The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established two new Commands and a Branch aimed at enhancing the projection of air power.
The two new Commands established are the Air Training Command (ATC) with Headquarters in Kaduna and Ground Training Command (GTC) with Headquarters in Enugu.
NAF’s spokesperson, Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the new commands were excised from the now defunct Training Command (TC) thereby bringing the total number of Commands in the NAF to six.
According to him, the ATC will be responsible for the implementation of policies on flying and air operations while the GTC will be responsible for the implementation of local ground training. He added that, the newly established Branch is known as Communications Branch, unbundled from the former Logistics and Communications Branch which brings the number of NAF branches to 10.
“The new Branch would handle all the needs of the NAF, with regards to communications, electronics, radar maintenance, Information and Space Technology,” he noted.
Sequel to this development, the NAF has redeployed a total of 58 officers comprising 25 Air Vice Marshals (AVM), 20 Air Commodores, five Group Captains, one Wing Commander, four Squadron Leaders, two Flight Lieutenants and one Flying Officer.
Among those posted to Defence Headquarters are AVMs Wakili Ahmed, Defence Policy and Plans; Ibrahim Umaru, Director Safety and Manual; Benjamin Nweze, Director, Civil-Military Relations; Eche Agwungwu, Director Space; Bernard Chiobi, Director of Operations and Onyemaechi Osahor, Director General Defence Research Production Bureau.
Senior Officers posted within HQ NAF include AVMs Nurudeen Balogun who is now Chief of Training and Operations; Muhammadu Muhammed, Chief of Policy and Plans; Charles Otegbade, Director of Plans; Olusoji Awomodu, Director of Museum and Archives; Sani Ahmed, Director of Policy; Muhammad Abdul-Wahab, Air Secretary; Kingsley Lar, Chief of Standards and Evaluation; Napoleon Bali, Director of Training; Christian Dii, Managing Director Aircraft Engineering and Technical Services Limited; Abdulganiyu Olabisi, Chief of Aircraft Engineering; Charles Oghomwen, Chief of Communications; Cletus Udeagulu, Director Research and Development, and Paul Dimfwina, Director of Evaluation.
Similarly, the newly appointed Air Officers Commanding are AVMs Samson Akpasa, Ground Training Command, Enugu; Saddiq Kaita, Special Operations Command, Bauchi; and Mohammed Idris, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.
Buses drives through crowded Oshodi market 24 December, 2001 Nigeria's commercial capital, as Lagosians shop for the christmas holidays. Meanwhile the Nigerian government has declared Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays to enable Nigerians to celebrate the festival.
Family Planning (FP) has been described as key strategy that can help to control and avert the implication of rapid population growth in Nigeria.
Commemorating the 2017 World Population Day (WPD), Development Communications Network (Devcoms) in a statement called for increased budgetary allocation for family planning from government so as to encourage the uptake of Family planning services among women, adding that there are fears the rise in population growth will fuel poverty, hunger and civil strife.
The theme for the 2017 WPD is Family Planning, Birth Spacing: Empowering People, Developing Nations.
The statement which quoted the Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Eze Duruiheoma, while speaking on the theme said, family planning and birth spacing are measures to attain a sustainable family size by way of allowing for adequate intervals between births, employing especially the use of contraception.
He said, “Family planning is not only about saving lives but also empowering people and developing nations. Family and birth spacing are personal decisions but their profound implication on health, economic and social wellbeing of the society are far reaching. That is why simple individual decision has become a developmental agenda that must be addressed on a sustainable”.
Nigeria’s population is expected to surpass that of the US by 2050, according to new UN projections that predict the west African country could be the world’s third most populous by the end of this century. The 2013 NDHS results indicate that the TFR is 5.5 births per woman. This means that, on average, Nigerian women will give birth to 5.5 children by the end of their childbearing years meanwhile the goal of the National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development is to achieve a reduction in the total fertility rate of at least 0.6 children every five years (National Population Commission, 2004).
In a report by Matt Lesso on the Borgen project, Nigeria is struggling with over population and most residents of cities like Lagos live in severely overcrowded slums. Many houses and apartments consist of just one room to house entire families. More than 50 people can share a bathroom, sink and living space. Youth unemployment in urban areas is around 50 percent. This has fuelled an increase in crime which is rampant in many cities. This high level of youth unemployment has also helped fuel the rise of militant groups like Boko Haram. Whereas Nigeria’s fertility rate is approximately 5.5 children per woman i.e. a woman can still give birth to 5 or more children with/ without the means of providing for them.
While some view this increase in population as a potential for more economic growth and status as a global hegemon, many others fear the population boom will cause the country to collapse.
With family planning population growth can be controlled starting with individual family deciding how many children it can cater for, when to birth them and how to space them.
In a statement reiterated by the Lagos State Team Leader of the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative, NURHI, Dr. Omasanjuwa Edun has said that family planning is designed to help the family have quality life contrary to speculations that it was instituted to discourage procreation.
According to World Health Organization Family planning reinforces people’s rights to determine the number and spacing of their children, Family planning can be used to reduce maternal mortality which is currently at 555/100,000 live births in Nigeria (NDHS 2013) because by preventing unintended pregnancy, family planning /contraception prevents deaths of mothers and children. With a well-planned family, parents are also able to take adequate care of children they already have.
Research has shown that Family planning has a negative reputation among many Nigerians. Many have the misconception that family planning is all about reducing number of children to be birthed using risky medical interventions that can potentially cause major complication in women such as infertility, however family planning simply provides a safe, affordable and effective way to have children when you want them, and provide a period of ‘rest’ for mothers in between pregnancies.
In a statement made by Mrs Toyin Saraki Wellbeing Foundation founder, “Family planning information and contraception is a fundamental human right, empowering women to decide when and where to have a child, and how many children they wish to bear, according to their circumstances, we recommend that mothers space their childbirth by 1000 days, to better sustain the health and socio-economic wellbeing of mother, child and family.”
However to provide family planning services the Government needs to; Increase funding for Family Planning and ensure increase in budgetary allocations for FP/CBS in the state to cover consumables, supplies and infrastructure, commodity , logistics, management, training of skilled providers and demand creation.
Global World Population Day is celebrated on July 11th every year. It is a global day to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues and this year’s theme is emphasizing how access to safe, voluntary family planning is a human right. It is also central to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The Chairman of Gombe state Maternal and Newborn Child Health Coalition (MNCHC)i Alhassan Yahya, has said that as long as the rise in maternal mortality remains unchecked, “there will be continuous increase in maternal mortality and poverty in Nigeria.”
Yahya who stated this while speaking during the joint press briefing between Coalition and National Population Commission to mark 2017 World Population Day on Tuesday, said a situation in which access to family planning information and services is severely limited is unacceptable.
He maintained that access to safe, voluntary family planning is a human right which is central to gender equality and women empowerment.
Yahya decried the low budgetary provision for family planning services in Gombe State, as well as shortage and unequal distribution of trained health professionals in the state.
The MNCHC chairman called for the creation of a budget line for family planning in the 2017 supplementary budget as well as in the 2018 budget.
He equally urged communities in the state to ward off misconception and baseless myths about birth control.
Also speaking Gombe State Director of the National Population Commission (NPC) has expressed concern over the low access to child spacing facilities in the State.
While noting that the population of the country remains the greatest asset in the quest for sustainable development, Ibrahim said however that this capacity is being undermined by their continued exposure to preventable maternal, unsafe abortions and early pregnancy.
He lamented that the issue is further worsened by resistance to family planning and child spacing have been deeply rooted in the peoples cultural prejudices, as well as religious injunctions.
“There is the urgent need to save our women and girl-child from the agonies of unwanted pregnancies and accord them rightful place in the development process through a fundamental shift in attitudes towards family planning,” Ibrahim said.
He said this year’s theme for the WPD, Family Planning, birthday: Empowering People: Developing Nations, is aimed at sensitizing the general public on the need to embrace family planning and child spacing as well as advocate for policy makers to mobilize resources in order access to family planning services.
The recent defeat suffered by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Osun West senatorial rerun election where Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged winner is but a wakeup call for governors ahead of the 2019 general election.
The turnout of the election is but a confirmation that the electorates would no longer tolerate imposition of candidates by political parties, especially by governors who may want to anoint their cronies to succeed them in office.
Ademola Adeleke, brother to the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke was said to have been the preferred candidate but had to leave the APC barely a month to the rerun following discontentment arising from the outcome of the party’s primary election.
While the electorates in the Osun West senatorial district identified with Ademola Adeleke, Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the national headquarters of the ruling party instead picked Mudashiru Hussein as the APC candidate, leaving Adeleke with no option than to defect to the PDP and to eventually win the rerun election via a protest vote.
The outcome of the Osun rerun is but indeed a rude shock, especially against the backdrop of the support enjoyed by the APC administration in the state led by Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
This is indeed a warning to other state governors across the country, particularly Nasarawa State and as the 2019 general election approaches.
Already, unconfirmed reports indicate that Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura may have shown interest in the candidacy of one or the other of the numerous politicians warming up and seeking to replace him come 2019.
There are also allegations of some political heavy weights in the state clandestinely meeting to anoint the candidature of another politician.
This however does not preclude that individuals, the governor inclusive as well as top politicians in the state may not have their preferences and have every right to support a candidate of their choice.
Nevertheless, as the Osun rerun election has shown, it would be far better if these influential politicians pay heed to the yearning and aspirations of the people instead of forcing a candidate of their choice on the electorate.
This could only be achieved if the state governor maintains absolute neutrality by strictly adhering to the dictates of the country’s constitution, Electoral Act and party guidelines regarding the process leading to the emergence of an acceptable governorship flag bearer of the APC in the state for the 2019 general election.
So far, Governor Al-makura has demonstrated sterling leadership qualities and has been a father to all. Judging from his disposition, particularly against his recent comment calling for the scrapping of the senate in order to cut high cost of governance, amidst clamor for him to join the race for the Nasarawa South senatorial seat, shows him as a true democrat who could not be blinded by personal interest.
Now, it is pertinent to draw the attention of the governor on the need for him to sustain his independence of mind, an essential factor responsible for his tremendous achievements in the state. It is arguable that had Governor Al-makura pandered to the whims of mostly selfish politicians, he could have hardly attained the feat he would eventually bequeath to the state.
As the true progressive that he is, Al-makura most not allow personal interest influence a process requiring utmost sincerity of purpose and selflessness, placing a collective burden on him as a father to the state to remain just and fair to all.
The outcome of the Osun senatorial rerun election more than anything else remains a wakeup call for Governor Al-makura to do the needful and to allow the electorates in Nasarawa State elect the next governor of their choice. That way posterity would judge him as not only the father of the state but a leader that gallantly made his mark in the political history of the state.
Shuaibu Usman writes in from Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, northern Nigeria
By Amos Tauna
All Progressive Congress (APC) Akida faction in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, has passed a vote of no confidence on Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai following what the group describe as leadership failure in the state.
The faction noted that there was lack of leadership tolerance and consultation with critical stakeholders at all levels on matters relating to party members and the welfare of the people of the state.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, Monday through its factional party Chairman, Tom Mataimaki, the party said, “The governor’s policies have put the APC on a cliff running up to 2019, when we have to give our account of stewardship to our people.
“What will be our score card? Destruction of community peace or mortgaging the future of our children whose state of education and development is hitting its worst level.
“The state is walking into another circle of crises, attack on traditional Institutions who have sustained our sense of community for ages from pre-colonial days.”
The group however decried the governor’s assault on the traditional rulers taking together with many of anti-people policies of administration capable of throwing the state into another round of crises that spiral into unimaginable destruction of community cohesion.
The Chairman added, “Kaduna state should be prepared for the worst is yet to come. Available information beyond the sacking of the 313 district heads and 4,453 villages heads, other civil servants including local government staff, teachers and other professionals have been lined up for dismissal.
“What this government knows to do best is lies, even at the risk of destroying government’s own image. The governor has so much energy –fighting to destroy his own party that brought him to power.
“The governor has no regard for public or responsible opinion and in his paranoid wisdom, he does not believe anybody has value.”
The APC Akida maintained, “The situation we are facing today calls for critical reflection. We believe for the remaining life of this administration, we should address our attention to building the confidence of our communities, and secure a great future for our children.
“We support the court processes in restraining sacking of the traditional rulers which is the civilized approach to resolving these issues.”
But in a reaction, spokesman of the governor, Samuel Aruwan says, the decision of government to restructure the district was aimed at reducing cost of governance.
He however criticised the position of the APC faction, “As you will recall, we have provided a robust response to the frustrations of the so-called Kaduna Restoration Group. The same response holds good for Tom Maiyashi and his factional ilk, who think that nothing can or should happen in this state except they say so.
“There is nothing new in what he said. Kaduna State is moving forward, whether the frustrated and the greedy elite like it or not. We acknowledge that the personal economic crisis of some of this elite is what they are disguising as political commentary.
“Even those who always condemned and displayed disrespect to our traditional institutions and religion, are now pretending to be their champions.
“The government is aware of funny games being played regarding the return to 77 districts. We have letters from some of the former district heads who are alleged to have sued the government dissociating themselves from the litigation.
“The government has consulted, made its decision and has already implemented it. Districts have been restructured in the better, longer-term interest of Kaduna State. Those who are concerned have already applied for appointment as District Heads. There is no need for all the baseless scare mongering.”
Kaduna State government, northern Nigeria said that all the 32 emirates and chiefdoms in the state have forwarded the names of persons they are nominating for appointments as district heads in spite of the public outcry of government decision of restructuring the traditional institution.
Samuel Aruwan, the spokesman to governor of Kaduna state, in a press statement Monday in Kaduna said that the government was currently vetting the documents and records of the 230 nominees.
The statement reads, “Accordingly, all the 32 emirates and chiefdoms have forwarded the names of persons they are nominating for appointments as district heads. Following the receipt of the nominations, the government is currently vetting the resumes and records of the 230 nominees. Government will announce the new 77 district heads when this process of checks and assessments is concluded.
“The Kaduna State Government wishes to commend the State Council of Chiefs for the promptness with which our royal fathers compiled and forwarded nominations for new district heads.
“However, the state government is unable to accept the recommendation to allow the district heads affected by the restructuring to remain as Community Leaders. Government notes that community leaders are not appointed; rather, they emerge naturally from among the people.
“Many of the erstwhile district heads did not belong to the areas where they served, further complicating the argument. And there is no question of appointing any of them as unpaid officers.”
The statement explained, “June 2017, the Kaduna State government announced that the state was returning to the 77-district structure that existed prior to 2001. The government reached the decision after due consideration by the State Executive Council of the report of a committee that examined district and village administration in the state.
“A meeting of the State Executive Council on 24th April 2017 concluded that no scientific criteria or strategic consideration could be found to justify the expansion in the number of districts from 77 to 390. Instead, political expediency appeared to have motivated this proliferation that imposed the burden of paying personnel of the 313 extra districts on our local government councils. This proliferation also severely reduced the prestige and respect attached to the office of district head.
“On 25th April 2017, Malam Nasir El-Rufai consulted the State Council of Chiefs which requested two weeks to deliberate on the matter and submit a report. The State Council of Chiefs eventually communicated its support for the restructuring of districts via a letter dated 8th May 2017. This letter forwarded the resolutions of a meeting the State Council of Chiefs held in Kaduna on 4th May 2017.
“The government has subsequently implemented its decision to restructure the districts. Reverting to 77 districts implies that fresh appointments of district heads have to be made. Government asked all the 32 emirates and chiefdoms to forward nominees to be considered for appointment as district heads. In addition, government restated longstanding policy that succession to district headship is not hereditary, and that all residents of a district are eligible to seek the headship whenever it is vacant.
The statement noted that the affected district and village heads were being paid three months’ salary.
“It is important to highlight that the restructuring of district administration is a logical extension of the streamlining of governance that has guided this government since inception.
“Actions taken to reduce the size of government since June 2015 include the reducing ministries from 19 to 14; appointing only 15 commissioners, compared to the 24 that the previous government had.
“This government has fewer special advisers, special assistants and technical assistants than the hundreds of appointees that previous governments appointed.
“Reduction of the monthly payroll from N2.7bn to N2.2bn through verification of workers and pensioners.
“Why should anyone expect that these vital decisions meant to orient government to actual public service delivery should not be extended to the local government level?
“Why should anyone oppose measures to restore the prestige of district heads while also reducing the burden that proliferation of districts imposed on local governments?
“Government cannot be deterred from doing what is important, necessary and consequential for our people. That is a more important goal than the ego and private interests of certain individuals.
“As you will recall, we have provided a robust response to the frustrations of the so-called Kaduna Restoration Group. The same response holds good for Tom Maiyashi and his factional ilk, who think that nothing can or should happen in this state except they say so.
“There is nothing new in what he said. Kaduna State is moving forward, whether the frustrated and the greedy elite like it or not. We acknowledge that the personal economic crisis of some of this elite is what they are disguising as political commentary.
“Even those who always condemned and displayed disrespect to our traditional institutions and religion, are now pretending to be their champions.
“The government is aware of funny games being played regarding the return to 77 districts. We have letters from some of the former district heads who are alleged to have sued the government dissociating themselves from the litigation.
“The government has consulted, made its decision and has already implemented it. Districts have been restructured in the better, longer-term interest of Kaduna State. Those who are concerned have already applied for appointment as District Heads. There is no need for all the baseless scare mongering.”
A group under the auspices of Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressive Union in Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria, says their community is under siege by armed bandits, rapists, cattle rustlers and kidnappers.
The group therefore appealed to the Governor Nasir El-Rufai to urgently take decisive action concerning what it describes as alarming security situation in the area which is threatening their lives.
In a letter to governor El-Rufai, jointly signed by the Chairman, Security Sub-Committee of the Union, Muazu Idris and the President, Murtala Abdullahi and copied security agencies, as well as other relevant stakeholders, the Union lamented that “Reports have it that in Doka village and kungi-gari (15km away from Birnin Gear town) bandits attend markets brandishing AK47 riffles in the open without any challenge by security agents.
“About two weeks ago, they abducted a member of Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Birnin Gwari. Furthermore, on Friday 15th June 2017, two female students of Kaduna State College of Midwifery and staff were abducted, another batch of three were kidnapped 10km from Kaduna on the way to Birnin Gwari at gun point with parents and well wishers made to pay huge ransom largely determined by the criminals to secure their release .
“About three weeks ago, a car conveying NYSC members was intercepted along Birnin Gwari -Funtua axis and all the female Corps members were allegedly raped by the bandits.
“Regrettably, observers are of the opinion that the modus operandi of these hoodlums which often involved the use of military fatigues, possession of assault weapons and organizing themselves into camps in the surrounding forest reserve bears resemblance with that of Boko Haram insurgents.
“At present, our ancestral town of Birnin Gwari is encircled by blood thirsty gangs moving freely from one end of the forest to the other across Jenni, Zamfara and Niger states with Birnin Gwari town as the ultimate target if proactive and pragmatic approach to quelling the menace urgently.
