Final: Meta launches Reels on Facebook and New Ways for Creators to Make Money across SSA

Final: Meta launches Reels on Facebook and New Ways for Creators to Make Money across SSA

22 February 2022 Today, Meta is expanding the availability of  Facebook Reels for iOS and Android to more than 20 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Meta is also introducing better ways to help creators to earn money, new creation tools and more places to watch and create Facebook Reels.

Prior to this launch Reels was available on Facebook in India, Mexico, Canada, the U.S, and is now available across sub-Saharan Africa in: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Swaziland, South Africa, Seychelles, Senegal, Rwanda, Nigeria, Namibia, Mali, Malawi, Lesotho, Kenya, Guinea, Ghana, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Burkina Faso.

Commenting on the launch Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa at Meta says, “We’ve seen that video now accounts for almost all of the time people spend on Facebook and Instagram, and Reels is our fastest growing content format by far. This is why we’re focused on making Reels the best way for creators to get discovered, connect with their audience and earn money. We also want to make it fun and easy for people to find and share relevant and entertaining content.”

Meta is also creating a variety of opportunities for creators to earn money for their reels. The Reels Play bonus program, part of Meta’s $1 billion creator investment, pays eligible creators up to $35,000 a month based on the views of their qualifying reels. In the coming months, the bonus program will be extended to more countries, so more creators can get rewarded for creating reels that their communities love.

MYKMARY FASHION SHOW 2022 TO SPICE UP THINGS WITH THE AFRI-SPICE EDITION

MYKMARY FASHION SHOW 2022 TO SPICE UP THINGS WITH THE AFRI-SPICE EDITION

The fashion industry in Nigeria is said to be worth billions of naira, with this development there has been calls to encourage the start-ups and the SMEs in the industry to showcase their product in a way that people and investors will partner with them or invest in their start-up. Having seen this loophole in the fashion ecosystem, MYKMARY Fashion show will be bringing the AFRI-SPICE Edition 2022. This particular edition will be a clear departure from the norm that is seen in the industry. This edition ill be looking at investments, partnership. Collaboration and pitches in the fashion industry.

Speaking to the media, Michael Onyemah,the founder of Mykmary Fashion Show said “There is need for fashion stakeholders need to be part of this event. Over thw years, we have been able to showcase indigenous players in the fashion ecosystem on the need to be part of this. We have had a lot of success stories.  Over the years, we have been able to promote indigenous fashion brand. We also have bridged the gap between Nigerian fashion brands and the international market. We are poised to create a platform for networking and showcasing of indigenous fabrics and fashion to the international community and finally to celebrate outstanding pacesetters in Nigeria fashion sector.”

“Over the years, we have had reputable corporate establishment partner with us and the benefits were huge for them. They have seen the level of brand acceptability and penetration in the market. We are calling on corporate brand to leverage on this annual show to be part of the growth in the fashion industry and also as a form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) ” Onyemah added.

The benefits of participating in our shows are huge, ranging from visibility, credibility, networking, to enhanced revenue. Stakeholders will be aware that for the buyers, these programs pose an excellent opportunity to catch up with all the latest trends under one roof.

The attendees of our exhibition are those people who are genuinely interested in the products & services on display. In other words, they are a bunch of worthwhile leads, which may even readily close the deal on the spot.

Mykmary Fashion Show & Awards is powered by Mykmary Fashion House Limited. A contemporary fashion brand that is aimed to bridge the gap between Nigerian fashion brands and the international market.

EMMA CLEMS

AfricaNXT Confab Objective Aligns with NCC’s Vision of Technology-Driven Prosperity for the Continent

AfricaNXT Confab Objective Aligns with NCC’s Vision of Technology-Driven Prosperity for the Continent

…As Danbatta pledges to sustain participation and support for the Conference

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its faith in the vision of the AfricaNEXT Conference (AfricaNXT) to “co-create a prosperous future for all Africans” through collaborations, conversations and programming that are oriented in harvesting, harnessing and leveraging innovative technologies. 

