Nigerian troops Foiled Attempt by Boko Haram Terrorists to Blow Up High Tension Electric Pylon in Damaturu

By: Zagazola Makama

A planned attack by Boko Haram terrorists to blow up high tension electric pylons near Kasesa Village on the outskirts of Damaturu was thwarted by the combined efforts of the troops of the Nigerian army, Operation Hadin Kai, and local hunters.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region that the evil plans of the terrorists was averted on July 6, 2024 after intelligence received by the troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade about the terrorists’ intentions.

The terrorists, traveling in an ash-colored Toyota Corolla, aimed to destroy the crucial infrastructure. In response, troops and members of the Hunters Group moved through Kasesa Village to set an ambush.

Meanwhile, one team of three troops established a blocking position at Kurnari, while the other troops blocked Maileri Village. As the troops and hunters approached the targeted pylons, they engaged the terrorists in a firefight.

The terrorists fled, abandoning their vehicle, which had two damaged tires and was stained with blood, indicating injuries from the confrontation.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with detonating cords and a trade test card belonging to one Emmanuel Adamu.

Despite further exploitation by the troops, no additional contact with the terrorists was made. The recovered items are now in the custody of the 27 Task Force Brigade for further investigation.

This successful operation highlights the ongoing intensified intelligence led efforts to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, to nutrialised the current plan by the terrorists to carry out attack using Improvised Explosive Device.

Nigerian troops Foiled Attempt by Boko Haram Terrorists to Blow Up High Tension Electric Pylon in Damaturu

Rwanda Embassy in Nigeria Celebrates 30 Years of Liberation

By: Michael Mike

The Rwanda High Commission in Nigeria has celebrated the 30th anniversary of its liberation, known as Kwibohora 30.

The celebration at the weekend marked a significant moment in Rwanda’s history, as it symbolises the end of genocide and the defeat of the oppressive regime that orchestrated it on July 4, 1994.

This year’s theme, “Rwanda’s Journey Continues”, signifies the ongoing efforts towards national reconciliation, justice, economic prosperity and social development.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo while stating that his country has made remarkable progress in many areas, said the journey towards building a prosperous and unified nation is still ongoing.

He however reflected on the challenges Rwanda faced after gaining independence on July 1, 1962.

He said: “While we acknowledge our independence day on July 1, Kwibohora, July 4 holds a deeper significance for Rwandans as it marks the day we reclaimed our nation, our dignity and our right to chart our own path.

“We honour the resilience of the Rwandan people and the bravery of the Rwandan Patriotic Army, highlighting their sacrifices in the struggle for freedom and peace.
“We express gratitude to those who fought for Rwanda’s liberation and honoured the heroes who laid down their lives for a free and united Rwanda.”

He added that true liberation involves healing, reconciliation and rebuilding, stating that: “Rwanda’s innovative approach to justice, including initiatives like the Gacaca courts and the “Ndi Umunyarwanda” programme, has played a crucial role in healing the wounds of the past and fostering national unity.

“Today, Rwanda stands stronger and more united than ever before. Significant progress has been made in reducing poverty, expanding access to healthcare and education, and empowering women.

“With an impressive annual economic growth rate of 7 per cent, Rwanda has emerged as a key investment destination in Africa.

“We want to invite individuals to #VisitRwanda through #RwandAir to explore the country’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife and vibrant culture.

“For investors, Rwanda offers a supportive business environment and a government committed to facilitating growth and development.”

The envoy also acknowledged the valuable collaborations with nations like Nigeria that had contributed to Rwanda’s progress, while expressing gratitude for the partnerships that had supported Rwanda’s development and emphasised the importance of strengthening those relationships for mutual benefit.

In his remarks, Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar commended the people of Rwanda on their liberation, growth and achievements over the past three decades.

Tuggar, who was represented by a director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Safiu Olaniyan, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Rwanda and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

During the raffle draw that was opened to all attendees, two lucky persons won complimentary round-trip Economy and Business air tickets to Rwanda, with many more going home with wonderful prizes.

