GEAR UP FOR GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES

By: CHIVIR JOEL

Newly decorated officers of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC), have been told to gear up for greater responsibilities ahead. The Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), at he investiture ceremony which held on 24 December 2024, the Director, Foreign Liaison Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Brigadier General Ojogbane Adegbe, gave the charge as he urged newly promoted senior officers of the Corps to step up their game and take on greater responsibilities.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony held at the Brigadier General AU Kuliya Auditorium, Headquarters NAIC, Brigadier General Adegbe emphasized the importance of hard work, diligence and perseverance in their new roles. “I am going to charge you to work hard and be at your best,” Brigadier General Adegbe said. He reminded the officers that their career progression began the day they were commissioned and their promotion is a call to greater challenges and responsibilities. He highlighted the need for continuous self-development, encouraging them to take courses in cyber security and other areas to remain indispensable.

Earlier, the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Major General Thompson Ugiagbe who was represented by the Brigadier General David Umaru congratulated the officers on their well-deserved promotions. He expressed confidence in their ability to meet the demands of their new ranks and charged them to be diligent in discharging their duties. He encouraged them to develop their subordinates, as that is the only way NAIC can grow. He also reminded the officers that while the journey ahead is filled with hurdles, their expertise and commitment will see them through.

The event was graced by Brigadier General YU Diri, the Director Psychological Operations DIA, Brig Gen AD Yusuf, the Chief of Staff HQ NAIC among other senior officers of the NAIC, friends and families of the decorated officers.

The event was climaxed with a group photograph.

GEAR UP FOR GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES

ONLY THE BEST OF THE BEST SHOULD DEFEND OUR NATION – CAS AT BMTC 44 PASSING OUT PARADE

By: Kabiru Ali

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed that the sacred duty of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty is entrusted only to individuals who demonstrate exceptional traits and abilities. He made this assertion today, 21 December 2024, while serving as the Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade for Basic Military Training Course 44/2023, held at the Military Training Center (MTC), Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Kaduna.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar commended the recruits for their perseverance and dedication, emphasising the transformative nature of their training. “Your training was deliberately challenging, moulding you into warriors, tradesmen, and leaders with courage, discipline, and resilience,” he said. “You are now a vital part of the Nigerian Air Force’s mission to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty.”

The CAS urged the newly inducted airmen and airwomen to uphold NAF’s core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence in all they do. He emphasized their responsibility to remain vigilant, respect civilians, and adhere strictly to rules of engagement and social media guidelines, noting that their actions now directly reflect on the esteemed image of the NAF. In his words; “I urge you to operate within the rules of engagement as enumerated in the Code of Conduct for Armed Forces Personnel involved in internal security operations. Respect and protect the innocent and law-abiding civilians whom you are paid to defend. Treat them with respect and protect their rights, as we build a nation where no man is oppressed.”

Air Marshal Abubakar also underscored the pivotal role the new recruits will play in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that many will be deployed to operational theatres and internal security operations. He urged them to embrace opportunities for continuous training and self development to enhance their professional growth and operational effectiveness. The CAS stated, “You are therefore called to a life of selfless service, and the efforts you make on the field will play a vital role in shaping the future of the Nigerian Air Force, strengthening the security of our nation, and ensuring its continued prosperity.” He further added, “Some of you will subsequently be deployed to operational theatres or internal security operations to contribute your quota to our national security.”

The CAS expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to addressing the operational, logistical, and welfare needs of the NAF. He remarked, “The President’s steadfast support enables us to perform our duties to the highest standards in service to our nation. I assure Mr President of our unalloyed loyalty and total commitment to his Agenda for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.” He also acknowledged the hospitality and support of the Governor and people of Kaduna State, as well as the collaboration of other security agencies in fostering a conducive environment for training.

The ceremony celebrated the successful completion of 6 months of intensive training by 1,190 airmen and airwomen. This latest batch of trainees were commended for their resilience, discipline, and determination in meeting the high standards required to join the NAF. The event was attended by dignitaries, families, and representatives from various security agencies. It also served as an occasion to recognise the efforts of the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command and the Commandant of the Military Training Centre, whose commitment to high-quality training was pivotal in shaping the recruits into capable airmen and airwomen.

As the newly inducted airmen and airwomen embark on their careers, they are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and dedication in service to Nigeria. The ceremony concluded with a resounding call for them to wear their uniforms with pride, serve with honour, and contribute to the peace and security of the nation. Immediately after the elaborate parade, an Oath Taking Ceremony was held where the new airmen and airwomen pledged their absolute loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The CAS, before departing Kaduna State, took the opportunity to assess the progress of construction work on the new Air Force Secondary School (Day School). He also commissioned a newly constructed classroom block dedicated to children with special needs at the NAFOWA Little Angels Nursery and Primary School. The project was built by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association under the leadership of its National President, Architect Dr Rakiya Abubakar.

ONLY THE BEST OF THE BEST SHOULD DEFEND OUR NATION – CAS AT BMTC 44 PASSING OUT PARADE

FG Expresses Commitment to Enhancing Operations of Waste Pickers in the Country

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government on Thursday said it is committed to enhancing the operations of waste pickers in the country by formalizing their operational framework in the informal economy in a more inclusive way.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, stated this in his remarks during the presentation of the research report on the Waste Pickers Economy in Nigeria tagged: “Formalizing the Informal Waste Picker Economy for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

The workshop was organized by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in collaboration with renowned agency -INCLUDE in Abuja on Thursday, to boost the waste pickers to enhance social protection, promote decent work, and address environmental challenges facing them through informed policy direction.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director Economy, Trade & Investment in the ministry, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi,
emphasized the importance of the research in highlighting the contributions of waste pickers, adding that it has broader implications for Nigeria’s national and international development goals.

The minister while commending the IPCR for the research, said: “The findings from this research are timely and significant, particularly as we continue to pursue policies that foster inclusive economic growth, social harmony, and environmental sustainability.”

He added that: “Waste pickers, often working in informal and precarious conditions, are a crucial part of Nigeria’s waste management ecosystem. They contribute to the recycling industry, reduce the burden on landfills, and generate livelihoods for millions of individuals. Yet, despite the value they provide to our society, their work is frequently marginalized, and their contributions go largely unrecognized.

“This report helps to fill that gap and provides an opportunity for all of us—government, civil society, and the private sector—to better understand the challenges and opportunities within this sector.”

The minister further said that: “This research presents a unique opportunity to engage with our international partners, NGOs, and multilateral organizations to create global dialogue and exchange best practices in waste management, workers’ rights, and economic inclusion.”

On his part, the Director General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu said the workshop is an important step toward understanding and addressing the challenges faced by one of the most overlooked yet crucial groups in the society—the informal waste pickers.

He added that: “These individuals play a crucial role in bridging the recycling gap, contributing an impressive 59.3% of waste collection and management across the country, while formal systems account for just 4.7%. Their efforts not only help reduce environmental waste but also support the circular economy, generating jobs and economic opportunities at multiple levels.”

He however lamented that despite these vital contributions, waste pickers remain some of the most marginalized, stigmatized, and criminalized members of our society. He added that waste pickers are not mere collectors but enablers of a recycling system that supports industries and reduces pressure on landfills, thereby adding tremendous value to both our economy and environment.

“Beyond their economic and environmental contributions, this research enhances our understanding of informal economies. It documents the lived experiences of waste pickers and provides a framework for integrating them into formal systems. By doing so, we can improve their dignity, safety, and livelihoods while aligning their work with Nigeria’s broader sustainability and development goals,” he noted.

FG Expresses Commitment to Enhancing Operations of Waste Pickers in the Country