NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Lt Col Adamu Ngulde has disclosed to the participants of Strategic Communication Course to prepare to further enhance their knowledge on Artificial Intelligence in Information Management and Fact Checking as part of the courses lined up for their training. He made this known on Friday 11 April 2025, during the inauguration ceremony of the second quarter courses 2025 at the Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja auditorium in Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri Abuja.

The acting Commandant further stated that the School is collaborating with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Abuja and Prof Ishaq Oyebisi Oyefolahan, Research Professor, Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) to training them on current trends in the field of Strategic Communication.

He also said that in modern public relations, Strategic Communication is essential for aligning military messaging and narratives with national interest, managing public perception, and countering misinformation in both peace and conflict situations.

Similarly, he also reminded students of A1 Photojournalism Course the vital role photographs play in documenting military activities, telling authentic visual stories that shape public trust and boost morale while graphic design and printing ensures that communication materials are not only informative but also visually compelling and professionally delivered. Assuring them that NASPRI will provide a well package training for all students in line with their various courses.

Lt Col Ngulde expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede for his unwavering support to the Directorate of Army Public Relations and NASPRI which has been instrumental in sustaining the standard the school upheld today. He also extended appreciation to the Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe and the Chief of Training (Army) Maj Gen AS Ndalolo, for their continuous guidance and support throughout the training year.

Earlier, the Acting Chief Instructor of the school, Maj Tonye Wenke while reading out the course expectations stated that courses are prerequisite for career progression and service delivery and the students are therefore expected to meet up with the training objectives of the school as they will be tutored in many subjects which will equip them with the skills in handling the 5th Generation Warfare, which is information based. He admonished them to settle down quickly and ensure that they put themselves in the right frame of mind to effectively key into the training activities earmarked for the courses.

Maj Wenke also reminded the students on the need to acquaint themselves with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of NASPRI and exhibit the highest standard of discipline required of military personnel as all acts of indiscipline will not be tolerated.
A total of 76 students assembled for the second quarter 2025 courses comprising of 16 Senior Officers for the Strategic Communication Course, A1 photojournalism and X3 Graphics Design and Printing

NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday attended the turbaning ceremony of legal luminary, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), who was conferred with the title of the first Kuliya Ngeri of the Ilorin Emirate.

The ceremony which took place in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin, HRH, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, attracted a host of senior government officials, traditional leaders, and prominent figures from the legal community across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, lauded the recognition bestowed on Prof Ali, describing it as a reflection of his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.

He said, “Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali’s contributions to the legal system in Nigeria need not be overemphasized. Today’s event is an indication that the people of Ilorin, especially the Emirate in particular, have confidence in what he is doing, and I believe he will justify the confidence reposed in him.”

Governor Zulum further urged the honouree to stay true to his principles and continue serving society through his legal work.

“I advise him to continue to do all the good work that he has been doing so posterity will judge him positively,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lauded Prof. Ali’s contributions to legal development in Nigeria.

“Prof Yusuf Olaolu Ali is not a stranger when it comes to contributions to legal development,” the Justice Minister said, noting that more than ceremonial recognition, the turbaning symbolized the enduring value of justice and service to society.

He continued: “If you heard the reason given by the Emir for conferring in him the prestigious title of “Kuliya Ngeri” which ordinarily means someone who stands for justice, you will know that we cannot overemphasize it.

“The role he has been playing in the judiciary, especially contributions to the rule of law at so many levels, you cannot be counting one by one. So, to me, it is a recognition well deserved. I urge him to take it up as a challenge so that he will continue to mentor people coming behind.”

Prof Yusuf Ali, who was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1997, has had a career in law spanning over four decades.

As Principal Partner at Ghalib Chambers, he is recognised as one of the most respected legal personalities in Nigeria, known for his integrity, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice.

He is also a Life Bencher and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

NDLEA destroys largest seizure of 1.6m kilogrammes illicit drugs seized in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo state.

This stands as the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze in the annal of the anti-narcotics agency.

A statement by the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi read: The public destruction of the illicit substances witnessed by representatives of government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, NGOs and community leaders, among others, was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun state on Saturday.

Some of the illicit drugs destroyed include 123 kilogrammes of cocaine; 46.8 kilogrammes of heroin; 1.4 million kilogrammes of cannabis; 148,000 kilogrammes of codeine syrup; 3,244.26 kilogrammes of tramadol; 1,544 kilogrammes of skuchies; and 111 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, among others.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the exercise is a testament to the agency’s steadfast commitment to tackling the scourge of drug trafficking in the country. He said: “The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilogrammes, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence.”

He warned those involved in drug trafficking that the times have changed and there will be no breathing space or any safe haven for them in Nigeria. He said: “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace. At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law. In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and got convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”

He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support to the commands and operations of the agency in their respective states.

The NDLEA boss who was represented at the occasion by the agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, justified the public destruction of the confiscated drugs. He said: “The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking. This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in evidence. Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items. The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution.”

He noted that the event represents a significant milestone in the history of the agency because “It is the public destruction of the largest seized narcotics across a spectrum of commands under NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11, which comprise the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border Command, and Seme Border Command”, adding that “while this accomplishment reflects our determination, it also underscores the scale of the challenge we continue to face.”

While commending the unwavering dedication of our officers, “who are working tirelessly to ensure that we do not fail in our assigned task of curbing illicit drug trafficking”, Marwa thanked both local and international partners who have continued to contribute to the success of the work of the agency.

“Likewise, our international partners—such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US; United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK, the French Police; the German Police, and others—who are playing pivotal roles in bolstering our efforts. I am also deeply grateful to First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and other stakeholders including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, NAFDAC, and a host of others for their support, embodying the collaborative spirit necessary for effective drug control in society”, he added.

In his remark at the ceremony, Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd) commended the efforts of the leadership and personnel of NDLEA for their courage, professionalism, consistent efforts in intercepting illicit drugs before they get to communities and streets. “Their work in saving lives, in strengthening communities and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated”, he stated, adding that the state government remains a committed partner in the fight against drug-related crime.

While noting that the drug scourge is a social, economic and public health crisis, Governor Abiodun said “We must invest in prevention through education, through counseling and youth empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support systems for those battling addiction.”

NDLEA destroys largest seizure of 1.6m kilogrammes illicit drugs seized in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo