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NAOSRE CONFERENCE: MD Abubakar, Attah, Ubani, Akhaine task security agents on discipline

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6 years ago

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In pursuit of a re invigorated game plane for a well secured environment, necessitated by prevailing Covid-19 security challenges in Nigeria, high ranking military operatives, legal and human rights experts, the academic on Thursday, July 30, converged on a National Security Virtual Conference, eNAOSRE’20, to proffer short and long-term solutions.
At the conference organised by the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, speakers identified distrusts, extortions, lack of political will, policy inconsistency and poor implementation of the rule of engagements as some of the ugly scenarios associated with managing insecurity in the pandemic.
Various speakers at the webinar harped on the twin evils of physical and health security challenges confronting the citizens and took exemptions to the gross abuse of rights by military agents. They pointed out an urgent need to check the disturbing trend from further escalation into an untamed monster.
The Keynote speaker, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, former Inspector General of Police, ret’d started by commending the organizers of the conference saying security is the basis of being secured and safe for economic development. He emphasized that Nigeria’s security landscape and the current architecture are vulnerable to various risks generated by peculiarities as a country, adding that since the universal essence of government is security, those in authority should endeavour to fund training of military officers for effective discharge of security duties.
Said he: “Intelligence gathering is very key in modern security operations. Officers must think outside the box. They must engage in information sharing to be able to nip criminal activities in the bud. Retired and experienced security experts should be included in the security architecture so that citizens and businesses can move unhindered.”
He asserted that security is a situational discipline involving direct and indirect threats. This, according to the former IGP, requires sound understanding of the operating environment through effective intelligence for decision mechanism capable of mitigating security risks.
Abubakar further sued for adequate welfare for officers and men in uniform. “How much is the salary? Most of the officers went about their duties at the early stages of Covid-19 without nose masks. They would go on duty for several hours without adequate provision for welfare. They were sufficiently exposed to dangers. I call on the high command to give attention to officers training and welfare,” he said.
One of the speakers, Barrister Monday Ubani, said Covid-19 insecurity provoked infringements on citizens’ fundamental rights, a development, he said, requires permission for accused persons to be allowed access to phones for incident recording while in security agents’ custody.
“In the month of March, security agents wasted more lives than save lives. Records revealed that while the disease killed 11 people in the period under review, security agents killed 18,” he said.
On the theme of the conference, ‘Tackling Insecurity in Nigeria Amidst Covid-19: The Nigeria Experience,’ he sees it as timely in view of twisted mindset of security agents who cash in on the prevailing situation to exploit innocent and unsuspecting citizens.
“Recently, I travelled to the eastern part of Nigeria. At Niger Bridge, the boundary between Delta and Anambra States, security agents were in open market collecting money from passengers and drivers. They made so much money. Their primary mission to ensure unauthorized persons were not allowed to move about freely as a way of checking further spread of the disease became a lucrative enterprise for extortions. Government’s genuine plan to halt further spread was defeated on the altar of unpatriotic personal enrichment,” he lamented.
He however, commended the Police high command who consistently assured Nigerians of protection and admonished citizens to video record any untoward attitude exhibited by any of its officers for prompt disciplinary actions.
Professor Odion Akhaine of Lagos State University agreed with Ubani’s overview of the lockdown and lamented the prevailing high level of ignorance amongst security agents who were extorting raw cash from citizens “The raw cash they were collecting as bribe from motorists may have been contaminated. They were oblivious of the dangers in their actions, thereby spreading it to family members and friends,” he said.
As a remedy, Akhaine advocated a creative response to the abnormalities that define security operations. He called for training and intelligent approach to tackling insecurity including political will that transcends political party affinity to deal with all forms of immediate and foreseen insecurity threats.
Nigerian Customs spokesman, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah, espoused the needs for citizens’ co operation with security agents for effective tackling of insecurity in Nigeria amidst Covid-19 saying the challenges are quite enormous than envisaged. He pointed out the risks of securing borders, sea and air ports given that goods cleared by Customs officers are coming from high risk countries. He explained that the Customs Service is a frontline agency that engages what goes out and what comes into the country every second of the day. “Most of our officers suffered consequences. Some were and still being quarantined because we are always available to receive items even from high risk countries.”
However, he urged citizens to capture violation of their rights including illegal fee collections with short video recording for necessary disciplinary actions, assuring that the Customs is committed to adequate and professional border security including respects of the rule of law.
All the speakers unanimously agreed that government must, as a matter of urgent national importance, review the nation’s security policy to reflect current security challenges.
They called on citizens, security personnel, stakeholders, private security sector, traditional and religious leaders to synergize for collective solutions to the prevailing pandemic insecurity.
Earlier, NAOSRE’s President, Samson Oki, in his remarks, re affirmed the association’s focus in bridging information gap between the public and security operatives. He solicited for proactive measures in not only solving security issues but promoting peaceful communities and attracting foreign investments.
Oki, who foresees probable citizen’s weakened trust on operatives on the hegemonic curves called for prompt rescue remedies through working relationship and synergy between security formations and NAOSRE.
In her remarks, the association’s Vice President, Favour Benson explained the Covid-19 complex modes of insecurity in Nigeria occasioned by different narratives of abuse of rights, extortions and outright molestations. The situation, she stated, requires immediate review for sustainable solution.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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22 Years After: Arsenal Clinch the Premier League Title as Prophesied by Dr Chris Okafor

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2 weeks ago

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May 20, 2026

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*22 Years After: Arsenal Clinch the Premier League Title as Prophesied by Dr Chris Okafor*

 

When God speaks, none of His words go unfulfilled.

