News
Nigerian Passports Would be Issued Within Two Weeks- Tunji-Ojo
Nigerian Passports Would be Issued Within Two Weeks- Tunji-Ojo
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said that from December passports would be made available in two weeks to applicants.
The Minister also promised that Nigerians would also be saved of the pains of having to wait on the queue to upload the needed information to get passport issued. He said that registration would be done online and the only thing that would be needed to be done at any passport office is the biometrics capture and the collection of issued passports.
He said the ministry is working at getting the needed equipment to make this possible in December
The minister gave the promise during a press briefing where he disclosed to journalists how the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other stakeholders achieved clearance of 204,332 passports backlogs across the country within three weeks.
The minister said it all started when Mr. President said: “look I didn’t appoint you to that ministry to give excuses, go and change the narratives, especially of passports applications and collections. Nigerians have had enough of that problem. “
He said in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the Ministry of Interior, the NIS, and other stakeholders aligned with “the talk and do” mantra of the present administration.
Tunji-Ojo revealed to journalists how the deadline he handed down on the 7th of September was delivered by the Immigration Service, stating that personnel of NIS had to do three shifts each day including Saturdays and Sundays to deliver.
According to him, the Service providers of the NIS were also made to double up their printing capacities and capabilities, especially in areas where passports backlogs were higher.
The minister said:” Yes. I gave two weeks deadline. I however have to apologise to Nigerians that we delivered on it in three weeks. We had 204,332 Nigerians whose data had been captured. And we cannot continue to watch them waiting endlessly. I visited the headquarters of the Immigration Service and told them the narratives must change.
“So in critical frontline desks like Ikeja, Alausa, Ikoyi, Ibadan, Abuja, we ordered that more printing machines be brought in by the Service providers. Then we increased the working hours of the personnel of NIS. They started running three shifts.
“Let me at this juncture commend the Acting Comptroller General of the Immigration Service, Mrs Wura-Ola Adepoju, especially for her positive responses to the pressures I mounted on her. I would call her late and demand updates, and she would provide updates. That was the spirit. “
Tunji-Ojo however revealed that so far out of the 204,332 backlogs cleared, only 94,981 have been collected by the applicants, leaving 109,351 yet uncollected.
He said while the entire backlogs were cleared as of October 1st, Nigerians should appreciate the extraordinary efforts of those who made it possible by showing up in the various offices of NIS to collect the travel documents.
He regretted that for instance in Ikoyi Passports office, 39,170 backlogs were cleared, only about 9,458 applicants have showed up to collect the booklets. And while 21,108 were cleared in Alausa, a huge number of applicants are yet to show up to collect the documents.
The Minister said to sustain the momentum, the Ministry would embark on some reforms with the NIS, stating that by December this year, Nigerians can upload all supporting documents including their passports online to the Immigration Service.
He said the measures would reduce human interfaces and corrupt practices, while bureaucratic bottlenecks that have been dismantled would not resurface anymore.
According to him, applicants would only show up at Immigration offices for biometric capturing of data as it would reduce applications and collections of passports to two weeks.
Nigerian Passports Would be Issued Within Two Weeks- Tunji-Ojo
News
ADC leadership tussle: Adamawa court to deliver judgment on Nov. 27
ADC leadership tussle: Adamawa court to deliver judgment on Nov. 27
Adamawa High Court IX, fixed Nov. 27th for ruling and judgment on suit filed by Shehu Yohanna and Zubairu Ishaq challenging their removal from office as Chairman Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Adamawa chapter.
The presiding judge, Justice Benjamin Manji, announced this at the end of the hearing on Thursday in Yola.
Earlier the plaintiff complained that their four-year tenure was illegally terminated before expiration.
Kambile who challenged: Amb.Omar Suleiman, Chairman Coalition Adamawa stakeholders; Sadiq Dasin, Chairman Transition Electoral/Congress Commitee; Malam Saidu Komsiri, State Interim Chairman and his Led Executive Committee members.
Others are: Babachir Lawan, National Vice Chairman North East; Sen. David Mark, ADC National Chairman and his Led National Executive Committee Members; National Working Committee and the ADC.
Yakubu Philemon (SAN) pleaded for the Court to allow Kambile to complete their four year tenure best on what the constitution of the party says.
Dr Emem Ibrahim-Effiong, counsel defendants argued that the matter is an internal party affair which the court should not interfere with.
After hearing both sides, Justice Manji subsequently adjourned the matter to Thursday November 27, for ruling and judgment as earlier agreed by all counsels.
