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One year on: Tinubu defeating terrorism, building hopes of secure Nigeria

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One year on: Tinubu defeating terrorism, building hopes of secure Nigeria

By Zagazola Makama

It is platitudinous to say that various forms of insecurity have devastated the country in all sectors heating up the polity with the most frustrating intractability since the last three decades.

The epochal menace has ravaged the Nigerian economy to a point in worsening the management scale of sustaining the country’s immense human and natural resources. This also has affected Nigeria’s leading -economy position in Africa, and its status as a country of enviable reckoning in global affairs.

Insecurity has no doubt on the verge of eroding the country’s cherished socio-political norms and values which had painstakingly created an enviable collective identity for its diverse peoples, empowering them to walk with shoulders held high across the globe as Nigerians.

The Boko Haram insurgency and, in recent years, Islamic State of the West African Province(ISWAP) terror campaigns in the North-East; the twin crimes of banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, as well as the North-Central, and sections of the South-West, South-East and South-South; farmer-herder clashes; and various other forms of gunmen menace, have continued to create a seemingly intractable criminalities threatening to the Country’s existence as a nation.

The country has, for the past two decades, been languishing and gasping for breath under this massive weight of a global-scale security crisis. This apparently appalling situation has underscored the robust provision of security as the topmost cardinal objective of every administration in the current decades of Nigeria’s democratic governance.

On assumption of duty on May 29, 2023, as the elected leader and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with his electioneering campaign mantra: ‘Renewed Hope’, promised to prioritize security as the bedrock of the country’s development.

This is evident with his promise to adopt a new doctrine, strategies and suitable profound arrangement of well-knit architecture to combat insecurity, thereby renewing the hope of Nigerians.

President Tinubu, as the first and foremost decisive step at combating insecurity, rejigged the country’s security architecture with new service chiefs and the desired gusto, whom he gave the matching order to immediately assume the work of re-strategizing and fine-tuning strategies to combat the country’s recalcitrant insecurity.

This move has applausively prevented the insecurity situation from intricately imploding into larger security challenges.

To reconcile this in line with the C-in-C objectives for a stable and prosperous Nigeria, the appointment of General Christopher Musa, as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), ever-readily profoundly assisted by other service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, in compliance with President Tinubu’s directive for robust synergy among top security and intelligence services in the fight against insecurity, the terror war in the Lake Chad Basin and the expansive North-East region has recorded an undisputed phenomenal achievements.

Notably; the military under the Tinubu led-administration has experienced significant enhancement in its operational capabilities, marking a notable period in its efforts to maintain national security and peace.

In the last one year, the administration has procured an additional five aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which include 2 Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft; 2 T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a number King Air 360 ER, with plans to integrate 46 more by the end of 2024. These strategic acquisitions have bolstered the military’s capacity to conduct precise and impactful operations against various security threats across the country.

The rapid degradation of terror in the North-East is a gladdening testament to the fact that President Tinubu is keeping his promise of a ‘Renewed Hope’ to Nigerians in character, credibility and commitment to genuinely overturn the country’s insecurity to a stable and peaceful Nigeria.

This feat has been immensely achieved with the sheer commitment and competence of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, savoring sufficient support and impetus from his sister services, especially the Nigerian Air Force under the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Theater Command of the Nigerian Army; and the sheer patriotism, commitment and determination of the frontline troops.

To mention a few is the imposing catalog of accomplishments in the North-East terror war portrays an elating success story of the preceding one year.

The observable and most -spectacular moment of achievements include the neutralization of 555 terrorists; destruction of 461 terrorists’ enclaves across the theartre. They include; Gaizuwa, otherwise known as Mantari, Gabchari, Kashimiri, and Maimusari, Ukuba, Arra, Farisu, Sabil Huda, in Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad region, Yuwe and the Mandara Mountains;Markas Kauwa, Chiralia, Abirma, Buk 1, 2 and 3, Abulam, Dusula, and Abbagajiri in Timbuktu Triangle among others as well as the and the recovery of arms, armored vehicles and catch of equipment as well as the destruction of large quantity of other belongings to the terrorists in Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle.

Through a robust synergy with the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the troubled North-East, NAF has also been instrumental in depleting terrorist ranks and disrupting their operations.

Notable strikes include the elimination of key terrorists in the Mandara Mountains and the neutralization of multiple insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest, Krenowa, and Kafiya Fulatari, Kwaleram, Kirta, Wulgo, Bukar Mairam and the Tumbums among others. These actions have significantly weakened terrorist capabilities, contributing to the restoration of peace in the region.

Most gladdening of all is perhaps, the military’s aggressive kinetic and non-kinetic operations led to the surrender of more than 160,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and their families to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, out of which 42,189 have been handed over to Borno State Government; as well as the rescue of about 81 abducted Chibok girls.

The military, by sufficiently clearing terrorists enclaves across the region, has also, over the last one year, been able to create the enabling environment for the restoration of civil administration as well as relocation/resettlement of over 2 million IDPs to their ancestral homes; as well as guaranteed sufficient security in MMC, Mafa, Gubio, Konduga, Bama, Banki, Monguno, Dikwa, Gamborun Ngala, Kukawa, Gwoza and other LGAs, for farming and other socio-economic activities.

The military guarantees the restoration of law and order in several returnee communities; conducted kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorists which have strangulated the logistics supplies as well as halted recruitment, sympathizers and collaborators activities, leading to the surrender of several terrorist top Commanders and secured the rescue of victims in terrorists preoccupied areas.

Also, the 7 Div of the Nigerian Army which has covered the most areas prone to terrorist attacks suffered a large percentage of terrorist campaigns. “The division’s AOR (Area Of Responsibility) is relatively calm but unpredictable due to activities of some remnant of these so-called BHT/ISWAP insurgents who scamper for safe havens in the general area of Sambisa Forest, Gezuwa, Gargash and Mandara Mountains, by taking advantage of the geography of these areas to evade troops’ operational activities,” as observed by Brig.-Gen Abubakar Haruna, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 of the Nigeria Army.

He was, until his recent elevation to the rank of the General Officer Commanding the 7 Division, the Garrison Commander 7 Division of the army.

“Nevertheless, normal activities have resumed in most towns and villages that are located within the Sector’s AOR due to troops engagement in aggressive patrols and clearance operations,” he stated, adding, delightedly, “To further consolidate the successes, the Borno Government has been returning the locals who were displaced due to the insurgency back to their ancestral homes.” Gen Haruna shed more light on the restoration of peace and security across the region. “Restoration of peace, security and the attainment of sustainable socio-economic activities in the North-East is the overall objective of Operation Hadin Kai,” he stated, explaining, “The attainment of the military objective which is primarily the obliteration of the terrorists in the region requires the restoration of socio-economic activities.”

The GOC said that: “It is in line with this that the Division has been working tirelessly under the mentorship and the Supervision of the Theartre Commander North East Operation Hadin Kai Joint Task Force, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu to ensure that the local communities within our Area of responsibility go about their legitimate daily activities through sustained operational activities like patrols, escort duties, ambushes and other offensive operations to deny the terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety of the people.”

General Shuaibu, Theater, Commander Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai acknowledged the unquantifiable and invaluable contributions of the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja to the Theater Command that enabled it to achieve its enviable successes in the last one year.

As stated, “First of all, you need to understand that it is the COAS who gives the direction, guidance, leadership and all the human and material resources required for us to carry out our mandate,” he acknowledged, maintaining, “So, what the COAS provides is more than ‘help’.” He emphasised that the COAS “provides excellent leadership to us and hence the successes recorded so far,” advising, “Please take a close look at his Command Philosophy which is ‘To Transform the NA into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment’.”

The TC maintained further: “There is a strong nexus between the Command Philosophy and what we are doing here,” saying, “Without troops that are well-trained, equipped and motivated, we cannot achieve our mandate here which is part of our constitutional responsibility.”

“We have achieved tremendous successes in our various operations within the Theater under Operation Desert Sanity III undertaken by 7 Division, Sector 2 as well as Sector 3 MNJTF. Similar operations were also undertaken in the Tumbums by the troops of the MNJTF forces, with gladdening feedback.

Gen Shuaibu reviewed the effect of the insurgency in Borno State and praised the state government for supporting the Theater Command to achieve its mandate. “One of the priorities in addressing insecurity is the restoration of civilian administration and services to conflict-affected communities,” he stated, recalling, “The years of insurgency have devastated the social infrastructures and services in the North-East region including health, education and policing among others.” He also observed: “The dysfunctional state of such services made the communities more vulnerable to extremist recruitment and other vices”.

He further praised Governor Babagana Umara Zulum: “The Governor has made distinct efforts to address these immense challenges and foster greater citizens’ trust in government by rebuilding police stations and creating a conducive environment to bring back civil servants (including judges, healthcare givers and security agencies).

The TC praised the governor for tackling pervasive sense of insecurity through the provision of low-cost housing; road construction and other infrastructural development in rural areas; provision of agricultural supports like seeds and fertilizer at subsidized rate to enable the locals return to their farms; provision of affordable transport system like the electric taxis; as well as maintaining the periodic provision of palliatives to affected communities.

Gen Shuaibu remarked: “The general public is beginning to understand and appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Army in restoring peace and security in the North-East region and to the country as a whole.” The TC assured: “We will continue to sustain the feat achieved by intensifying our efforts in the clearance of remnants of terrorists from their camps and enclaves so that durable peace would be restored finally in the North-East region.

The onus for maintaining peace and security lies with everyone.” He called on the general public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the military and other security agencies in their efforts at restoring peace and security in the region.

“The public should always remember that the soldiers are out there denying themselves all comforts to ensure that the rest of the citizens sleep with their two eyes closed,” he advised.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region.

One year on: Tinubu defeating terrorism, building hopes of secure Nigeria

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Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

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March 31, 2026

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Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders from government, the organised private sector, development agencies, and civil society have called for stronger collaboration and expanded financing to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices in Nigeria’s industrial sector.

The call was made on Monday during a special project-specific interactive session and Efficiency Champions Competition organised under the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Industrial Development Organization Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production project in Abuja.

The event brought together representatives of industries, non-governmental organisations, financial institutions, policy makers, and members of the media to review the progress of the initiative and explore opportunities for expanding sustainable industrial practices across the country.

Speakers at the session emphasised that improving energy efficiency and reducing waste in industrial operations are essential for lowering production costs, boosting competitiveness and promoting environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Opening the session, the project leadership said the initiative had recorded significant progress in promoting industrial energy efficiency and resource-efficient production methods within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

According to the National Project Coordinator, GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP Project, Jacob Oladipo revealed that the project has supported capacity building programmes, cleaner production assessments, policy engagement and innovative financing mechanisms designed to help industries reduce energy consumption while improving productivity.

He explained that the project had demonstrated that sustainable industrial practices are not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial to businesses.

The session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the outcomes of the project and identify lessons that could support the wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies and cleaner production systems across industries.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Kunle Fadare said the initiative was both timely and strategic for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

He noted that the industrial sector accounts for more than thirty per cent of the country’s total energy consumption but still operates far below optimal efficiency levels.

Fadare said studies have shown that improvements in energy efficiency within Nigerian industries could lead to savings of between twenty and forty per cent in energy use.

He added that such gains would translate into reduced production costs, improved competitiveness and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

He also highlighted the environmental implications of industrial waste, noting that Nigeria generates more than thirty-two million tonnes of solid waste annually, a significant portion of which originates from industrial activities.

According to him, adopting resource-efficient and cleaner production practices would not only reduce waste but also strengthen long-term business sustainability.

Fadare further praised the Efficiency Champions Competition, describing it as an important platform for recognising businesses that are taking concrete steps toward sustainable production.

He said the initiative would help showcase best practices and encourage other companies to adopt energy-efficient technologies.

Global trends, he added, show that markets increasingly favour environmentally responsible production systems, particularly as access to international markets becomes tied to sustainability and environmental compliance.

He therefore urged Nigerian businesses to proactively embrace energy efficiency and cleaner production practices to remain competitive in regional and global markets.

Also speaking, the Global Environment Facility desk officer commended the collaboration among stakeholders involved in implementing the project.

The official expressed appreciation to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization for providing technical guidance and to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for supporting the implementation of the initiative.

The desk officer also acknowledged the role played by various government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, in advancing the project’s objectives.

According to the official, the interactive session was designed to allow stakeholders to examine emerging issues related to energy use in industries, share experiences, address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.

The official stressed that sustainable economic growth requires strong collaboration among government, industry, development partners and civil society.

Participants were therefore encouraged to actively contribute ideas and insights that could help strengthen the implementation of energy-efficient industrial practices in Nigeria.

Representatives of the organised private sector also highlighted the need to scale up financing mechanisms that support industries seeking to adopt energy-efficient technologies.

They noted that while progress had been made through innovative financing models and technical support programmes, wider adoption would require increased investment, stronger policy support and continued capacity building for industries, particularly small and medium enterprises.

Stakeholders agreed that the engagement of the organised private sector, non-governmental organisations and the media would be critical in sustaining the momentum generated by the project.

They emphasised that awareness creation, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy would play key roles in expanding the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices across Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help accelerate the transition toward a more efficient, competitive and environmentally sustainable industrial sector in Nigeria.

Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

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FG: Over 9m Nigerians Benefit from HoPE Cash Transfer Programme

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5 minutes ago

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March 31, 2026

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FG: Over 9m Nigerians Benefit from HoPE Cash Transfer Programme

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government on Monday disclosed that more than nine million Nigerians have so far benefited from the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) Programme, a social protection initiative aimed at easing the impact of rising living costs on vulnerable households across the country.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Benard Doro, revealed this during a ministerial briefing and press conference in Abuja, noting that the programme has made significant progress since it was launched in December 2023.

According to the minister, a total of 9,178,837 beneficiaries have received the first tranche of the intervention, while 7,203,579 have been paid the second tranche and 6,497,089 have already accessed the third tranche.

He said the figures reflect the growing reach of the initiative and its role in supporting millions of Nigerian households struggling with economic pressures.

“Each eligible household receives seventy-five thousand naira paid in three instalments. The support enables families to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare and education,” he explained.

Doro noted that the intervention, implemented under the National Social Safety Nets Project – Scale Up, represents a strategic shift from short-term humanitarian responses to a more structured and transparent national social protection system.

“We are no longer responding to poverty episodically. We are building systems to end it sustainably,” he said.

He further explained that beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register, with identities verified through the National Identity Management Commission using the National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number to ensure transparency and prevent duplication.

The minister also highlighted the programme’s gender balance, revealing that women account for 58.7 per cent of beneficiaries while men make up 41.3 per cent.

He warned members of the public against paying money to access the scheme, stressing that the programme is completely free.

“Let me be unequivocal; this programme is entirely free. No Nigerian should pay to be registered, enrolled or benefit. Anyone demanding payment is engaging in criminal activity,” he said.

To strengthen accountability and address complaints, the government has established a multi-layer grievance redress mechanism, including a toll-free line for enquiries and reporting of irregularities.

In her remarks, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the integration of digital identity into the programme has significantly improved transparency and efficiency.

She disclosed that more than 13.2 million beneficiary records were submitted for verification, out of which about 11.8 million were successfully authenticated.

“Through the NIN-based verification system, we are eliminating duplication, reducing leakages and strengthening public trust in government interventions,” she said.

Coker-Odusote added that an additional 3.1 million records are currently undergoing verification as part of efforts to expand coverage.

Earlier in his welcome address, the National Programme Manager of the National Cash Transfer Office, Abdullahi Alhassan Imam, said the programme was designed to provide immediate relief for poor households while also creating pathways for long-term economic stability.

He revealed that the initiative is supported by an eight hundred million United States dollar facility from the World Bank’s International Development Association and initially targeted 10.4 million households nationwide.

Imam noted that the Federal Government has since expanded the target to fifteen million households, underlining its commitment to strengthening social protection for vulnerable citizens.

The HoPE-CT Programme is being implemented across the thirty-six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at reducing poverty and promoting inclusive economic growth.

FG: Over 9m Nigerians Benefit from HoPE Cash Transfer Programme

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Private Sector Steps Up as Foundation, Partners Train 60 Youths to Tackle Skills Gap

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9 minutes ago

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March 31, 2026

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Private Sector Steps Up as Foundation, Partners Train 60 Youths to Tackle Skills Gap

By: Michael Mike

Concerned about the widening gap between academic qualifications and workplace readiness in Nigeria, private sector actors have intensified efforts to prepare young people for employment, with 60 youths recently trained in practical and entrepreneurial skills in Ibadan.

The training was conducted under the Skill-Up Ibadan 2.0 initiative organised by Ogbeni Labzy Alternative in partnership with the Tegbe Foundation, as part of efforts to strengthen workforce readiness and support human capital development.

The two-week programme, held in Ibadan, brought together young professionals for intensive training designed to equip them with practical competencies needed to thrive in today’s competitive labour market.

Facilitated by industry practitioners, the sessions combined technical training with critical soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and entrepreneurship, reflecting growing recognition that employability now requires more than academic knowledge.

Convener of Ogbeni Labzy Alternative, Adeola Adelabu, said the initiative was conceived as a deliberate intervention to address the persistent skills gap affecting many Nigerian youths entering the workforce.

According to him, the programme was structured to expose participants to market-relevant knowledge and practical tools that would improve their ability to secure employment or create their own opportunities in an increasingly dynamic economy.

Adelabu noted that the initiative also reflects the growing role of private sector organisations and philanthropic institutions in supporting youth empowerment and workforce development.

The programme was organised in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Joseph Tegbe, whose foundation has been actively supporting youth-focused initiatives across sectors.

Other partners involved in the programme included Sebs Hub, SkillNG, and SchoolNowNow, which contributed to the programme’s design, facilitation and learning resources.

Participants who completed the training said the programme significantly improved their technical knowledge, strengthened their soft skills and boosted their confidence to pursue career opportunities in a challenging economic environment.

In a goodwill message, Executive Director of the Tegbe Foundation, Femi Adeleke, praised the organisers and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people and enhance workforce readiness.

He stressed that sustained investment in skills development remains critical to unlocking Nigeria’s demographic potential and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

Additional remarks by Olajumoke Adelabu and Ibrahim Oredola highlighted the importance of partnerships among the private sector, development organisations and training institutions in expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.

Certificates were presented to all participants at the end of the programme, with special recognition given to outstanding trainees and contributors.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that expanding initiatives such as Skill-Up Ibadan would help address the growing skills deficit in Nigeria’s labour market while strengthening the country’s human capital base.

Private Sector Steps Up as Foundation, Partners Train 60 Youths to Tackle Skills Gap

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