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Tag: Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau

  • Former COAS charts way forward for physiotherapy practice in Nigeria

    Former COAS charts way forward for physiotherapy practice in Nigeria

    …as NSP launches N1b rehabilitation centre

    Brain drain, otherwise referred to as ‘Japa syndrome,’ has been identified as one of the most significant challenges facing physiotherapy in Nigeria.

    Over the past three years, more than 2,000 Nigerian-trained physiotherapists have left the country, with more than 65% now practising abroad, leaving the profession with fewer than 4,000 practitioners to serve a population of over 200 million.

    The former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), said the loss of healthcare professionals weakens the workforce and diminishes patient care quality, as the remaining practitioners become overstretched and lack the mentorship and collaboration of a strong professional community.

    Dambazau spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the 65th anniversary of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) and the N1b fundraising for its National Secretariat and Rehabilitation Centre, where he emphasised that while the brain drain is a setback, it also presents opportunities for ‘brain gain’ through the potential return of skilled professionals and the remittances they send home.

    According to Dambazau who chaired the event, the shortage of accredited training centres remains a significant challenge for the growth of physiotherapy in Nigeria, despite NSP’s strides in advancing the profession, including the establishment of the Postgraduate Physiotherapy College (PPC), which has produced over 70 specialists.

    Another challenge, the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Minister of Interior said, is the limited number of training facilities that restrict the entry of qualified professionals into the workforce, thereby exacerbating the shortage of skilled physiotherapists.

    In addition, he noted that inadequate infrastructure and insufficient funding for research hinder physiotherapists’ ability to deliver top-tier care and contribute to the advancement of the field through innovative research.

    Dambazau, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the City Capital University, Kano, noted that the gap ultimately hinders the profession’s ability to innovate and keep pace with global developments in physiotherapy.

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    “The growth of NSP has not occurred without challenges, as is often the case for professional institutions, especially in developing countries, where various interests and policies impact operations both positively and negatively.

    “It is vital to ensure that NSP’s mission, which is its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for clients and patients through standard and ethical practices, does not falter.

    “These challenges require urgent attention, selfless and strategic action from relevant stakeholders to develop meaningful, results-oriented approaches to these pertinent issues,” he said.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, in his remarks, acknowledged the negative impact of health worker migration and emphasized the government’s intensified efforts to improve infrastructure and manpower in the health sector.

    Represented by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the National Hospital, Prof. Raji Mahmud, the Minister, however, commended the Society for its role in the nation’s health sector, noting that “The proposed national secretariat and rehabilitation centre will undoubtedly elevate the physiotherapy profession and healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.

    “Your society’s commitment to excellence and service to humanity is evident in your various initiatives and achievements.”

    He also encouraged the Society to continue pushing the boundaries of physiotherapy practice, education, and research.

    Earlier, NSP President Oyinlola Odusanya highlighted the growth, challenges, and future of the sector, saying, “In our 65 years of existence, we have transitioned from a profession with predominantly diploma-level professionals to one with Bachelor’s/Doctor of Physiotherapy as entry-level.

    On the effects of the challenges facing the NSP, he said, “More than 65 percent of Physiotherapists produced in Nigeria practice abroad. In the last 3 years, over 2,000 physiotherapists left the shores of our country, with less than 4,000 physiotherapists left in the country to manage the over 200 million population of Nigeria.

    “This development weakened us as a group and in terms of training and reduced the calibre of experienced Physiotherapists to serve our various establishments and institutions.”

    He assured that the society remains determined to overcome its challenges, as evidenced by the proposed N1 billion rehabilitation centre, while also commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Ministry of Health, state governors, and relevant MDAs for actively addressing issues in the health sector.

    Prof. Emeka Igaww, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Coal City University, Enugu who delivered the keynote address, urged the practitioners to endeavour to assert themselves while discharging their duties.

  • Dambazau: Fed Govt seeking ECOWAS resolve to tackle influx of firearms

    The Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, has urged police chiefs in West Africa to collaborate more in order to tackle transnational crimes within the sub-region.

    Dambazau, who said the fight against crime require collaborative efforts of countries and security agencies, noted that transnational crimes cannot be won by a single country or a security agency.

    Speaking in Abuja at the 16th annual General Assembly of West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO), the minister attributed the proliferation of firearms in the sub-region to the instability in Libya, a North African country.

    He said: “The proliferation of firearms is a big challenge in this sub-region, particularly because of the flow of firearms from unstable countries, like Libya. After Muamar Gaddafi, Libya went into conflict and it is still in conflict. Some of the weapons used in the country were trickling down through Mali, Niger and others.

    “We are here because it is a regional issue. It is an issue that has to do either trans-border criminal activities, smuggling and terrorism. A country or a security agency cannot deal with these crimes on its own. This is the reason we have come together as a sub-region to assess the situation and deal with it accordingly.”

    The minister also said there is need for collaboration and information sharing among security agencies in the sub-region.

    Police chiefs in the sub-region have also asked the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) to upgrade it to a directorate.

    REad also: Banditry: Dambazau debunks allegation of N1b bribe to Miyetti Allah

    The security chiefs, under the aegis of WAPCCO, regretted that its current structure makes it difficult for it to perform its roles optimally.

    WAPCCO Chairman and acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu said constant meetings would avail the security chiefs the opportunity to tackle proliferation of firearms, terrorism, kidnapping and other crime within the sub-region.

    Adamu noted that the inability of the committee to meet in the last five years restrained it from tackling some security challenges witnessed in the sub-region.

    On some of the challenges confronting ECOWAS, he said: “We are having security challenges in the whole of West African sub-region and there is need for police chiefs and other heads of other security agencies to come together to see how we can bring down the level of crime within the sub-region.

    “If you look at the 15 countries in the West African sub-region, you will see that they have one challenge or the other. We know that in Nigeria, we have challenges that involve kidnapping and we know that arms and ammunition are coming from outside the country but within the region. There is need to stop the influx of arms and ammunition within the country.”

    Adamu said security agencies at the meeting would see how to fortify the borders to prevent infiltration by criminals.

    On the need to upgrade WAPCCO to directorate position, the IGP said: “I respectfully submit without pre-empting your minds that it will not be difficult to come to the inevitable conclusion that the WAPCCO as currently situated within the border structure of ECOWAS is inhibiting the ability of the body to optimally attain its mandate.

    “It is my humble suggestion that a review of the status of WAPCCO within the ECOWAS secretariat has become evidently necessary.  Consequently, it is suggested that WAPCCO be upgraded to a directorate in ECOWAS.

    “This will guarantee the regularity of WAPCCO’s thereby enhancing the dynamism and effectiveness of the Committee.”

     

  • FG to implement ECOWAS biometric identity card

    The Minister of Interior, Lt.- Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), said Federal Government would implement the use of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) biometric identity card.

    He noted that it was part of efforts of the government to curb influx of foreigners into the country.

    Dambazau made this known on Thursday when participants of Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 12 of Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Bwari, Abuja, visited him.

    The ministry may sign a Concession Agreement on the Implementation of the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card with Euphoria Press Limited on Friday.

    READ ALSO: Heritage Bank launches biometric identity card for PMAN

    The minister explained that ECOWAS Free movement protocol would be accompanied by passports and proper documentation.

    He said the action plan of every country in ECOWAS would be presented “and we will ensure to work with it.

    “We will ensure that we implement the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card in Nigeria. We will launch it three Months after the signing.’’

    He said that the biometric identity card was a prominent feature in the last ECOWAS Summit in December, 2018 in Abuja.

    According to him, nobody can cross our border without the ECOWAS identity card; these are some of the security arrangements Nigeria is making to address border security issues.

    Danbazau noted that border security was a challenge, adding that Nigerian Immigration Service was responsible for manning the nation’s borders and monitoring movement of people.

    “We had to build a good intelligence gathering system so that we can have a good information. This will build our capacity to monitor and respond to these issues,’’ he said.