ADC leadership tussle: Adamawa court to deliver judgment on Nov. 27
News
Vocational skills: Chief of Defence Staff trains 78 retired veterans in North-East
Vocational skills: Chief of Defence Staff trains 78 retired veterans in North-East
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede has trained no fewer than 78 retired military veterans in North-East on vocational skills.
The veterans were drawn from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe Taraba and Yobe States.
The theme is “Empowering Veterans Through Skills Acquisition for Capacity Building and Sustainability,”
Speaking at the three-day training in Yola on Wednesday, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the CDS represented by Director, Veterans Affairs Division, Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Oluwafemi Williams said, the training is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of the veterans.
He said, the initiative is for the veterans across six geopolitical zones to help themselves and their families due to the economic situation in the country.
“With the caliber of facilitators selected to deliver this training, I am confident that the participants will be well prepared to take full advantage of the existence of the poverty alleviation programme under my stewardship.
“And with alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu”, he said.
He urged them to take advantage of the training and improve on their livelihood and to also network with other colleagues.
According to him, subsequently the beneficiaries would be empowered with starter parks.
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, commend the Defence Headquarters for organising the training for the veterans across the six geopolitical zones.
Fintiri, presented by the Chief of Staff Government House also commended the veterans for their sacrifice in serving the nation, and urged them to take advantage of the training to succeed in future.
Prof. Augustine Danwe of Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola one of the resource persons said, the training would expose the veterans to a gold smile in Agricultural production.
According to him, with the discipline in the beneficiaries by the military when they implement the skills into practice they would succeed in their respective states.
He urged the veterans to apply the skills into practice for maximum benefit.
Sgt. Sule Gagare retired veteran and a beneficiary from Bauchi thanked and appreciated the CDS for empowering them with the skills and prayed for all the promises made to be fulfilled.
The training focuses on poultry products, snail farming, livestock management, fishery, animal husbandry, integrated irrigation farming system and Modern crops farming techniques.
Vocational skills: Chief of Defence Staff trains 78 retired veterans in North-East
News
COAS reassures troops, pledges improved support during operational visit to operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara
COAS reassures troops, pledges improved support during operational visit to operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The rugged landscape of Operation FASA YEMMA’s area of responsibility came alive with renewed optimism on Wednesday as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, paid his maiden operational visit, engaging frontline troops and assuring them of sustained support, welfare and enhanced joint operations.
The visit, which brought together senior commanders from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, marked a significant boost to the morale of troops deployed across one of Nigeria’s most challenging security theatres.
Addressing the soldiers, Shaibu praised their bravery and resilience, acknowledging the vastness and complexity of the area covered by the operation.
“I am here on my maiden operational visit to Operation FASA YEMMA. The area of responsibility is very large, and we understand what that means for all of you operating under difficult circumstances,” he said.
The COAS disclosed that he had received a thorough brief from the Theatre Commander, detailing operational challenges and requirements.
“I have just listened to a detailed brief from the Theatre Commander, which outlines the challenges the troops are facing, and we are tackling those challenges headlong,” he assured.
He also highlighted the presence of senior representatives from sister services, including the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, reinforcing the commitment to joint inter-service collaboration.
“I am here with the Chief of Air Staff, ably represented by AVM Maddy, the Chief of Operation. Together, we are listening to the challenges of both the air and land components. The representative of the Chief of Naval Staff is also here, listening to the concerns of our Special Boat Service personnel. I assure you all that these issues will be addressed going forward,” he said.
Shaibu emphasized professionalism, discipline and the enduring values of the military as essential tools for confronting the region’s complex security threats.
“I want to encourage you to continue to uphold the core values of the Army and the Armed Forces so that we can tackle the myriad challenges confronting Operation FASA YEMMA,” he said.
In a tone that blended firmness with empathy, the COAS reminded troops of the significance of their service.
“As soldiers, you must understand that the job you are doing is a very noble one. Your presence here has ensured that most people go about their daily duties without fear. For that, we appreciate you,” he said.
He assured them that issues affecting their welfare would remain a priority of the Army leadership.
“Your welfare issues will be given top priority to ensure that you discharge your duties properly. These challenges are transient. Remain resolute, determined, and carry out your duties professionally. The Nigerian people appreciate what you are doing,” he added.
As he prepared to conclude his address, Shaibu opened the floor for direct engagement with the troops.
The visit is seen as part of the Army leadership’s broader effort to strengthen troop confidence, improve operational synergy, and reinvigorate the fight against banditry and terrorism in the North-West.
With vast forest corridors, fluid enemy movements and difficult terrain, Operation FASA YEMMA has remained a critical component of national security efforts.
COAS reassures troops, pledges improved support during operational visit to operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara
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