Just a week ago, the Generational Prophet and popular Lagos cleric, Dr Chris Okafor, declared that Arsenal would win the 2025/26 Premier League title. Despite doubts and predictions favoring defending champions Manchester City, the prophet stated clearly that he had received the word directly from God.

On May 19, 2026, that prophecy came to pass.

After Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, Arsenal were confirmed as Premier League champions with one game to spare. It marked the end of a 22-year wait for the Gunners, whose last league title came in the 2003/04 season.

Football fans across the globe are now congratulating Arsenal Football Club on their historic victory. For many believers, it’s another reminder that true prophecy still speaks today.

Dr Chris Okafor is one of the well-known prophets who many say hears directly from God. With this fulfillment, he joins the list of voices whose words have come to pass on the global stage.

 

By Sunday Adeyemi
Society Herald

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PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*

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3 weeks ago

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May 15, 2026

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*PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*

_A Life Celebrated: Family and Community to Honor 114 Years of Legacy in Newark, New Jersey_

*NEWARK, NEW JERSEY* — Prof. Mondy Selle Gold, Chairman of the Ijaw Diaspora Council and Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in the United States, has announced the _Service of Songs_ in honor of his late mother, *Ma Bedagbere Jennifer Gold (nee Ozikozi), Amaokosuere of Torugbene*, who passed away at the age of 114.

In a public statement, Prof. Gold wrote with a deeply reflective heart to invite family, friends, well-wishers, and members of the Ijaw diaspora community to a sacred gathering celebrating the life, quiet strength, and enduring love of the matriarch.

_“This sacred gathering, set aside to celebrate her life, her quiet strength, and the enduring love she shared so generously, has been scheduled as follows,”_ Prof. Gold stated.

The Service of Songs is scheduled to hold on *Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM* at the *Abundant Grace Christian Center (The Newark Foursquare Church), 708 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07108*. And her Burial is slated on 12th -14th July 2026

A reception will follow immediately after the service at the same venue.

The family has indicated that the dress code is optional, suggesting *formal black or white, or all-white attire* in celebration of Ma Bedagbere’s life.

*A Life of Legacy and Cultural Significance*
Ma Bedagbere Jennifer Gold, fondly remembered as _Amaokosuere of Torugbene_, lived 114 years marked by resilience, faith, and generous love for family and community. As a matriarch and custodian of Ijaw cultural values, she was widely respected for her wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to her family and people.

Her passing has drawn condolences from across the Ijaw diaspora and beyond, with tributes highlighting her role as a pillar of strength and a unifying figure within the community.

Prof. Gold humbly requested the prayers, presence, and spiritual support of all attendees as they gather _“to celebrate a life well lived and a soul now at rest in the Lord.”_

_“With sincere love and gratitude,”_ Prof. Gold concluded in his announcement.

*About Prof. Mondy Selle Gold*
Prof. Mondy Selle Gold is the Chairman of the Ijaw Diaspora Council and a prominent voice in diaspora advocacy, politics, cultural preservation, and community development for Ijaw people worldwide. He also serves as the Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in the United States, where he continues to champion engagement between the diaspora and homeland development initiatives.

 

PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*

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University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue

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2 months ago

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April 10, 2026

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University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue

 

A former Director in the Directorate of Environmental Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Akinpelu Basiru Ojo has called for the transformation of university farms into centres of innovation and sustainable revenue generation.

Dr. Ojo made this call at the 2026 Pre-Season Farming Seminar organised by the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), held recently at FUNAAB.

 

While delivering his keynote address on the theme of the seminar, “The University Farm as an Incubation Ground for Innovation and Revenue Generation,” Dr. Ojo noted that university farms have evolved beyond their traditional roles into dynamic hubs for research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.

He identified key areas where university farms could drive innovation, including research and development, student entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He further urged DUFARMS to explore opportunities in commercial agricultural production, value addition and agro-processing, consultancy services, research partnerships, agritourism, and intellectual property commercialisation.

Highlighting potential challenges confronting university farms, the former Director listed inadequate funding, weak industry linkages, climate change, environmental risks, and limited commercial orientation. He, however, proposed strategies for optimisation, including the adoption of agribusiness models, integration of modern technologies, strengthened partnerships, promotion of student-led enterprises, and the development of sustainable value chains.

Reflecting on the evolution of DUFARMS, Dr. Ojo paid tribute to past Vice-Chancellors, beginning with the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nimbe Adedipe, whose vision led to the establishment of the University Farm. He also acknowledged milestones recorded under successive administrations, including the expansion of cashew and oil palm plantations, as well as the establishment of processing facilities for value addition.

He further commended the contributions of past and present staff, alongside former students who have attained notable academic positions, encouraging staff to uphold discipline, integrity, and continuous professional development.

As part of his recommendations for future growth, Dr. Ojo proposed the establishment of crop collection plots, revival of underutilised crops, exploration of cashew nutshell liquid production for revenue generation, and expansion of tree crop plantations such as cashew and oil palm.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who declared the seminar open, emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning in achieving institutional objectives. He described the seminar as timely and essential, noting that the University was established not only for teaching and research but also for meaningful community engagement, particularly in supporting farmers to enhance productivity.

Prof. Kehinde also commended DUFARMS for its efforts, especially its introduction of value addition initiatives, and urged staff, particularly in livestock production, to scale up activities in poultry, beef, pork, and egg production to improve the visibility and impact of the University Farms.

The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to reposition DUFARMS as a hub for innovation, practical training, and sustainable revenue generation, in line with global best practices.

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