Rwanda Embassy in Nigeria Celebrates 30 Years of Liberation

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO PUBLIC SERVANTS: Live Up To Your Expectation As Public Trust For Accountability

*Abdulsalami, Akpabio, governors, Gbajabiamila, Dangote, 39 others get excellence awards

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored Nigerian public servants to live up to their expectation as public trust where they must all be accountable to the citizens.

He urged them to always be guided by the fact that the nation’s public institutions are not personal enterprises, and that, as public servants, they are employees of the Nigerian people.

The President who made the observation on Saturday during the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) held at Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, restated his administration’s determination “to creating an environment where merit is rewarded, and where every public servant feels valued and motivated to give their best”.

This, he said, is not just about the awards ceremony, but about embedding a culture of recognition and reward in the ethos of the country’s public service.

President Tinubu who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the event noted that some loopholes are still being exploited by those saddled with the nation’s trust despite the institutional measures put in place to prevent any form of irregularities in the public service.

Delivering the President’s speech titled, “Honouring the Heartbeats of Public Service,” VP Shettima stated: “More than ever, our public service must live up to its expectation as a public trust where every official must account to the people, and ours is to create an ecosystem where they not only stand out but stand apart from those who sabotage us.

“Even though we have set in place institutional measures to forestall any form of dysfunction in our public service, there are still cracks often exploited by those given the trust of the nation. But what we must never get tired of doing is reminding ourselves that our public institutions are not personal enterprises, and for that, each of us is an employee of the Nigerian citizen.”

Underlining the significance of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), a private sector initiative in partnership with the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), President Tinubu gave the initiative his full support, saying it is strategic to inspire the bulk of the nation’s workforce, “set benchmarks, and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our society”.

According to him, “reward and recognition are the very markers of every thriving institution, and indeed, nation,” even as he noted that “the essence of any successful entity, whether a private enterprise or public institution, lies in its ability to honour those who work to uphold its values and drive its progress.

“Our labour force remains the ultimate reflection of our principles, as practised by men and women who rise every day with a commitment to building a better future for all citizens. We therefore owe these silent architects of our national progress more than just a debt of gratitude”.

The President showered praises on Nigerian public servants, maintaining that their place must be remembered in order to motivate them to inspire others and make clear “that excellence is not an orphan”.

Beyond a mere ceremony to recognise the unsung heroes who keep the wheels of government and society turning beyond expectations, President Tinubu said NEAPS also plays a crucial role of introducing “more role models to a nation in search of mentors and to tell the awardees that we see them, and the excellence with which they have served the nation.

“The 44 persons we are here to honour set in motion a chain of actions to build a culture of hard work and commitment to noble principles in our public service. We must also strive to make sure that the values that have set them apart are deeply ingrained in our culture.

“There’s no better way to water this forest of high performance, integrity, and accountability than our collective refusal to underplay the efforts of those who labour day in and day out to hold our nation together,” he added.

Earlier in his welcome address, the SGF, George Akume, said NEAPS, a private sector-driven initiative, recognises and rewards innovation, purposeful leadership and hardwork by exceptional individuals and organisations in the country’s public service across all levels of government and the private sector.

He explained that the process of selecting the distinguished honourees was based on empirical facts and figures that are verifiable.

The SGF assured that efforts would be made to ensure the initiative is maintained as a regular feature in order to motivate and and encourage excellence in the country’s public service.

He urged recipients of the awards not to relent in their efforts towards making Nigeria a more prosperous and progressive country.

Among the 44 persons who clinched the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service are General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Peace Building award); Senate President, Godswill Akpabio (Parliamentary Excellence award); Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (Parliamentary Excellence award); Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (Leadership and Administration award), and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia (Administrator par Excellence award).

Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu were recognised for interventions in specific sectors in their respective states.

Others include FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike (Infrastructure Delivery award, Federal); Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso (Monetary Policy Reforms award); President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (Industrial Revolution award); former SGF, Boss Mustapha (Lifetime Achievement award), and Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank, Chief Jim Ovia (Lifetime Achievement in Banking award), among others.

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO PUBLIC SERVANTS: Live Up To Your Expectation As Public Trust For Accountability