NYSC-TF AS PMB’S GREATEST LEGACY

By Vincent Pam

A leader is not just a person that is known for his personalities, a leader is one that is remembered for the impact of the critical decisions he took while in position of authority, and this impact becomes the core element of his legacy when he’s long gone.

We say that, “The Youths are the Pillar of a Nation”, and we all know that the strength of a great nation is determined by the number of successful Youths in a nation.
It is without doubt concerning the place of the youths to lead tomorrow, and the future of this nation lies solely in the hands of our youths. Knowing that they majorly contribute to the Human capital in any nation, leading to her growth, it would have been unfair to not take their future into paramount considerations, nor put them first, not just them, but also their growth, their future, and their lives.

It is very heartwarming at this moment in time to be alive, when Nigeria is blessed with good leaders, and most especially, still in President Buhari led administration.
These are leaders that looked at the future of the nation and consider just how well our growth as a people is important to the success of governance, and how well the greater need of securing the future of the youths in this country.

It is worthy of note to state that the NYSC Trust Fund is one of the few bills passed by the National Assembly that received the highest number of memoranda from the public in support of it’s passage. This mass appeal towards the bill points to the acceptability of the trust fund chiefly because of the role the NYSC scheme has played in shaping the Nigerian economy and the lives of a average Nigerians amidst scarce resources. The Trust Fund therefore comes handy in consolidating funding lacuna in order to actualize the vision and mission of the scheme especially in the area of job creation and skill acquisition.

Our place as a nation in the continent and the world Is only further emphasized with bills such as this one, making it known who we are, and how we conduct affairs. It’s good to know that the full nation is coming to the realization of acknowledging that NYSC is the best way to imbibe the spirit of Nationalism in our youths. Now is the time for our young individuals to understand that the Nation that they’ve once thought of giving up on, actually cares about their welfare and survival. This is the time they need to understand that they are Nigerians and not just Igbos, Yorubas, Hausas and other tribes in the country. Meeting people from different parts of the country has helped many individual understand other cultures and promotes unity amongst diversity. This had NYSC made possible for our Nigerian youths. Wouldn’t it be considerate enough to engrave a life print of support in the action of the NYSC Trust Fund full acceptance by Mr President?

How then can we quickly forget the many benefits that we have enjoyed since the creation of the NYSC. Majority in this country have gone pass the obvious delusive opinion and rumors about NYSC being a time waster. We all have seen its ripple effect as an evidence which has countered ever libels against the scheme. From the mandatory COVID-19 tests are carried out on prospective corps members before their admittance into the orientation camps, to the top-notch basic amenities provided by the scheme to corps members, and top security measures being put in place by the efforts of the sagacious officials. Without also forgetting the renovations been carried out on several orientation camps across the country. This goes a long way to show that the Nigerian government and the NYSC officials have the corps members at heart and they take their health and safety as a priority. The onus is on those who disagree in the face multiple evidence.

As laudable as this piece of legislation is, one can also make haste to point out that it is one thing to make a law with far-reaching benefits as this Trust Fund is, and easily managed such a way that its aims and objectives are actualized over time. In making this assertion, one can draw attention to the urgent need to depoliticize the operations of the fund in terms of who benefits from it and not turn into a cash cow of sorts to political leaders, since NYSC scheme is itself apolitical. Mr President can have a good rest mind at its political-exclusive-political-exclusive-involvement in any corruptible participation.

I’m enchanted by the realization that the Fund and its operations will be building on the successes already established by the scheme over the years, and the Trust Fund instrument will help galvanize our youths development plans in creating sustaining growth and peace stability.

It is therefore a great step at this moment in seeing to our youth financial stability. As it is known, “Money is the answer most needs, and money can move a mountain”. No level of success can be achieved without the involvement of a functional fund/funding.

The impact and outstanding influence of the NYSC scheme in different sectors across the Nation, has made it now well-convincing and believed that recent efforts to set up the NYSC Trust Fund deserves the full support of all and sundry considering the fact that it will provide the impetus to boost the Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme for corps members. It is imperative if the nation must avoid the pitfalls of similar funds set up to empower targeted sections of the population.

All that is required at this time is a speedy conclusion, and a timely assent to it by the President. Assenting to this bill would see Mr President legacy designed in a plated gold in the heart of all youths, and many generations to come. The BUHARI led administration would go down in history as the trailblazers that made the world stood still. This action would create monumental history that will unaffected by time and seasons, and never to be erased from record, because such Bill would benefit every generations that ever existed to witness it.

