News

Japan Reiterates Commitment To Support Nigeria In Peace, Security

Published

2 months ago

May 14, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…invest $3m in peace support operations, anti-piracy projects

By Gloria Ikibah

As a way of fostering peace and security in Nigeria, the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, has reiterated commitment of the government of Japan to support Nigeria’s efforts to create a safe and secured environment for all citizens.

Ambassador Kazuyoshi stated in a virtual message at the official launch of the “Enhancing MLAILPKC’s Capacities for Effective Peace Support Operations in West Africa Project 24”, on Monday at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, in Jaji, Kaduna State, in collaboration with the government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme.

According to the envoy, the project exemplify commitment, and will make significant contribution to achieve the goal of peace and security in the country.

He said: “One crucial aspect of building a lasting peace is ensuring the active participation of women. Women are not just victims of conflicts, they are perfect agents for peace.

“Since inception, the Martin Luther Agwai Leadership and peace Keeping Centre Kaduna, has trained over 100,000 troops on pre-deployment training and over 2200 persons on individual peace support operation courses drawn from Nigeria Armed Forces, Paramilitary organisations , government ministry, departments and agencies, civilians and allied country.

“This project consolidates the previous intervention that help to build the capability and expertise of the Centre on PSO, protection of civilians in armed conflict and anti-priority in the Gulf of Guinea. This project with technical support from the UNDP and financial support of the government of Japan has the potential y empower women, develop the new generations of female leaders who can play critical role in Nigeria peace building efforts”.

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria decried that for decades Nigeria has been confronted by insurgency and terrorist attacks particularly from Boko Haram in the North East, adding that these acts of violence have devastated lives and communities causing loss of lives and properties, mass displacement and significant economic loses.

He recounted his experience when he visited IDP camps and also the visit of the Japanese Foreign Minister.

“During my visit t Maiduguri on 10th March, I witnessed first hand of plight of those impacted in the IDP camp. Just recently, the Japanese foreign minister Mrs Kam Kaowa concluded her very first visit to Nigeria, during her visit she emphasized the critically importance of peace and security for Nigeria continued development and prosperity .

“This is precisely the core principle of the Women Peace and Security PPS Agenda which is the top priority for foreign minister Kami Kaowa, she even had opportunity to meet some of the top IDP women leaders primarily form North East during her visit and that is and directly listening to their stories.

“Africa is at the forefront of Japan International Cooperation efforts, this year in August, we are excited to host the ministerial meeting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development TICAD-9 in Tokyo, with Foreign Minister Tuggar invited to attend. Looking ahead in August 2025, Japan will host the TICAD-9 summit meeting in Yokohama, where President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend. This event underscores Japan’s unwaivering commitment to supporting Africa’s development across a wide range of area, and we look forward t the continued and fruitful partnership with Nigeria”, Ambassador Kazuyoshi stated.

In his remarks representative of the United Nations Development Programme and Team Lead, Governance, Peace & Security, Matthew Alao, disclosed that the main objective of the project is to advance democracy and national cohesion, peaceful co-existence and preserve the wellbeing of civilians in armed conflicts.

According to Alao, the project was formulated by the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) and UNDP with funding assistance from the Government of Japan, with over $3 million invested in Peace Support Operations and anti-piracy projects having trained over 1000 personnel in 11 African countries.

He commended the Government of Japan and the Embassy of Japan, Abuja, for their sturdy partnership with UNDP Nigeria, even as he said the duo, has funded over 15 projects with a budget of over US$28 million in Nigeria in a decade.

Alao added that Nigeria is the only country in Africa that has enjoyed perpetual funding of the PSOs project from the Government of Japan since 2014.

“This event has become an annual occasion for over a decade to launch the Government of Japan’s persistence funding of Peace Support Operations (PSOs) and anti-piracy projects in Nigeria. The funding of these projects reflects the importance that the Government of Japan and UNDP attach to peace and security issues in the world, especially in West Africa. The project will complement the efforts of the West Africa Member States to curtail the spread and influence of terrorism, extremism and violence in the region.