“We therefore appeal to His Excellency to use his good office to declare state of emergency and devote time and resources to save us of this harrowing scenarios as failure to urgently act will not only cripple us economically but pose serious security threat that will be difficult to curtail,” the letter reads.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has approved the dismissal from service of four police officers attached to Ijebu-Ode Area Command in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria.
They are (1) AP. No 122800 Inspr. Mufutau Olaosun, (2) F/No. 366127 Sgt. Adebayo Temitope, (3) F/No. 455593 Cpl. Bakare Taiwo and (4) F/No. 455554 Cpl. Adesoye Ayokunlehin who were charged, tried and found guilty in an Orderly Room conducted at the Area Command Headquarters, Ijebu-Ode for two offences against discipline as provided for in Paragraphs E (iii) Discreditable Conduct and C (ii) Corrupt Practice under the First Schedule of Police Act and Regulations Cap. P19 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
A statement by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU), Force Headquarters, Abayomi Shogunle, stated that, on June 12th, 2017, PCRRU received a complaint via WhatsApp number 0805 700 0003 which states thus;
“Good morning sir, My name is (Withheld), living in ijebu ode. On Wednesday afternoon I went to withdraw money from the bank and am been sent by my boss when going back to the office some policeman car just double cross me and collect my phone telling I stole the phone, that I should follow them to the station; they took me to igbeba police station here in ijebu and asked me to do frog jump from outside to a room, which I did to afford being beating. After gotten there they started calling a internet fraudster which I told them am not that am an (withheld) and they started beating slapping me and forcing me to write a statement which they are the one telling me what to write and after that they collected 50,000 from me ( from my boss money which I went to withdraw before ealizing me. Sir that is my story. All this are not good and policeman are meant to protect us but this nowadays police officer have turn this to another thing by using their power to ride civilians, maltreating and harassing civilian. The officer’s name who headed the squad is been called which I overhead: one is Omo Alaja while the second is called AY but don’t know the name of the other 2 officer. Please sir you have to stop this kind of officer because they are taking this to far”
According to the statement, the complaint was immediately registered, Tracking Number PCRRU451591 issued and investigation initiated, after which the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Igbeba Division, Ijebu-Ode was mandated to commence an enquiry straightaway.
“The policemen were identified and it was discovered that they apprehended the complainant on 7th June, 2017 without any reasonable cause and extorted the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) “Bail Money” despite the #BailisFree campaign before he was eventually released same day.
“The extorted N50, 000 was subsequently recovered from these unethical policemen who were armed in plain clothes on the day of the incident. Their action is contrary to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police and unacceptable.
“Necessary disciplinary measures were initiated against the erring policemen, they were found guilty as charged in an Orderly Room trial after the presentation of witnesses and exhibits.
“Punishment of dismissal from service was recommended by the Adjudicating officer and proceedings reviewed by the relevant Nigeria Police Force (NPF) authorities. The punishment of dismissal from service has been upheld with immediate effect and all NPF uniforms and accoutrements including warrant cards (ID cards) issued to the men have been retrieved with all dismissal procedures completed.
“The complainant was also handed back his N50, 000 with an apology a day after he lodged the complaint,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, while reiterating his stand on zero tolerance for corruption vows to “flush out those tarnishing police image” from the Force. He also called on members of the public not to resort to self-help when faced with case of police misconduct, but report such to the PCRRU for resolution.
PCRRU is available 24/7 via the following channels; Phone Calls Only: 08057000001, 08057000002 | SMS/WhatsApp Only: 08057000003 | BBM:58A2B5DE | Twitter: @PoliceNG_PCRRU | Facebook: www.facebook.com/PolicePCRRU | Email: complaint@npf.gov.ng OR PolicePCRRU@gmail.com
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established two new Commands and a Branch aimed at enhancing the projection of air power.