Mr President, we implore you to create a legacy for this administration through NYSC Trust Fund bill, and history will keep smiling to our youths forever, the success of Nigerian Youth, is the success of Nigeria itself.

Pam wrote this article from Abuja.

CSO lauds NEDC on outstanding reconstruction of northeast

The Network for Good Governance in Nigeria has applauded the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for its extraordinary contributions to the development of the region.

According to a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Adam Abu, the group said the NEDC has effectively tackled the menace of poverty, illiteracy, and ecological challenges in the North-Eastern states.

Abu noted that the NEDC has gone beyond resettlement, rehabilitation, integration, and reconstruction of infrastructure for victims to develop the northeast into a safe, economically vibrant, ICT-driven 21st-century region.

Outlining the recent projects of the agency, Abu said the construction of the 54km Ngalda-Mutai road abandoned due to the activities of Boko Haram was a welcome development.

He said the road is economically-strategic as it links many agriculturally viable communities of Fika and Gujba local government areas of Yobe State.

In education, Abu said the establishment of a mega school in each senatorial district across the northeast will impact positively the children whose learning was hampered by insurgency.

He also noted that the provision of ICT centers, educational materials and other will further enhance understanding.

Abu added that the NEDC has shown its commitment to healthcare with numerous interventions.

“The Borno State specialist hospital, the federal neuropsychiatric hospital, the 7 division military hospital Maimalari Cantonment and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH ), and others are addressing the challenges in the health sector,” he said.

“The NEDC has forged partnerships with some international bodies, one of which was with the United Nations Office of Projects Services (UNOPS) to upscale activities at the two oxygen plants in Borno State.

“The agency recently took over from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) the responsibilities of routine food distribution to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in designated camps, host and liberated communities in Borno and Adamawa States.

“The interventions are endless – in housing, road networks, food and non-food items, security, emergencies, markets, and many others”.

The group, therefore, applauded NEDC’s managing director, Mohammed Alkali, for adhering to the mandate of the agency

Describing Alkali as a patriot, with an unblemished record of integrity and accountability, Abu said he has ensured strict and prudent utilization of the agency’s resources to meet the needs of the common people.

He also praised the MD for the synergy between the board and the management which has made the operation of the NEDC seamless, unlike other agencies where rancor is the order of the day.

Abu, however, called on the Federal Government and foreign bodies to continue to show support for the NEDC.

New professions give a boost to employment

By Li Xinping, People’s Daily

An updated directory on occupational titles released by China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS) will soon be printed.

Seventy-four new professions have been included in the directory in five batches, such as B&B managers, family education tutors, educational tourism guides and robotics engineering technicians.

These emerging new professions not only offer new job opportunities and choices, but also drive the development of relevant industries and reflect the trends in new technologies and demands. They are an indicator of China’s economic development.

According to statistics released by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, China’s digital economy grew from 22.6 trillion yuan ($3.24 trillion) in 2016 to 45.5 trillion yuan in 2021, accounting for 39.8 percent of China’s GDP.

The prospering development of the digital economy catalyzes the emergence of digital professions. Half of the 18 new professions unveiled this year are related to the digital economy.

Yang Weiguo, dean of the School of Labor and Human Resources at Renmin University of China, said that the digital economy has become a part of people’s lives and led to the emergence of new products and business models, thus boosting new professions.

As China is pressing ahead on a green transition path, green jobs, including carbon emissions managers, appraisers of carbon sink measurement and consultants for structure energy saving and emission reduction, have embraced a golden age of rapid development.

An official with the MHRSS said that carbon peaking and neutrality is necessary for China to achieve higher-quality and sustainable economic and social development. It is changing the energy and economic structures, promoting industrial upgrading and generating green jobs, the official added.

For instance, the B&B business, in just a few years, has developed into a large industry that involves millions of employees, including B&B managers, a new profession that emerged in recent years.

As urban rail transit systems are constantly put into use, the urban rail transit sector is seeing a massive demand for professionals. The new profession of urban rail transit repairer exactly lays a solid foundation for ensuring a better life for the people.

Besides, a number of new professions are generated as people pursue a better life, such as beverage concoctors and educational tourism guides.

An MHRSS official noted that new professions are the professions not included in the 2015-version directory on recognized occupations, but already involve a certain number of jobholders and require a certain degree of professionalism.

The recognition of new professions is of great significance for the labor market. Li Chang’an, professor at the University of International Business and Economics, said the country’s recognition and regulation of new professions, which are generated amid economic and social development, will raise the social recognition and credibility of new jobs and match more job-seekers with employers, thus contributing to the employment.

Wang Bo, an educational tourism guide, is quite glad to see such recognition. “I could only say that I’m a supervisor for summer or winter camps when I introduced myself in the past. Now I could use the new profession title to address myself and I hope I can be recognized by more parents and children in the future,” Wang said.

According to the Tourism College of Zhejiang in east China’s Zhejiang province, all of its 30 graduates majoring in B&B management have secured a job this year, which indicated a huge demand from the job market.

Today, there are nearly 100 million employees engaged in new professions across China, such as online delivery couriers, online marketing operators and online tutors, and the number keeps growing.

It is reported that human resource and social security authorities will set relevant standards for the new professions and launch training and evaluation programs.

“The recognition of new professions and the making of corresponding vocational standards will provide a basis for setting vocational education majors and training courses, and for the compilation of relevant textbooks, which helps better connect talent training with the market and society,” said Li.

Digital industrial clusters prosper in China

By Wang Zheng, People’s Daily
The rapid development of the digital economy over the recent years in China has led to a tide of the construction of digital industrial clusters.
A batch of digital industrial clusters with international competitiveness has taken shape and grown strong across China, injecting fresh impetus into the high-quality development of the Chinese economy.
Digital industrial clusters, led by new development philosophy, include enterprises and relevant organizations driven by digital factors and engaged in digital product manufacturing, digital services, and digital technology application. They have strong core competitiveness.
According to China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) on the development of the digital economy, the country aims to raise the proportion of the added value of core digital economy industries in its GDP to 10 percent in 2025, up from 7.8 percent in 2020.
The China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID) said over 60 percent of China’s 25 advanced manufacturing clusters are engaged in the digital economy. The prospering development of the digital economy is driving the upgrade of industrial clusters.
China Speech Valley, an industrial base focusing on speech recognition technologies in Hefei, east China’s Anhui province, reported revenue of 137.8 billion yuan ($19.71 billion) from its main businesses last year. Led by leading artificial intelligence and speech technology company iFLYTEK, the industrial base is home to 1,423 enterprises. The annual average growths in its output value and number of enterprises have both exceeded 30 percent over the past five years.
A digital security industrial cluster in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, is home to leading Chinese video surveillance product and solution provider Dahua Technology, top-notch manufacturer and supplier of video surveillance equipment Hikvision, as well as over 4,300 other innovative enterprises engaged in the industry. The revenue of core businesses of the cluster reached 272.08 billion yuan ($38.9 billion) last year, up 17.2 percent year on year. It has the world’s largest two producers of digital video recorders and cameras, with a market share of over 50 percent.
Represented by global leading provider of optical products Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company and laser technology developer Huagong Tech, the Optics Valley in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei province, has received total investment exceeding 200 billion yuan during the past three years and owns more than 15,000 optoelectronic enterprises. The industrial cluster has witnessed a series of breakthroughs, such as the making of the world’s first 128-layer 3D NAND flash memory chip and China’s first 400G silicon photonics optical module.
Platform-based synergetic online development and production is one of the features of digital industrial clusters. For instance, Chinese tech firm Xiaomi, establishing over 100 enterprises in its ecological chain in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, has created more than 100 hot-selling products. So far, the Chinese company has gathered over 4,000 online development teams on its platform.
The new model of work division is another feature of digital industrial clusters. Gao Yingmai, director of the Digital Economy Strategy Research Office of CCID, told People’s Daily that different from the models of one-to-one division adopted by traditional industrial clusters, digital industrial clusters use platforms to connect businesses.
Data alignment and interaction as well as artificial intelligence-enabled analysis make industrial collaboration more precise and efficient, Gao explained.
For instance, these platforms could detect shortages of key spare parts and then seek suppliers, and could also predict fluctuations in the market and thus ensure a reasonable inventory and timely production, Gao noted.
Digital industrial clusters can achieve synergy in R&D, orders, production, quality, inventory and services, said Fan Qiuci, an expert with the AliResearch, a research arm of Alibaba Group. Fan said the clusters can digitalize and align various systems for a closed synergy loop, so as to stabilize and strengthen industrial and supply chains,
An official with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said that China will strengthen digital industrialization, industrial digitalization and its data-to-value capability, so as to build digital industrial clusters with international competitiveness in different fields in a phased manner.
According to the official, the country will accelerate the development of industrial clusters, with market potential and dominated by innovative players. China will also build a development pattern led by major enterprises, followed by small- and medium-sized enterprises and constantly joined by innovative companies, to continuously integrate the digital economy with the real economy and traditional industries.
Besides, China will also speed up its efforts to build a national big data center and actively explore the new models of data flow and transaction, to fully turn digital dividends into development potential, the official added.

Nigeria, Seychelles sign BASA, begin direct flights soon

Following the approval of the Federal Executive Council of the Memorandum on signing and ratification of Air Service Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Seychelles, the two countries have formerly ratified the Agreement.


Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika using the platform of the ongoing International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) event holding in Abuja, led officials of the Ministry to sign Bilateral Air Services Agreement ( BASA) while the Republic of Seychelles Minister of Transport, Mr. Anthony Derjacques, signed on behalf of his country.
During the ceremony, according to a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation on Public Affairs, James Odaudu the two Ministers underscored the importance of the BASA as it will promote air services and connectivity between both countries, enhance business, and promote tourism.

They both agreed that the signing would further promote the African Union Agenda 2063 and called on citizens of both countries to latch on the opportunities of the BASA for their mutual benefits.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Aviation has either signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and initial Air Services Agreement (ASA) with Senegal, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Finland, Cameroon, Morocco, Suriname, India, Sudan and Uganda.

The Ministry has also had discussions on how to further implement the open skies Agreement, signed 30 years ago, with the United States of America.

International Civil Aviation Day: Nigeria Remains Committed to ICAO’s Ideals – Sirika

As the global aviation community comes together to celebrate the 2022 International Civil Aviation Day, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has restated the nation’s commitment to the ideals of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation on Public Affairs, James Odaudu.

According to Sirika, the theme for International Civil Aviation Day 2022 which is, “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development” aligns with the belief of the Nigerian government that Aviation is a channel to achieving the development of other sectors as it remains the fastest and safest mode of domestic and international movement.
This belief, he says, has informed Government’s commitment to the development of the sector for which it developed a roadmap at the inception of the Buhari administration.

The implementation of the roadmap has led to a number of record-breaking achievements in the nation’s aviation industry which have been variously acknowledged and applauded by ICAO.
“Globally, it is a well known fact that aviation doubles every fifteen years but in the case of Nigeria, it has more than doubled and in another fifteen years, it will quadruple”.
“According to the National Bureau of Statistics , aviation became the fastest growing sector of the economy pre-covid and during covid, the third fastest growing sector and after covid, according to Airport Council International, ACI, we are at a 111% of pre-covid numbers. Apart from Colombia, we are the only country on earth that recovered so fast, and we have added even 11% of pre-covid numbers”.

These statistics, according to Senator Sirika, reinforce the continuous commitment of Nigeria to the ideals and aspirations of the International Civil Aviation Organization whose regulations have continued to guide the industry in ensuring the safety records that the country has established.

The Minister, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the government and people of Nigeria, congratulates the President of the ICAO Council, Salvatore Siacchitano and members of the global aviation community presently in the country for the ICAN22 event on the Day and hopes that Nigeria will continue to have the privilege of hosting more ICAO events in the future.

The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.

Food Security: China Donates N2.8bn Agricultural Technolgy Centre To Nigeria

The Chinese government on Tuesday handed over the newly built Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Donated by the Chinese government and constructed by China Railway Bureau Group Limited (CRCC14), the centre is located in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The facility which seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, food security and revenue generation through mechanization and technology is divided into a Power Center, Agro-input and machinery exhibition centre, agricultural technology training centre, agro-processing technology exhibition centre, research and service centre, demonstration farmland and dam.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun in his keynote address said the centre is a manifestation of China’s resolve to promote agricultural development in Nigeria through technology.

His words, “One of the priorities of the Chinese government in Nigeria is to develop agriculture and food security through the deal of technology.

“Through this demonstration centre, the Chinese government has supported Nigeria to develop modernized agriculture, through the deployment of machines, technology and high-yield seeds.

