ASEAN Diplomatic Missions Commit to Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) diplomatic missions in Nigeria, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, have pledged to deepen bilateral ties with Nigeria.

The pledge was made on Thursday evening in Abuja during the “Essence of ASEAN” festival reception hosted by the High Commission of Malaysia in Nigeria in partnership with Embassies of Philippines, Indonesia , Thailand and Vietnam.

ASEAN, is a regional grouping of 10 states in Southeast Asia “that aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its ten members.

The High Commissioner of Malaysia, Mr Aiyub Omar, who is also the current chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Abuja, highlighted the festival’s importance in fostering understanding and collaboration between ASEAN member countries and Nigeria.

He said: “Malaysia has been a partner to Nigeria since 1965, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of our bilateral relations

“This festival aims to raise awareness of ASEAN’s cultural offerings and opportunities in Nigeria, where interest in travel to Malaysia has surged, with over 300 applications from Nigerians to visit the country each month.

“Additionally, more than 3,000 Nigerians are currently studying in Malaysian universities, both public and private.

“There are so many travellers now travelling to Malaysia, for instance in a month, we receive about more than 300 applications for Nigerians to travel to Malaysia.”

The envoy also noted that ASEAN diplomatic missions rotate the chairmanship every six months, which helps maintain a dynamic engagement among member states.

Also speaking, Philippines Ambassador, Mr Mersole Mellejor, called for greater awareness of ASEAN among Nigerians, stating that efforts must be made to increase exposure and understanding of ASEAN’s aspirations as a vital partner in Africa.

He said: “The common people of Nigeria need to know what ASEAN represents and our aspirations.”

He also stressed the importance of increasing ASEAN’s visibility and engagement with Nigeria, recognising the potential of collaborating within a collective market of nearly 1 billion people across ASEAN and West Africa.

On his part, the Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressed appreciation for the support and emphasised Nigeria’s strong connections with ASEAN countries, stating how collaboration in trade and tourism is crucial for mutual economic growth.

Tuggar, who was represented by Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director of Regions in the Foreign Affairs Ministry pointed out that ASEAN has a lot to offer in terms of educational exchange programs, leveraging the robust network of institutions available in the region.

He said: “ASEAN has taught us that the first thing you need to do is trade among yourself, tourism among yourself, before you go out.

“So you have to build each other’s economy, each other’s trade and we borrowed the lead from the West African Economic Summit taking place tomorrow for all West African countries.

“So we are talking about how we grow together economically. Have a lot of collaboration with most of the ASEAN countries. Malaysia has a very robust scholarship exchange programme that they do provide. Same with Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and the other 5 countries.”

The highlight of the event was a display of ASEAN cultures, featuring traditional dances, attire, music, culinary delights, and promotional materials aimed at familiarising Nigerians with the diverse nations of ASEAN

ASEAN Diplomatic Missions Commit to Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Nigeria

Marwa Commissions NDLEA/NOA Vision Centre

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has commissioned a high-tech Vision Centre at its National Headquarters Annex in Abuja as part of efforts to promote and prioritise staff welfare as well as to boost their morale.

The facility, a product of strategic partnership between the Agency and the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and its partner, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, is designed to provide comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality eye care services to NDLEA personnel and members of the public.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, Marwa expressed deep appreciation to the NOA and its partners for considering the NDLEA worthy of such a vital collaboration.

He said: “We are here with every sense of fulfilment and happiness to commission this Vision Centre,” while reflecting on the personal and public importance of vision health.

Marwa, drawing from his own experience with eye care, urged officers, men and women of the agency to prioritize regular eye checkups, noting that vision is key to productivity and quality of life.

He also commended the dedication of the team of optometrists managing the centre, while acknowledging their pioneering role and voluntary service.

He said: “We appreciate you for accepting to serve in this capacity even in uncharted grounds. This Centre is a worthy addition to our several initiatives to promote and cater for the wellbeing of our workforce.”

In his remarks, the NOA President, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, described the commissioning as the culmination of a purposeful collaboration with the NDLEA and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation.

He recalled how the idea for the centre was birthed during a meeting in Lagos and praised the leadership of the agency for embracing the initiative.

He said: “This Vision Centre is one of only a few we have established within government institutions. It stands out as a model for sustainable eye care delivery. With support from our partners in France and Dubai, we are bringing world class equipment and services here, ensuring access to premium eye care and quality eye glasses for NDLEA staff and their families.”

The Director, Medical Services of NDLEA, Dr. Audu Okpe in his welcome remark noted that the establishment of the NDLEA-NOA Vision Centre marks another milestone in the agency’s growing portfolio of staff welfare initiatives under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa.

He said: “It also underscores a broader commitment to fostering public health partnerships between security institutions and professional medical bodies in Nigeria.”

Marwa Commissions NDLEA/NOA Vision Centre

Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army’s 1 Division, under its current operational concept, is making remarkable strides in securing peace and stability across its area of responsibility, employing a blend of non-kinetic initiatives alongside its kinetic operations, a strategy that is delivering measurable and sustainable results.

1 Division, under the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YANMA, Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, has made significant strides in securing its area of responsibility, dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing kidnapped victims, and strengthening civil-military relations. The non-kinetic approach which focuses on reconciliation, dialogue, civic engagement, and fostering collaboration with community stakeholders is turning the tide in the battle against terrorism and criminal activity in Kaduna state.

This Kinetic and non Kinetic initiative, implemented under the guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and supported by the Kaduna State Government as well as Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, is not only dismantling the 12 year long bandits operational structures but also addressing the root causes of violence, adding a human dimension to the Nigerian Military campaigns.

This innovative approach has resulted in the voluntary surrender of 16 terrorist kingpins, many previously considered hardline elements. Among those who chose peace over conflict were Dogo Gide, Yellow Jambros, Kwolomeri, Alhaji Labi, Biliya, Gwamna, and Kabiru Boderi the younger brother and eventual successor to the infamous terrorist leader, Boderi Isyaku. These individuals turned in their weapons alongside their promises to pursue peace and disassociate themselves from violence. Scores of the bandits terrorising not less than five local government areas agreed to drop their arms and discontinue their reign of terror in and around the state.

The bandits are known to terrorise Chikun, Kajuru, Kagarko, Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas. They have also terrorised communities and major highways, such as the Kaduna-Abuja highway, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway, as well as the Funtua-Birnin Gwari road.

This policy of reconciliation and dialogue further opened the way for the unconditional release of 559 kidnapped victims, many of whom had been held under harrowing conditions for months. Among the victims freed was Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a consultant with the National Eye Center in Kaduna, whose continued detention had previously triggered a warning strike by members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), reflecting the growing concern for their colleague’s safety.

While employing these non-kinetic measures, the division kept up strong operational pressure against terrorist formations and collaborators. This resulted in the neutralization of numerous high-profile terrorist suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and equipment 175 weapons, including PKMGs, AK-47s, G3s, alongside 4,346 rounds of various calibers of ammunition.

Furthermore, a total of 169 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued, while 260 stolen livestock 146 of them cows, were recovered and subsequently handed back to their respective owners. Large quantities of food items, solar equipment, and other logistics previously held by the terrorist groups were also recovered. Suspected collaborators were identified and handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.

The 1 Div of the Nigerian Army headquartered in Kaduna, coordinating the operations of lower formations across the Northwest, has, all along, commanded the operations of the ground troops combating the global-scale menace in the Northwest, in collaboration and synergy with the Air Task Force component of the military, the government of Kaduna State and other security agencies.

The Nigerian military peace restoration efforts have ensured that areas which use to be the flashpoint in the axis Kuriga, Manini Chikun, Pole Wire, Birnin Gwari, Ungwan Namama, Kwalba, Rafin Dawa Dende,Ungwan Madaki, Buruku, Udawa,  Doka, Maganda, Dogon Dawa, Sabon Layi-Kuriga-Maganda-Farin Ruwa, Sabon Birni, Kuyelo,Farin Ruwa, Damba to Kangon Kadi, Labi,Udawa river Apewohe, Dakwala and Kunai among others, were all cleared.

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA’s exploits also led to death of many terrorists, in Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki, Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa, Tungan Madaki, Gengere,Kaso Gwagwada-Chikun-Sarkin Pawa Kidandan, Giwa LGA. Galadimawa, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro, Maganda, Goron Dutse, Sararai, Kushaka, Kuriga, and Yelwa among others.

Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, has reaffirmed that
this combination of non-kinetic initiatives alongside strong operational pressure has fostered greater collaboration and understanding within the communities, disrupted the operations of the terrorist groups, and significantly improved the overall security climate in Kaduna state.

Additionally, the 1 Division facilitated extensive free medical outreaches in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities, strengthening relationships between the military and the populace, and fostering understanding and unity. Traditional, religious, and market leaders were engaged through peace meetings, while initiatives like the Football for Peace Tournament held in collaboration with Simoiben Football Academy fostered reconciliation amongst the youth, many of whom are vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups. Public speaking engagements were also used to educate the youth on their role in securing their future emphasizing peace, unity, education, and civic responsibility.

The Nigerian Army under 1 Division remain committed to employing all available means including dialogue, reconciliation, education, civic engagement, and decisive action to consolidate peace and enable the eventual return to normalcy and stability in the region.

According to him, the division’s approach stands as a clear affirmation that peace cannot be won by force alone, but through understanding, dialogue, justice, and compassion.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region

Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division