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FCT COMMANDANT, NSCDC, VISITS BRIGADE OF GUARDS, CALLS FOR PROGRESSIVE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION.
FCT COMMANDANT, NSCDC, VISITS BRIGADE OF GUARDS, CALLS FOR PROGRESSIVE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION.
By: Michael Mike
The FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu enliven esprit de corps today as he paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Guards Brigade Commander, Col. Olusola Adebisi Onasanya, ”the Chief Scorpion” at the Headquarters Guards Brigade, Abuja.
The Commandant, in appreciating the existing strong synergy between the Civil Defence and the Nigeria Army on one hand, noted that, while there is an increasing friendship and good bonding between senior officers in the military and other paramilitary agencies, same should be encouraged among the junior cadres in a progressive fashion till a full synergy is attained.
He condemned the rivalry occasionally experienced among security agencies and encouraged more collaboration for effective security coverage of the country.
“If we at our levels can enjoy so much cooperation and synergy, there’s a need to pass the same information to the lower rungs of the ladder too.
“My visit to you is more or less to fulfill customs and traditions. As far as I am concerned, we already have a good working relationship and I am enjoying maximum cooperation and synergy from you already.
“However, the visit is also an opportunity for me and my men to get acquainted with your men and familiarize with one another as we shall be meeting on the field in the course of our job”, he added.
Commandant Odumosu, while thanking the Commander, Guards Brigade for receiving him, his officers and men in audience, commended the Nigerian Army for its maturity and camaraderie which has resulted in a long standing good relationship with the NSCDC.
The Commandant noted that the Civil Defence Corps owed its evolution to the Military especially the Nigerian Army.
He pointed out that the Civil Defence came into existence during the Nigerian civil war of 70s, where there was a need to educate and also train the civilians on self defence and protective measures in the case of eventualities of the war.
He added that by the time the Corps became a full fledged paramilitary organization, core of the training of the NSCDC were basically from the Army.
“The two agencies have come a long way and should continue to collaborate more effectively and progressively for the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and other residents in the country.
“We are a product of the military, directly or indirectly”, Odumosu said.
The Commandant solicited more collaboration in the areas of operations and training for his men from the Brigade of Guards Commander. He reiterated that, with more training and retraining programs in place, all security agencies in the sub-sector will be able to operate and cooperate more efficiently without any one lagging behind in latest operational tactics.
Commandant Odumosu said that his mission to making the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) free of vandals of critical infrastructures such as manhole covers, street lights, traffic lights amongst other criminalities can not be done in isolation of other security agencies, hence, the necessity for the courtesy visit.
In his response, the Brigade of Guard Commander, Col. Olusegun Adebisi Onasanya, appreciated the courtesy visit and stated that the visit is a mark of continous synergy and interagency collaborations already existing among all the security agencies in the FCT.
He noted that there are already joint operations between the Civil Defence, other paramilitary agencies and the Nigerian Army which has been responsible for the downward trends of crimes and security threats in the FCT.
In response to the NSCDC’s request for training, the Brigade Commander promised to consult with the Defence Headquarters immediately and find out how the training of the NSCDC personnel will be undertaken.
“If I need to consult, I will consult, If I need to take permission or approval from the top, I will, but the training will be effected”, Onasanya promised.
He assured the FCT Commandant that, from time to time, enlightenment will be intensified among the junior cadres of the Nigerian Army to foster a healthier relationship with the NSCDC and other security agencies so as to enhance a unified front for security of the nation.
While wishing Commandant Odumosu and his team a very successful tenure at the FCT, he said that the visit is highly necessary for the officers of both agencies to meet for a better understanding of each other, stating that, the era of one agency doing it alone is over.
Also in attendance at the event with the Acting Guards Brigade Commander are Lt.Col SA Yahaya, Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt.Col Wom, Major JO Ogunbunmi, Major MN Yusuf, Major U.Adamu, Major T.Gboko, GY Rabiu and Captain SA Sitwan as well as the Guards PRO, Lt Olokodana.
After exchanging pleasantries, a souvenir of the Guards Brigade, a bourgeois looking crafted scorpion, the insignia of the Guards Brigade was presented to the visiting Commandant.
In the entourage of the FCT Commandant were his Head of Admin, HOD Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), Head of Operations, HOD Intelligence and Investigation, Arms Commander among others.