“Without agriculture, society cannot be stable and industries can’t function properly. Working together, both Nigeria and China can achieve significant growth in agricultural mechanization leading to the fourth industrial revolution.”

While commending the contractors for a job well done, the ambassador expressed optimism that the centre, will equip farmers with the tools to sell their products to a global market using mobile phones and technology.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development said the centre will train and equip local farmers with advanced technology to enhance productivity and migrate from small-scale to mechanized farming.

The minister who was represented by Udoh Daniel, acting permanent secretary in the ministry thanked the Chinese government for donating the centre and assured that the Nigerian government will use the facility to improve the agricultural sector.

Highlight of the event was the official handing over of the facility to the federal government delegation led by the ministry of agriculture and rural development.

The N2.8 billion centre which boasts of modern agricultural machinery and equipment will be managed by CGCOC Agricultural Development Limited through its subsidiary Green Agriculture West Limited (GAWAL).

NEDC: A MODEL IN PEACE- BUILDING AND RECONSTRUCTION.

By Monday Otairu

Peace is said to be an intangible commodity with a priceless tag, which once shattered, gaining it back requires huge investment in terms of human and material resources. Therefore, absence of peace implies that a given community, region or country has been inflicted with instability particularly if the nature of the conflict is overtly violent in character

In recent years, for a long time was peace seen as a luxury to be sought after in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, particularly Borno State which was hitherto been referred to as the “Home of Peace”. Getting a visitation from peace became a herculean task, and if experienced, it was in no time short-lived. This was a result of different hit caused by the activities of Boko Haram insurgency. Similarly, the issues of insurgency created a new dimension of communal and ethnic clashes between farmers and herdsmen in many regions in the North East, which raised the calls for proactive measures.

We must admit that in all human endeavors, the foundation is critical because when the foundation starts on a faulty note, it won’t stand the test of time.
Observing the toll violent conflicts in this region took on both material and human lives leaving the survivors with scars and gory tales of psychological trauma, a quest for growth and development in the NorthEastern region was set into motion, and the search for peace became a necessity. This necessity saw the birth of a perfect relief to the travailing effect; the birth of North East Development Commission (NEDC), charged with the mandated to coordinate the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of infrastructure for victims.

It is worthy of note that prior to the advent of the Boko Haram insurgency in the NorthEast, other forms of conflict do occurred on both small and large scale be it communal, ethnic or religious or to a very large extent, the emerging trend of herders/farmers skirmishes which has become a defining moment of social relations between and amongst myriad of ethnic groups.

This brings our focus to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) that was established to lead the reconstruction and development of North-East Nigeria after years of conflict occasioned by the Boko Haram crisis. Many of us had reservations when the NEDC commenced operations. This was hinged on the past experiences where interventionist agencies instead of fulfilling its mandate end up as cash cows for politicians that are not shy to divert public funds to private pockets in the usual manner. Be that as it may, the phenomena of conflicts and indeed the questions of terrorism and insurgency is a global concern, owing to the fact that communities, societies, states and nation-states have experienced or are experiencing one form of conflict or the other, be it an overt or covert conflicts as the case may be.

The genesis of the NEDC success was approach the leadership of NEDC took in creating a holistic and acceptable Master Plan that can be implemented diversely and comprehensively in the North East. The Commission consulted relevant stakeholders in a bottom-up approach, by engaging them on the Master Plan in all the 112 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the region, as well as with humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors, representatives of member states, CSOs/CBOs, and private and federal legislators from the zone. This created a surge in the many breakthrough experienced nationwide, leaving everyone to the bewilderment of the “HOW?”.

The case of the NEDC has somewhat proven different from other interventionist agencies in the country. There has been a consistent drive towards achieving its core mandate in rebuilding North East Nigeria that had suffered phenomenal destruction since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began its violent campaign against Nigeria. They recognized transparency as one of the basic principles of good governance by giving the public wide insight in the work of public administration and bodies. It rejuvenated the trust and assurance of the North East region people, they trust of Presidential support in the person of NEDC became solidify once again.

However, one thing that I would harp on is the level of transparency entrenched in its operations, and this is not hinged on hearsay or assumptions, but rather a product of extensive scrutiny of its various interventionist programmes across the states in North-East Nigeria. The level of transparency introduced in the operations of the NEDC is tremendous as well as impressive. In my opinion, this is a function of two factors. One is the world view is on the North East and the desire for normalcy to return, and secondly the need to get things right at the foundation level for subsequent efforts in the future. Whichever of the factors that motivated the director, this shows that he has done well and has earned his price for the right appraisal.

Can a tree stand alone to be called a forest? Definitely no. Alkali, the director of NEDC is a man fill with wisdom, humility, and selflessness. At interval, he always openly acknowledged other brains of support that has been sustaining the NEDC before now. Knowing how important humanitarian duties are in the routine of his commission, he takes no time in acknowledging the support and inspirational guidance of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, which has led to numerous modest strides the Commission has accomplished, like humanitarian assistance, recovery, stabilization and peacebuilding. The NEDC is a new agency, and the fact that it has started on this note indicates that in no distance time, its impact would be felt beyond Africa as regards the rebuilding of North-East Nigeria in a well reformed habitable settlement.

It can be obviously stated that the crisis in North-East Nigeria that came with its attendant loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of thousands of people has been greatly managed and subdued, leaving its after effects less visible.
NEDC has set the pace of positive challenge to other public office holders in the country towards Peace- building, and the entrenchment of transparency in their operations using the NEDC model. I would implore this other public officers to take a great study of The North East Development Commission, to learn the ropes of their many strategies used in implementing groundbreaking success.

For a fact, it’s no doubt that NEDC has since become a reference point for accountability and transparency for other interventionist agency. They create the flow, while others follow.

Otairu wrote this piece from University of Maiduguri.

Group commends Nigerian Army’s apolitical posture, urged to sustain Annual Conference for revitalization

The Coalition against Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria has described the Nigerian Army as a bastion of democracy through its numerous interventions, especially in internal security operations across the country.

Commending the Army for its uncompromising and apolitical posture, the Coalition said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has injected fresh ideas into the operations and welfare of troops in line with global trends in addressing security challenges.

In a statement signed by its convener,
Comr. Michael Obande, the group also hailed the leadership of the Nigerian Army for undertaking the annual Chief of Army Staff Conference held in Sokoto State.

Obande said the exercise is well-thought to
evaluate and reevaluate military strategies in line with the present-day realities regarding the dynamics of security threats in the country.

“We are impressed with the theme: ‘Building a Professional Nigerian Army for the 21st Century Security Environment’, which by all intent and purposes indicates that the leadership of the Nigerian Army is poised to address the various security challenges in the country,” he said.

“We believe such events speak volumes of a deep-rooted culture of evaluating and reevaluating military strategies in line with the present-day realities regarding the dynamics of security threats in the country.

“It also goes a long way in serving as that avenue where the Nigerian Army refreshes all strategies hitherto deployed in the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country, as well as internal security operations.

“The Nigerian Army has remained the bastion of our democracy through its numerous interventions, especially in internal security operations across the country. The 2022 COAS Conference presents us with the fact that the Nigerian Army is not resting on its oars despite its numerous successes in addressing the various security challenges in the country.

“This is on the heels that the COAS Conference creates an opportunity for the COAS to have a face-to-face interaction with all the General Officers Commanding, field commanders, and other senior officers on enhancing the activities and operations of the Nigerian Army.

“The Coalition Against Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria commends the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, for sustaining the legacy and improving it with noble introductions that are far-reaching and in line with global trends in addressing security challenges in the country.

“We agree with the position of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces that the Nigerian Army is a key element of our national power and will continue to be a significant catalyst for our development, especially by providing the needed aid to civil authority.

“The charge by President Muhammadu Buhari at the COAS Conference for the Nigerian Army to replicate the professionalism exhibited in the successful conduct of the Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti states elections should also be reflected in the 2023 general elections is instructive and an indication of the invaluable role of the Nigerian Army in the preservation of our nascent democracy.

“The Ekiti and Osun state gubernatorial elections are indeed worthy examples of the level of professionalism in the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya. It also goes a long way to assure Nigerians that the 2023 general elections will be given the required attention it deserves for peaceful and credible elections.

“The Coalition Against Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria salutes the efforts and courage of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, in positioning the Nigerian Army for optimal performance. He has indeed displayed an unalloyed commitment to entrenching discipline, nonpartisanship, and focus in the operations of the Nigerian Army.

