NEWS RELEASE: NIGERIAN AIR FORCE RELEASES PROMOTION OF SENIOR OFFICERS

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Headquarters

Nigerian Air Force

Ministry of Defence

PMB 244

Area 7, Garki

Ref: NAF/303/HQ Abuja – Nigeria

Email: info@airforce.mil.ng

Tel: 09-8702693

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…………………………………… November 2013

NIGERIAN AIR FORCE RELEASES PROMOTION OF SENIOR OFFICERS

The Nigerian Air Force has released the promotion of 107 senior

officers. The senior officers affected are 15 Air Vice Marshals, 39 Air

Commodores, 31 Group Captains and 22 Wing Commanders. Those

promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal are Air Vice Marshal Elam Nzokala,

Air Vice Marshal Christopher Gudi, Air Vice Marshal Suleiman Dambo, Air

Vice Marshal Victor Udoh, Air Vice Marshal Chukwuma Mojekwu, Air Vice

Marshal Emmanuel Akogu, Air Vice Marshal Eche Agwungwu, Air Vice

Marshal Muhammadu Muhammed, Air Vice Marshal Uko Ebong, Air Vice

Marshal Ibrahim Umaru, Air Vice Marshal Benjamin Nweze, Air Vice Marshal

Sani Ahmed, Air Vice Marshal Rufus Ojuawo, Air Vice Marshal Lawal Alao,

and Air Vice Marshal Stephen Onuh.

The senior officers elevated to the rank of Air Commodore are; Air

Commodore Oluwole Akinsanya, Air Commodore Isiaka Amao, Air

Commodore Ayuba Lassa, Air Commodore Christopher Umolu, Air

Commodore Abdulganiyu Olabisi, Air Commodore Danladi Bausa, Air

Commodore Ibukun Ojeyemi, Air Commodore Remigius Ekeh, Air

Commodore Christopher Dola. Others promoted to the rank of Air

Commodore are Lazarus Mshelia, Aliyu Pani, Dahiru Sanda, Mahmud Madi,

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FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER VIOLA ONWULIRI HOSTS DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENTS TO LUNCH

Professor Viola Onwuliri

In a bid to get to know the correspondents covering her ministry the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof Viola Onwuliri hosted her correspondents to lunch at the Tafawa Balewa House.

This is the first time this will happen and its indeed a good development as she told the journalists to feel free to express themselves. She said this became necessary for a bonding to develop.

Prof Onwuliri urged the diplomatic correspondents to always report with national interest at heart and patriotism. Adding that we have no other nation but Nigeria as such if we want to woo foreign investor we have to be conscious of the type of screaming headlines we use.

She commended the corps for all the support given the ministry so far and charged them to do more. In the vote of thanks on behalf of the corps, JCIN Amb Joy Idam, told the Minister to see the corps as friends and partners in progress. Adding that ” we will continue to support you all through your stay at the Ministry please feel free to carry us along.

JCI NIGERIA TO PLANT 100,000,000 TREES AS SAMBO LAUNCHES DO IT RIGHT, AVOID DIRT STAY CLEAN PROJECT POWERED BY NOA

By Sharon Akuboh, Abuja

Arch Namadi Sambo, The Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria today launched the Environmental Sanitation project of the National Orientation Agency, Project tagged ” Do It Right, Avoid Dirt, Stay Clean” with the unveiling of a special World Class Waste Bin with three chambers for sorting out different types of waste in .

The Veepee who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, charged Nigerians to maintain a clean environment ” as most ailments such as Malaria, Diarrhoea, Cholera, yellow fever are related to unhealthy dirty environment.

He charged Nigerians to take advantage of the new world class waste bins and ensure that they sort out dirt properly. Adding that “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation”.

Earlier in his Address the Minister of Culture, Chief Duke who was represented by the Director General National Centre for Arts & Culture commended the efforts of the NOA, declaring that ” this is indeed coming at a period when Nigeria is besieged with waste management issues and its a good thing that the NOA is mobilising; Women, the youth and the society on the need to keep our environment clean”.

Earlier in her good will message the National President JCI Nigeria, JCI Senator Olabisi Aniso, commended the DG NOA for such an innovative project while assuring the Agency of the full support of JCI Nigeria to ensure that the message is carried to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria on the need for a maintaining a clean environment.

The Ona of Abaji led the Traditional Stool in Abuja to the launched and also endorsed it.
The DG NOA, Mike Omeri said it was his pleasure to bring this good news that Nigeria can attain a clean and healthy environment in order to avoid several pandemics. He charged the committee put in place to ensure that the message is taken to the suburbs and hinterland.

The high point of the event was the formal inauguration of the standing committee by Vice President Sambo. Comprising Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation, JCI Nigeria, NOA, Ministry of Defense,NESREA etc.

The event which held at the NTA Arena ARea 11 Garki Abuja attracted the creame de la cream of the society including: Representative of Chief of Defense Staff, NCWS FCT Chapter, NYSC, Wife of former German Ambassador to Nigeria, JCI Nigeria members, NESREA, Hon Yeye Bolere of the Theresa Orphanage Home Gwarimpa, to mention a few..

In a related development the DG NOA, has charged JCI Nigeria to collaborate with his Agency and plant 100,000,000 trees within the next 100 days to mark the Centenary celebrations.

The National President JCI Nigeria in her response aasured that the project will be kick started during the national OTS scheduled for 6-7 December 2013 at Ibadan. Also to declare the tree planting open will be Dr Falaki, Head of Climate Change in the Office of the DG NOA.

While talking to the Leader Magazine on how he felt the 2013 NEVP Area C, JCI Amb Saheed Adegoke, expressed so much joy at being part of such a historic event, and assured that JCI Nigeria under his administration will continue from where Senator Aniso stops, God willing

JCI NIGERIA SIGNS MOU WITH NOA ON SANITATION, TREE PLANTING ETC

By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja

Fellow Active Citizens, today Wednesday, 20th November, 2013 Our Great Organisation, Junior Chamber Intewrnational, JCI Nigeria, led by JCI Senator Olabisi Aniso, scored another historical mile stone as we have technically concluded a pact with the National Orientation Agency, NOA to collaborate with the Agency in its Sanitation Project and Tree Planting Campaign.

Speaking at the event at the Abuja Head Quarters of the NOA, Mike Omeri the Director General NOA commended the JCI for all its numerous key projects with special emphasis on the Sanitation and Centenary Tree Planting project of 1million Trees.

Sequel to this the pact which the DG NOA said is already running with JCI Nigeria will commence Thursday, 21st November, 2013 with the relaunch of the Environmental Sanitation project this time with emphasis on community higiene. The event will hold at the NTA Arena, Area 11 Garki Abuja, at 10am Prompt.

Jaycees within the FCT are expected to actively particpate and the dress code is Black Trousers and JCI white Tshirts or any shirt with JCI Logo to identify us to enter the Arena.

On the tree planting project Dr Omeri said his Agency is ever ready to partner with such a dynamic organisation that is already working on their core areas and welcomed JCI Nigeria on board to partner with NOA.

Earlier in her address, JCI Sen Aniso informed the high powered NOA Management that the idea of Sanitation originated from JCI Nigeria, and that Jaycees have taken deworming project to all the norks and crannies of Nigeria as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.

Adding that JCI Nigeria with its spread accross 28 States of the Federation is willing to partner NOA during the Centenary to plant the 1million trees target.

On the National President’s entourage were, the National Executive Vice President, NEVP Area C, and National President elect 2014, JCIN Amb Saheed Adegoke, The 2013 Director MET JCI Nigeria, the 2013 President, JCIN Amb Richard Ojo, JCI Aso Chamber of Commerce, JCIN Amb Taiwo Olayemi and the 2011 National Editor, JCI Leader Magazine/Past President Abuja Unity.

The 2013 NEVP Area C, is by this notice inviting all Jaycees within the FCT to take advantage of this pact to participate enmass at the National Relaunch of the NOA Environmental Sanitation Project.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR PRESIDENT

President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR. A president that needs to be encouraged

With hearts full of joy, the Management, Staff and Editorial Crew of Weekenders Magazine is delighted to celebrate the anniversary of the Birth of Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Azikiwe Ebele Jonathan.

We are feel honoured to live in the time it became your turn to attempt solving the problems of Nigeria.

We pray God to renew his mercies on thee this day and make your efforts more fruitful in the days ahead.

Please remain happy and blessed

Joy Omagha Idam

PRESS RELEASE ON ANAMBRA GUBER POLL: POLICE SET FOR WATER-TIGHT SECURITY

Inspector General of Police, M. D. Abubakar

IGP Redeploys DIG to Coordinate Operations

As a conscious effort towards protecting the integrity of the electoral process and forestalling acts that may constitute threats to the safety and security of voters as well as electoral officials and materials, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, psc has ordered massive deployment of personnel and logistics of the Force to Anambra state for the November 16, 2013 Gubernatorial election.

To this end, the IGP has directed the DIG ‘B’ Department, DIG Philemon I. Leha, PSC – an officer with a robust operational background and former Commissioner of Police, Anambra State – to relocate to Awka for an effective coordination of all security operations for the election and to ensure that the Force maintains a firm grip on its security network covering the over four thousand polling units and all the collation centres in the state.

Consequently, all striking units of the Force, including personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), the Bomb Disposal Unit and the Police Air-Wing are to be deployed to strategic places. While Aerial surveillance and patrols will be provided by the Police Air-Wing with the support of the Air-Force, all parts of the State linked to water ways, will be effectively patrolled by the Force Marine department, which will be ably supported by the Navy.

Meanwhile, Policemen involved in the election duty have been ordered to ensure that they work in line with the Police Code of Conduct and international best standards while those attached to VIPs and politicians involved in the Anambra election are also strongly warned to ensure that they do not conduct themselves in a manner capable of undermining the electoral process throughout the period of the election, stressing that officers found breaching their oath of office will be severely brought to book.

The IGP has equally appealed to the good people of Anambra state, especially the aspirants, to peacefully conduct themselves within the confines and requirements of the law. He challenged them to lead by example by helping to maintain a civil and tranquil atmosphere devoid of harassment and tension.

The IGP also advised parents and guardians to keep watchful eyes on their children and wards so that they are not deployed for illicit purposes under any guise, as the Force will not hesitate to deal with any miscreant and his ally or sponsor. He called on the people of Anambra State to cooperate with the Police and all other security agencies that may be deployed for the election, to ensure a peaceful and successful governorship election.

CSP FRANK E. MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE DESIGNATION OF BOKO HARAM AND ANSARU AS FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

The Federal Government of Nigeria welcomes the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru, an offshoot of the former, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) by the United States Department of State.
2. This is coming after the proscription of the organisations by the Federal Government, and the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three (3) North-Eastern States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, that form the epicentres of terrorist activities by both groups.
3. The designation is, in the spirit of these initiatives by Nigeria, a welcome development, as it will strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against international terror; enhance the capacity and legal basis for concerted actions against both groups; and enable the two countries work more closely towards reducing the capability and capacity of the groups to unleash terror.
4. The Federal Government wishes to assure the Nigerian public of its unwavering resolve to root out terror, in all its ramifications, from Nigeria, in a comprehensive manner that protects civilians, meets political and economic needs, and fully respects human rights. It also wishes to assure the public that the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru by the US Government as FTOs would not lead to any negative repercussions for Nigeria and Nigerians. It is imperative to note that terrorism and terrorist activities do not recognise national boundaries. It is from this perspective that Nigeria will welcome more support and assistance from the international community along the lines of the US position on these groups.

Ogbole Amedu Ode
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Abuja.

PRESIDENCY HAILS INTERNATIONAL FINANCE EXPERTS COMMENDATION OF TRANSFORMATION AGENDA; POWER, AGRIC, HOUSING RECEIVE FINANCIAL BOOST

By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja

The presidency has hailed the latest rating of the Nigerian economy by Global Rating Agency, FITCH, which acknowledged the landmark reforms being undertaken by President Goodluck Jonathan administration in the electricity and Agricultural sector as well as growing investors’ confidence in the Nigerian economy describing it as an attestation to the success story of the President’s socio-economic blue print contained in the Transformation Agenda.

A release issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs,Dr Doyin Okupe, said it is gratifying that the respected rating agency acknowledged the robustness of Federal Government’s fiscal policies which has among others ensured that inflation rate declines to 8 percent (the lowest in 5 years) as well as ensured that Nigeria successfully avoids “exogenous shocks” which could have occurred as a result of severe flood in 2012 and various security challenges occasioned by insurgents activities in some parts on the North.

According to Okupe,”The Fitch report which is consistent with other Global Rating Agencies verdict on the Nigeria economy, also indicate that the non -oil sector is recording appreciable growth in line with the policy framework of the Transformation Agenda and that “Nigeria’s sovereign and overall external balance sheets, current account surplus, debt service ratio and external liquidity are all stronger than BB category Medians”.

The Presidential aide also explained that the confidence expressed in the Nigerian economy is also attested to by the volume of investments attracted into the country in the last two years especially in critical sectors of the economy.

He said Nigerians will particularly note that the painstaking and transparent execution of critical components of the Power sector road map launched by President Goodluck Jonathan, after assuming office has been commended by economic experts and analysts who described it as one of the largest singular privatization exercise in the world.

Okupe, stated that “The 3.0 billion dollars privatization exercise in the power sector, which had suffered terrible hiccups in previous years, but which has now been successfully carried out by the Jonathan administration in line with best global practices and in a manner devoid of vested interests and official manipulations has effectively put Nigeria on a sure path to uninterrupted power supply. It has also attracted a guaranteed investment of over 4 billion dollars from the World Bank and other multilateral agencies.”

“It is significant to note the unprecedented growth in Foreign Direct Investments in the Agricultural sector (8 billion dollars); manufacturing (7.3 billion dollars); Housing (300 million dollars); Rail Transportation (over 4 billion dollars) as well as other sectoral growth are essential pivotal to creation of direct and indirect jobs for millions of Nigerian youth in due course.”

He further disclosed that a sum of 300 million dollars which the World Bank is investing in the Housing sector is particularly significant in that it will boost the mortgage industry, create millions of jobs and provide long term loan to first time home owners in order to drastically reduce housing deficit in rural and urban areas in the country. The loan which is at zero percent and a 0.7 commitment charge has a 40 year repayment period and will definitely revolutionize the housing sector.

“These are all clear indications that the Jonathan Presidency is moving the Nation towards sustainable development, economic growth and stability in line with the promises made to the electorate during the electioneering campaign.”

THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN PEACE BUILDING

By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja

As part of events to mark the 2013 edition of the Global Peace Foundation Conference, GPF, a special session to discuss the role of the media in peace building was held with resource persons drawn from a great base.

The session was held on Friday 8th November 2013, at the Ladi Kwali Conference Room of Abuja Sheraton Hotel. highlights were proffered on how the media are to be sensitive towards the task of promoting tolerance and diverse view points and how best the media can contribute to the nations and also in reducing tension on the events occuring in warring zones of the nations.

