NSCDC Arrests 5 Suspected Vandals in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspects for vandalizing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in Abuja.

Briefing journalists at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command headquarters in Abuja while parading the suspects, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu said the five suspects were arrested with a full truckload of vandalized items at Dei Dei -U- Turn by Mopol barracks last Saturday after resisting arrest at Aso Radio , Katampe axis by speeding off.

Odumosu said investigations so far has revealed that the suspects were coming from Guata junction in Nasarawa state to deposit the items at Iron Melting Company situated at Sabo Wuse, Kaduna road, Niger State.

The FCT Commandant reiterated the Corps ‘ preparedness to keep vandals out of business and out of the FCT for good.
“we are not taking it lightly with those who have chosen to sabotage the good efforts and intentions of the government to give meaningful life to the residents of the FCT.”

Odumosu said that the FCT command is poised to fish out bad eggs with the constant night patrols by the eagle eyes Intelligence team as well as the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department’s Tactical team on routine night patrols.

“We have a renewed vigor to fulfil our mandate of protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, we are not resting on our oars untill we rid the capital city of these miscreants”.

He disclosed that Items ranging from drainage covers, Iron pipe protection for bridge shoulder, communication Mast accessories, Rolls of stainless steel pipe clamps, Angle bar from public water tank and scaffold pipes and clips were recovered.

Other recovered Items included Manhole covers, Electricity Aluminum conductors, wire mesh, Armoured Aluminum conductors, Iron steel section -U, Angle and I section, Rice Milling Machine Iron, Welding wires , Binding Wires, Barb Wires, Vandalized Motorcycle parts, vandalized Vehicle parts, Vandalized Wheel Barros and Household Utensils/ properties suspected to have been stolen.

He said suspects arrested are Aminu Yusuf, 25 years, Saminu Yusuf, 20 years;
Adamu Sani, 20 years; Suleiman Yusuf, 20 years; and Usman Jalo, 27 years.

He assured the corps’ unwavering commitment and determination to continue to perform their duty optimally until vandals, scavengers (Babanbola) and other saboteurs are chased out of the FCT.

He said: “We want to state clearly that FCT is a no go area for vandals, scavengers and all the hoodlums sleeping under the bridges in the city and coming out at night to vandalism government property and attacking innocent commuters and residents.”

He warned vandals to either repent, relocate or be ready to face the wrath of the law stating that the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and due diligence would be followed in ensuring that justice served.

Odumosu, while re- emphasizing the corps ‘ commitment to secure the FCT, solicited the public’s cooperation in the area of prompt intelligence information to enable the corps serve them better.

NSCDC Arrests 5 Suspected Vandals in Abuja

IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Inculcate Virtues of Tolerance

By: Michael Mike

The Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu has called on Nigerians to inculcate the virtue of tolerance, stating that the major driver of racism, xenophobia, aggressive nationalism, anti-semitism, terrorism, ethno-religious violence, and youth restiveness is intolerance

Speaking at the Occasion of the 2024 International Day for Tolerance organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) at the UN House in Abuja on Tuesday, Ochogwu said the theme of this year’s International Day for Tolerance, which is “Cultivating a Culture of Tolerance for Peace Against All Forms of Discrimination Among Nigerian Youth”. is apt and timely, given the alarming rise in racism, xenophobia, aggressive nationalism, anti-semitism, terrorism, ethno-religious violence, and youth restiveness in nations across the world.

He noted that: “The major driving force behind these phenomona is intolerance – an act of resistance to respect, accept and appreciate the rich diversity of our world’s culture, our forms of expression and ways of being human.”

Ochogwu decried that Nigeria has not fully benefited from its rich diversity due to the inability of many of its citizens to embrace individuals’ cultures, religions, and socio-economic background, insisting that: “This situation has, over time, hampered the achievement of durable peace, security, stability and progress in our dear nation.

“Additionally, the nation has witnessed an unprecedented increase in social exclusion, inequality, marginalization, and discrimination particularly due to the unpatriotic activities of corrupt politicians. This development has fostered enmity, hatred, discord, disunity and violent confrontations in communities across board.”

He added that: “Indeed, this ugly trend remains a serious concern for future generation and this concern is further heightened by the voluntary and/or coercion of youth and minors into violent extremism, thereby systematically destroying the core values of today’s generation.

“Furthermore, our country’s young people have continued to face discrimination in terms of job opportunities, political exclusion, stigmatization on health grounds, ill-treatment of persons with disabilities and harmful traditional practices. For instance, a significant number of girls and young women have been forcefully married without their consent most especially in Northern Nigeria. The deeper implications of this act of prejudice and gender intolerance include depression, reproductive and mental health issues, poverty, disruption of education, high rates of divorce and drug abuse.

“Moreover, young people have played strategic roles in the spread of falsehood, hate speech and intolerance via social media platforms, exacerbating tensions, provoking political mistrust, fostering polarization among Nigerians, and undermining human respect, safety and dignity across our dear country, Nigeria. With this development, achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals would be a mirage.”

He noted that there is an urgent need to expedite action in combating this ugly trend and in particular to create awareness as well as engage in robust discussions towards liberating our nation – Nigeria and the World from intolerance and discrimination for global peace and prosperity.

He said: “Specifically, our goals in this year’s International Day for Tolerance Commemoration include: Improving youth understanding of how to safeguard and respect cultural diversity as an essential element in promoting a culture of tolerance for peace; Increasing Media and Information Literacy (MIL) among youths, and skills against online vices such as hate speech, cyberbullying, and the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation; Enhancing youth awareness and understanding of tolerance in line with the UNGA Resolution 51/95; and Promoting non-violence behavior and global citizenship among youth, as well as skills for intergroup dialogue and mutual respect, with a specific focus on gender-based violence and the rights of individuals with disabilities.”

On his part, the Head of Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo, said UNESCO was aware of the peculiar forms of discrimination that exist in Nigeria today.

He said: “Discriminations that are anchored on negative interpretations of our diversities, religion, race, ethnic and political affiliations. These negative tendencies are demonstrated through various means of our interpersonal, intercultural, interreligious and other social relationships, and recently more pronounced in our interactions on various online spaces.”

He noted that: “Whereas these challenges question the efforts in building tolerance within these past years, we are not deterred. It is rather for us, a call that we are required to improve our recipe, return to the kitchen and dish out new meals that can produce better results at tolerance. Because we are unwavering in our commitment to support member states to live together in a shared heritage as humanities.”

He said: “Inspired by this global model and aware of Nigeria’s unique realities—where ethnic, economic, political, religious, and ability disparities are sometimes manipulated to foster discrimination—we are replicating this initiative with support of our partners to equip young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and foster tolerance in our diverse society, also, literacy skills to function as change agents against online vices like cyberbullying and proliferations of false and disinformation.”

IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Inculcate Virtues of Tolerance

China Advises Nigeria to Prioritize Investment in Tourism For Economic Growth

By: Michael Mike

China has advised Nigerian government to prioritize investments in safety, infrastructure, and tourism promotion to drive economic growth and development in the country.

The advice was given on Tuesday in Abuja by the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Mr. Yang Jianxing, while presenting his remarks at the Nigeria-China Seminar on Tourism, Hospitality, and Culture 2024.

Yang emphasized the potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector in enhancing GDP and fostering sustainable development.

The seminar was themed: “Promoting Nigeria-China Tourism, Hospitality, and Cultural Potentials and Services for Sustainable Development“.

He said: “Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, boasts a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and unique cultural assets such as music, dance, art, and clothing. Tourism has immense potential to drive development.”

Yang while highlighting that tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also fosters cultural exchange and strengthens international friendships, said: “I hope more Chinese tourists will visit Nigeria to experience its vibrant culture, art, and natural beauty.”

He also underscored China’s accomplishments in the tourism sector, noting that the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism recorded 4.89 billion domestic tourists, 87.63 million outbound tourists, and 82.03 million inbound tourists in 2023, with further growth seen in 2024.

He noted the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2022 report predicting an average annual growth rate of 5.8% for the global tourism industry over the next decade, outpacing the global economic growth rate of 2.7%.

On his part, the Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Cui Guang-Zhen while calling for increased investment, echoed the call for greater investment in tourism.

Guang-Zhen while highlighting Nigeria’s cultural diversity, said: “With over 100 languages, Nigeria is rich in cultural and tourism resources.

He noted that Nigerian music, featuring global stars like Burna Boy and Wizkid, is already a worldwide sensation. However, more investment is needed to harness its tourism potential.”

The Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, who has lived in Nigeria for a decade and visited popular destinations like Calabar, emphasized the need for infrastructure development and targeted initiatives to attract international visitors.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy Mr. Raphael Obi,, noted the transformative power of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Obi, who was represented by Blessing Ogar, stated in hat: “These industries are pivotal drivers of economic growth, reducing unemployment and empowering underserved communities, particularly youth and women.”

He commended China’s integration of tourism and cultural heritage into its economic framework, citing it as a model for Nigeria.

He noted that: “This seminar provides a timely platform to exchange ideas and foster partnerships that will benefit both nations.”

China Advises Nigeria to Prioritize Investment in Tourism For Economic Growth