    He added that Nigeria also shared intelligence with neighbouring countries, saying “we are also partnering other countries, especially our strategic neighbours and other European countries and international organisations.

    “We are installing a system called Midas to help improve on capacity to monitor our borders, and because of the insurgency in the North-East, we had to partner Nigerian Air Force and build their capacity.’’

    He said that Nigeria had provided a number of vehicles for patrol and had established a number of patrol bases across strategic border-States.

    Earlier the Director of ISS, Mr Ayodele Adeleke, who led the delegation, said that the team was on a visit to understudy the operations of the ministry.

    He raised concerns on internal security in Nigeria, stressing on the need to collaborate with neighbouring countries in addressing the issue.

    Adeleke noted that some youths had died in the Mediterranean, while some were stranded along the routes in attempts to move out of the country.

    He pointed out that International Migration had posed a lot of problems for Nigeria, adding that there was need for relevant agencies to collaborate to tackle the challenges.

    The delegation comprised personnel of the Navy, DSS, EFCC, NSCDC, Police and paramilitary organisations.

    NAN

  • Minister directs security operatives to redouble efforts 

    Minister of  Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau yesterday urged security operatives to redouble their efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property during the March 9 elections.

    Dambazau commended security agencies and the electorate on the peaceful conduct of the February 23, Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    According to a statement issued by the Director (Press & Public Relations), Mohammed Manga: “Dambazau thanked security agencies for their professionalism and conduct before, during and after the Presidential and National Assembly elections. The minister also applauded Nigerians for coming out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility, the outcome of which had been adjudged free, fair and credible.

    “Although the February 23 elections were overwhelmingly peaceful, General Dambazau, however, condemned reported cases of violence in a few areas and further condoled with families of those who lost their loved ones in such circumstances. Adding that Government has avowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    “He, therefore, directed that security agencies should redouble their efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property during the March 9 elections.

    “The minister re-emphasized government’s resolve to deal with any person or a group of persons in possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons or engaging in electoral violence or thuggery and other acts of threats to internal security, in accordance with the laws.”

  • FG partners three countries to tackle cross border crimes

    The Federal Government says it has entered into a new partnership with the governments of Niger, France and the United Kingdom to tackle cross border crimes.

    The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.- Gen.Abdulrahman Dambazau, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Secretary, Mr Ehisienmen Osaigbovo, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Dambazu said the partnership was initiated by the UK and France to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria and Niger Republic in the area of border management, intelligence sharing and legal cooperation.

    He also said that the partnership sought to strengthen cooperation among security agencies of the four countries in combating human trafficking, drugs peddling, illicit arms proliferation and terrorism.

    According to the minster, the partnership is expected to deliver on its objectives 12 months to 36 months.

    Dambazau disclosed that the development was a fallout of a sideline meeting of the four countries at the Regional Conference on Anti-human Trafficking/Smuggling of Migrants held in Niamey, Niger Republic on June 18 and June 19.

  • Nigeria only African country issuing biometric visa — Official

    Nigeria only African country issuing biometric visa — Official

    Nigeria is currently the only African country issuing biometric visa, according to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mr Abubakar Magaji.

    Magaji stated this at the 2017 End-of-Year Dinner and Award Night of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja.

    Representing the Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), at the occasion, he said the biometric visa was one of the outstanding achievements of the NIS in 2017.

    “I want to congratulate the officers and men of the Service, especially the awardees, and to tell you that we are proud of you.

    “You have done an excellent job this year. You have won an excellent award of the ease of doing business.

    “You have made us proud because at this moment, Nigeria is the only country in Africa that is issuing biometric visa.

    “It started this year, but we have already launched it. I know the biometric visa is going to block many people that we don’t want to come to Nigeria,” he said.

    While urging the agency to do more in the coming year, Magaji assured it of the continued support of the ministry, which supervises the NIS.

    Reeling out other achievements of the NIS, Chairperson of the event planning committee, Mrs Edith Onyemenam, said it was one of the first federal agencies to implement the Presidential Executive Orders issued earlier in the year.

