Connect with us

society

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA GCON ENGAGES AANI IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DISCOURSE

Published

on

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA GCON ENGAGES AANI IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DISCOURSE

 

 

 

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) recently paid a courtesy call to His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, at the State House in Abuja. Led by the National President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor mni, the delegation included members of the Executive Committee and former AANI Presidents. Ambassador Okafor mni, highlighted the purpose of the visit, expressing gratitude for the Vice President’s election and recognising his oversight of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru.

 

 

 

 

He praised the Vice President’s transformational leadership style and outlined AANI’s role as an advocacy platform for policy recommendations and national unity. The association, he noted, comprises skilled professionals dedicated to national development. Ambassador Okafor mni also discussed ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Defence to enhance security awareness across the country’s geopolitical zones.

 

 

 

 

 

He appealed for the Vice President’s support in maintaining NIPSS Kuru’s excellence through increased resources and emphasised the importance of implementing recommendations from senior executive courses. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of a liaison desk at the Vice President’s office to facilitate communication between NIPSS Kuru, AANI, and the Vice Presidency.

 

 

 

 

In response, Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed appreciation for the visit, acknowledging AANI’s commitment to professionalism and excellence. He assured prompt action on the issues raised, underscoring Nigeria’s significance on the African continent and the importance of collective efforts for national progress. The Vice President also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and pledged to enhance the standard of NIPSS Kuru while addressing resource challenges.

The courtesy visit was attended by former AANI Presidents Major General Lawrence Onoja (rtd) mni and Alhaji Mohammed Gambo Umar mni, andAANI National President, Mrs. Olufunke Amos, AANI National Treasurer, Alhaji Samaila Umar Sifawa mni, AANI Financial Secretary, Mrs Maryamu Laka Madami mni and Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (rtd) mni, AANI National Publicity Secretary. Others were Alhaji Tijjani Inuwa Dutse mni, Legal Adviser, Dr Babatunde Moses Kayode mni, Assistant Secretary General of the association, Dr (Mrs.) Favour Ngozi mni, National Social and Welfare Secretary, and Alhaji Muhammad Nasir Ladan mni, the Director of Administration at the AANI National Secretariat.

Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra fnarc FIOARM fspsp
Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina
AANI National Publicity Secretary
Friday 15th March 2024

 

 

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA GCON ENGAGES AANI IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DISCOURSE

AANI National President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor mni (left) presenting a souvenir to the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON at the State House, Abuja.

A cross section of AANI members during the courtesy call on Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima GCON in his office at the State House, Abuja.

AANI members in a group photograph with their host, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, in his office at the State House, Abuja, shortly after the courtesy call.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

society

Enhancing public safety and security: The Halo Trust, US Govt partner to provide ammunition handling and accounting training at Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria

Published

on

Enhancing public safety and security: The Halo Trust, US Govt partner to provide ammunition handling and accounting training at Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria

 

 

 

The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting Course. The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

According to The HALO Trust’s Country Director for Nigeria, Prince Ganiyu Otunba, this training is part of aholistic NPF-HALO developed project aimed at supporting personnel capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command to mitigate explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, through the CP EOD–CBRN CP Patrick Atayero expressed gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs andThe Trust HALO for their support.

The training aimed to equip NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to handle and account for ammunition and explosives safely and securely. The course also focused on ensuring proper accounting and record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices.

The NPF appreciates the support provided by the United States government, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the society.
CP Patrick Atayero emphasized the importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.

 

About HALO
The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian organization engaged in the field of Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management. With over 35 years’ experience, The HALO Trust is the most experienced organization in the field of Weapons and Ammunition Management, rehabilitating and constructing armouries and ammunition stores to international standards, disposing of unsafe and unserviceable weapons and ammunition, and building national capacity to allow for the safe, accountable and secure management and control of weapons and ammunition.
The HALO Trust presently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO trained a total of 106 Nigeria security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.

Enhancing public safety and security: The Halo Trust, US Govt partner to provide ammunition handling and accounting training at Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria

Continue Reading

society

“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

Published

on

“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

 

The Nigerian social media space was thrown into an uproar on Tuesday as news spread about Segun Olowookere, an only child, who was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun State. The case, which dates back to 2010, has raised serious questions about justice, fairness, and the Nigerian judicial system.

