Nigeria Times

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the launch of an investigation into accusations of bandit sponsorship involving the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal. Both officials have openly accused each other of backing bandit groups in the region.

Matawalle recently challenged Lawal to swear by the Holy Qur’an that he is not involved in the sponsorship of bandits. In response, Lawal claimed to have reported the matter to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and said he has evidence to support his accusations.

During a press briefing, Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that the military and other security agencies are probing the allegations. He emphasized that a formal announcement will be made once the investigation progresses, but for now, the focus remains on defeating the bandits and criminal elements across the country.

Buba stated that winning the war against banditry involves dismantling the enemy’s will to fight, and the military is committed to this objective. He assured that updates on the investigation would be shared soon.

Dr. Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, has announced that the government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), aimed at bolstering its production capabilities. According to Matawalle, this initiative is set to save Nigeria millions of dollars previously spent on arms procurement abroad.

Speaking in an interview with Channels TV particularly on the commemoration of DICON’s 60th anniversary, Dr. Matawalle emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to increase its local manufacturing output, particularly in the defence sector, to address the country’s growing security demands.

“For too long, Nigeria has lagged behind in advancing its local productivity, especially in the defence industry,” he remarked. “We attend security exhibitions around the world, observing the advancements of other nations, yet Nigeria has not been producing at the level required to meet our own needs. But today, under my supervision as Minister, we have initiated programs to enhance DICON’s capacity through a comprehensive remodeling.”

He further elaborated on the transformation underway at the corporation. “If you visit DICON today, you will witness a remarkable change. We now have investors who have established their plants on-site. This isn’t just for Nigeria; it’s for our neighbors as well.”

Dr. Matawalle underscored that the revitalization of DICON would greatly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign suppliers, with arms, ammunition, and other military equipment now to be purchased in local currency.

“This move will also save us spendings in dollar, as purchases would be in Naira. It is as good as what NNPC is doing with Dangote Refinery. Our goal is to source all of our military hardware domestically, easing the pressure on foreign exchange reserves used for purchasing weapons

The Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Bio Ibrahim, has emphasized that the recent increase in the monthly allowance for corps members is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of Nigerian youths. The allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been raised from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, effective July 2024.

In her statement, Ibrahim highlighted that this decision reflects the government’s dedication to improving youth welfare. She noted, “The President’s vision for Nigerian youth has always been clear—he supports any initiative that improves their welfare and prospects. This allowance increase is a direct reflection of that commitment, and the Ministry is pleased that this has become a reality.”

The Minister further explained that this increase is not only a response to current economic challenges but also part of a broader strategy to enhance the service conditions for youth, enabling them to contribute effectively to national development. Ibrahim assured that this initiative is just one of many efforts the Ministry of Youth Development will pursue to better the lives of young Nigerians.

Women from various local government areas in the Niger Delta gathered in Warri to express their opposition to the planned protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on October 1. The event, organized by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and themed “Niger Delta Women: Empowerment as a Panacea for Peace, Stability, and Economic Growth,” served as a platform for the women to voice their concerns.

In a resolution, the women, representing diverse ethnic groups in the oil-rich region, urged their children and wards to refrain from participating in the upcoming protests. They called on their fellow citizens to allow Tinubu’s administration the opportunity to tackle the numerous challenges facing the nation.

The women expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s initiatives aimed at supporting women and youth in the region, stating, “When you appoint the right people to the right positions, positive results will follow.” Prominent leader Madam Beauty Warejuowei emphasized the importance of women in the Niger Delta to “stand firm and make the best use of the opportunities provided by the authorities.”

PAP administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro commended the women for their support of the current administration and acknowledged their vital role in maintaining peace in the region.