    Onyemenam, a Comptroller of Immigration, said the NIS was also the first agency to be awarded the Presidential Impact Award in recognition of its contribution to the country’s ease of doing business.

    She said the introduction of online pre-approval for Visa on Arrival, contributed greatly to the country’s improvement in the World Bank’s ease of doing business ranking from 169th to 145th position.

    In his address, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Mohammed Babandede, described 2017 as a wonder year for the NIS.

    “We achieved a lot not because I am the best or that I can work hard. Neither was it because I am intelligent. It is because I am lucky to have a good team.

    “I am glad to say that Immigration Service has written its name in gold. We have been able to become one of the best.

    “We have done the best training this year that has never been done in the history of Immigration service.

    “We have trained officers in every training institution. I think we will do more,” Babandede said.

    He congratulated the award recipients, who he said were selected through a transparent process, and urged them to do more.

    The NIS boss reemphasised the need for men and officers of the Service to diversify their sources of income through agriculture.

    He said they were permitted by law to embark on agriculture as a business, adding that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was willing to assist them.

    Speaking in this vein, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Audu Ogbeh, urged the NIS staff to embark on farming to escape poverty and hunger in retirement.

    “I used to be the chairman of a political party whose name I can’t remember now,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

    “And I kept telling them that every officer in this country, especially politicians, should have a second address which, for you, is agriculture.

    “The Constitution allows you to practise it. Please, get involved, I am talking from experience.

    “The worst thing that can happen to you is to retire into hunger and poverty, idleness and early death.

    “Stay active, go to your farm, keep busy and you will live long,” Ogbeh said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured music, cultural dance performances and comedy in a convivial atmosphere.

    Several men and officers of the agency were honoured with different awards in recognition of their exceptional qualities and outstanding service.

    Service chiefs and heads of paramilitary agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were represented at the occasion.

  • Nnamdi Kanu violated bail conditions – Minister

    Nnamdi Kanu violated bail conditions – Minister

    The Minister of Interior, Lt-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), on Friday accused the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, of violating the bail conditions granted him by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    Dambazau said at a news conference in Abuja that it is left for the court to determine what steps to take on the IPOB leader and to what extent he violated the conditions when his trial resumes.

    He said the Federal Government has no immediate plan to re-arrest Kanu.

    The minister said: “The issue is that yes Nnamdi Kanu violated bail conditions but it is not time yet for him to go back to the court for trial. We have this assumption but I think it is left for the court that gave those conditions to determine whether those conditions were violated or not.

    “If those conditions were violated, the court knows what to do. We cannot assume that those conditions are being violated. Yes the public knows those conditions were given but the determination of the extent of violation will be left for the court.

    “It is not like the police will go after Kanu to arrest him on the grounds that he violated the bail conditions. Kanu will have a day in court and the court will determine his fate because it is the court that gave those conditions.”

    He also said leaders of the Northern youth groups that were behind the eviction notice given to Igbos in the North have been invited for questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS).

  • Democracy day: FG declares Monday Public holiday

    Democracy day: FG declares Monday Public holiday

    The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 29, as Public Holiday to celebrate the 2017 Democracy Day.
    Making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, (rtd) congratulated Nigerians for witnessing yet another Democracy Day, which marks the Second Year Anniversary of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government.
    According to a statement issued by the Director Overseeing the Office of the  Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, the minister assured Nigerians of government’s continued efforts towards guaranteeing security, revitalizing the economy and tackling corruption, which are the three main focused areas of this administration.
    His words: “While a lot has been achieved in the area of security, particularly in the northeast, and in tackling corruption, recent statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics have shown tremendous improvement of the country’s GDP.
    “No doubt the nation is closer to getting out of recession, particularly with the recently launched Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which seeks to revitalize the nation’s economy soonest. With the recently signed Executive Orders on Ease of Doing Business, we have opened our doors wider for both domestic and foreign investors.”
    He enjoined all to join hands with the Government of President Buhari in his sustained efforts in building a peaceful and enduring democratic legacy.
    The minister wished all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day celebration.
  • 400 Nigerians in jail in South Africa, says Dambazau

    400 Nigerians in jail in South Africa, says Dambazau

    Interior Minister retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau on Friday said 400 Nigerians are saving jail terms for various offences in South Africa.

    Dambazau made the disclosure at joint news conference in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the visit of Nigerian delegation to South Africa.

    Dambazau and his Foreign Affairs counterpart, Geoffrey Onyeama had on Monday led a delegation to South Africa over the incessant xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in that country.

    He said he had a meeting with his counterpart, the Home Affairs Minister in South Africa and discussed general issues particularly on migration.

    The minister said they also discussed Nigerians involved in some criminal activities.

    “These are in the minority because equally we have Nigerian professionals who are contributing positively to development of the economy of South Africa.

    “However, that is not to say that they should fold their arms and not to do something about somebody involved in criminality.

    “But in doing that, we emphasised that due processe of the law should be taken in terms of the assumption of innocence, being proven guilty and in terms of fair hearing.

    “I understand that there are about 400 Nigerians who are in their prison for various offences”, he said.

    The minister said their offences included prostitution and drug, among others.

    He said the offenders would finish their jail terms in South Africa because there was no prisoner exchange arrangement between Nigeria and South Africa as it were with some other countries.

    He, however, said that efforts would be made to ensure that such arrangement was put in place in due course.

    Dambazau said he also emphasised that due process of the law should be taken in dealing with suspected criminals.

    “When we met with the Nigerian community, we also emphasised that those who are involved in criminal behaviour should not be allowed to spoil the good names of themselves and Nigeria.

    “So they have that moral responsibility to report where necessary”, he said.

    The minister said that the issue of passport challenge was also tabled at the meeting with the Nigerian community with a promise that it would be resolved.

    “There were complaints that the passport machines were old and from our record we understand that they were supplied in 2007

    “I then promised them that arrangement must be made to ensure that all passport machines are changed to modern ones.

    “We are going to streamline the issuance of passport”, he said. (NAN)

  • FG to resuscitate Immigration surveillance aircrafts

    FG to resuscitate Immigration surveillance aircrafts

    The Federal Government said it would refurbish three grounded Nigeria Immigration Service surveillance aircraft to boost security at the nation’s borders.

    ‎The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau,‎ stated this on Thursday when he inspected the Service’s air patrol base in Kaduna.

    He said that due to paucity of funds the government had settled for the option of refurbishing the planes instead of buying new ones.

    Dambazau said that the rehabilitation of the aircraft would be completed before the end of 2017.

    He explained that purchasing a new patrol aircraft would cost at least five million dollars, “which is very expensive at this point in time considering the myriad of challenges confronting the country’’.‎
    ‎
    ‎He stressed that the need for air surveillance to complement land border patrols to effectively secure the nation’s borders.

    The minister said that due to the old model of the aircrafts, there would be need to upgrade them with modern facilities like the night patrol vision cameras and area mapping and surveillance cameras for effective service.

    “‎We are looking at all possible ways to upgrade these aircraft before the end of the year.‎
    ‎
    “We cannot effectively secure our expansive and porous borders which spans over 4,500 kilometres without the use of these aircraft,” he said.

    Dambazau said that apart from border management, the aircraft when operational would also help check cross-border crimes such as terrorism, drugs trade and human trafficking.

    He said that security measures currently being taken by the government were part of plans to secure the nation and attract foreign investors to the country.

    Earlier, the Comptroller-General of NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, said that effective air and land border patrols were imperative for securing the nation from terrorism and other trans-border crimes.

    He said that apart from resuscitating the patrol aircraft, the service was also intensifying its land patrols with sophisticated vehicles and bikes to protect the nation’s borders.

    Babandede said that the NIS had started the process of re-training its pilots, engineers and border patrol officers in line with international best practice. ‎

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three grounded aircraft were Dornier 228 types, configured for mission patrols and equipped with on board stabilized long range observation system and aerial cameras.

    However, most of the components of the aircraft such as the surveillance cameras, monitoring gadgets and tyres have become obsolete and non-functional due to lack of maintenance.