“Distinguished Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen:

Over the last decade, the Government of Japan, in partnership with UNDP, has invested over US$3 million in PSOs and anti-piracy projects in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. The projects had resulted in the capacities of about 1,000 military and paramilitary officers and civilians in 11 countries of the regions built and strengthened. The institutional capacities of MLAILPKC and the learning environment improved to fulfil its mandate. The areas covered by these projects included counter-violent extremism, counterterrorism, protection of civilians in armed conflict, peace support operations, illegal migration, civil-military cooperation, anti-piracy and strengthening institutional capacities of MLAILPKC for optimal performance.

“The launch of this project today is a testimony to the level of confidence and trust that the Government of Japan and UNDP continue to repose in MLAILPKC as a reliable national partner. MLAILPKC has continually met expectations of the partners in the meticulous implementation of these projects, cultivating partners’ relationship and demonstrating excellent financial probity despite systematic reassignment of its management. The current management of the Centre took over barely a month ago and is fast solidifying its relationship with the partners. As a testament to this, we are very convinced that this project will be concluded before December 2024, thus elevating our enviable records of timely and outstanding completion of approved projects”, he added.

In his address, the representative of the Special Guest of Honour, Brigadier General O. T Olatoye, appreciated the UNDP and Government of Japan for sustaining the project over the years not only in Nigeria but across the globe, and that it is a testament to their efforts in ensuring global peace and security for all.

Olatoye asserted that the courses are crucial in addressing the complex security challenges facing Africa, as participants of these courses will be empowered to lead, protect civilians, and counter violent extremism, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and secure Africa.

He said: “The Project covers 3 vital courses; “Leadership and National Cohesion”, “Comprehensive Protection of Civilians” and “Countering Violent Extremism”, all to be executed by MLAILPKC. This milestone marks a significant collaboration between the UNDP, Government of Japan and MLAILPKC. This project will significantly enhance the capacity of MLAILPKC to deliver world-class training and capacity-building programs, empowering military and security personnel, as well as other stakeholders, to effectively prevent, respond to, and manage emerging security challenges in Nigeria and the West African sub- region.

“The courses are crucial in addressing the complex security challenges facing Africa. Effective leadership and national cohesion, protection of civilians, and countering violent extremism are essential skills required by peacekeepers, security personnel, NGOs and selected MDAs.

“By acquiring these skills, participants of these courses will be empowered to lead, protect civilians, and counter violent extremism, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and secure Africa. The scourge of violent extremism has indeed had a profound and devastating impact on many countries and communities around the world, causing immense human suffering, destruction, and instability. It’s important to acknowledge the severity of this issue and work towards finding solutions to prevent and counter it”.

In his welcome address, the Commandant of the MLAILPKC, Major General A. T Adedoja, said the Centre of Excellence is dedicated to promoting peace, security, and leadership development in Africa.

“To achieve our mission, we engage in capacity-building programs, research and training of prospective peacekeepers, empowering them to effectively address the continent’s complex security challenges.

“Over the years, this Centre has trained peacekeepers, security personnel, NGOs and selected MDAs as well as leaders from across Africa. Equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively prevent and respond to conflicts, protect civilians, and promote sustainable peace and development in their respective countries.

“Our collaboration efforts with local and international partners have been instrumental in achieving our objectives. The MLAILPKC is proud to partner with esteemed organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), African Union (AU), and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“The Centre appreciates the collaborative effort of the Government of Japan towards her capacity development programmes. These strategic partnerships have enabled MLAILPKC to leverage resources, expertise, and networks, enhancing our impact in Peacekeeping and conflict resolution capabilities in Nigeria and Africa. Through these partnerships, the MLAILPKC continues to strengthen the capacity to promote peace, security, and development in Africa. The Centre looks forward to deepening our collaboration to achieve even greater results.

“Today, we are here to launch three critical courses sponsored by the Government of Japan in collaboration with the UNDP. These courses include: Leadership and National Cohesion, Comprehensive Protection of Civilians, and Countering Violent Extremism. These courses represent a significant milestone in our collective efforts to build capacity for peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and sustainable development in Nigeria and African region. Our Centre is dedicated to fostering a culture of peace, leadership, and excellence, and these courses align perfectly with our mission.

“The Leadership and National Cohesion course will equip participants with the skills required to promote inclusive and effective leadership, fostering national unity and social cohesion. The Comprehensive Protection of Civilians course will enhance the capacity of peacekeepers to protect vulnerable populations from violence and human rights abuses. Similarly, the Countering Violent Extremism course will provide a deeper understanding of the root causes of violent extremism and effective strategies to prevent and respond to its threats”.

News

Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria

Published

4 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Austin Ojomah

The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.

He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.

The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.

Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.

“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.

“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.

By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.

Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.

“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.

News

Reps North-West Caucus Beg Youths, Citizens In The Region Not To Join Planned Protest

Published

5 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…commend President Tinubu’s development initiative

By Gloria Ikibah

The North-West caucus of the House of Representatives have appealed to youths, citizens in the region not to take part in the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.

The caucus also appealed to the region’s citizens to give governments at federal and state levels more time to address their concerns, rather than joining the planned protest.

Chairman of the Caucus, Rep. Sada Soli, lawmaker representing Jibia/Kaita constituency, Katsina state, who stated this on Friday at a press conference in Abuja, emphasized that the region had suffered enough disruption and needed peace to restore its economy and social order

Rep. Soli explained that their stance to the recent signing of the North West Development Commission Bill into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which they believe will address the region’s development challenges.

He highlighted that the commission would guarantee the rebuilding of ruined infrastructure, from roads, schools, health facilities and markets, to homes and places of worship, business premises and other social amenities.

The lawmakers noted that the commission would tackle the multidimensional crisis caused by violence and terrorism in the region, which has affected agricultural activities, trade, and social amenities.

While acknowledging the region’s overwhelming support for President Tinubu in the last election, they expressed trust in his commitment to develop the region and further urged the President to intensify efforts in addressing the security challenges still prevalent in the region and called for a broader security sector reform.

The forum said: “The sporadic attacks have since escalated into a multidimensional crisis that has hampered agricultural activities and trade, and turned some of the most industrious and thriving communities in the North West geopolitical zone into ghost towns as people flee their homes and become refugees.

“This has manifestly impacted on the famous cross-border trade and flourishing agrobusiness between the geopolitical zone and neighboring countries. Most of our border constituencies, which were historically vibrant commercial centres, with massive large-scale farmers exporting produce to various parts of Africa, including Niger Republic, Mali, and Benin Republic, have since been abandoned by farmers, importers and exporters, due to this wanton violence. As a result, Internally Generated Revenues in these states have been negatively affected.

“Politically, in voting so overwhelmingly for President Tinubu in the last election, the North West geopolitical zone had hoped that the famous Asiwaju, who had shown himself to be a patriot of the first order and a man who believed in fairness and equity, would make policy decisions that will bring development to our states by rescuing them from the evils of banditry and cross border terrorism.

“This Commission is, therefore, a tremendous boost to the valiant efforts of the governors of the North West geopolitical zone and it has further justified our trust in President Tinubu’s commitment to help revamp this geopolitical zone and place it on a sound pedestal.

We must, however, appeal to the President to intensify efforts in addressing the security challenges still prevalent in the geopolitical zone particularly, and other parts of the country at large. A broader security sector reform will enable our people to return to their normal lives, leading to positive changes in economic development and social order.

“That is why members of the National Assembly, particularly members of the North West Caucus – and indeed other political, traditional and religious leaders in the North West geopolitical zone, do not support the scheduled nationwide protest planned by some elements to further disrupt the very delicate balance of the country right now.

“We appeal to the peaceful and law-abiding people of the North West geopolitical zone, who have suffered enough disruption of their peace, not to join in this potentially destructive exercise, but rather to give governments at both the Federal and State levels more chance to look at the issues concerned”, he added.

News

Reps Applaud FCT Minister, Wike On AICL Improved Revenue, Infrastructure

Published

6 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives’ Committee on Federal Capital Territory, Chaired by Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara has commended the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike on the ongoing infrastructural development projects across the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The lawmakers during an interactive session with the Group Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), Dr. Moreen Tamuno praised her ingenuity towards improved revenue generation since assumption of office.

The GMD who presented her scorecard and strategy adopted to the committee, in the turnaround of AICL said that the company only manage the District markets not the entire markets across the territory.

According to her, Wuse markets is owned 90 percent by the individuals who bought the shops while AICL owns 10 percent.

She stated: “For example, Wuse market is owned 90 percent by the owners, we own 10 percent. What Abuja Management does for Wuse market is to manage the facility there through the toll taking which they do collect on our behalf and then they manage the facilities, they manage the refuse collections and they also work with the market association.”

Tamuno also disclosed that AICL cannot increase prices like other privately owned markets across the territory, noting that the prices adopted by AICL are controlled by the government.

She added that the Company is also managing part of the leakages envisaged such as monitoring these system of fares collection which was initially collected manually.

This, according to her, will help to tackle the menace of revenue leakages and help to pay dividends to FCTA coffers.

Responding to question on Abuja Properties, she noted that AICL is saddled with the responsibility of owning properties on behalf of the government.

“Before I got here, apart from two regimes of el-Rufai and Moddibo, the rest regimes, Abuja Property was dealing directly with the Minister. So, we did not have a control over what Abuja Property does suffice me to say. But with the incoming of the new Minister he has streamline the system that all of these people will have direct reporting line.

“So, what they do or what they are meant to do is to manage estates, different cadres of estates for the Middle Class, for the High Class and and different kind of people and also declare profits and pay dividends also which has never been done. But in the last discussion last month, because of the new process that has been set up, they are committed to making sure that they will do this year, to declare dividend to AICL.”

On Abuja Transport scheme, she noted that “the Abuja AMMCO has been a little epileptic really. Because as we speak I think they have only about 84 buses and then most of the buses are not working. Before I came, I heard they are meant to sell but on our finding, we found out that the calibre of buses we have ASHOK were very strong bus and there was no need to sell, we would see how we could use some of them to repair others and have them running.

“So, they’ve not been able to break even, there are some epileptic problems that we are looking at to see how we can help them.”

On the Abuja Films Village, she said: “we heard the story of Abuja Film Village, even before I became the Group Managing Director, but suffice me to say that for 24 years nobody went to see where is this place. But when I assumed office all I was hearing is don’t go there they kidnap and all of that. But we were able to weather the storm to get to the point in Guzaki. We have about 3,000 hectares of land there, which is being encumbered already, we have mining is taking place there. We are working with FCT fortunately I did a memo to the Minister which he has approved graciously and set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee to know where our boundaries are. I saw miners on the plot he was really a tough place to go to.”

She explained that the Committee is expected to come up with the report to secure the parameters around the land and see what AICL could achieve there.

While noting that the entertainment industry is a thriving Sector, she explained that AICL has met some Stakeholders including Actors Guild who are already partnering with the company, with a view to stimulate the economy and create employment.

She noted that the company which was established over 30 years ago has metamorphosed to become an Holding Company is an investment arm of FCT and a Limited Liability Company, hence not in the Federal Government budget.

According to her, the two administrations ago set up other subsidiaries that suppose to work under AICL namely Power Launch which is a Leasing Company and Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company, Abuja Property Development and Abuna Market.

She added that AICL also has other subsidiaries namely Aso Savings, Abuja Tech Village where AICL owns 20 percent equity, and 6 percent with Abuja Intercontinental Hotel formerly known as Sheraton Hotel. She however noted that during the meeting held with the Hotel’s management, that the Hotel has recapitalized and gone PLC, thereby AICL share has reduced to 3 percent.

While noting that AICL is still in talk with Abuja Intercontinental Hotel since 3 percent is not sufficient to be on the board of the Hotel because it’s a nominal shareholder and could only go to General Meeting, efforts are ongoing to improve the system with a view to regularize the percentages of investment.

She noted that efforts are also being made to ensure that the company’s staff are well motivated by embarking on a lot of capacity building and to drive them to ensuring that we return dividends to owners which is FCT.

Dr. Tamuno who assured that the present AICL under her watch cannot afford to “leave FCT the way it was,” disclosed that her team has developed a “revolution in AICL. If you’ve ever been to the office before my resumption and you come now, from the gate you would know that there’s a change.

“We definitely are building bridges, we definitely are looking at how to reposition AICL and making progress. We’ve not had it good, thank God for the responsive Minister who listens and who’s ready to work to recapitalize. We have the muscle to weather what we are faced with.”

While thanking the lawmakers for the support and trust reposed in her team, Dr. Tamuno said: “Thank you Mr. Chairman for this opportunity to be able to tell you what Abuja Investment is all about but I want to reassure you that as your Junior Colleague, you can be sure that coupled with the fact that women want to do what we have to do, so we can sleep well. I will be able to do the needful and make cintei to FCT and of course to the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, that I will do.”

Speaking after the AICL Group Managing Director’s presentation, Hon. Betara said: “As discussed with the Committee, you see a lot of members not you, before coming into Abuja Investment, but for us with the discussion we did to your previous team I told you, I was disappointed. Now I realize why the Minister of FCT is bringing in new hands into FCT.

“We know you, with the little time you came in, revenue has come up and we hope you’re not coming down.

“And I will advise you anybody that you’re not ready to work with, remove the person so that you can work well. The Committee is ready to support you and support FCT in general.”

On his part, Hon. Timilehin Adelegbe (APC-Ondo) who showered encomium on the new AICL management team led by Mrs. Tamuno said: “I met her when she was an Ambassador to Jamaica. I think in the whole Pacific she transformed Jamaica she’s very aggressive.

“So, when she was reeling out her achievements I think we have just seen little. What we need as a House is to encourage her and also urge her to do a holistic audit of staff who may be dragging you back which is very very important.”

On his part, Hon. Kanice More (APC-Imo), who applauded President Bola Tinubu for being gender sensitive in the appointment of women into critical sector of the economy, underscored the need to encourage the AICL Group Managing Director to achieve more fears.

He said: “I thank His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstration of gender sensitivity, inclusivity and friendliness in appointing a Lady, a Woman ans she has demonstrated capacity. I took time to study her, and I’ve listened to her, she started newly we should equally encourage her and I strongly believe that with more encouragement she will do more; and of course, to whom more is given, more is expected.”

Also speaking, Hon. Regina Akume (APC-Benue) said: “Madam, I want to thank you, before I’m seeing a spirit of its not my problem and it’s not my business, it’s government’s business, it’s not my business, that’s the spirit I’m seeing in here.

“And I want advise you all, that as long as you do not take property seriously, you cannot even make your own business because what a man sows he reaps.

“So, please government is for all of us. If you’re put there to do something, I know women are good managers, yes we women are good managers. So put all the broken pieces out them together and make us proud. That’s what I’m asking of you because there’s so much there that you can do. There’s so much laxity and it’s not right. The Chairman has said it, he net with you all, he will support them. But you must make him proud.”

While applauding the achievements recorded so far under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Hon. Betara said: “You have a Minister that’s a Lawyer, maybe that’s why you guys have improved.

“You guys need to improve. He doesn’t tolerate and if it is with law, he knows everything. So, for the Committee, if there’s anything we will require from you before we start the oversight, we are going to write you.”