Connect with us

News

VP SHETTIMA AT NISS GRADUATION CEREMONY: ‘We Must Form Global Alliances To End External Aggressions, Domestic Threats’

Published

on

VP SHETTIMA AT NISS GRADUATION CEREMONY: ‘We Must Form Global Alliances To End External Aggressions, Domestic Threats’

  • Urges graduands to move against  transnational crime, terrorism, others

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has drawn attention to the need for Nigeria and other African countries to form global alliances to tame crises caused by external aggressions and domestic threats.

Specifically, he noted that Nigeria and other countries are saddled with the responsibility of protecting their citizens from transnational crimes, including terrorism, climate change and cyber crime, among other global crises.

The Vice President who spoke on Saturday during the graduation ceremony of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 16, 2023 of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja told the graduands that they are the great minds armed with the required knowledge to combat these external aggressions and domestic threats in a bid to maintain regional stability on the continent.

Delivering his speech titled, “From Crisis to Stability: Our Shared Global Responsibility,” Sen. Shettima listed cutting-edge knowledge, transformative skills and innovative ideas such as the one acquired by graduands from NISS as necessary for Nigeria and its neighbours to protect their nations from threats within their borders and beyond.

He stated: “Every part of the world today has been working around the clock to form alliances to stop external aggressions and forge solutions to domestic threats. This practical approach is crucial to tame crises and drive stability.

“However, none of these aspirations can be realised without the stewardship of trained minds at the helm of institutions tasked with the solemn duty of making decisions to safeguard lives, defend properties, and preserve peace. This is why we are here.

“You are here because you have chosen to be the custodians of this responsibility, the torchbearers of knowledge and expertise essential for steering the course towards a safer world. Your presence here today is, without a doubt, a celebration—a celebration of the integration of strategic ideas and decisive action, the cornerstone upon which a secure and harmonious world stands poised to thrive.”

Noting that past happenings in Nigeria confirm that the country is as vulnerable as the world around it, VP Shettima said “anything that disrupts wheat production in Asia, crude oil production in the Middle East or commodity market in Africa brings consequences for the entire world.

“I have learned that this cohort, the sixteenth of the flagship program in this institution, has studied the consequences of our existence in a globalized economy on our sustainable development, and I am impressed by your ambition.

“We have found ourselves not only at the crossroads of an era where the world has become a global village, connected through an invisible web of technological advancements, economic interdependence, and social exchange but also challenged to prepare for the disruptions that come with it,” he added.

The VP reminded the graduands that the task before them is to join in the bid to address the situation, saying, “We are tasked with the responsibility of protecting our people as transnational crime, terrorism, climate change, and pandemics loom large as formidable adversaries.

“We don’t need a balance of threat theorist to remind us that these geopolitical tensions demand a collective, cohesive response. We have proven again and again that we can never be an annex of any invidious group or be held ransom by any evil ideology. We have averted descent into a war economy because of this conviction, and believe that modern warfare isn’t waged on the field alone.”

Stating that they were not only coming to help Africa manage the crises, he said the graduands also have the task of ensuring no African country is short-changed in building regional economic integration amid crisis, as well as bear the mantle of  fostering regional stability.

Expressing delight with the idea that the graduands are not only Nigerians, as some of them are from neighboring countries, Sen. Shettima said, “Your role, esteemed graduates of the National Institute for Security Studies, extends far beyond the boundaries of our nation.

“You are the guardians of regional stability, the ambassadors of peace, and the architects of sustainable development across and beyond the continent. Your commitment to excellence, coupled with your unwavering determination, makes you the pillars upon which the future of our region stands.”

Earlier, Commandant of NISS, Ayodele Adeleke, explained that the Executive Management Course is aimed at producing committed managers of security, describing the graduation ceremony as a milestone in the professional development of the graduands.

He said 89 participants started the course, with six of them from African countries, but died before the end of the 10 month course, even as he later conferred the prestigious title of fellow of the security institute (Fsi) on all the graduands.

On his part, the Director General of Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, commended the Commandant and management of the Institute for taking the citadel of learning to greater heights.

He availed himself the opportunity provided by ceremony to admonish the people of Plateau State to eschew violence and embrace peace to give room for development.

Bichi who pledged more support for the National Institute for Security Studies expressed his commitment to improving the welfare of personnel of the Department of State Services.

Other dignitaries at the graduation ceremony were Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Chairman Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Sen Shehu Umar; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of State Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim; representatives of Jigawa and Yobe State Governors, and business mogul, Mr Femi Otedola, represented by Col Olusegun Oladuntoye (rtd).

Others are Group Chief Executive Officer NNPC, Mele Kyari; representatives of IGP, Chief of Air Staff; EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede; former Governor of Bauchi State, Barr Mohammed Abibakar, Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ojaja II;  Dein of Agbor, Dein Keagborekuzi, and Chief Kola Karim.

VP SHETTIMA AT NISS GRADUATION CEREMONY: ‘We Must Form Global Alliances To End External Aggressions, Domestic Threats’

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

Published

on

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.

In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.

He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”

The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.

He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.

Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.

“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.

He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.

“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

Continue Reading

News

Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

Published

on

Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.

Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.

He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.

According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.

The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.

He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.

He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.

The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.

Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

Continue Reading

News

Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

Published

on

Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.

The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.

According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.

They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.

The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights