The Nation Newspaper

Tag: military

  • Panic as military men storm Gbaramatu communities

    Men in military gears, believed to be operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF), code-named Operation Delta Safe (ODS), on Saturday stormed two Ijaw communities in Warri South-West council area of Delta state, including Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

    Although the mission of the men on the operation was not officially confirmed, The Nation  gathered it would be in connection with recent escalating militant activities in the area, resulting in the destruction of some critical oil facilities.

    Though efforts to get confirmation that the operations were carried out by the military were unsuccessful, it was gathered that the men broke into several houses in search of targeted persons, sending panic round by communities and causing residents to desert their homes and seek cover in the bushes.

    The soldiers were said to have arrived Oporoza at about 8am on Saturday in speedboats and gunboats, and immediately made their way into the community. The second community they reportedly visited was Tebujor.

    Chairman of Kokodiagbene community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, confirmed the incident when contacted on phone, noting that many residents fled to the bush upon sighting the armed soldiers.

    Mulade, who is also the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ),  told The Nation that many of the people who fled into the bush for cover including, women and children, had not been seen.

    He called on the federal government to halt incessant harassment of their kinsmen  as many of them were already traumatised and finding it difficult to cope.

    Efforts to get spokesman of the ODS, Lt Col Olaolu Daodu, to confirm the operation, was unsuccessful.

  • Rivers community accuses military of extra-judicial killing

    Rivers community accuses military of extra-judicial killing

    Joseph Izu, 24, was a central defender with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Oyo State. On Sunday, October 16, he woke up in his Okarki hometown in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. He had no inkling that would be his last day on earth.

    The footballer, popularly called “O’l Boy” in Okarki, had a very close friend known as Osuaekina Oko, (aka Anko) 36. The villagers alleged he was a notorious cultist and criminal, as well as a dealer in Indian hemp and hard drugs.

    On one of the Sundays, Izu was said to have joined Oko at his ghetto, which was described by the Commander of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen. Hamisu Hassan, as a cultists’ shrine, to smoke along with other cultists.

    In an interview with Niger Delta Report, the monarch of Okarki community, His Royal Highness (HRH) Elijah H. Aduan, the Okilomakiei VIII, said he earlier ordered the youth, led by their president, Stanley Magnus Arugu, 35, to demolish the ghetto.

    Immediately after it was destroyed, the monarch alleged that Oko mobilised members of his cult and invaded the house of the youth president and destroyed his property.

    Tired of the activities of the cultists, kidnappers and other criminals in Okarki, some peace-loving members of the community decided to inform the soldiers to help them rid the area of bad boys.

    Acting on tip-off, the soldiers allegedly invaded Okarki and met Oko and members of his group at the ghetto.

    Unfortunately, it was alleged that Izu was also at the ghetto; smoking with Oko and other criminals when the soldiers arrived at the scene.

    It was alleged that Oko and other armed cultists opened fire on the soldiers to which the soldiers replied. With the superior firepower of the military men, Oko and members of his gang jumped into the river in a bid to escape. Many of them escaped with bullet wounds.

    One of the cultists who survived confirmed that Izu did not jump into the river, but ran through the shallow path of the river and moved towards Okarki Primary School, where he encountered some soldiers. Initially, the soldiers did not know he was a popular footballer. The soldiers allegedly mistook him for one of the cultists because of his peculiar hairstyle.

    The monarch and youth president of Okarki supported the action of the soldiers. They also blamed the soldiers for not informing them, members of the council of chiefs and other stakeholders, before the invaded their community.

    “Izu’s death is very unfortunate. I have visited his father and other members of his family in Port Harcourt. But I cannot condemn the action of the soldiers. I work hand in hand with the military to ensure peace and adequate security in Okarki. The ghetto is the base of cultists, not a shrine.”

    The Okarki youth president, however, insisted that the death of the ace defender was unfortunate.

    Arugu also alleged that the unarmed  footballer was first shot on the leg and later on the waist.

    He said Izu was a smoker but was not sure he was a cultist, saying Oko was the leader of the Greenlander cult group.

