could be said that, on account of the clear violation of the right of an accused person standing trial before a court, the proceeding before that court has become incompetent and the court is divested of jurisdiction to continue to hear the case. That is not our law for now.

    “All said and done, there is no Nigerian law that supports the position held by the Court of Appeal that the trial court no longer has jurisdiction where the prosecution did anything illegal against an accused person while he is standing trial.

    “If the prosecution, in its usual overzealousness and malice, destroys a person’s house in a bid to search for and collected evidence, that would not stop the person’s  trial. It will only lead to a cause of action for civil remedy. Certainly, not go stop the trial.

    “So, for that reason, we decided not to go with the Court of Appeal on this issue because that should not divest the trial court of its jurisdiction.

    “In as much as we strongly condemn what the prosecution did against the accused, Nigerian law does not support the position taken by the Court of Appeal,” Justice Agim said.

    He described as totally irresponsible the invasion of Kanu’s home by the military when he was granted bail by the trial court.

    The judge also faulted the decision of the trial court to revoke Kanu’s bail on account that he jumped bail after his house was invaded.

    He noted that, if as a result of the  life threatening invasion of his home, Kanu ran away, he should not be blamed.

    “That is where we found the revocation of his bail as totally wrong and unfair. Remember that Nigeria has barely recovered from the case of Umaru Dikko.

    “Despite all that we found that the Court of Appeal was wrong to hold that the trial court no longer has jurisdiction over the trial,” Justice Agim said.

    The apex court dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Kanu against some portions of the Court of Appeal judgment.

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja  had in its judgment on October 13, 2022 faulted the manner the Federal Government brought Kanu back into the country to continue his trial 

    The appellate court  proceeded to quash the seven counts left in the treasonable felony charge on which Kanu was being tried before a Federal High Court in Abuja before jumped bail.

    The Appeal Court was of the view that the Fed Govt violated rules of engagement in the ways and manners Kanu was arrested in Kenya and brought to Nigeria.

    The Court of Appeal added  that the Fed Govt breached  international laws and resorted to self help in its failure to file extradition application against Kanu in Kenya, but chose to resort to unlawful abduction and  rendition.

    Read Also: Abaribe calls for calm over Supreme Court ruling against Nnamdi Kanu

    The appellate court’s three-member panel proceeded to discharge  Kanu, acquitted him and order his release from custody.

    Before the judgment could be executed, the Fed Govt applied to the Court of Appeal for a stay of execution pending the determination of its appeal against the judgment, an application the Court of Appeal granted.

    It subsequently appealed the judgment at the Supreme Court, with Kanu filing a cross-appeal.

    Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had in an earlier ruling, struck out eight counts out of the 15 counts  in the original charge filed against Kanu, leaving the seven, which the Court of Appeal quashed in its judgment.

  • N750/litre proposal: NLC blasts World Bank, asks FG to reject foreign influence

    N750/litre proposal: NLC blasts World Bank, asks FG to reject foreign influence

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declared the World Bank as the number enemy of Nigeria following its request that the federal government should increase the price of the fuel to N750 per litre. 

    This was contained in a statement issued by the NLC president, Ajaero on Thursday, December 15.

    He said: “It is truly a shame that the World Bank has really shown itself to be an enemy of the Nigerian nation. Its continued grandstanding and generation of anti-poor policies and programmes have destabilised many countries of the South, especially nations within the sub-Saharan region.”

    During a presentation in Abuja, the World Bank’s senior economist for Nigeria, Alex Sienaert, came under fire from the union for endorsing the unjustified recommendation a rise in fuel prices to N750 per litre which the union rejected. 

    Ajaeeo added: “We vehemently reject the recent advice by the World Bank urging the Nigerian government to increase petrol prices to N750 per litre.

    “We remind the government that Nigeria should not allow foreign entities like the World Bank and the IMF to dictate economic policies that are detrimental to the welfare of its citizens. It is imperative that our leaders look inwards, tapping into the vast resources and human potential within our nation to address challenges and formulate policies that genuinely uplift the standard of living for all Nigerians.”

    The union urged the government to reject foreign influence in economic policies and prioritize the wellbeing of its residents, even as it accused the World Bank of pushing policies that put foreign interests ahead of the welfare of the Nigerian people.

    “The difficulties and suffering created by the last hike in the price of PMS which was a product of the advice of the World Bank and its sister institution; the IMF is still ravaging the nation destroying in its wake the nation’s industrial base and domestic manufacturing capacity which favours Western metropoles,” the NLC chairman added.

    The NLC further urged the government to turn inward, utilizing human potential and domestic resources to solve problems and raise everyone in Nigeria’s level of living.

    Read Also: Delta NLC and wage award for workers

    The labour union warned against additional rises in PMS costs, citing the gap between worldwide prices and local wages and characterizing such a move as a “suicide pill” that would aggravate the country’s economic predicament.

    The union cautioned the World Bank to steer clear of Nigerian economic policies and allow the country to implement its policies that will be of benefit to yrs citizens.

  • Makinde charges Ibadan Poly on technological training, innovation, others

    Makinde charges Ibadan Poly on technological training, innovation, others

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday charged management and students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan to intensify efforts in the areas of technological training, science, innovation and creativity.

    He said this would make products of the Institution self-employed as well as employers of labour.

    Speaking at the 35th – 38th combined convocation ceremony for the award of Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes for 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2022/2023 graduands of the institution, Makinde said Polytechnic/Technical education anywhere in the world is the basic foundation and launching pad for technological development of any

    nation which Nigeria is not an exception.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the state, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, also charged the institution to use its technological know-how as a foremost Polytechnic to develop solar power that will serve key areas within the institution. 

    Makinde said Department of Works in the institution in conjunction with other relevant departments such as Civil Engineering, should be able to construct and maintain road network within the institution.

    He stated required financial support will be given to the institution through special intervention for such initiatives.

    According to him, the Institution has brought glory and fame to Oyo State, declaring he looks forward to more laurels from the institution. 

    Read Also: Makinde presents staff of office to new Aseyin

    He stated that the Institution has also produced numbers of former Governors, Ministers, lawmakers, seasoned politicians, administrators, Royal Fathers and industrialists, adding that many former students have been appointed into key positions in his administration.

    The Rector of the institution, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi thanked the Governor for giving him the opportunity to serve as head of the institution.

    He stated that Makinde has always provided succor for smooth administration of the institution, saying accreditation of courses and welfare of staff and students are dear to the heart of the Governor. 

  • Drug war: Marwa, UNODC experts harp on alternative development strategy

    Drug war: Marwa, UNODC experts harp on alternative development strategy

    The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa (Retd) has harped on the imperative of an alternative development strategy to curtail illicit drug production, and trafficking and protect the environment from exploitation by drug cartels.

    Marwa stated this while highlighting the need for concerted and collaborative efforts in curbing illicit drug trafficking at an NDLEA Special Purpose Committee meeting on the Alternative Development project in Nigeria, held at the national headquarters of the Agency in Abuja, on Thursday.

    This was according to a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Friday, December 15.

    According to the statement, the same position was canvassed by other experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) office in Vienna, Austria, and Nigeria as well as other stakeholders across the country who spoke at the meeting.

    Marwa declared: “Without doubt, illicit drug cultivation and production have contributed significantly, not only in threatening the national and global security but also in modifying the natural ecosystem with severe consequences evidenced in environmental degradation which has impacted negatively on the climate and human health.”

    While spotlighting the record of achievements of the agency as evidenced in huge seizures of assorted illicit drugs, destruction of large hectares of cannabis plantations, dismantling of clandestine laboratories, arrest and prosecution of high profile suspects, and confiscation of valuable assets, Marwa emphasized the need to provide sustainable alternative means of livelihood for illicit drug traffickers.

    He stated: “Now that they are fast losing ground in the illicit drug business as a result of heavy clamp down on them, they may go into other crimes. We therefore need to provide sustainable alternative means of engaging them so that we do not recycle illicit drug dealers in the world of crime.”

    The NDLEA boss who was represented by his Special Adviser on National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP), Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho, identified crop substitution as well as education as vital tools that will be employed by the agency towards achieving the objectives of the Alternative Development programme.

    He said: “In our efforts to provide people-centered sustainable and legitimate alternatives to illicit drugs, we will set up structures to provide education to the people on the dangers that illicit drug cultivation and production pose to security and the environment.

    “Also, as part of our crop substitution programme, we will develop strategies to attract investments into Alternative Development projects through a public-private partnership, particularly in the agricultural sector.”

    He also noted the importance of community buy-in as a key element for a successful programme.

    Marwa noted: “We must engage members of the grassroots, youths and women groups, traditional and religious leaders, and some other influential personalities in the public and the private sectors for effective partnership support in order to achieve our desired success in the implementation of the alternative development.”

    The UNODC’s consultant on the Alternative/Sustainable Livelihoods Team in Vienna, Austria, Dr. Jorrit Kamminga, commended NDLEA as one of the pioneer anti-narcotics agencies that are including Alternative Development in their initiatives to fight illicit drug trafficking.

    He said: “I think Nigeria can effectively play a leading role in Africa when it comes to showing how alternative development and similar alternative livelihood initiatives can help to deal with illicit cannabis cultivation as well as with other challenges of the world drug problem.

    “In fact, you can play the role of spearheading by showing other African countries who (perhaps except for Morocco) have limited experience with alternative development. I think Nigeria could also play a leading role if it takes on board the importance of the environment and biodiversity from the start.”

    Read Also: NDLEA storms wedding party in Katsina arrests groom, 25 others over drugs

    While attesting to the timeliness of the NDLEA in pursuing Alternative Development as a line of action, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development, Dr. Kamminga emphasized the need for inclusionary measures to be considered for a sustainable programme.

    He stated: “Social cohesion, inclusivity and cooperative efforts going beyond traditional family units are crucial to building meaningful resilience against poverty, conflict and instability. An important success factor of alternative development in this regard has been the promotion of associativity.

    “Producers’ associations or farmers’ organizations are critical not only to facilitating farmers’ shift to licit crop cultivation, but also to protecting their long-term commercial interests against counter-productive incentives created by possible short-term but unsustainable profits”, he stated.

    Other experts who made presentations on alternative development at the meeting include Engr. Nurudeen Aderinto; Dr. Jonah Kolo; Julius Bawa Parah; Prof. Oluwatoyin Odeku; Dr. Nkereuwem Williams Ebiti and Dr. Martins Agwogie.