News
Nigerian soldiers head to Gambia for peacekeeping mission
The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday, announced the deployment of 197 personnel for the peace keeping mission in the Gambia.
This is despite the insecurity scourge raging across Nigeria with heightening cases of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
The Chief of Operations Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen disclosed the deployment in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the graduation of troops of Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the 197 troops began Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on May 4, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji Kaduna State.
According to him, the PDT is in line with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt -Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in deploying quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security.
He said that the training had equipped them with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge required for peace support operations.
“It has prepared you for the protection of civilians and the accomplishment of assigned tasks under the ECOMIG mandate.
“You have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership and cultural sensitivity as well as other factors that would ensure your success in the mission area.
“You have been trained in the latest techniques and procedures for maintaining peace and stability in a complex environment and instilled with the values of discipline, respect for human rights and compassion for the people you are going out there to protect.
“Your mission comes at a critical time, as The Gambia faces a period of
uncertainty and instability,“ he said.
According to him, the country’s political crisis has affected the lives of many innocent civilians and their presence will sustain the existing peace and stability to the region.
“Your role is crucial in maintaining peace, protecting lives and promoting sustainable development,” he said.
Sinjen charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.
He advised them to adhere strictly to the ECOWAS’ mandate, which “guides your mission and ensure that your actions align with the principles of peace, stability and human rights.”
”Remember that your conduct will not only reflect on yourselves but also on your country, the ECOWAS region and the international community.
“You are, therefore, expected to approach all interactions with sensibility and respect. Be mindful of the local customs, traditions and socio-political dynamics of the mission area.
”You must remain vigilant in the face of potential security threats and avoid any actions that may be perceived as insensitive,” he said.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had zero-tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse in line with United Nations’ policies.
”Therefore, any form of sexual exploitation and abuse will be met with severe consequences.
“As ambassadors of the armed Forces of Nigeria and our great nation, you must uphold the esteemed values and enviable image of this country,“ Sinjen said.
Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the six weeks training had been intense, comprehensive, and was conducted in line with the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules.
Adedoja said the PDT was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to the Gambia.
He said as part of their training, the troops were taken through crosscutting issues like Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflict Related Sexual Violence, Conduct and Discipline as well as Protection of Civilians amongst others.
“This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to conduct quality training of prospective peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfilment of her mandate.
“The Centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain and refresh the troops on requisite knowledge and expertise to succeed in a Peace Support Operation environment.
”It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in the Gambia,“ Adedoja said.
He said the graduation ceremony once more showed the commitment of Nigeria and the Nigerian Armed Forces to global peace and security.
NAN
By Francesca Hangeior
The All Progressives Congress has congratulated the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his re-election in the just-concluded governorship election.
Aiyedatiwa won the election, having polled a total of 366,781 votes across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
He defeated his closest rival — Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party, who got 117,845 votes.
In a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Sunday, and made available to PUNCH Online, the party described Aiyedatiwa as a “clear attestation” that his administration’s policies “resonated deeply with the electorate.”
The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress (APC) heartily congratulates the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his re-election.
“Your Excellency’s resounding victory in the just-concluded Ondo State gubernatorial election is a clear attestation that your administration’s policies and programmes and campaign message of hope and consolidation have resonated deeply with the electorate.
*** says 163 victims saved between July, November
By Francesca Hangeior
The Nigerian in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has successfully facilitated the rescue and repatriation of 13 trafficked Nigerian women from Ghana, bringing the total number of victims returned over the past five months to 163.
This was revealed in a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols.
The operation, executed through collaborative efforts, involved the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit, Rescue Live Foundation International, NIDO Ghana, and NiDCOM.
The latest group of rescued women, aged 19 to 30 years, hails from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers States.
It was gathered that they were lured to Ghana under false pretenses of employment but were subjected to exploitative conditions and coerced into secrecy oaths while their traffickers profited from their ordeal.
NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed her gratitude to key supporters, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for their roles in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
She also praised Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, BOT Chairman of Rescue Live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana, and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit for their commitment to prosecuting the traffickers.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes combating human trafficking and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, the women were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for rehabilitation and reintegration.
NiDCOM representative Akinboye Akinsola, who accompanied the women, noted that they willingly sought assistance after learning about previous rescue efforts in Ghana’s Kpone Katamanso and Tema regions.
Chief Callistus Elozieuwa highlighted the support provided to the women in Ghana, including temporary shelter, before their return to Nigeria.
Valentine Okike Uzo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State, commended Governor Nwifuru’s dedication to supporting indigenes both at home and abroad. He assured that measures are in place to ensure proper rehabilitation for those returning to Ebonyi State.
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#OndoDecides2024: APC congratulates Aiyedatiwa, applauds Ondo electorate
NiDCOM rescues 13 trafficked Nigerian women from Ghana
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