“The visualisations and concrete actions of the AfricaNXT conference are in congruence with NCC’s faith in the promise of technology to galvanise Nigeria’s, nay Africa’s, development. This explains our continued support and participation at the Conference which is now in its 10th Year, and we will continue to play active roles in this event which takes place in Lagos annually”.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this with unmistakable conviction during a chat with the Commission’s in-house media team last week, ahead of preparations by the Commission’s delegation to the Confab which will take place from 27th February to 4th March 2022. 

The EVC regretted his inability to lead NCC’s delegation to the Conference because he is already slated to play a key governmental and institutional role at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2022, organised by GSM Association. The Mobile World Congress, the world’s largest and most influential forum and exhibition by stakeholders in the mobile technology ecosystem, takes place in Barcelona annually in the same week AfricaNXT happens in Lagos.

Formerly known as Social Media Week Lagos, the AfricaNXT Conference is the largest assemblage of innovators from across Africa and Africa’s Diasporan communities. As a consistent programming partner of AfricaNXT, the NCC has been a regular feature of the conference and festival. Although the COVID-19 pandemic compelled the organisers to observe a low-key, strictly virtual conference in 2021, the 2020 conference was attended by over 20,000 people (both in-person and virtually). At the 2020 conference, NCC’s discourse overviewed the Fifth Generation technology and services, where the panelists explained 5G, which at that time, seemed like an abstract idea to many.

At the AfricaNXT 2022, the NCC will take the discourse on 5G further in a more pragmatic context in view of the progress achieved over the past two years.

The thematic focus for its panel of discussants is, “MOVING FORWARD STEADILY, TIMELY AND WITH PRECISION: THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF DEPLOYMENT OF 5G SERVICES”. Participants will have the opportunity to glean the benefits of 5G services to individuals, businesses, and the nation, with positive implications for the Continent as Nigeria matches steadily to become the first country in West Africa to deploy 5G technology services.

The journey to the birth of 5G services in Nigeria started in 2019. Between then and now, the Nigerian Communications Commission has been upbeat in rallying stakeholders to forge all necessary partnerships, collaborations and alliances. There have been numerous stakeholders’ consultations (including an all-inclusive, robust public hearing at the National Assembly; and a presentation to the Federal Executive Council). The NCC also instituted a communications campaign, pivoted on public information and education, especially in the vortex of misconceptions, misinformation, disinformation and malinformation about 5G. 

Following the approval by the Federal Government, a Proof of Concept trials demonstrating the possibilities of 5G took place in some cities in Nigeria. The NCC, in collaboration with stakeholders, equally developed an Information Memorandum, which was reviewed by all stakeholders, following which a policy on 5G was instituted by the Federal Government. The policy was unveiled to the public by President Muhammadu Buhari on 25 January 2022.

Armed with an extant approval, the NCC also, had earlier conducted a globally-acclaimed auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum on 13 December 2021. The spectrum is to be used to deploy 5G services. The bid was won by two communications companies and licensees of the NCC – Mafab Communications and MTN Nigeria. Just few days ago, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, officially handed to NCC the spectrum for 5G services for allocation to the winners of the bid.

At the handover ceremony, which took place at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, on 17th February 2022, Prof. Danbatta puts the status of implementation of 5G services metaphorically and figuratively by stating that “the coast is now clear” for the launch of 5G services in Nigeria. 

Therefore, having fulfilled every condition precedent to the deployment of 5G services in Nigeria, the NCC, tried-and-true, and in demonstration of commitment to its noted operational efficiency and regulatory effectiveness, is not resting on its oars in public education and information sharing. It is the reason the Commission is leveraging AfricaNXT, a rare, seminal, and historic assemblage of practical innovators and enthusiasts of technology and development, to deepen knowledge about 5G among its ever-widening geography of stakeholders. 

The NCC discourse at the AfricaNXT 2022 will take place at the FutureNow Stage, Innovation Pavilion, Landmark Event Centre, Water Corporation Drive, Off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The session will start at 2.00p.m. prompt on Thursday, March 3, 2022.  

Emmanuel Ikechukwu, The First Igbo and Nigerian Language Lecturer in Oxford Expresses Gratitude

Emmanuel Ikechukwu, The First Igbo and Nigerian Language Lecturer in Oxford Expresses Gratitude

In a world that languages are constantly going extinct and dying off due to globalization, the need to keep native languages alive has been one of the greatest headaches and disturbances of those in humanities and linguistics in various universities across the world. One of the foremost universities in the world, Oxford University recently appointed Emmanuel Ikechukwu, a fellow in the university to spearhead the teaching of Igbo Language in the university at far away United Kingdom.

Emmanuel Ikechukwu Biography, The First Igbo Lecturer In Oxford University, Educational Background, State & Parents

Igbo spoken in sub-Saharan African, spoken by over 50 million Nigerians and also with some creole version spoken in Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and some adaptation in the Caribbeans.  This singular move has made scholars and lovers of language know that the Igbo and global bodies are desirous to see that Igbo language isn’t on decline or extinct in nearest future. This move has also made it possible for such a prestigious university to teach Igbo language to non-Igbos. This is coming at a time when catholic priest in Ikorodu a Lagos Suburb was relieved of his duties for chastising the Igbo for singing their hymns during the mass.

Showing appreciation, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Umenyiora took to his LinkedIn page and said, “My deepest appreciation to everyone who reached out to congratulate and celebrate with me on this appointment as the first Igbo lecturer in, University of Oxford, the world’s number one university. I’m truly grateful. This is a big win for all of us.”

He added “There’s a lot of work to do, and I believe that we would get it done collectively. This is for Africa, for a better understanding of ourselves and of the world. I encourage other African linguists do keep up their good works in fostering a better understanding of their respective cultures and of the world.”

“We must never relent, nor give up on our dreams. I am unable to keep up with all your congratulatory messages, yet I feel the unending warmth you all send my way. This post is an acknowledgement of it.”

“As we continue to celebrate, let’s continue to believe in great things, for whatever you set your mind to, you will achieve”, Ikechukwu concluded.

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

KANYE; HIS ABRSTACT WORKS, HIS EXHIBITION AND HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM, AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS

KANYE; HIS ABRSTACT WORKS, HIS EXHIBITION AND HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM, AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS

“For every child prodigy that you know about, at least 50 potential ones have burned out before you even heard about them”, Itzhak Perlman. This exclusive club of prodigies is where Kanye Tagbo Okeke stays. A child prodigy from the Eastern Part of Nigeria showcasing his artistic dexterity to the world.

Like a sphinx going against all odds that are thrown on him, Kanye Tagbo Okeke, known in the art world as “Young Picasso” has consistently shown, demonstrated and brought to the fore the saying that “Art is Life”, bringing to bare his high level of creativity. Nurtured by parents, Sylvia Tagbo Okeke and Tagbo Okeke, Kanye as he is fondly called has made abstract painting a thing that is well appreciated in the Nigerian art circle, not only that, he has shown world-class artist.

Coming from a state noted for giving the world fine artist, Kanye originally from the Tagbo families of Amichi, Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State. A state that has produced finest art legends in Africa starting from Chinua Achebe, Chimammanda and a host of others, the way it is now, Kanye will be mentioned in future when those that have put Anambra state in the global map of art.

Born with autism, Kanye has over the years under the watchful guidance of his parents shown that children with autism can be very beneficial to the society. Kanye is a testament that autism can be managed and not seen as a spiritual warfare in a country highly religious and superstitious like Nigeria. He has brought awareness to the plight of people living with autism. Kanye has over the years showcased and exhibited in many art exhibitions and galleries all over the world and today, his work stands tall at the headquarters of the UNICEF and the Nigeria House Nigeria Consulate both in  New York, a testament to the gift in him.

With so many awards and global recognitions such as Flame of Peace at Vienna Austria, and others both home and overseas. Many art lovers have commended his works and have given him a nod.

