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Our Insecurity Challenges Are Temporary – Aregbesola

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Aregbesola

Our Insecurity Challenges Are Temporary – Aregbesola

Aregbesola

The security challenges facing the country will soon be a thing of the past as they have been described as temporary.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the assertion at the presentation of an award of the ‘Best Minister of the Year 2022’ at the 10th edition of the Heroes of Democracy Award Africa which held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

 

 

 

 

 

“Our nation is going through challenges, especially on security. These challenges are temporary and do not define us. We are defined by the greatness of the Nigerian people, in their strength, ingenuity and resilience, as exemplified by the quality of the recipients of today’s awards.

“We shall overcome all the challenges. A time is coming when we shall look at this period in retrospect and give thanks to the most high for the stormy waters we have waded through and the triumphs we have recorded over the challenges that look so huge and gargantuan today,” the minister informed the gathering.

 

Aregbesola

 

 

Speaking further, the minister noted that he has never really taken award seriously, but was moved by the transparency with which the organisers came about the winners and the need to encourage others in public office to put in their best to advance the course of humanity.

“I came from an ideological tradition that places humanity in the centre of the universe and deprecates self. All our actions – physical, social, economic and political – should advance the cause of humanity. We therefore strive to solve all problems, as humanly possible, and provide the greatest good for the greatest number. These, and the grace of God, prepared and recommend me for every high office I have held and have been my guiding principles.

 

 

 

 

“But in all honesty, I have never been fazed by awards. However, given the open and transparent efforts made by the organisers and the extent to which they have gone to get the opinion of a cross section of Nigerians on their choice for the award, I am indeed humbled by their honest choice. It is my sincere wish that the award will inspire young people, upcoming politicians and others who are still looking forward to fulfilment in life. I want them to know that passion, dedication and doggedness are worthy virtues to attaining success and recognition,” the minister stated.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola further urged the youths to strive for self-development and pursuit of excellence in our quest for development and building a great nation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Minister of Interior emerged best ‘Minister of the Year 2022’ from a category with three other nominees which includes the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mallam Isa Ali Pantami and Former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.

Other awardees at the event are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who won Legislative Personality of the Decade Award; Governor of Niger State, Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello, who won the Man of the Year Award; Businessman and 2023 APC Presidential Aspirant, Mr. Tein Jack-Rich, who won Democracy Spotlight Politician of the year; Sen. Barau Jibrin, who won Senator of the Year Award amongst several others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The event was attended by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy Agba; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore; Business Tyconn, Alh. Sulieman Baba Ali; Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa; Nigeria Immigration Service, Idris Isah Jere amongst several others.

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NEW BPP DG COMMITS TO EFFICIENCY AND STAFF WELFARE FOR IMPACTFUL SERVICE DELIVERY

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NEW BPP DG COMMITS TO EFFICIENCY AND STAFF WELFARE FOR IMPACTFUL SERVICE DELIVERY*

*_…begins review of bureau processes to enhance government procurement systems_*

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, has outlined his vision to drive efficiency, enhance staff welfare, and reinforce the Bureau’s regulatory mandate in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope mandate and his commitment to improving Nigeria’s economy. This was made known during an interactive session with staff of the Bureau at the State House Banquet Hall on November 20, 2024. Dr Adedokun emphasised the urgency of delivering results as well as improving trust in the government procurement system to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, declaring, “Let us work together to get value for money for Nigeria’s developmental processes and achieve President Tinubu’s mandate of making Nigeria’s economy better.”

Furthermore, in a bid to strengthen operational efficiency, the DG also announced key reforms, including introducing Service Level Agreements for the bureau’s processes ensuring that letters are treated within 3 (three) days, and ensuring reports are completed within 14 (fourteen) days. He also highlighted plans to secure a sustainable budget that would improve the working environment and provide better welfare for staff.

Dr Adedokun firmly stated the Bureau’s resolve to uphold its regulatory integrity under his watch. He warned that officers are prohibited from visiting Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) unless on official assignments stressing the need for officers of the Bureau to stay above board. He further declared that contractors are no longer allowed within the Bureau’s premises to ensure that officers can perform their duties without undue interference and influence.

Calling for a collaborative approach, the DG urged staff to embody the Bureau’s regulatory values by adhering to procurement guidelines, avoiding delays, and striving for excellence. “As a regulator, you must be seen to be guided by the procurement process,” he stated. He assured the team of an open-door policy, encouraging innovative ideas that could propel the Bureau to greater heights.

The session also featured a visit from former DG, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, OFR, FNSE, who led the Bureau from 2009 to 2016. Engr. Ezeh commended President Tinubu for appointing Dr Adedokun and urged staff to provide their full support to the new leadership. He encouraged staff to focus on leaving a legacy of excellence, saying, “Work in a way that you will be celebrated wherever you go in life.”

Senior Directors, including Engr. Nasir Bello and Engr. Isaiah Yesufu reiterated the importance of supporting the DG’s vision while emphasizing adherence to the Bureau’s operational guidelines. Staff also welcomed the session, sharing their perspectives on improving the Bureau’s operations and pledging their support for the new leadership.

In a related development, Dr Adedokun sought collaboration with the Presidential Office of Digital Engagement and Strategy (PODES) led by its Head, Mr O’tega Ogra, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital/New Media, during a courtesy visit to his office on November 21, 2024. The DG emphasized the need to enhance the Bureau’s public engagement and visibility in line with the all-of-government communications approach being espoused by the PODES.

Mr Ogra congratulated Dr Adedokun on his appointment and highlighted the key role BPP plays in advancing Nigeria’s development agenda. O’tega further expressed his commitment to collaborating with the Bureau in amplifying its communication efforts and ensuring Nigerians understand and appreciate its critical role in national governance.

Dr Adedokun’s leadership marks a new chapter for the Bureau of Public Procurement, focused on accountability, efficiency, and impactful service delivery. His vision aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s goals of economic transformation and sustainable development as well as President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

Janet McDickson
Director, Information & Public Relations/Head, Media-BPP

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SECURITY

Human Rights Commission urges Borno govt to probe NGO’s activities

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Human Rights Commission urges Borno govt to probe NGO’s activities

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday advised the Borno State government to evaluate the activities and programs of Medecins Sans Frontieres in the state.

 

The commission made the recommendation in a report presented to the state, which absolved the Nigerian military of complicity in the reported termination of about 10,000 pregnancies in the Northeast.

On December 7, 2022, Reuters published a report alleging that since 2013, the Nigerian military conducted a secret, systematic, and illegal abortion program in the North East, terminating at least 10,000 pregnancies among women and girls, many of whom had been kidnapped and raped by Islamist militants.

Following the Reuters publication, the NHRC set up a panel, The Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North East, chaired by a retired Supreme Court Justice, Justice Abdul Aboki.

Speaking before presenting the report, the Senior Adviser to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Hillary Ogbonna, said there is no evidence of illegal abortion programs terminating 10,000 pregnancies by the Nigerian military in the North East.

Ogbonna revealed that whistleblowers testified that a nongovernmental organization, Medecins Sans Frontieres, was involved in a program of abortion in the North East.

He said MSF refused to appear before the panel.

“There is evidence that MSF may have operated a program of illegal abortion in the North East.

“The panel makes this finding based on the testimony of a protected witness and whistleblower, who testified that abortions were conducted by MSF from 2014 to 2015 and continued after the replacement of one Mitchell, a Mexican woman, the head of the psychosocial support program in 2016 introduced to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Ministry of Health, Borno State,” he said.

He, therefore, said the panel recommended that the “Borno State government undertakes an evaluation of the activities and programs of the MSF in Borno State, including its Psychosocial Support Programme.”

However, Ogbonna clarified that other NGOs did not operate abortions in the North East.

He also observed that the non-appearance of the media agency, Reuters, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) raises questions as to its commitment to the values and principles it has always projected.

“The panel’s investigations and testimonies from military and civilian sources all pointed to the fact that ICRC operates medical facilities in the North East, especially in Maiduguri, contrary to the assertion by the agency.

“In the same vein, the panel notes that despite efforts inviting them to appear before the panel, Medecins Sans Frontiere (MSF) failed to honor multiple invitations,” he said.

Receiving the document, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Borno State, Hauwa A. Abubakar, called on NGOs, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to join efforts to uphold human rights and dignity across the state.

She also emphasized that a unified framework for accountability and justice could offer hope to victims and serve as a model for other regions facing similar crises.

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SECURITY

Borno Commissioner Hands Over Security Patrol Vehicle to CJTF/Vigilante of Buratai Ward in Biu LGA

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Borno Commissioner Hands Over Security Patrol Vehicle to CJTF/Vigilante of Buratai Ward in Biu LGA

 

 

The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, today handed over a Toyota Tucama Pick Up Vehicle for operational purposes to CJTF/Vigilante Local Policing Groups of Buratai Ward, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

 

Borno Commissioner Hands Over Security Patrol Vehicle to CJTF/Vigilante of Buratai Ward in Biu LGA

The presentation of the patrol vehicle followed the gracious approval of His Excellency, Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum as part of efforts to enhance the security situation in the State.

While making the presentation to the Chairman of Biu LGA who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Abdullahi Umar, the Commissioner urged the LGA to continue to support the CJTF/Vigilante members in the LGA. He also charged the CJTF/Vigilante be dedicated towards the restoration of peace and harmony in their places of assignment.

 

Responding on behalf of Buratai security outfits, the leader of the CJTF in Buratai Ward, Commander Mamman thanked Borno State Government for the timely provision of the patrol vehicle and vowed to put in their best in the discharge of their responsibilities and prayed to almighty Allah to restore peace in our state and the nation as a whole.

In attendance during the presentation were Modu Alhaji Mustapha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Babagana Mustapha, Director Administration and Supply.

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