File photo: Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has knocked out another Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ camp. Photo; TWITTER/NIGERIAARMY
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHq) says its Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole (ATF-OLD) has knocked out another terrorist camp belonging to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche announced in a statement on Friday in Abuja, confirmed that the raid by men of the ATF-OLD did not only destroy the camp at Tongule in the Lake Chad area of Northern Borno, it also eliminated scores of their fighters.
File photo: Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has knocked out another Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ camp. Photo; TWITTER/NIGERIAARMY
According to Maj. Gen. Enenche the air raid was in continuation of the air offensive against terrorist elements in the North East.
He stated that the airstrikes,which were conducted on Aug. 12, followed credible intelligence reports indicating terrorists’ activities in the village.
The defence spokesman explained that after confirmation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the Air Task Force dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets to attack the location.
He said further that the mission showed the presence of a sizable number of the ISWAP elements at designated locations.
The NAF jets took turns in engaging the location, scoring devastating hits on the designated targets and leading to the destruction of the structures as well as the neutralisation of several ISWAP fighters, Enenche narrated.
A collage photo of three young women change leaders - Top: Founder, Build Your Legacy, Elizabeth Ogunbodede; Left: General Manager, Techplus, Eniola Edun and Right: Founder, Femme Africa, Ayomide Dokunmu.
Authorities and youths home and abroad have been challenged not to despair in their quest and aspirations to attain leadership especially in governance, locally and nationally.
This call came from three Nigerian ladies, who are young leaders of social and development initiatives, in separate chats with Echotitbits Thursday on the strength of Youth Engagement for Global Action, the theme for this year’s United Nations’ International Youth Day commemorated around the world August 12, 2020.
In her brief reaction to assessing youth engagement in Nigeria, founder of the girl-group initiative – Femme Africa, Ayomide Dokunmu said: “Nigeria is one of the youngest populations in the world with an average age of 18 years old. This is why it is important for the youth to not lose hope while we continue to fight for the Nigeria that we all want to see!”
Dokunmu, who has created a community of vibrant young women, together pursuing a cause to increase the engagement of young women in the entertainment industry once lamented the difficulties faced in a previous interview with The Native Mag.
“We’re at the point where “supporting women empowerment” programs are cool so brands want to seem like they’re doing the work but they don’t actually take the time to engage and see what will make impact- it’s more hype than anything else”.
With a view from the prism of civic and social responsibility, the General Manager of Techplus, Eniola Edun scored youth engagement in Nigeria low.
According to her, while youths in Nigeria struggle for survival, apparently due to economic and unemployment challenges, there is a gap of misrepresentation, underrepresentation, and even the fear to demand inclusion.
“The youth engagement is at the lowest with little or no participation in civic or social responsibilities. Every youth is driven by survival. We are either misrepresented or underrepresented especially when it comes to where it matters the most, we talk the talk but very afraid to walk the talk hence why most agenda in our favour is never at the forefront of the nation’s agenda”, Edun said.
The techpreneur, who is also an executive member of The Lighthouse Network community – a female oriented network founded to help women build a work – life balance however stated that Nigerian youths are beginning to take issues that concern them more seriously in recent years.
“I have seen a shift in the last few years, we are beginning to pay attention and maximise our influence as the larger percentage of the country’s population”, she said.
In assessing youth engagement from a point of view of a dual nationality in the minority, Nigerian-British Legal Assistant, Elizabeth Ogunbodede, who has been privileged to participate at local, regional and national initiatives lauded authorities for their efforts at improving youth inclusion in governance.
She said: “Different toolkit and workshops has been designed to help young people understand the knowledge they have of democracy and democratic structures.
“It is part of educating young people on systems of government and leadership while still in a learning environment, which helps to ensure that future generations are empowered with the skills, knowledge and confidence to fulfill their roles as active citizens.”
However, she expressed that the views of many other minority youths are still not heard in decision making in UK communities.
“Many young people specifically Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) have views on the issues which are important to them but they are often not translated into traditional forms of democratic participation”.
Advocating for an improvement in decision making especially in local communities, Ogunbodede emphasized the strength of youths in nation building saying: “young people are experts on what affects them and can provide innovative solutions to problems”.
Elizabeth Ogunbodede, who founded Build Your Legacy, an initiative that seeks to inspire people in her community to find and pursue their gifts, pushed for more inclusion of young people in political systems so as to build trust.
“A lot of mistrust in political systems stems from a lack of understanding of the work MPs, peers and local councilors do, therefore if young people have a better understanding of how they work for them, this will increase their trust in them especially in the BAME community.
“There is a need to develop the next generation of leaders, if young people are engaged early they will see themselves as agents of change and will be more inclined to see themselves as a future leader, she added.
Last Wednesday, many Nigerian leaders challenged themselves, and youths alike, on opening up the door for young people to participate in governance and national leadership.
The speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila spoke on how to achieve a profound transformation of governance when he urged those in government and politics to “commit to opening the political space to allow for greater participation by our nation’s youth.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar assured Nigerian youths of his commitment to supporting them at all times. He said: “I shall stay the course and continue to offer my shoulders for you all to climb because as youths, you are Leaders of Today”.
Youth engagement in leadership is one of the United Nations critical objectives, enabling the engagement of youth in formal political mechanisms to increase the fairness of political processes by reducing democratic deficits, contributes to better and more sustainable policies, which has symbolic importance that can further contribute to restore trust in public institutions, especially among youth.
File photo of Ògùn State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun Thursday announced appointments on the board of some parastatals and of some persons as Senior Special Assistants.
The appointments were confirmed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Kunle Somorin.
According to Somorin, the appointees, like in previous appointment exercises were drawn from across membership of all the political parties in consonance with the administration’s policy to promote inclusiveness, merit and experience in its quest to building a peaceful and a more prosperous future for citizens of the State.
The CPS explained that the governor had repeatedly promised a wholesome approach to governance and stressed his resolve to appoint people from diverse experience and backgrounds as political appointees towards reengineering the State and to ensure poverty alleviation and wealth creation among the people.
Those appointed on the board of Ògùn state Television (OGTV) are Commrade Tunde Oladunjoye as Chairman, Bola Akinyan, Lekan Adejare, Olukotun Segun, Sunday Akinyemi Matthew, Avose Johnson, G.O. Ogunfowora, Hon Muri Awolaja, Akeem Anibi and Wale Idowu as members.
Appointees on the board of Ògùn State Printing Corp include: Sola Otesile as Chairman, Zangonde Daniel Sonayon, Bagbuyi Segun Tai, Dorcas Odugbesan, Gabriel Ogunyemi, Prince Adetona Fatai and Barr. Tunde Ogunsola as members
On the board of Ògùn State Water Corporation are: Hon. Fatai Sowemimo as Chairman, Wale Omowunmi, Evang. Kehinde Akinsoji, Femi Ade Rasheed and Yomi Olojeloju as members.
Similarly, the six persons appointed by the Governor as Senior Special Assistants are: Popoola Adesina Bolaji, Seyi Odumuyiwa, Bode Edun, Rufai Abidemi, Segun Ojolowo and Afeez Balogun
In his statement, the CPS said Governor Abiodun charged the new appointees to be forward thinking in the discharge of the onerous task of moving the State to the next level.
Somorin quoted Governor Abiodun to have said: “The Building Our Future Together is more than a mantra. It is a policy thrust that we will leave no stone unturned to actualize.
“Our inclusiveness is deliberate, because together, we will achieve more and at a faster pace”, the statement read.
His imperial Majesty, Ọọni of Ìfe, Ọba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
A call for the scrapping of ongoing TV reality show, Big Brother Naija has been made on the ground that it misrepresents Nigerian youths.
This call was made by His Imperial Majesty the Ọọni of Ìfẹ, Ọba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ọjaja II, when he hosted members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Ile-Ife on Wednesday.
The monarch in his criticism, advocated that the show be scrapped and replaced for what he termed as “misrepresenting the goodness and integrity of the Nigerian youths”.
As a replacement, Ọba Adyeye proposed a new reality show that will project the country’s values, cultures and traditions.
While interacting with the leaders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, he urges them to work out plans on the show, which will be called, “The Big Nigeria Reality Show”.
“The proposed show will be structured in a way that young professionals, talented individuals and others across several fields of endeavour will be showcased and helped to reach their peak.
“This would help the participants and also help viewers to have access to people that can be seen as role models,” Ọba Adyeye stated.
The monarch, who is highly respected adds to the list of a number of anti-BBNaija advocates who have criticized the reality show.
Recently, veteran singer Charlie Boy had criticised Nigerian youths for being more interested in the Big Brother show than in issues of national importance.
Charlie Boy in a statement posted on his Instagram page said: “A practical reality of who we are as people and where our priority lies as citizens. The funny side in all of these is that we still go to bed, have a good sleep and wake up with the hope to meet a Nigeria we didn’t create. Mumu Nigerians! Mumu Nigerians!! Mumu Nigerians!!!”
Also, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe had in 2019 criticised the show for its erotic contents which he said does not reflect our culture.
“…the content is wrong; you cannot be making love, with our children, our youths watching, on air. We will not, because of the money Nigerians will win, destroy our tomorrow because of some economic strategy,” Runsewe said.
The reality TV show formerly known as Big Brother Nigeria, now known as Big Brother Naija is a television competition series, based on the Big Brother television franchise.
The show entails 12 to 21 contestants live in an isolated house and compete for a large cash prize, and other material gifts, at the end of the show by avoiding being evicted from the house by viewers.
File: In this photo, President Buhari attends a Virtual Flag-Off of Construction Phase of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project in State House on 30th June 2020
President Muhammadu Buhari has on Thursday commissioned a 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower, a project of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Bayelsa.
The tower project, which was commissioned by the president virtually will now serve as the headquarters of the agency.
In his address, broadcast from the State House, Abuja via zoom, President Buhari, who described the tower as historic said he was pleased that the project has been delivered by local contractors, supported by local engineers and project consultants.
“We must all be proud that we finished what we started”, he enthused.
President Buhari then went on to mandate the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, to physically commission the building on his behalf.
Some of the listed quality of the commissioned NCDMB building are a 10-Megawatt gas-fired power plant and a 1,000 seater conference hall.
Furthermore, the power plant, which NCDMB said was built in partnership with the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, was also commissioned by President Buhari.
Some cabinet members who participated in the commissioning virtually are Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
1968 Pioneer Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Chief Folarin Coker, also known as Baba Ètò of Lagos.
A pioneer Permernent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Starategy in 1968, Chief Nataniel Folarin Coker, popularly known as Baba Eto of Lagos has died.
According to a statement by the family Thursday morning, Chief Coker died on Wednesday night at the age of 97 after a brief illness.
In the statement, which was signed by the deceased’s eldest child, Folorunsho Coker, a Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and former commissioner for tourism arts and culture under former Lagos governor Akinwumi Ambode; Chief Coker had died peacefully in his sleep.
“It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of appreciation to Almighty God that we announce the translation to eternal glory of our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and patriot Chief (Elderman) Nathaniel Folarin Coker OON.
“He died comfortably and peacefully in his sleep in Lagos on the 12th of August 2020 at the ripe old age of 97 years,” the statement read.
The late public service administrator was born on July 22, 1923. His death came three weeks after he celebrated his 97th birthday.
Chief Coker attended CMS grammar School, Lagos and studied law at Exeter University, England.
A prominent member of Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos and former Pro-Chancellor, Chairman of Council, University of Port Harcourt; Chief Coker retired from the Lagos State Civil Service in 1978 after serving meritoriously.
File: A collage photo of Nigeria's Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on Wednesday joined youths from across the country in a webinar to commemorate the 2020 International Youth Day.
In his remarks, the Speaker, while quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, said: ‘’We must recognize the contributions young people make to our society and build upon the imagination, energy, vibrancy and talents of these our precious national assets’’.
Speaker Gbajabiama stressed that it is an obvious imperative for Nigeria that has “a massive and ever-growing youth bulge” to build its youth.
“Our country will not reach its full potentials until governments at all levels engage with the changing values, needs, and expectations of Nigeria’s youth.
“All our dreams of prosperity hinge on our ability to provide the physical infrastructure, the legal framework, the cultural and social support required to unleash the innovative potential of our young people”, he said.
Speaking further on how to achieve a profound transformation of governance, the Speaker urged those in government and politics to “commit to opening the political space to allow for greater participation by our nation’s youth.
“My fellow young men and women, I know that on many of the issues that affect our lives, it would appear as if the political leaders have left the room and there is no one left to find solutions to our problems.
“This feeling is at the root of much of the pessimism that young people feel about our politics and has had a negative effect on the willingness of our able youth to get involved in the critical conversations about our nation’s future.
“However, if we all end up thinking that politics is the preserve of the cynical and the mercenary, then nobody will ever believe the political process can change anything or be improved to meet our collective best expectations”, Gbajabiamila emphasised.
He therefore challenged Nigerian youths to resist “the seductive draw of such debilitating cynicism.
“The future belongs to you and
I congratulate all our young people on this year’s commemoration of the International Youth Day”, the Speaker added.
‘I Shall Continue To Offer My Shoulders For You To Climb,’ Atiku Tells Nigerian Youths
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has assured Nigerian youths of his commitment to supporting them at all times.
File photo of former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar.
In a message to cmemorate the 21st International Youth Day (IYD), which holds every 12th of August, Atiku said: “I shall stay the course and continue to offer my shoulders for you all to climb because as youths, you are Leaders of Today”.
While he commended Nigerian youths for their doggedness and drive towards a better nation, Atiku noted that the theme for the 2020 IYD commemoration, “Youth Engagement for Global Action,” captures the important role of young people in the scheme of things.
“I salute the Nigerian youth in particular for their commitment and perseverance towards the attainment of a greater Nigeria,” Atiku added.
“This global picture, which has been on my mind, informed my decision of 40% youth inclusion in my 2019 presidential campaign; a promise I am committed to keeping for the futuristic benefit of our great Nation.”
“Indeed, the survival of humanity rests largely on the shoulders of the youths, as vigour is required to wear out this plague,” the former vice president explained.
“The vigour and spirit that you embody as youth will play a crucial role in the socio-economic survival of the world, and its rejuvenation, post-COVID19.”
The former Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charged that as future leaders, young people should preach and embrace peace, patriotism, and promote competence thereby shuning nepotism.
“Only then can we truly have the Nigeria of our dream,” he said.
According to the United Nations (UN), the 2020 International Youth Day theme is to further emphasise the “ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.”
In the picture, a signage of a Lagos based private hospital, Concept One Medicals Centre.
Executive Secretary, Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Abiola Idowu, has urged health facilities yet to complete the renewal of their online registration with the agency to do so in order to avoid being sanctioned.
Idowu, who gave the advice on Wednesday at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, disclosed that the agency, at its board last meeting in March 2020, decided to shift the deadline for the online renewal of registration from the initial date of May 31 to July 31, and put on hold the increment in the registration renewal fees due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resultant economic impact on business owners.
She explained that all healthcare facilities in the state are required by law to register with the agency and renew their registration annually, adding that any facility that fails to renew its licences within the stipulated period is operating illegally and would attract appropriate sanctions.
“If a facility does not renew its registration within the stipulated period, then it means it is not registered, therefore, it is operating illegally,” she said.
The Executive Secretary hinted that the e-platform created by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration was aimed at helping facility owners to renew their licences online to reduce physical contact during the Coronavirus pandemic.
She, therefore, enjoined owners of such facilities across the state to take advantage of HEFAMAA e-portal to complete their registration renewal online and keep abreast of the programmes and activities of the agency.
Idowu assured that the agency would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that operators of health facilities in the state and the public at large are in possession of the right information to achieve the vision of the present administration in delivering quality healthcare services to Lagosians.
THE DECEASED, FORMER UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA, MR WALTER CARRINGTON
A former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, is dead.
The news of Carrington’s death was disclosed by his wife, Arese, in a statement on Wednesday titled: “Press Release – Ambassador Walter C. Carrington, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and Senegal.”
PHOTO: FORMER UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA, MR WALTER CARRINGTON (middle) WITH WIFE, ARESE; AND Ex-LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR, MR BABATUNDE TUNDE FASHOLA AT A SYMPOSIUM IN LAGOS ON JUNE 01, 2010.
The statement reads: “It is with a heavy and broken heart but with gratitude to God for his life of selfless humanity that I announce the passing of my beloved husband, Walter Carrington, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and Senegal.
“He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 90 years old on Tuesday, August 11th, 2020.
A collage file photo of University of Lagos (UNILAG) Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Wale Babalakin and the institution's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.
A University of Lagos (UNILAG) Senate Representative in Council, Bola Obho has in a statement sighted by Echotitbits, berated Dr. babalakin saying “the University has been stepped on and ridiculed”.
Oboh, in the statement accused Babalakin of not following laid down procedure for removing a VC
According to her: “Babawale Babalakin, the ProChancellor waited for the tenure of Prof. Chukwu and Prof. Familoni to end, to call an Emergency Council meeting.
“Based on the Dagari report, without allowing the VC defend himself, the ProChancellor called for a vote for the removal of the VC. I (Prof. Oboh), Prof. Odukoya, Prof. Leshi and John Momoh voted against the removal of the VC.
“Six persons (excluding Babalakin) voted for Babalakin then went ahead to announce the removal of the VC.
“Dear Senate members, the procedure for removal of persons in office is clear and this was pointed out to Babalakin several times but he turned deaf ears.
“He said he will announce the Ag. Vice Chancellor at 5pm. I have excused myself that I need to report to Senate members the shameful act currently ongoing. Please let us arise to fight this, Oboh’s statment read.
In the same vein, the controversially ‘sacked’ Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, says he remains in office, thereby faulting a decision earlier made by the institution’s Governing Council led by Pro Chancellor Dr. Wale Babalakin.
On Wednesday, it was gathered that seven members of UNILAG’s Governing Council at a meeting that held in Abuja, voted for the Ogundipe’s removal, while four was said to have voted against his removal.
In a statement he personally signed, Ogundipe, who has been at loggerheads with the Pro Chancellor, Babalakin, reacted hours after the news of his sack rent the air.
“The attention of the University of Lagos (Unilag) management has been drawn to the ‘Notice to the General Public on the Removal of the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos’; dated August 12, 2020 and signed by Oladejo Azeez, Esq, Registrar and Secretary to Council, stating that the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, FAS has been removed from office with immediate effect.
“This is untrue and a figment of his imagination.
“Therefore, stakeholders of Unilag and the general public are advised to disregard this mischievous disinformation about the sitting Vice Chancellor of Unilag, contained in that notice.
“Professor Ogundipe still remains Unilag’s Vice Chancello, the statement read.
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