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DG Harps on Discipline, Patriotism as TAC Deploys Volunteers to S’Leone

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DG Harps on Discipline, Patriotism as TAC Deploys Volunteers to S’Leone

By: Michael Mike

Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt.Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has called on the Corps’ Volunteers to always abide by the laws of the country where they have been deployed to serve.

He said it is by so doing that Nigeria as a big-brother country will continue to retain the respect and admiration of their host countries wherever the Volunteers have been deployed.

The TAC DG, who made the call on Saturday in Abuja during the ceremony for the deployment of 18 Volunteers to Sierra Leone, thanked President Tinubu for his continuous support for the 37-year-old programme since assuming office in 2023.

Buba added that the Volunteers were Ambassadors of the Nigerian nation and were, therefore, expected to exhibit the highest form of discipline, decorum and obedience to constituted authorities.

He said: “Just as you have been informed, the Technical Aid Corps was established 37 years ago as a flagship programme for the advancement of our nation’s Foreign Policy goals through the deployment of technical support to our brothers and sisters in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has deployed over 35,000 professionals and experts in various fields of learning to these countries over the past 37 years.

“The Government of Nigeria places great interest and value on this foreign policy tool. This is why you go out there with our official passports. And just as our Ambassadors, you are expected never to do the don’ts of the country in which you are going to serve. You must keep in mind that what you are involved in is volunteer service. So, no matter the opulence of your home, if you are quartered in a 1-room apartment, do not forget what took you there.

“Over the last 37 years, all those who have served everywhere in this Scheme, have done so with dignity and honour, and nothing less is expected of you. I congratulate you on being successful among the thousands of those who applied for this opportunity and wish you well in the journey ahead of you all.

“I also like to add that, while in Sierra Leone, the High Commission of Nigeria there remains your guardian, while we here are your parents. Whatever you want to do, please, remember to follow the rules in the Country Agreement and the tripartite agreement the Federal Government through TAC has signed with you and the Government of Sierra Leone. Endeavour to study these rules and regulations in order not to fall foul of any of the provisions. For us, as an Agency, we will ensure that all responsibilities towards you are followed to the letter”

Earlier speaking while presenting the Volunteers to the DG, Director of Programmes in the Agency, Amb.Zakari Usman, explained that the new Volunteers had arrived from across the country and had since undertaken various processes in the bid to prepare for deployment. He thanked the DG for his support at ensuring that the processes were easy and seamless.

Among the 18 health professionals, who belong to the first batch of the Volunteers scheduled for Sierra Leone, are very experienced nurses and Medical Doctors that have served Nigeria in various communities and public institutions.

The Volunteers who also spoke to journalists during the exercise also expressed readiness to commit to the ideals of the TAC mandate and make Nigeria proud through hard work and obedience to the authorities of the host country.

It will be recalled that the Agency has since last month commenced the deployment of Volunteers to The Gambia, Uganda and now Sierra Leone. It is expected to carry out more deployments in the weeks ahead to different ACP countries.

DG Harps on Discipline, Patriotism as TAC Deploys Volunteers to S’Leone

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NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

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NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

By: Michael Mike

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.

Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.

According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.

He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.

The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.

Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

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Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

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Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

By: Michael Mike

The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.

He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
 
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.

In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.

Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
 
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
 
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.

The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.

Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

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Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

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Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.

According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.

Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.

“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

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