    Arugu noted that after the first gunshot, Izu shouted that he was not a criminal and brought out his 3SC’s identity card, which was allegedly collected by the soldiers. They also collected his mobile phone. One of the military men shot him on the waist at close range and allegedly dragged him into Orashi River.

    A member of Okarki’s Council of Chiefs, Chief Ebi Akaliso, insisted that “Izu was not a bad boy. He described him as a role model, icon, star of the community and the best player in the village and its environs, with a promising future.”

    A witness, Delenla Andrew, 25, who is indigenous to Anyama in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, whose house is also opposite the spot where the player was allegedly shot, stated that she heard gunshots and ran outside to know what the matter was. She alleged she saw many soldiers shooting intermittently.

    However, the Commander of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen. Hamisu Hassan, maintained that the 3SC defender was killed in cultists’ shrine at Okarki.

    Hassan said: “On Sunday, October 16, troops of the brigade deployed in Akinima, Ahoada West Local Government Area, conducted a confidence-building patrol in Igovia and Okarki villages.

    “Information available to the troops on patrol indicated the presence  of suspected cultists in Okarki village.  The troops moved in and raided the hideout of the suspected criminals. One person lost his life at the hideout, while many others fled.

    “Later, it was confirmed that the person who lost his life was a Nigerian footballer, identified as Mr. Izu Joseph. Nevertheless, investigation is ongoing to further determine why and what he was doing at the cultists’ shrine at the time.”

    Izu’s father, Reuben Izu, disagreed with the commander of 2 Brigade.

    He said: “He (Joseph) and his daughter had planned to come to Port Harcourt to see me. He went to the jetty where we usually swim to have a quick shower on Sunday. It was while he was there that men of the JTF raided the place and everybody ran helter-skelter, including Joseph.

    “The soldiers were shooting sporadically and one of the bullets hit Joseph on the leg.  One of the soldiers walked up to him and shot him a second time despite Joseph’s plea that he was a footballer on holiday in Okarki.

    “He was taken to a hospital where he died due to loss of blood.”

    He accused the military of  “carrying out jungle justice. They do not investigate matters before carrying out actions. They should be educated on how to handle civilian matters.”

    Joseph’s widow, Portia said: “I need justice on the murder of my husband. My husband came home to see me and our daughter. He was not a criminal.  I have been made a widow.”

    The Ijaw Youths’ Council (IYC), through its spokesman, Eric Omare, described as provocative, the claim by the 2 Brigade that the footballer was at the wrong place (cultists’ shrine), when he was killed.

    It said: “The excuse by the Nigerian military is watery, provocative and insensitive to the families of those who lost their beloved ones and members of the community.

    “The IYC is not aware of any Nigerian law which empowers military officers to shoot and kill anybody found in a shrine.

    “Instead, all that the military and other security agencies have been trying to do is to cover up the extra-judicial killing by their officers.

    “Brig.-Gen. Hassan said they are investigating what Izu was doing in the cultists’ shrine, instead of investigating and bringing to justice the military officers who perpetrated this criminal act.

    “Once again, the IYC demand that the military officers who killed Joseph Izu and Oko Osuekina should be fished out by the military authorities and prosecuted.”

    3SC’s Media Officer, Jubril Arowolo and the club’s General Manager, Rasheed Balogun, quoted unnamed sources as claiming that Izu was shot with two of his friends, who sustained injuries.

    The club’s officers said: “The management of 3SC commiserates with the family of one of our players, Joseph Izu, who was killed on Sunday (October 16, 2016). He joined 3SC in the 2013/2014 season and was on the bench in the club’s last match of the season against Abia Warriors in Umuahia.

    “He was a dedicated player who gave his best for the good of the club. We are going to miss him greatly. We pray to God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

  • Military promises to defend Nigeria

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin has reiterated the commitment and the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect the sanctity of the nation despite the challenges it is facing.

    General Olonisakin made this known Tuesday when the Senate Committee on Defence visited the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on oversight assignment.

    The Chief of Defence Staff expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his effort in providing resources to the Military to carry out its constitutional responsibilities despite the dwindling national resources.