“These and many more he has been able to achieve in a short period due to his track record of patriotism and dedication in service to the country in the course of his illustrious career in the Nigerian Army”.

Assuring the Army of its continuous support, the Coalition, however, affirmed that “the troops are dedicated and positioned to assist the civil authorities in sustaining our democracy while ensuring a peaceful society in our quest for sustainable growth and development. “

2023 Manifesto: Pro-democracy group berates Obi over plagiarism, unpreparedness to govern

The National Democratic Movement (NDM) has described the manifesto of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, as an old bunch of rehearsed script full of lies, falsehood, and deception which have become the trademark of the former governor.

The group which made this known at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja noted that the manifesto is riddled with falsehood and error aimed to sway the support of Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the group, James Audu, however, advised every patriotic Nigerians to fight for justice and integrity.

He said: “We must not be swayed by political deceit in electing an incompetent person to head this nation. We need a man that can change reality, and not only give statistics.”

In his words: “Firstly, it can be seen that the title of the manifesto leaves so much to be desired in repulsion. In the title of the manifesto is the emphasis on PO (Peter Obi – POssible) which speaks to the only “ME” mindset of Peter Obi. This is an egoistic man that put himself first before any other person. Always wanting to be at the forefront of the eulogy of every little achievement made.

“We are not surprised at the eventualities from the camp of Mr. Obi. What else do we expect from a man that boldly claimed he has no manifesto, pointing out not having a structure to lead Nigeria with? A man that is ready to lead a nation on the edge of a “Que sera sera” pillar, leading to confusion and destruction of a great historical nation.

“This is nothing but a primitive mindset of “ME”. This “ME”, that “ME”. To Obi, the presidency is all about him. The Same “ME” couldn’t change anything in Anambra. The same “ME” that was disgraceful caught in the web of Pandora papers’ revelations, which has left many mouths across the world agape, and till today many of the mouths are still widely left open. The same “ME” that kept pronouncing he would take Nigeria from a consuming to a Producing Nation, But with no manifesto?

“We believe the few wise ones in his caucus later discovered the foolery in leading a nation without a written manifesto. Peter Obi had to be reminded before doing the needful. A man gunning for the presidency had to be reminded about the most basic thing in seeking an elective position, presenting your manifesto (I.e, your action plan if you get elected). Those who have overtime dressed him in the bogus toga of the most qualified Candidate would be licking their wounds now having seen that Peter is less qualified going by his shameful dealings and speech.

“The National Democratic Movement keenly warns the public to beware of many wolves in sheep’s clothing. Who openly express themselves as political orators of great change, but have no evidence to support their many claims of numerous acclaimed achievements used in masquerading their magnanimous woes and shortcomings. They are filled with shameful acts of secret investments, secret accounts, illicit funds ownership, and/or tax evasion.

“Here has Mr. Obi placed before every one of us, a manifesto which is an old bunch of rehearsed script full of lies, falsehood, and deception which have become the trademark of Peter Obi himself.
When he speaks, he attempts to make himself a God, he sounds and an image more like someone who has achieved a great fit and has done so much already. But a critical review will tell better that Obi is nothing but a singing canary who says so much but do less.

“We, therefore implore patriotic Nigerians to begin interrogating the competence of the Presidential candidates as they unveil their manifesto and share their views on key national and global issues.

“We ask every patriotic citizen, will the funds come from the chains of tax heavens where the looted treasury would be stored, or would the reformation come from different parastatals that being headed by every member of his nuclear and extended family?

“This is a man that has no right to speak on zero tolerance of corruption because if such mandate was fully seen through, the Pandora revelation should have landed him in prison, and cooling off for a long time without even giving it a thought running for the least political position. His actions against the Nigeria code of conduct should have reprimanded him in jail by now, and we are pleading with Mr. President to carefully look into that aspect also.
If elected President, at the end of Obi’s 8 years as President he would have invested all our resources for us in places where only Pandora papers can unravel.

“The National Democratic Movement is imploring every patriotic Nigerian to fight for justice and integrity. We must not be swayed by political deceit in electing an incompetent person to head this nation. We need a man that can change reality, and not only give statistics. We need a selfless and patriotic person that is not after self-aggrandizement. We want that man that puts Nigeria, and Nigerians first before himself. Peter Obi is a virus that would corrupt a functional system, he has cancer in Nigeria’s tissue, and he is all about himself. “