FCT COMMANDANT, NSCDC, VISITS BRIGADE OF GUARDS, CALLS FOR PROGRESSIVE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION.
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ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
By: Michael Mike
Students in Monrovia, Liberia, have been honoured for their contributions to a regional essay competition organised to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The awards ceremony, organised by the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, celebrated outstanding undergraduate essays examining the role of young people in driving development and strengthening regional cooperation across West Africa.
Launched as part of the ECOWAS@50 anniversary activities, the competition invited university and college students to reflect on the theme, “Youth Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for National Development and Regional Integration.” Organisers said the initiative was designed to stimulate intellectual engagement among young people and encourage them to think critically about their role in shaping the future of the region.
In total, 40 essays were submitted by students from tertiary institutions across Liberia, offering diverse perspectives on how youth-led enterprise could contribute to economic growth, job creation and deeper integration among West African nations.
At the ceremony, Samuel R. Watkins of the University of Liberia emerged as the overall winner, receiving a $1,000 prize for his submission. The second-place award went to Daniel Isaac-Sie Jr. of African Methodist Episcopal University, who received $700. Organisers announced that the two winning essays will also be published in national newspapers with online platforms to broaden public engagement with the ideas presented.
The event attracted a distinguished audience that included ambassadors of ECOWAS member states accredited to Liberia, university presidents, and representatives from the Ministry of Education of Liberia, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Liberia, and the National Commission on Higher Education of Liberia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, commended the students for the depth of thought reflected in their essays and encouraged them to continue using writing as a platform for civic engagement and policy influence.
She emphasised that empowering young people to participate actively in national and regional development remains a key priority for ECOWAS, noting that youth voices are essential in shaping policies that drive economic transformation and social progress.
Nkrumah also urged participants who did not win to remain committed to intellectual pursuits, describing the competition as a learning experience that should inspire greater academic and creative efforts in the future.
The competition forms part of broader activities marking 50 years since the establishment of ECOWAS in 1975, as the regional bloc continues to promote economic cooperation, integration and shared prosperity among its member states. Organisers say initiatives that engage young people are critical to sustaining the vision of a more integrated and economically vibrant West Africa.
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria has hosted a special classical music concert in Abuja, describing the event as a significant step toward strengthening cultural dialogue and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Russia.
The event, which drew diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, academics and members of the public, featured performances by three talented young Russian musicians from the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, one of Russia’s most prestigious music institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev noted that the concert was organized with the support of the Russkiy Mir Foundation and the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
According to him, the concert represents the first cultural event of its kind organized by the Russian Embassy in Nigeria in several years and marks an important effort to revive cultural engagement between the two nations.
“This evening is not simply a concert,” the envoy said. “It is an important step toward strengthening cultural dialogue between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Russian Federation. We hope it will mark the beginning of a new tradition that brings our peoples closer through the universal language of music.”
He expressed appreciation to several Nigerian institutions for supporting the initiative, including the National Universities Commission for providing the venue, as well as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Nigeria Immigration Service for their cooperation.
Special recognition was also given to Abba Music School for its role in coordinating the event and facilitating the participation of the visiting musicians.
The envoy said Russia also hopes to deepen cultural exchange by creating opportunities for Nigerian artists and creative groups to perform in Russia in the future, allowing Russian audiences to experience Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
“We look forward to the day when Nigerian creative groups will visit Russia, enabling our audiences to appreciate the depth, diversity and richness of Nigeria’s culture,” he said.
Guests at the concert were treated to a carefully curated repertoire of classical masterpieces drawn from Russian and global musical traditions, showcasing the technical brilliance and artistry of the visiting performers.
The evening also provided an opportunity for cultural interaction among diplomats, academics, students and music lovers, reinforcing the role of arts and culture in fostering international understanding.
The Russian envoy concluded his remarks by congratulating Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and thanking guests for attending the event.
Observers noted that the concert reflects a renewed effort by Russia to use cultural diplomacy to deepen engagement with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of education, arts and cultural exchange.
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
By: Zagazola Makama
A fire outbreak has destroyed ten shops at a shopping complex in Garejin Mai Lena area of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, causing extensive property losses valued at millions of naira.
The blaze was brought under control through a joint effort by security operatives and local residents who assisted in putting out the fire.
Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
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