    The CDS also acknowledged and thanked the committee’s assistance in ensuring that what is due to the Armed Forces is released without delay. “These have to some extent motivated us and enhanced our capacities. We are therefore more committed and resolute in carrying out our assigned tasks.”

    The CDS further informed the committee that the DHQ successfully implemented the 2015 Budget in line with the Policy thrust of due process, accountability and transparency.

    The Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmad Lawan disclosed that the purpose of the visit is to review the implementation of the capital projects of the DHQ and expressed their readiness to support the Armed Forces to achieve its aim and ensure better empowerment.

     “It is the committee’s desire that all projects started in 2016 are completed and if need be for snowballing into 2017 appropriation, it will be considered,” Senator Lawan added.

  • Military turns to Aba for shoes

    Military turns to Aba for shoes

    The military has ordered 50,000 boots from Aba shoemakers, a development that supports Abia State’s campaign for locally-made goods, and drives the Federal Government’s plan to grow the economy. SUNNY NWANKWO reports 

    Where is good news from the military, and from Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State. The armed forces have placed an order for 50,000 pairs of made-in-Aba boots for their personnel. And that is just for a start; if the footwears fit well and the quality is good, there will be more orders.

    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu broked the news .

    It is a great piece of news. Why? Such inward-looking development is rare in the country. Usually, the military sources their kits from overseas, as do almost everyone else. This practice, not restricted to footwear, has drained the nation’s resources.

    For the shoemakers of Aba, this is probably the best thing that has happened to them. They and thousands of other artisans in the city are renowned for their industry and excellence. It is usually said that if you can name anything Aba technicians can fabricate it. But their fame and ingenuity count for little. Their products are still largely shunned in preference for imported ones. They are poorly accommodated, their tools outmoded, and their morale at its lowest. They need help, and fast, through patronage and support.

    The 50,000 order from the military should lift their spirits, and also cheer up Governor Ikpeazu who has campaigned for their goods. In Abuja, the nation’s capital, it must be viewed positively too because the best way to fight recession is growing the local industry.

    Ikpeazu who was a guest in a live radio programme in the commercial hub, said that the shoes will be of international standard.

    The governor stressed that the orders were the result of the state government’s persistent campaign for made-in-Aba shoes as well as its call to patronise small- and medium enterprises.

    “As a result of the direct fallout of my persistence on Abia-Turkish relationship, we have invitation by no other person than the president of Turkey to bring some Aba businessmen to Turkey within November. I am in liaison with the President, Aba Chamber of Commerce, Mines, Industry and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Emma Nwapkadolu, shoemakers and also garment producers, those who have been part of this decision from the beginning.

    “What we want to take out of that is that we want to see Turkish technology in our process lines because the processes and procedures for the things we make here need to be consistent to reflect on the quality of what we push into the market. But I must say that we just received order for the supply of 50,000 pairs of military boots and that came some days ago and as we speak, our people in Aba are battling to produce the boots and I will do everything possible to ensure that they get input that can help them produce world-class boots.

    “If we do well in this sample of 50, 000, it means that so much more will come and this is bringing to fruition to what we have been preaching and trying to weave around.

    “We are investing in capacity building and that is why we are saying that we want to build university that will help our people to get certification to help their skills have some international acceptability and people coming to invest in our state because we have the people that can drive the investment.”

    The governor blamed the prolonged governorship legal battle in the state for the delay in executing projects but he stated that construction work which was suspended during the rainy season would soon begin as the contractors would be back to site.

    He added that they would use the dry season window to complete some of the abandoned projects including Enyimba International Stadium of about N300 million, Faulk/Ariaria Junction roads, while palliative work will be done on some of the federal roads.

    He said that fixing the roads which have become impassable will not only help to improve human and vehicular movement in and out of the state, but will affect trade and investment positively.

    Ikpeazu stated that his administration in the last one year has saved the state over N500m in its effort to fight the ghost worker syndrome, disclosing that the government would make sure that the contractors use good quality materials to execute those projects so that they  can last.

    “We are back to road construction. We want to do things properly. We don’t want to use inferior materials and I am promising Abians that as soon as we start the construction exercise, it is going to be ongoing and there won’t be any stoppage of work on Faulks Road and Aba Road in Umuahia, the state capital. Aba-Owerri Road in Aba will also receive attention. We are also discussing with the federal government on how to repair the dilapidated federal roads linking the state and other neighbouring southeast and south-south states and while the negotiation is still on, we will do palliative work on Port Harcourt road to ease off traffic on our roads and to also create mobility.

    “I am aware of the importance of Ariaria to the state, Southeast and the country as a whole. We are committed to serve the people and we are ready to take the bull by the horn,” he stated.

    He also said that the state government is doing everything possible to ensure that the unemployed youths in the state were gainfully employed and to use their skills in executing projects in the state.

    “We are the first state to have a data base of 34,000 unemployed youths and, all of them we have issued with identity cards which can also serve as ATM cards. So, what it means is that if we have a social responsibility to give handouts or as the federal government is planning to employ the youths, there is a platform for people to benefit from that and we are investing seriously on skill acquisition. We want our people to begin to learn one skill or the other.”

     

  • Cameroon Military court jails men who joked about Boko Haram

    Cameroon Military court jails men who joked about Boko Haram

    Amnesty International has condemned the 10 years imprisonment  imposed by a Military Court in Cameroon  on three young men,  Fomusoh Ivo Feh, and his friends Afuh Nivelle Nfor and Azah Levis Gob – who were convicted of ‘non-denunciation of terrorist acts’ following a  trial in Yaoundé.

    Samira Daoud, Amnesty International Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa said Fomusoh Ivo and his two friends should never have been arrested in the first place, as they were simply exercising their right to freedom of expression.

    “Instead of being in school like their friends, these three young men will now spend years of their lives in prison for a simple joke.

    “This ruling is clear evidence that Cameroonian military courts should not have jurisdiction to try civilians. The Cameroonian authorities must quash their conviction and sentence and immediately and unconditionally release all three of them,” Daoud stated.

    Ivo, 27, whom Amnesty International considers to be a prisoner of conscience, was arrested on 13 December 2014 after forwarding his friends a sarcastic SMS referring to Boko Haram. He was held in police custody in Douala before being transferred to Yaoundé Prison in January 2015.

  • Military alone can’t win war against insurgency

    Military alone can’t win war against insurgency

    Military force alone cannot win the war against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast region but  a combination of sustained approach which targets every stage of radicalization process to reverse the extremist ideologies that have taken root in the region.

    The Chief of Defence Staff(CDS), General Gabriel  Abayomi Olonisakin stated this while delivering an address titled “ National Contribution to Global Peace: The role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,”  at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Security Exhibition & Conference (NISEC) in Abuja.

    The CDS said  some of the new approach adopted by the government to bring long-term peace to the north east include  efforts to address identified socio-economic grievances, rehabilitation of radicalized members of religious extremists groups among others.

    “ I  must emphasize that the main long- term challenge for lasting peace in Northeastern Nigeria is the longer-running radicalization dynamics that have altered the traditional mindset of many people in the region. We appreciate that military force alone will not counter such threats in a manner that brings lasting peace. Thus the government has adopted a sustained approach targeting every state of the radicalization process so as to reverse the extremist ideologies that have taken root in the area.

    “ This includes efforts to address identified socio-economic grievances; institution of inter-ethnic peace building initiatives, rehabilitation of radicalized members of religious extremist groups and perhaps a measured use of force by security agencies.”

    While speaking on global peace and the role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Olonisakin who was represented by Air Commodore Jimi Olalekan Lawal noted that Nigeria has a robust history of contributing both personnel and aid to global peace and security especially the deployment of military personnel to conflict zones all over the world.

    Olonisakin said, “Nigeria’s contribution to peace building goes beyond participation of the armed forces; often we are the vanguard of the diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes in our sub- region and beyond. Some of the efforts involve military deployment to foreign countries with minimal media coverage, like the Nigerian Army and Air Force assets to Mali, Nigerian Navy and Air Force assets to Guinea Bissau. Nigeria has also provided Technical Aid Corps of civilian professionals to countries weakened by conflict.”

    He noted that the conflict in Syria has witnessed overt interests of external powers alleging that such powers may also be at play in the crisis in the North east. “We are all aware that the conflict in Syria has witnessed overt involvement and competing interests of external powers, while such activities are not overtly displayed in our sub- region, we must not let ourselves believe that such foreign influences are not at play in the security challenges in Nigeria, or Libya or Mali.”

    Olonisakin also said Nigeria’s strategy towards contributing troops for peace keeping operations would change following the lessons of Liberia and Sierra-Leone. “The underlying diplomatic and strategic objectives may change, in this regard; the unconditional sacrifices made by the personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the pursuit of peace may not reoccur in the future, we have already learnt some lessons from the sacrifices made in Liberia and Sierra Leone.  I say this because some Western Media are quick to give credit for the successes in Sierra Leone to the British.

    “ As a matter of fact, United Kingdom (UK) media often credit the British Army and the United Nations for restoring peace to Sierra Leone and this is done in a manner that ignores the contributions of the West African nations  which participated in ECOMOG operations. Given the circumstances, we must look beyond the objectives of restoring peace. This also means we must map out a national strategy which determines the gains to our nation before we commit men and resources on a large scale as was done during ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone.”

    Also speaking at the event,  Lt. Gen Chikadibia Obiakor (rtd) noted that to win the war against insurgency, Nigeria must begin to develop her own military equipment without relying on importation of military hardware. He noted that Sudan has developed the capacity for building military hardware through the Military Industry Corporation (MIC).

      Obiakor: “Look at the people in Sudan, I never knew they have a company called Military Industry Corporation (MIC) and you can see the range of products, it takes just one thing, the political will and committing resources. No country can afford to be importing all its security equipment, we just have to look inwards,  over dependence on foreign importations of your security gadgets has pitfalls ,they can put embargo on you when you need the weapons most, Nigeria has that experience starting from the civil war.. I know we have the capacity, I know we have the capability all we need is to be focused, there are men and women in this country who can do all these things.”

    The Chief Organiser of the event, Comrade Frank Ohwofa said the event was organized to build Africa’s Defence institutions and a platform to share ideas on military and technical know-how among Defence institutions in Africa.

    The NISEC Exhibition also witnessed military hardware exhibitions and representatives of Defence personnel from Ghana, Cameroon, Sudan and Ukraine.

  • Military deny missing soldiers report

    The Nigerian Army high command on Saturday strongly refuted claims that over 83 soldiers including one officer are still missing following a Boko Haram attack on troop’s location in Gashigar, a northern Borno community close to the Niger border.
    The army had reported some soldiers missing and 13 others injured after “escaping remnants of Boko Haram” fighters overran the troop’s location.
    Acting Director, Army Public Relations (ADAPR), Col. Sani Usman in a release said: “The troops did their best to defend the location in vain. In the process, 13 soldiers’ sustained injuries while some are still missing in action.”
    While Usman declined to mention the number of soldiers still missing, he said efforts were on to locate and rescue them. However, an online news portal claimed in a new report that at least 83 soldiers and one officer identified as Lt. Col. K Yusuf was missing.
    The news portal also claimed that corruption has returned to the military as Brigade and Troops commanders usually deduct N200 from the troop’s daily food fee of N500 leaving soldier’s morale perpetually low.
    However in an interview with our correspondent, Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe  Abubakar decried unpatriotic comments about the Nigerian army which is doing its best to bring Boko Haram insurgency to an end.
    “ It is disgusting that this kind of story which has no source is published,” Abubakar said lamenting that some news portals allowed sentiments to cloud the sense of professionalism in reporting security issues.
    “ The question is who did they interview, where and when, this is purely mischief as we vowed not to hid any information from our citizens that’s why we give updates on daily basis. If there is anything like this it ought to come from us not an online media.
    “ In the past, when we had some setbacks, we reported it to our citizens, we are Nigerians working for our country, we love our people better than any other alien, why this story now when we are winning? All the allegations are concocted with sinister motives by the medium having failed in their previous campaign of calumny against us,” Abubakar said.
    The Defence spokesperson also said Nigerian troops are the most professional and have done the country proud anywhere they are deployed. HE said the Army has had the unprecedented gains by dislodging Boko Haram terrorists. “ Therefore this media is not reporting but speculating and should not be taken seriously,” he said.
    Also Col. Usman said he will not want to comment on the efforts so far to rescue the missing personnel so as not to hamper on-going efforts and investigations but insisted that the claims were false. “ I will tell you here that the story is not true, there is no truth in it,” Usman said.

  • Chibok: Foundation urges military not to relent

    Following release of 21 Chibok girls, Global Excellence Foundation (GEF) has challenged the military to build on the success in the fight against Boko Haram and ensure that every Nigerian held captive by the terrorist group is freed.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday in Abuja , GEF’s Country Director Prof Ola Yemi said there were people held by Boko Haram but have not enjoyed the media attention of Chibok girls.

    Yemi hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling his campaign promise of securing release of the girls.

    He said: “We, however, want to appeal to the military to remain focused on neutralising the threat posed by unrepentant Boko Haram terrorist – those that have refused being part of the talks with the government. The negotiations must not be allowed to become a cover for those patently evil to regroup while we are rejoicing the release of the captive girls.

    “The reality is that the insurgency is not over until the last of the hardened terrorists has given up their weapons. Our challenge, therefore, is for the military to remain focused as victory is not secured until all is over.

    “The military must, under the development, re-assess its promise to rescue the last person held hostage by the terrorists. We say this because there are people that are still held by Boko Haram that are not known to the public because they do not enjoy the kind of media attention around the released girls.

    “This will be consistent with the more than 5,000 persons troops have freed from Boko Haram’s captivity

    ‘’We want to appeal to wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari to galvanise women support for her husband. Her recent interview in which she alluded to withdrawing support for President Buhari in 2019 is a distraction that is not needed at this moment. The hectic fallout from her interview detracted from the joy of the girls’ release.”

  • Military option against militants still open, Buhari warns

    Towards stopping oil pipeline bombings and vandalism in the Niger Delta region, President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday warned that government can still take decisive military action against the militants if dialogue fails.

    He gave the warning while speaking at the passing out parade of the 63rd regular course cadets comprising the first set of Female combatants cadets at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna State.

    The cadets comprised of 59 personnel for the Nigerian Army, 40 for the Nigerian Navy and 29 for the Nigerian Air Force.

    Buhari stressed that the militants’ attacks have been having adverse and devastating effects on the Nigeria economy.

    According to him, his administration has started cleanup of Ogoniland, which is part of efforts to end militancy in the region.

    He also called on all Nigerians to give peace a chance and join hands with the government to develop the nation.

  • Military, police, others to use local uniform materials

    Military, police, others to use local uniform materials

    Plans are underway for the military and para-military personnel to use made-in -Nigeria materials for their uniforms, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, has said.

    She spoke at the 28th Annual National Education Conference of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) and the Nigerian Textile, Garment and Tailoring Employers Association (NTGTEA).

    Hajiya Abubakar  said the government was aware of the challenges operators face in the sector, and was striving to address it, given that the sector has the capacity to create jobs.

    She said the government was discussing with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on how to stop the smuggling of textile materials through border posts. She said other plans included reduction of production cost, especially the cost of gas, in addition to working out ways to change gas pricing from dollar to naira.

    The minister, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Barnabas Jattau, said the government was worried by the state of the industry and was determined to revive it by ensuring that made-in-Nigeria textile are patronised.

    Earlier, NUTGTWN President John Adaji advised government officials to lead the campaign by wearing only clothes made from local materials to encourage manufacturers.

    NTGTEA Director-General Hamman Kwajjaffa said poor electricity supply remained a major challenge in reviving the ailing sector.

    He condemned smuggling of textile goods from Asia and other parts of Europe into Nigeria.

    NUTGTWN General Secretary and National Vice President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Issa Aremu, said the re-orientation campaign launched by President Muhammadu Buhari should be embraced by members of his cabinet.

    ‘’The new change mantra must start from the textile industry with the president, vice president and ministers wearing made-in-Nigeria textile,’’ he said.

    “Our school uniforms, military and para-military uniforms, NYSC attires should be made in Nigeria with local fabrics; we must patronise our produce at home,” he added.