Olowookere, now 31, was arrested alongside Sunday Morakinyo in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, when he was just 17 years old. Accused of robbing a police officer of two fowls and eggs worth ₦20,000, the duo was convicted in 2014 by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court.

The Arrest and Trial

According to Olowookere, his ordeal began when a group of minors, allegedly involved in theft, named him as their gang leader. Despite his denial, he was subjected to severe torture by police officers and detained without immediate legal recourse.

“The police demanded ₦30,000 for my bail, but my father could only raise ₦20,000. Before he could return with the full amount, I was transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Osogbo,” Olowookere recounted.

At trial, six witnesses testified against him. Although he pleaded not guilty and claimed innocence, the court relied heavily on a controversial confession reportedly obtained under duress. Justice Falola sentenced both Olowookere and Morakinyo to death for armed robbery, life imprisonment for robbery, and three years for theft.

Public Outcry and Calls for Justice

The harsh sentence, perceived as disproportionate to the crime, has ignited widespread criticism. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) condemned the ruling, arguing that the trial was unlawful since Olowookere was a minor at the time of the offence.

Falana stated, “The Osun State High Court lacked jurisdiction over the case. The matter should have been handled by the Family Court, which would not impose the death penalty on a child.”

Governor Adeleke’s Intervention

“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation and initiated steps for a pardon. “I assure the public that this case is receiving urgent attention. Justice and fairness must prevail,” the governor announced on X.

Lingering Appeal and a Tarnished Legacy

The case is still pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, Akure, 13 years after it began. Meanwhile, Justice Falola, who presided over the trial, was recently retired by the National Judicial Council following a separate scandal involving professional misconduct.

The Human Toll

Olowookere, who has spent over a decade on death row, dreams of becoming a doctor. He has trained under medical practitioners at his custodial center and hopes to prove his innocence and contribute to society.

“I pray to God to set me free. I am not a criminal. I’ve never stolen anything in my life,” he said.

Morakinyo, his co-convict, was not as fortunate. Following years of torture, he has developed severe mental health issues and is now unrecognizable, according to Olowookere.

What’s Next?

As the public awaits the conclusion of the appeal process, Olowookere’s story has become a rallying point for advocacy against systemic injustice. Many Nigerians are calling for comprehensive judicial reforms to prevent such cases in the future.

The tragedy of Segun Olowookere is a grim reminder of the cracks in Nigeria’s justice system—cracks that have left a young man’s life hanging in the balance for over a decade.

Continue Reading

society

Nigerian Man Returns ₦5 Million Mistakenly Sent to His Account Amid Economic Hardship

Published

on

Nigerian Man Returns ₦5 Million Mistakenly Sent to His Account Amid Economic Hardship

A Nigerian man, Ben Kingsley Nwashara, has become a symbol of integrity after returning ₦5 million mistakenly deposited into his bank account during a time of widespread economic hardship in the country.

Nigerian Man Returns ₦5 Million Mistakenly Sent to His Account Amid Economic Hardship

Nwashara shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter) on December 20, posting a screenshot of the unexpected transaction alert. He expressed astonishment at receiving such a large amount during challenging financial times.

“Someone mistakenly sent me ₦5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) to my Fidelity Bank account. In this hard time? I’ve been getting calls from different persons because of this,” he wrote.

Determined to resolve the situation lawfully, Nwashara immediately contacted the police to report the incident, explaining his intent to protect himself from potential fraud accusations.

“I will be headed to the police station to make a statement. Let the bearer of the account come and confirm he or she sent it with evidence,” he added.

In a follow-up post, he shared evidence of his integrity—a receipt showing the successful return of the funds to Sliding Towers Global Limited, the original sender. Additionally, he documented his visit to the Ogui Police Station in Enugu to ensure transparency and accountability.

“Let it be on record that I’ve returned the sum of ₦5Million mistakenly sent to me by one Sliding Towers Global Limited. I’ve also made an entry at the Ogui Police Station, Enugu, to this effect,” Nwashara stated.

His actions have garnered widespread praise on social media, with many commending his honesty and strong moral compass, particularly during Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

“This is the kind of integrity we need in our society. He didn’t succumb to the temptation to keep the money despite the hardship,” one user wrote.

Ben Kingsley Nwashara’s exemplary behavior has sparked conversations about ethics and accountability, proving that integrity still thrives in unexpected situations.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending