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Youth Leader Calls for Extension of Tenure of NCS Comptroller General

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Youth Leader Calls for Extension of Tenure of NCS Comptroller General

By: Michael Mike

A foremost youth leader, Dr. Raymond Edoh has called for the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi
following his recent appointment as the Chairperson World Customs Organisation, the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

Edoh said the extension is necessary to reward him following an overwhelming glory he has brought to Nigeria with his appointment as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation.

He said: “This is a glory for Nigeria. It has never happened before. This has been a long-awaited dream for Africa, only to be surprised to have it bagged by the Nigerian Adewale Adeniyi, the CG Customs, Nigeria Customs Service.

“The challenge now is, if his tenure is not elongated, Nigeria as a country, as well as Africa, will lose this most influential position within the Customs macrocosm, and the negative implication would be enormous.

“Against this backdrop, I, Dr. Raymond Edoh, call on the federal government to kindly extend his tenure so that Nigeria as a country and Africa at large can enjoy the accrued benefits associated with the position therein”.

Edoh, while congratulating Adeniyi, described him as a hardworking leader and passionate administrator per excellence, assuring WCO that he would make the organisation proud in his tenure.

He said: “In a resounding affirmation of confidence, members of the WCO elected Adewale Adeniyi to lead the organisation, recognising his commitment to enhancing international customs cooperation, trade facilitation, and effective border management. This significant appointment not only underscores Adeniyi’s exemplary leadership within the Nigeria Customs Service but also highlights Nigeria’s increasing influence in global affairs, particularly in customs and trade.

“The WCO plays a pivotal role in establishing international customs standards and practices, fostering global trade and economic development. With Adeniyi at the helm, we are sure he would birth strategic advancements that align with the goals of the WCO, emphasising digital transformation in customs procedures, addressing illicit trade challenges, and promoting sustainable practices”.

Edoh further stated that: “Adewale Adeniyi’s election as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation is not merely a personal achievement but a victory for Nigeria and a monumental step towards strengthening our role on the global stage. His leadership will undoubtedly foster a collaborative approach to customs that will benefit not just Nigeria but all nations in the collective pursuit of economic prosperity and security.

“Adewale Adeniyi has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a profound understanding of customs issues over his years of service in the Nigeria Customs Service. He has initiated various reforms aimed at modernising customs operations, reducing trade barriers, and increasing revenue generation. His vision for a more efficient customs system aligns with the WCO’s objectives and mirrors the aspirations of the Nigerian youth, who seek a brighter future characterised by integrity, transparency, and innovation in all sectors.

He noted that: “The youth of Nigeria are especially proud of this achievement. It serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with determination and a clear vision, we can achieve positions of influence on the global platform. This is an inspiration to young leaders across Nigeria, proving that we are capable of driving change and impacting our communities on a larger scale.”

He said under Adeniyi’s leadership, there is an anticipated focus on technology and innovation as key drivers of customs reform. The integration of advanced technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, can streamline customs procedures, reducing delays and enhancing efficiency. This move towards digitalised customs processes will facilitate smoother international trade and strengthen the global supply chain.

He added that: “Adewale Adeniyi has always taken a stand against illicit trade practices. His leadership in the WCO presents an opportunity to tackle these critical issues with a comprehensive and collaborative approach, ensuring that customs administrations worldwide can effectively combat these challenges while promoting legitimate trade.

“The appointment of Adewale Adeniyi comes at an opportune moment when there is a growing need for enhanced cooperation among customs authorities globally. In light of recent global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, strong leadership in customs administration is essential to ensure that trade continues to flow unhindered. Adeniyi’s election is a strategic move towards stabilising the global trading environment and ensuring that customs systems are resilient against future challenges.

He however urged all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, to rally behind Adewale Adeniyi’s leadership, stressing that: “It is imperative that we work together to achieve the WCO’s goals. “Collaboration will be key in ensuring that customs administrations operate effectively, facilitating trade while safeguarding our economies and societies.”

Dr. Raymond Edoh is a renowned youth leader and advocate for youth and sustainable development in Nigeria. With a deep passion for empowering young people and promoting progressive governance, Dr. Edoh has been at the forefront of various initiatives aimed at fostering youth participation in leadership and decision-making processes. He continues to inspire the next generation of leaders through his dedicated efforts and exceptional leadership skills.
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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State


…Making it the 20th State to Benefit from the Support

By: Our Reporter

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Program, launched in Abuja in March 2024 to provide monthly support to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities, has reached Yobe State—making it the 20th state to benefit from the initiative.
Since its inception, the program has covered Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto States before arriving in Yobe.
With generous support from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another industrialist who prefers to remain anonymous, assorted food items were delivered, bringing relief to many households, particularly those with disabilities.


The First Lady and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that donors provide two truckloads of food items to each beneficiary state for onward distribution. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, she highlighted Yobe as a major beneficiary of RHI programs and interventions.
These include:

  • The Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economists Empowerment Program, which supported 500 women with ₦50,000 each.
  • The RHI Women Agricultural Support Scheme, where 20 women received ₦500,000 each.
  • A ₦68.9 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the Young Farmers Club.
  • Annual financial support to senior citizens, with 100 beneficiaries receiving ₦100,000 each in 2023 and 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦200,000 each.
  • A ₦50 million financial grant to 1,000 petty traders.
  • The Women in ICT Program, aimed at empowering women in the digital economy.
    According to Senator Tinubu, these interventions are designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the initiative, noting that the state has aligned with RHI through various empowerment programs for women, children, and vulnerable groups. These include the distribution of household items, skill acquisition schemes, and post-insurgency recovery programs that have economically empowered many women.

  • The State Coordinator of RHI and Wife of the Yobe State Governor, Hajiya Hafsat Kollere Buni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for extending such impactful support to Yobe State. She also looked forward to stronger collaborations to further project the ideals of RHI and improve the lives of the people.
    Also present at the event was Dr. Ubong Udoh, Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, one of the key donors to the program.
  • RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State
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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

By: Zagazola Makama

Former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has warned that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency will remain elusive without national cohesion and a united front across society.

Monguno stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said Boko Haram and other violent groups had thrived by exploiting Nigeria’s divisions, stressing that disunity among citizens, political actors, and institutions weakened the country’s capacity to defeat terrorism.

“Without national cohesion, insurgency will not end. Terrorists feed on our fault lines – ethnic, religious, political – and they weaponise them against us. If we remain divided, no amount of military might will deliver lasting peace,” Monguno said.

He urged Nigerians to rise above parochial sentiments and embrace a spirit of patriotism, solidarity, and common purpose. According to him, the fight against insurgency must go beyond the battlefield to include reconciliation, justice, and inclusive governance.

The retired General emphasised that the scars left by Boko Haram were not just physical but also psychological and social, making unity a vital condition for national healing.

“The book reminds us that security is not just the work of soldiers. It is the responsibility of leaders, institutions, and citizens. Unless we build cohesion, insurgency will continue to mutate in different forms,” he added.

Monguno commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experience, describing the work as a guide that combines history, strategy, and national lessons for the future.

The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, diplomats, and senior government officials.

Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

By: Zagazola Makama

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone, stressing the need to embrace soft power and address root causes of insecurity.

Kukah made this known in Abuja on Thursday while reviewing Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said the country’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.

“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” Kukah said.

The cleric argued that describing the insurgency only in military terms forecloses other sources of information and non-kinetic solutions that are critical to peacebuilding.

According to him, Boko Haram’s struggle is framed as a jihad, and many of its fighters see death as martyrdom, making them indifferent to conventional deterrence.

“The challenge before us is not merely about defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but about understanding the soft issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.

Kukah pointed to chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Irabor’s book, which emphasise reconciliation, good governance, justice, and national healing as critical conditions for security.

He praised the author’s reflections for going beyond military strategy, describing them as “the writings of a priest” that call for dialogue, reforms and moral renewal.

The bishop added that Nigeria must prioritise structural reforms, political inclusion, patriotism, and judicial integrity to tackle grievances that feed extremism.

“The urgency now is to invest in soft power – in human development, reconciliation, and building trust in institutions. Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” Kukah said.

The event attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
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