society
NAOSRE SECURITY DINNER: NCS Posits Shared Responsibilities As Panacea To Insecurity
At the Just concluded National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, Dinner Summit which held at Oriental Hotel Lagos, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS posits that all security agencies must synergize to tackle insecurity.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged to support all efforts geared towards tackling the rising insecurity in the country even as it called for cooperation on the part of Nigerians.
Speaking at the first annual Dinner Night & Discourse of the National Association of Online Security Reporters (NAOSRE) held in Lagos on Friday, the Public Relations Officer of the Service, DC Joseph Attah stated that security should not be be left in the hands of the security agencies alone as it appears, sometimes, as if the security agencies were becoming overwhelmed.
Attah who is represented at the event by the Public Relations Officer, Tincan Island Port Command of the Service, SC Uche Ejesieme observed that security was supposed to be a shared responsibility adding all hands must be on deck to ensure that it is achieved.
According to him, “It is instructive to note that the issue of insecurity has assumed a frightening dimension to the extent that nation states which were hitherto thought to be peaceful are now experiencing serious threats. It is therefore the position of the customs, the CGC and the management that the issue of security should be a shared responsibility. And no country will thrive anywhere in the world without seriously addressing the issue of insecurity.
“Nigeria Customs will continue to play its pivotal role in this regard. It is also a clarion call like we said earlier to all Nigerians; they should support the security agencies with clear information which is reliable as that can assist in identifying security threats with a view to nipping them in the board.”
On the achievement of the Service in the area of curbing insecurity, he pointed out that “The Service had effected seizures in the following categories of goods; in 2017 alone, the NCS profiled and intercepted using intelligence over 5,000 pump action riffles which eventually was handed over to the Nigeria Police, substances in large quantities that were confirmed to be cocaine with a street value of over one billion Naira, interception of large sums of money in various currencies at the airport, interception of stolen SUVs that were later repatriated through the INTERPOL to the US for further investigation, seizure of large quantities of controlled pharmaceuticals like Tramadol and of course, you know that Tramadol of 200mg and above is actually not allowed and also seizure of a lot of military hardware and a lot of security equipment and apparels, this is just to mention a few.”
“It is therefore incontrovertible to state that but for the seizure, the consequences of these offensive items entering into our shore and getting into the hands of wrong people could have had a very devastating effects on the socio-economic lives of our people”, he added.
On joint operations, the customs spokesman explained that since the inception of JTF, the customs had actually been deeply involved in joint operations in the North East and other parts of the country particularly since the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency.
He maintained that those operatives were trained by the military and they were involved in the activities of the Joint Task Forces even up till today even as he said that they have been making their marks.
“Similarly, the Service has formidable collaborations with other key government organizations like the Police, the DSS, the NAFDAC, the SON, the NESREA by way of intelligence gathering and information sharing. This has already produced results.
“You are also aware that in 2019, the Comptroller General of Customs in collaboration with other key security agencies actually came up with what is called Ex-Swift Response and this joint operation comprises the customs, the military and other paramilitary agencies was introduced and codenamed Ex-Swift Response and it is targeted at checking our borderlines and enforcing the closure of the borders from August 20, 2019 and this has succeeded in meeting the objectives as well as improving our national revenue.
“In this regard, our rice farmers and other farmers can bear testimonies to the positive effects of the border closure because I am sure most of them have been smiling to the banks. The joint operation recorded spectacular seizures almost on daily basis across the length and breadth”, he further said.
He therefore assured that the NCS under the present Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd.) and his management was deeply committed at ensuring that the NCS remained unrelenting in all aspects of its statutory function noting that “this is not to say that the NCS has all the answers confronting her.”
“The good news is that it is work in progress and we are still trying our best in decimating the activities of unpatriotic elements who are bent on using our space as dumping ground for all manner of illicit goods. We will continue to confront them in all fronts and we will encourage compliant trade”, he concluded.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
Business6 months agoBatsumi Travel CEO Lisa Sebogodi Wins Prestigious Africa Travel 100 Women Award
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING