GENERAL SARASO DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED SNCOs WITH THEIR NEW BADGES OF RANK, CHARGES THEM TO REMAIN DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATED TO DUTY

By: Musa Adams

The General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA Major General Mayirenso Lander Saraso has charged newly promoted Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) at the Division’s Headquarters to remain disciplined, hardworking and dedicated as well as continue to work very hard for more promotions. General Saraso gave the charge during the investiture ceremony of the newly promoted SNCOs which was held at the GOC’s Conference Room on Monday 4 November 2024.

The GOC congratulated the newly promoted SNCOs and Warrant Officers for attaining a new level in their careers. He emphasized that promotion is not just a recognition but a call to even greater responsibility, saying, “The work towards your next rank begins now. The higher you go, the tougher the challenges become.” He encouraged them to redouble their efforts and prove themselves as assets, not liabilities, to the Nigerian Army and admonished their colleagues to recognize and respect their new ranks when offering guidance and advice.

While giving some words of advice to the newly promoted soldiers, the Chief of Staff 1 Division, Brigadier General David Nwakonobi, also commended the SNCOs and reminded them that each promotion comes with greater responsibility, saying, “The path may be tougher as you continue to grow in ranks”.

The newly promoted and decorated soldiers were Staff Sergeants Joseph Godwin, Warrant Officer Danlami Dombo, Warrant Officer Danjinjiri Usman and Warrant Officer Alhassan Musa, all of Headquarters 1 Division.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of his newly promoted colleagues, Warrant Officer Alhassan Musa thanked the almighty God for the privilege to witness the day and expressed gratitude to the GOC for the promotion and pledged their commitment to uphold the duties and values of the Nigerian Army.

Highlights of the event were the investiture ceremony, words of advice to the newly promoted soldiers by senior officers and a group photograph.

GENERAL SARASO DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED SNCOs WITH THEIR NEW BADGES OF RANK, CHARGES THEM TO REMAIN DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATED TO DUTY

Zulum, Two Other Governors To Receive Arewa Humanitarian Award

By: Our Reporter

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Umar Bago of Niger State, have been nominated for the distinguished Arewa Humanitarian Awards, 2024.

THISDAY newspaper reports on Sunday that the recognition is to highlight their exceptional contributions to humanitarian efforts and the well-being of their respective states.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State celebrated for his leadership amidst one of Nigeria’s most challenging humanitarian crises, has consistently demonstrated resilience and compassion in addressing the needs of displaced persons, providing essential services and rebuilding war-torn communities.

The Arewa Humanitarian Awards set to take place in December 2024 is a prestigious event that recognises leaders and changemakers across Northern Nigeria that have made substantial impacts in their communities. The nomination of these three governors is a testament to their dedication to serving the people and contributing to the overall development of the northern region.

Their leadership and humanitarian work will be honoured in the upcoming ceremony which will bring together political leaders, humanitarian advocates, and stakeholders to celebrate the collaborative efforts that continue to uplift communities across Northern Nigeria.

Zulum, Two Other Governors To Receive Arewa Humanitarian Award

EU, GiZ Provide Electricity to Cross River Community

By: Michael Mike

After six years without electricity, residents of Etomi community in Cross River State now enjoy reliable, clean, and affordable electricity through the European Union (EU)-funded solar mini-grid project.

The solar project, which provides 119.5kW of electricity to over 600 households and businesses in the community, was implemented by GIZ.

Head of Green and Digital Economy Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, explained that the grid is managed under a public-private partnership arrangement to ensure its sustainability and long-term maintenance. A private company is overseeing the operations of the grid, in partnership with the Cross River State Government.

Stefanowicz said the project is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, and is aimed to ensure that Nigerians have access to clean, renewable, and affordable energy.

He said: “The provision of reliable, clean, and affordable electricity for domestic and commercial use will boost the social and economic development of the people. I am also glad to say that we are taking electricity to a cocoa-producing community. This will help their farming activities and processes greatly.”

The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Eka Williams, explained that the solar mini-grid project is an off-grid system, and expressed the conviction that it would serve the Etomi community very well. “I want to say a very big thank you to my Governor, in partnership to the EU, who have made this possible. We have a replication of this in about four communities in Etung Local Government Area (LGA).”

John Okpa, a resident of Etomi community, expressed excitement, as his community had been without electricity for over six years. He said, “Residents of the Etomi community are happy because the EU has provided us with electricity after six years of darkness. We are grateful to them, and pray that God continues to bless them.”

Precious Jeremiah, another resident of Etomi community, revealed that for seven years, she used a generator to run her hair styling business. This, according to her, comes at a high cost of fueling, repairing, and servicing the generator. “Before the installation of the solar plant, I managed my business using a generator. The cost of fueling the generator is very expensive.

“Since the installation of the solar plant, my customers can come into my shop to get their hair done and enjoy a cool and clean atmosphere devoid of generator smoke and noise. Also, I am able to make enough profit to take care of my household, including paying for the school fees of my children,” she said.

EU, GiZ Provide Electricity to Cross River Community