OBJECTIVES to proffer better opportunities from people who are more experienced in the field of journalism and to chat a new way forward. To adopt comprehensive strategies for peace building and the need to have a working knowledge of humanitarian, political, economic, cultural,social, legal and even criminal justice issues of the country in which the peace operation is being conducted.

KEYNOTE : Luisa Handem Piette, Director UPI Next, stressed on the need for effective and professional media environment are a great and inexpensive vehicle for change and to promote peace. UPI Next , GPF and other development organisations can help media leap frog problems in West and adopt exemplary journalism standards that will resonate positively with constituents in Africa and globally. Global reporting standards can help local consumers other nations improve understanding of continents and avoid bias.

OBSERVATIONS
That the media should be proactive , patriotic, unbiased and never be seen taking sides during conflicts. That there is need for the media to differentiate themselves from professional journalism and commercial journalism. That there should be watch word for the media. There is need for the media to know the implications of every story sold out to the public.

Highlight was the formal media launch of the ” One Family Under God” praying that the media pen will no longer be tired for conflict but will be used for peace.

THE KADUNA TWIN PREACH PEACE AT THE LAST SESSION OF GPF CONFERENCE

By Joy Idam Abuja

The duo and Kaduna twins Rev John Joseph Hayab and Sheikh Abdullahi Haliru Maraya, both Special Adviser to Kaduna State Government on Christian and Pilgrim Matters and Islam and Hajj matters respectively have called on Nigerians to see themselves as one family under God as offshoot of Adam and Eve. The duo noted that ” no religion or holy book encourages burning of churches or mosque or killing and so as humans we should have respect for lives because ” we belong to the family of Adam & Eve are One Family Under God”.

“We must learn to tolerate and respect each others’ religion and be kind and just to each other. In Kaduna state before the death of the Former Governor Yakowa, we went to all functions together preaching peace.”

Mr James P. Flynn, the International Pesident Global Peace Foundation, noted that 1.6billion people do not have access to electricity, also 75% of house hold do not have electricity
while 50% of Asians do not have electricity and he ended his speech with a call ” bring light to the world”

Earlier the National President for Unique Muslim Sisters a Kaduna based Ngo, Hajiya Amina, said her NGO promotes and supports the less privileged women, widows from all religion, ” we visit hospitals, rehabilitation homes and organise seminars to keep peace and maintain peaceful co-existence”.

She noted that Islam is not a violent religion as a few bad eggs in the group portray them. We are peaceful, loving kind and above all generous. One of the tenets of Islam is that if you are eating and your neighbor is hungry you must share your meal with them and also provide shelter to them.

Similarly in his goodwill message of Hope for peace, the Executive Director GPF Kenya, Daniel Juma Omondi, noted that Kenya conducted a revalue peace initiative and gathered 2000 youth together in Nairobi and charged them ” do not kill each other for you are one family under God. ” According to Omondi, the biggest strength of Kenya is that ” we are working with the UN and the leadership of Kenya there is a huge synergy”.

Bishop Sunday Onuoha, the Executive Director Nigeria Inter Faith Action Association ( NIFAA) in a short video clip he presented noted that 300,000 Nigerians die from malaria every day and so charged religious leaders to speak to their members who have total believe in them to always peach the sermon of peaceful co-existence. He extended the felicitations of the Sultan of Sokoto and the Pesident of CAN to the delegates. Like malaria, insurgencies have killed too many Nigerians and if only our religious leaders talk consistently to their members they will reduce the tension that is building.

A popular Nigerian who have been speaking on peace Tony Oyetador of the News Time USA, notes that if Nigerians have listened to his warning calls since 2005 invited him to proffer solutions we will not be where we are today.

Mrs Dan Abia, the Director Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Development, NYSC noted that the scheme in Nigeria have faired very well because of its spread in the 774 LGCs in Nigeria especially with the new focus on self reliance and skills acquisition the youth are better engaged and kept busy away fom violence or being used by political class.

These were issues raised at the plenary session on Innovative Program Models and Best Practices.