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Stakeholders Offer Security Options At NAOSRE Dinner Night

Published

3 years ago

December 13, 2020

A special security event convoked by the leadership and members of the National Association of Online Security Reporters (NAOSRE) on December 11 in Lagos, 2020, brought new light on the insecurity bedeviling Nigeria.

The brainstorming event––NAOSRE’s maiden Dinner Night and Discourse–– was organized by the body’s new executives that took over the helm of affairs barley two months ago, specifically on October 29.

NAOSRE’s members comprised professional journalists with strong media credentials who have worked with the conventional media and are now reporting on digital platforms, some of them, Nigeria’s finest hands in security reportage.

Established with the main objective to provide accuracy, transparency in relaying security news, the association also stands as the long expected information bridge between citizens and security agents.

To this end, it has successfully established a sustainable working relationship with key security players in the corporate world and security agencies in Nigeria, including but not limited to the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Customs Service as well as Federal Road Safety Corps.

Without doubt, NAOSRE’s clout in Nigeria’s security stratosphere was displayed by the event of December 11, which, as it were, has passed into history as a watershed in the annals of security discourse in the country.

The Dinner Night and Discourse drew participants, guests and speakers from the safety and security agencies, the legislative arm of government, traditional leadership and corporate organizations and of course, the media––both traditional and the digital media.

Interestingly, the evening of intelligent discourse with a theme: “2021 Nigeria Security: Issues, Funding and Prospect,” unlocked a plethora of security solutions and ideas.

Expectedly, the convergence of key players in the security circle opened the windows set of suggestions which would embellish 2021 security policy formulation and implementations in a manner that Nigeria would be one of the secured countries on the continent.

Femi Oyewale, NAOSRE’s President, in his welcome address, set the tone for the event:

“Today’s security discourse was birthed out of the need to address the security issues in Nigeria, bearing in mind that 2020 has been a very tough year for citizens, businesses and indeed, the security sector.”

Oyewale’s remark was, unmistakably, the needed bullet that hit the bull’s eye, considering the various security challenges that reared up in the course of the year, culminating in the catharsis of the #ENDSARS protest.

It provided room for elaborate sharing of ideas and offered a 360-degree view of Nigeria’s security apparatus. Each security apparatus spoke on the unique challenges confronting their efficiency on the job, as well as also informed the public about the gains and the good strides that have been achieved by their respective organisations.

From the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, came a detailed analysis of the use of hi-tech speed sensors to check recklessness of drivers on Nigerian roads, and thus secure road transportation in the country.

Superintendent Route Commander, SRC, E. Olasehinde who represented Bisi Kazeem, the spokesman for the Commission, elaborated the professional working abilities of Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi. He disclosed that the Corps has “Embraced technology in all its operations.”

He hinted that a drivers’ license issued by FRSC in Nigeria can validate a user’s driving permission across many countries in the world. He however sued for strict adherence to driving rules and codes by road users to mitigate the growing list of disasters on Nigerian roads.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah, gave a wide-angle view of the new developments. “We are not relenting. We continue to do our best to drastically reduce smuggling to the barest minimum,” he assured.

Represented by Uche Ejesieme, PRO Tin Can Island Port, the Customs Service elaborated its deployment of intelligence in the discharge of its duties at all the country’s points of entry.

The Customs particularly advocated for synergy among security agents in view of the multifaceted dimensions of border security.

Superintendent Adebisi Adewunmi, who represented Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Hakeem Odumosu, highlighted: “There is need to spend money and there is need to inject more funds in the security apparatus from military to the Police.”

Speaking further, he said: “In Lagos, Policemen work 24/7. They are overstretched. But with proper funding, everyone will sleep with their eyes closed.”

Adewunmi, however, noted that the work of the police is further made difficult by online mischief-makers who created unnecessary panic. “Please join hands with the police, tell us our wrongs, but don’t encourage sensational journalism that can further breach the peace in society,” he appealed to NAOSRE.

Adewunmi acknowledged the positive development arising from the fallout of the #ENDSARS protest: “We have been promised an improved salary and retirement package.”

Major Osoba Olaniyi, who represented Brigadier General Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, disclosed that “Nigerian Army is conducting internal security operations in 34 states.”

Major Olaniyi, Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Army Public Relations, explained: “We accept criticism because we are a professional institution. However, what we don’t want is casting aspersion on us, because it has the tendency to weaken the resolve of those still fighting and dishonour the memories of our fallen heroes; it also has the tendency to undermine national unity.”

Olaniyi, responding to concerns raised about members of Police and Army impunity when dealing with civilians affirmed: “Irrespective of whatever uniform we wear, we still share the same humanity with members of society. And we shall try to remain humane with you.”

Both the Police and Army agreed that there are bad eggs among their operatives.

“The military is still high on discipline. We still don’t condone indiscipline,” Major Olaniyi who speaks for Army formations in both Ogun and Lagos States, asserted.

He nonetheless advised the public to report cases of infractions to 81 Division and 9th Brigade, stressing that Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, has zero tolerance for indiscipline among officers and men especially in relating with the general public.

Corroborating Major Osoba’s submission, Superintendent Adewunmi added that: “There will always be Judas among people. The same applies to the Nigeria Police. But be assured that we are doing all we can to train our men on how to relate with the public.”

He gave the anecdote of how some communities rose to protect Police officers and prevented attacks on police stations located in their neighbourhood. “Citizens should imbibe the spirit of supporting security agents at all times,” he requested.

Various speakers from the non-security sector further expanded the evening discourse.

Dr Tony Akposheri, veteran Nollywood actor, who represented Prince Honourable Ned Nwoko, Grand Patron, NAOSRE, pointed out that the public has roles to play in the security of our society.

“We cannot leave everything to the government,” he noted and further submitted: “Nigerian security discourse is timely at this time of our nation, not the issue of sacking service chiefs; if they are sacked and the right things are not in place the situation will not improve.”

Dr Akposheri noted further that: “Our security personnel are not adequately well taken care of and the number of security operatives in this country is not adequate,” he said, pointing out other deficits including working with obsolete tools and technology.

In his view, “Children of security agents should enjoy free education from primary school to university.” This, he averred, would boost the morale of security operatives.

“We are not happy with the state of the Nigerian Police. They are not well remunerated. There should be transparency in what goes to them as earnings and allowances,” Akposheri declared.

Barrister Yinka Oguntimehin who represented Aare Ona-Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Otunba Gani Adams, dwelt on how the police institution has decayed over time. He recounted the heart-breaking revelations on a recent radio programme about the poor salary of policemen.

Aside, he added the dehumanizing condition of service Police officers are subjected, starting with the barracks where they live which have degenerated into squalor, and the burden of providing the basic tools of their jobs including their uniform, beret and boots and even the charge sheets in their stations.

While commiserating with the police force for the loss of its members during the ENDSARS saga, Oguntimehin observed: “As a matter of fact, a better police service was what the youths had demanded.”

Although, the Guest Speaker of the event, Senate Committee Chairman on Air Force, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, was unavoidably absent ––having had to fly back home earlier on that day as he was bereaved––he nonetheless made a vital contribution that became one of the main takeaways from the event.

With the participants listening to him on phone, Senator Na’Allah avowed that “A lot of issues need to be addressed if we must reverse the insecurity facing Nigeria.”

He was blunt in holding the country’s elite responsible for the degeneration of security. “There must be an institutional commitment on the part of the government to curb some of the security challenges,” he said.

Continuing, he further asserted: “It has dawned on everyone and the government that there is an urgent need to address security issues affecting the country.”

Other highlights of the night include messages of support from the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, whose message was delivered by a Principal Officer of the House, Honourable Noheem Adams representing Constituency: Eti-Osa I.

In his message, Speaker Obasa who is also the Chairman Nigerian body of Speakers, assured Lagosians and indeed Nigerians of qualitative legislative contributions to a safer society. “As legislators, we are committed to our oversight functions to ensure that appropriated funds for military operations are judiciously utilized for its rightful purpose,” Obasa vowed.

There was also a show of support by FirstBank of Nigeria Plc team. Nigeria’s leading bank’ staff were physically present at the event, a development that sent assuring signals to the banking public of FirstBank’s commitment to security in a manner that depositors with the bank do not have any need to entertain fears in the years ahead.

From the traditional enclave was HRM. Oba (Dr.) Adeoriyomi Akeem Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, Ikorodu, Lagos , to lend his voice to NAOSRE’s dinner of security solutions.

The Lagos first class traditional ruler advised government across levels to consider the use of traditional methods to checkmate criminal activities.

“Some criminal elements, who, at times, over power security agents use traditional powers. Why can’t the government look in that direction? He asked.

The highly respected Oba, who was accompanied to the event by Chief Lateef S. Saminu, Olisa Egbin, supported his suggestion with a story of a man who once secured and safe guarded a bank in Ibadan without being physically present.

He however prayed for NAOSRE and encouraged its leaders to sustain its noble task of promoting effective security communication.

Another traditional ruler at the event was HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal

Abisogun, Oniru of Iruland .

The Kabiesi was ably represented by his media aide, Femi Liadi.

Nollywood star, Paul Obazele reflected on the trauma of the recent protest and called for more citizens’ co-operation with security agents.

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Related Topics:Army CUSTOM Featured Lifestyle NAOSRE Police

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

celebrity radar - gossips

Stop Press! Jesam Michael, AAS Investors Are Aggrieved

Published

20 hours ago

May 10, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Stop Press! Jesam Michael, AAS Investors Are Aggrieved

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Recently, a popular Nollywood actress Shan George was defrauded of her N3.6m from her account and the expression of her distress and frustration was best imagined on her social media page as she cried physically for help. Now imagine a scenario where a CEO was defrauded of a whooping sum of $87m belonging to investors from different parts of the world! How would you feel if you were in the CEO’s shoes?

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That best explained the pains, anger and annoyance of Jesam Michael the CEO of AFRIQ ARBITRAGE SYSTEM and the thousands of investors across the 540 countries, states and provinces of the world whose source of livelihood was allegedly stolen by Abayomi Oluwasesan who has openly confessed to the heinous crime both at the police and a reputable court of law.

As if that was not enough, certain disgruntled elements namely Humble Prince Eta, Donald Michael, Fifeyin Awajumo and Michael Okoh started a campaign of calumny of cyberbullying and cyber stalking against an aggrieved CEO and his investors. Like paid salesmen, they fabricated falsehoods to change the narrative about Abayomi.

Interestingly, emerging facts from the accused reveal that they were not investors of AAS. That explains the anger and annoyance of Investors of AAS when a well known controversial legal practitioner Maxwell Opara was trying to doctor the truth with an erroneous narrative about the unfortunate incident. Besides, how can a lawyer who knows quite well that the matter is in a reputable court of law pass judgement in an ongoing case he is involved in by calling the accused victims of the saga? Truth be told, his utterance and actions are like a man threading the lion’s den.

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celebrity radar - gossips

Theo Somolu And Folake Olowofoyeku To Star In Disney’s ‘Mufasa’

Published

1 week ago

May 3, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Theo Somolu And Folake Olowofoyeku To Star In Disney’s ‘Mufasa’

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Nigerian actors Theo Somolu and Folake Olowofoyeku will star in Disney’s Mufasa, a prequel to The Lion King that explores Mufasa’s rise to kingship.

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Nigerian actors, Theo Somolu and Folake Olowofoyeku have secured roles in Disney’s prequel to the classic, The Lion King, titled Mufasa, which delves into the origin story of Simba’s father, scheduled to hit cinemas on December 20, 2024.

The casting of Somolu and Olowofoyeku marks a significant milestone for Nigerian representation in Hollywood. Details regarding their character are yet to be revealed.

Olowofoyeku brings a wealth of experience to the project. She has captivated audiences in both movies and television series, including her role in the popular sitcom, Bob Hearts Abishola (2019), Death Race 2050 (2017), Female Fight Club (2016), and the epic adventure, 10,000 A.D.: The Legend of the Black Pearl (2008).

In addition, Somolu contributes his knowledge from previous projects, such as the children’s television program Mighty Express (2020), and Baggio: The Divine Ponytail (2021).

Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk director, Barry Jenkins is the director.

An era before Simba’s problems with his jealous uncle Scar will be revisited by viewers through Mufasa. Through a detailed account of his early years, the prequel will trace Mufasa’s development from a helpless cub to a courageous king.

The movie will explore the circumstances that lead Taka down a dark road and the complicated nature of their relationship.

According to Disney, “Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka — the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny — their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.”

Starring in the film are Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Kelvin Harrison Jr., John Kani, Billy Eichner, Aaron Pierre, and Seth Rogen.

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How Ajobiewe settled long-standing feud between movie stars Yinka Quadri, Ogogo

Published

1 week ago

May 3, 2024

Sahara Weekly

How Ajobiewe settled long-standing feud between movie stars Yinka Quadri, Ogogo

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The internet was stirred up when a video of two veteran Nollywood actors, Yinka Quadri and his colleague, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, surfaced on social media platforms on Wednesday evening.

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Although, PUNCH Online could not confirm when or how the disagreement started between the two actors, they were seen settling their differences in a now viral video.

In the video, one of Nigeria’s legendary Esa Oriki Orile exponents, Sulaiman Ajilara, popularly called Ajobiewe, was seen begging the veteran actors to put aside their differences and sheath their swords.

Ajobiewe made the peace call on Wednesday night during the birthday of actor Yomi Fabiyi.

When Quadri approached the dance floor, Ajobiewe insisted he call on his friend, Ogogo.

Afterwards, Ogogo joined Quadri while the chanter pleaded with them to settle their misunderstandings with his lyrics.

He sang in Yoruba, “Where is your Ogogo? Why did you come here alone? Call him for me. Tell him to come to me. I beg you, it is impossible not to have misunderstandings but I am begging you in the name of God, to settle whatever it is.

“Please hug each other and let it end there. I do not want to hear anything about your misunderstandings anymore for God’s sake.”

The two then hugged and smiled at each other.

Reacting to this, some Nigerians commended Ajobiewe for reuniting the actors, noting that it was good to see them back together.

Lanre Adeola, tweeting with the handle @lanreadeola said, “That’s lovely. An elder that doesn’t allow the baby’s neck to twist in the market.”

A tweep, Olanrewaju, who identifies as @olanrewaju wrote, “Agba o ni tan lori le…May God keep Ajobiewe for us for many years in good health. This is so nice.

Others expressed shock that the two were not on good terms. Sope, who tweets as @Dcsopetie wrote, “Wow! I never knew they were not talking to each other and how they hid it from the public is beyond me.

Meanwhile, Quadri, in a video shared by a YouTuber, Kilarigbo, earlier on Wednesday, confirmed their friendship, saying they are five and six.

He said though they are not biologically related, they are more like twins, adding that they have been friends since they met in 1985.

He, however, hinted that they have their issues, noting that they settle their misunderstandings without a third party.

He also warned the public to desist from spreading rumours of their fight, noting that they can never be separated by any force whatsoever.

However, PUNCH Online observed that both friends were hardly seen together in public in recent times.

Efforts to speak to Ogogo proved abortive as he didn’t pick calls or respond to text messages sent to his phone as of the time of filing this report.

Reacting, PUNCH’s style Editor, Tofarati Ige, said though the cause of their rift was unknown to the public, they started appearing less in public together.

He said, “Originally, Ogogo and Yinka Quadri were known to be close friends, as they often appeared at events together. In many films, they acted as friends, and their relationship continued off-screen. In some instances, they even wore outfits similar to those for public events.

“However, for some time, they started appearing less at public events together. Even when Ogogo’s daughter, Shakirat, got married, Yinka Quadri did not attend.

“Though the cause of their rift was not made known to the public, there were different rumours that they had fallen out, but neither of them acknowledged it publicly.

“However, the rift was well managed, as it was only known to insiders and privileged sources in the industry.”

Speaking further, he noted that when Quadri was approached about the issue, he declined to comment on it.

“Personally, when I heard of the rift about two years ago, I asked Yinka Quadri a question about it at an event, but he refused to comment on the issue.

“Till date, there are just speculations as to what actually caused the rift, I am not privy to what actually happened. As regards reconciliation, I am not aware of any elder that had tried to mediate between them.

“But, they are both close to elders in the industry, such as Jide Kosoko and Oga Bello, who are likely to have attempted to broker peace between them,” he added.

@PUNCHNG

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