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Collective Efforts of All is Needed to Stop Nigeria’s Economic Hiccups- Institute
Collective Efforts of All is Needed to Stop Nigeria’s Economic Hiccups- Institute
By: Michael Mike
The African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR) has said collective efforts of all is needed to achieve meaningful economic growth in Nigeria, insisting that without this Nigeria’s economy would continue to witness hiccups.
The Vice-Chairman/CEO of ASDIR, Dr Tunji Asaolu, gave the advice at the 2023 annual public lecture series, induction and conferment of honorary doctorate degree ceremony organised in Abuja by the school.
Asaolu, who is also the Deputy Secretary-General, African Affairs, International Society of Diplomats (ISD), said the call has become imperative in order to ensure sustainable progress in the country.
The event, which marked the third edition, had as its theme: “The Political Economy of Nation Building: The World’s Unfinished Business”.
Asaolu said: “To support government efforts to achieve its purpose of representing the people, is the reason we looked at perceived gaps in terms of economic crisis to chart a way forward.
“Critically, we looked at some ways we can be of help in terms of recommending solutions to perceived economic challenges. Then we came up with a topic centered on the political economy of nation building.
“We considered this topic as unfinished business because we will continue to be experiencing economic challenges if all hands are not on deck to tackle issues bordering inequality, socioeconomic crisis, poverty and insecurity.”
He explained that the honourary degrees and fellowship awards were carefully conferred on specific persons based on proven track record of excellence in the society.
He mentioned that the awards, which cut across various fields of endeavour, were conferred through collaboration with Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom, that has the right of conferment.
In his remarks, Prof. Jonathan Aremu, Chairman, Governing Board of ASDIR, said the programme is apt, because it will help to boost the capacity of citizens in the area of diplomacy.
He said: “This programme has become necessary for diplomats like those inducted today, to enable them develop the know-how about best practices and to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on diplomacy.
“What the school is doing is to position the graduands to contribute meaningfully to government efforts centered on diplomatic activities and ensure Nigeria performs excellently, among the committee of developed nations.
“It is mandatory for countries to abide by ratified international relations, therefore, this ASDIR initiative is to enable Nigerians imbibe international best practices and concepts of diplomacy.”
The keynote speaker Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, former Vice-Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu, described knowledge sharing about diplomacy as apt, saying it will enable people tackle challenges collectively.
According to him, the society that has a sound diplomacy inculcated into its leadership will not experience many conflicts.
“Wherever there is a breakdown of law and order, whenever there is conflict, the first thing people consider is the breakdown of diplomacy.
“So what ASDIR is doing for Nigeria actually is a very key role in bringing peace to this country.
“All over the world, diplomacy is rated as the number one tool to advocate peace wherever there is conflict,” Mkpa said.
High point of the event, was the conferment of 10 honorary fellowship, award of 10 honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished personalities and induction of 40 persons into the ASDIR.
The event was chaired by Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, Majority Leader of the 10th Senate, represented by Dr Sadiyat Adepoju.
It attracted dignitaries including Rev. Sam Oye, Founder/Lead Pastor of the Transformation Church and Dr Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, Wife of the Ooni of Ife, as awardees among others.
Collective Efforts of All is Needed to Stop Nigeria’s Economic Hiccups- Institute
News
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched new WhatsApp and live chat support channels to improve customer service and ease access to National Identification Number (NIN) enquiries for Nigerians and legal residents.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and service reform agenda under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
According to NIMC, the newly introduced platforms are designed to provide faster, more convenient and real-time support services to the public, while reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.
The Commission stated that users can now access support through the live chat feature on its official website, NIMC Official Website, as well as through its official WhatsApp support line at +234 701 566 6971.
NIMC noted that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to improve efficiency in public service delivery through technology-driven solutions.
The Commission explained that the platforms would offer prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and verified information relating to NIN services and identity management matters.
It added that the reforms being championed by Coker-Odusote are aimed at expanding access to identity services, strengthening public confidence, and enhancing operational efficiency across the Commission’s activities.
NIMC also urged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise only its official communication channels and remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent activities.
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
News
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says troops operating within the sector have neutralised more than 250 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during sustained offensive and defensive operations across Yobe and parts of southern Borno.
Martins disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu, where he highlighted major operational achievements recorded within the sector’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He said the achievements were made through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading the operational capability of terrorists and restoring security across critical locations.
According to him, troops carried out deep penetration and clearance operations into previously inaccessible terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Buk, Chileria, Kafa, Abbagajiri and Maisani.
He stated that over 50 terrorists were neutralised during offensive operations conducted within the Timbuktu Triangle, Bulabulin Forest and other identified hideouts.
Martins further disclosed that troops also foiled coordinated attacks on military formations at Kukareta, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, Gonori, Buni Gari and Katarko, among other locations.
He said the failed attacks resulted in more than 200 terrorist casualties.
“In the course of these operations, troops recovered over 150 assorted weapons and large quantities of ammunition from the terrorists,” he said.
The commander listed some of the recovered items to include AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, hand grenades, mortar bombs, motorcycles, communication gadgets and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials.
He added that troops also discovered and destroyed terrorist life-support structures, detention facilities, IED fabrication sites and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Chileria, Buk and other identified locations.
Martins said intelligence-driven operations had equally disrupted terrorist logistics networks, leading to the arrest of more than 30 suspected logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators.
According to him, troops intercepted drugs, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and medical supplies suspected to be destined for insurgent groups.
The commander attributed the successes to sustained offensive pressure, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between troops and local communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to sustaining operations aimed at eliminating remaining terrorist threats within the North-East theatre.
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
News
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says the Nigerian military has significantly enhanced operational mobility and surveillance capacity in the North-East through the repair of battle-damaged equipment and deployment of modern combat enablers.
Martins stated this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu while outlining operational and non-kinetic achievements recorded by the sector.
He said the sector successfully overhauled and repaired 30 battle-damaged and burnt armoured and tactical vehicles previously considered beyond economic repair.
According to him, the refurbishment programme has improved operational lift capability and increased firepower available to troops operating across the sector.
The commander said the initiative was part of efforts to sustain combat operations without waiting for prolonged procurement processes for new platforms.
He explained that the sector also procured critical operational equipment within available resources to improve troop effectiveness and communication.
The items, he said, included Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), surveillance cameras, tactical drones, Starlink communication systems, radios, repeaters, floodlights and inverters.
Martins noted that the equipment had enhanced surveillance capability, troop coordination and operational response within difficult terrains across the Area of Responsibility.
He added that troops also sustained Counter-IED and shoulder-clearance operations along major highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damboa and Biu-Damboa routes, to improve troop mobility and reduce ambushes and roadside bomb attacks.
On non-kinetic operations, the commander said the sector intensified stakeholder engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve intelligence sharing.
He said troops also provided armed escorts for commuters and humanitarian organisations along vulnerable corridors, including the Maiduguri-Damboa, Damaturu-Maiduguri and Biu-Damboa roads.
According to him, Sector 2 conducted regular farm patrols to protect farmers during cultivation activities and supported reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders in flashpoint communities.
Martins said the sector further collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on humanitarian support, sensitisation campaigns and training on international humanitarian law.
He also commended vigilantes and Hybrid Forces for their contributions to intelligence gathering and deep insertion operations within difficult terrains.
The commander assured that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with communities to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
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