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IN LOVING MEMORY OF MALLAM ISAH GUSAU: A DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL AND BELOVED FRIEND

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF MALLAM ISAH GUSAU: A DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL AND BELOVED FRIEND

By: Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (rtd)

Today, Friday, the 12th of January 2024, is a day that I will never forget. It is a day filled with sorrow and grief as I receive the devastating news of the passing of my dear friend and brother, Mallam Isah Gusau. Isah, who was the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to the Borno State Governor on Media and Strategy, tragically lost his life in a hospital on Thursday night. This news has left me with a heavy heart as I struggle to come to terms with the fact that Isah is no longer with us.

Isah was an exceptional individual, loved by many for his humility, friendliness, hard work, and dedication to his job. He had an infectious energy and was always fully committed to his work, whether he was in Nigeria or abroad. He had a deep passion for his role and was incredibly skilled at what he did. It is difficult to comprehend that such a vibrant and lively person is no longer with us.

I first met him back in 2014 when I was posted to 7 Division, Nigerian Army, during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency. Instantly, I was drawn to his humble nature, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to his job. Since then, our bond has grown stronger, with Isah looking up to me as an elder brother whom he defers to. Our relationship was mutual; we would often consult each other on media and public relations matters, and our friendship continued to flourish.

Our last physical meeting took place on November 26, 2022, at an event in Abuja. Isah was being honoured with an award, and he took the time to personally greet me and show me his accolade. Little did we know that this would be our final encounter in this world.

Isah was well-educated and deeply passionate about peace in Borno, Nigeria, and the world. He was a selfless individual, always striving for the best in everyone. His dedication and loyalty were evident in his work, and it came as no surprise when he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity by the Borno State Governor.

To Isah’s family, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Borno State Governor, his colleagues, and friends, I extend my heartfelt condolences. We have all lost a great friend, brother, and dedicated professional colleague. Isah’s absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.

May Allah forgive Isah’s shortcomings and grant him a place in aljannah firdausi. May He bless all that Isah has left behind and grant strength and courage to his family, friends, and colleagues in this sorrowful and difficult time.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MALLAM ISAH GUSAU: A DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL AND BELOVED FRIEND

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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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