“This is a young man who has produced wonderful works, notwithstanding what seems like a disability, and he has shown that with good nurturing and support, any child can make it. I am really happy that he is sharing his talent to the world. We must know that special children like this must be guided and Kanye’s parents have done a wonderful work in this aspect”,The Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Prof Muhammed Tijani -Bande who joined the President of UNICEF to receive the artist and his entourage said

He is one of the youngest honorees of the Flame of Peace Award in Creative Arts and fellow of the Association of Professional Creative Artists of Nigeria, Kanye has continued to shine as an outstanding abstract artiste as he was acknowledged in Casablanca Morocco where his art works were displayed alongside those of other notable young African and Moroccan artistes.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

NCC Committed to Tackling Telecom Infrastructure Deficit – Danbatta

NCC Committed to Tackling Telecom Infrastructure Deficit – Danbatta

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is irrevocably committed to the implementation of various regulatory initiatives and programmes, in collaboration with all stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem, towards bridging identified gaps and shortages in critical telecom infrastructure in the country. The overarching objective is to fulfil Commission’s mandate and support extant and emergent policies and strategies of the Federal Government focused on providing ubiquitous, accessible and affordable broadband services in Nigeria.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, stated this during an in-house interview which took place at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja recently. The EVC emphasized the centrality of infrastructure to telecom service provisioning by asserting that availability of broadband in sufficiency was non-negotiable and irreducible in the nation’s strategy towards delivering pervasive telecom services.

Danbatta also put the efforts of Government in context towards addressing infrastructure gaps, and commended both state and non-state actors for the vision, diligence and continued dedication to the implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, an initiative of the Federal Government, being driven by NCC and conceived to address infrastructure gaps in the telecom and ICT sector. The EVC said he was gratified that the new plan particularly took into consideration, the identified gaps and challenges in its precursor, the National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, which implementation the NCC was equally central to.


According to Danbatta, one of the identified gaps to robust connectivity was the fact that inadequate infrastructure remained a bane to achieving desired broadband penetration to boost access to services that will enhance economic growth and development. He emphasised that the Commission recognises the importance of infrastructure expansion and this explains its unequivocal commitment and desire to see the licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) work speedily and with precision to cascade fibre to the hinterland, in order to enhance robust telecom service provision. He said the InfraCo licensees, expectedly, also prioritize stipulated licensing conditions to ensure expected milestones set by the Commission are achieved.

The EVC stated that Commission’s target for licensing the infraCos was to ensure the deployment of fibre infrastructure needed for pervasive broadband penetration across the 774 local government areas (LGAs). This, he said, will ensure access to telecoms services in the hinterlands of the country, and by so doing address the challenges of access confronting the unserved and underserved areas of the country.
Danbatta also placed on record Commission’s desire for inclusiveness as seminal to erecting sustainable telecom architecture. This, according to him is critical in ensuring the achievement of Federal Government’s target on digital access and financial inclusion.

One visible area of beneficial financial service riding on telecom infrastructure is the provision of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) for financial transactions across various financial institutions’ platforms. This feat, Danbatta asserted, has brought ease to financial transactions, even as he recalled that NCC is providing support for e-payment initiatives and policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including the e-Naira project, which is the digital currency issued and regulated by the apex bank.

“So, the Commission is committed to ensuring inclusiveness by ensuring the provision of affordable and pervasive accessibility to the Internet as emphasised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations (UN). We are aware that until commensurate infrastructure is deployed in the country, the country may not hit the required target necessary for the desired economic development,” the EVC added.

Additionally, Danbatta stated that the Commission has recorded remarkable progression with respect to contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is besides facilitating investment, enhancing Quality of Service (QoS) to enhance consumer quality of experience and stakeholder satisfaction in line with the expectations of the Strategic Management Plan 2020-2024. He assured that Commission will heightened efforts in all areas of the Plan as streamlined in new Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (SVIP) 2021-2025, including facilitating strategic collaboration and partnering through which it has forged quantifiable strategic alliances with its ever-expanding array of stakeholders.

Concerning NCC’s pioneering strides in the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Sub-Saharan Africa, Danbatta explained that the rollout of 5G network in Nigeria will require more infrastructure for the service to reach all parts of the country. He called for concerted efforts and unwavering commitment of all stakeholders for the nation to achieve steady, timely and accurate deployment of 5G services because of its benefits to individuals, businesses and the growth of the country.

FG INTENSIFYING ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION THROUGH STI

FG INTENSIFYING ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION THROUGH STI

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has said that the Federal Government will deepen the efforts it has made to diversify the nation’s economy through the application of Science, Technology and Innovation.


Dr. Onu said this, when he received the newly appointed chief of defence space Administration, Rear Admiral Nnamdi A. Muogilim in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Dr. Onu hailed the efforts of the Defence Space Administration, especially as its efforts will help further Nigeria’s quest to be a knowledge driven economy.


The Minister said the Federal Government is committed to ensure that the nation is not left out in any area of technological development. He added that special attention must be paid to the development of STI in order to quickly transform the economy.

He further added that Nigeria is focused on being one of the world’s largest economies, as efforts are being made to build a strong, large and sustainable economy.

Dr. Onu stressed that in the coming years, Nigeria’s population will continue to increase and therefore the Federal Government is putting up policies to adequately take care of future generations and the population growth.

Earlier, The chief of Defence Space Administration, Rear Admiral Nnamdi A. Muogilim said that his organisation is looking forward to continuous collaboration and closer working synergy to boost its activities, especially the optimal use of resources.

FG TO SANCTION IOC’S THAT FAIL IN ITS STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO THE HOST COMMUNITIES

FG TO SANCTION IOC’S THAT FAIL IN ITS STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO THE HOST COMMUNITIES

The Honourable Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has hinted moves by the Federal Government to give legal teeth to deal with any of the International Oil Companies (IOC’s) that fail in its statutory obligation to oil producing communities.

The Minister made this observation during an interactive session with members of “Course 15 Executive Intelligence Participants of the National Institute for Security Studies” (NISS), at the Minister’s office recently in Abuja.

“A law that will compel IOC’s engaged in oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta region has already passed Second Reading in the House of Representatives. It is expected that when the bill is passed into law, there would be sanctions and punishment for any defaulter”, he said.

Sen. Akpabio who noted that environmental pollution resulting from the activities of oil and gas exploration in the region is real, commended the institute and participants for opting for this year’s theme, “Global Climate Challenge Practice & Prospects for Economic Development and Conflict Resolution in Africa”. He explained that such study would help participants to identify practices responsible for the situations and proffer solutions that would promote peaceful co-existence.
According to the former Governor, the theme is a clear example of the emerging situations not just in the Niger Delta area but also in the Lake Chad region bordering Nigeria, Cameroun and Niger Republic that has been experiencing serious climate change recently.

Speaking further, the Minister said that the drying up of Lake Chad from its initial 25,000-sqkm water logged area to just 6,000-sqkm has lead to the disruption of the economy and social life of the people around the area, therefore encouraging Migration of farmers and herders across the length and breath of Africa and giving rise to conflicts among different groups.

The former Senate Minority Leader explained that the Ministry, which was established in 2009, has the mandate of coordinating the activities of interventionist agencies in the aspect of development and also ensure that total peace is achieved in the region. The Ministry does this by organizing workshops, seminars, engaging different stakeholders to douse envisaged tension in troubled areas, it also encourages International Oils Companies (IOC’s) to adopt international best practices in their exploration activities.

Earlier, Deputy Commandant and Director Studies, National Institute for Security Studies, Mr. Didacus Egor Egbeji, commended the Minister for sustaining peace and stability in the versatile region with infrastructural development cutting across the nine States of the Niger Delta region.

The Deputy Commandant, states that this year’s course in the institute with the theme “Global Climate Challenge Practice & Prospects for Economic Development and Conflict Resolution in Africa” tallies with the Ministry’s mandate and is paramount to the Niger Delta region.

Egbeji, further maintained, that the visit among other reasons was to hear from the Minister, what the Government and Ministry are doing to curb issues emanating from oil pollution in the region. According to him, “when we talk of Global Climate Change, we mean what affects the ozone layer, concerning oil exploration and the degradation of the environment by the activities of multinational companies operating in the region”.


Deworitshe Patrici

Again, Gbajabiamila Distributes Cars, Laptops, Others To Constituents

Again, Gbajabiamila Distributes Cars, Laptops, Others To Constituents

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday, empowered his constituents again at the Surulere 1 federal constituency in Lagos State, where he distributed several items to beneficiaries.

At a constituency outreach programme held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, education grants were given to a total of 351 students in public tertiary institutions across the country, while 1,020 secondary school principals and teachers were given laptops for ease of teaching.

Also, 145 automobiles, ranging from fully equipped medical ambulances, security vehicles and gadgets, new school buses initiative and e-hailing cars were distributed to some beneficiaries.

The event, attended by the Lagos State APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, the former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, former Minister, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), witnessed the presentation of financial support to 1,596 existing/prospective small scale entrepreneurs and business owners in the Surulere 1 constituency.

This came 24 hours after the speaker inaugurated several ICT centres and newly renovated school buildings around Surulere.

Speaking at the occasion, Gbajabiamila said the event was organised to appreciate and witness the benefits of the interaction between a legislator and his constituents.

“Our responsibility as legislators is to feel the pulse of our constituents and work to address their needs. I have always had a passion for education and have tried to focus on touching the lives of students and teachers in our constituency.

“This follows the numerous infrastructural projects we have attracted to this constituency and neighbouring constituencies. From roads to new hospitals, from ICT infrastructure in all public tertiary institutions to facilitating numerous employment for our youth, as well as numerous political appointments for improved representation of our people in government.”

He added that: “We have also succeeded in lighting up all the streets in Surulere thereby improving the night-life economy, security and safety of our constituents. In the area of sports development, we have facilitated the construction of numerous mini-stadia. We are working to do more and attract more projects to our constituency and beyond.”

The speaker paid tribute to one of his constituents, Mr Saheed Okunu, who was a beneficiary of an e-hailing car at the last outreach in 2020, and who “has used that car to improve his life, purchased another car from his thriving e-hailing business and I am glad to use him as a shining example to some of you who might have conceived the idea of selling your cars.”

He announced that Mr Okunu would be encouraged with another e-hailing car to boost his growing business.

“E-hailing cars have become a popular enterprise around the world and even in Nigeria, it is proving to be very popular and a means of growing income”, Gbajabiamila said.

He also expressed satisfaction that all the secondary school teachers in the Surulere 1 constituency had the benefit of the e-learning gadget distributed at the event.

“My prayer is that these interventions will, in one way or the other, not only positively improve the lives of our people but also our future.

“I remain committed to the attraction of more laws and interventions that will improve the lives of citizens, as well as more infrastructural projects, employment and empowerment of our people,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event, who gave goodwill messages l, were full of praises for the speaker whom they saluted for all he had done for the constituency.

Lagos Reporter

Aregbesola Urges Synergy Amongst Security Agencies

Aregbesola Urges Synergy Amongst Security Agencies

Security agencies in the country have been advised to cooperate and work with one another in other to promote peace and ensure adequate security for all Nigerians.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, gave the charge while receiving the management of the National Defence College, Abuja, in his office on Friday.

“I recognize the role of the Nigerian Armed Forces in promoting peace and ensuring adequate security for all Nigerians. However, we must ensure all security agencies in the country which include all branches of the Nigeria Military, the Nigeria Police Force and other Paramilitary Security Agencies in the country, must cooperate and see themselves as one and avoid inter-agency rivalry.

“I salute your professionalism and excellence in the discharge of your duties to the nation and keeping Nigeria one,” the minister stated.

The Minister promised he will make himself available as resource person for the college anytime he is called upon.
“As per your request, communicate with my office, anytime you want me to serve as a resource person, I will make myself available for service”.

The minister also urged the College to include senior officers from the Federal Fire Service (FFS) in its training programme.

“Also, kindly include officers of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) in your trainings. They play a critical role in securing lives and property. Though we haven’t started having huge wide fires like they do in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey amongst others, however, the effect of climate change is beginning to catch up with us.

“We must prepare our officers for the task ahead. It’s only an unwise fellow that would wait to learn from his own experience and not from the experience of others. Let us join hands in training and building the capacity of our officers to not only acquire the capacity to physically fight wild fires, but to have the managerial know-how on resource management and effective collaboration with other security agencies, like the Nigeria Air Force, who have the capacity – if well equipped – to fight fire with water and suppressant through aerial bombardment,” the Minister noted.

Speaking earlier, the Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Muritala Bashir, stated that the courtesy visit was necessitated by the need to collaborate with the Ministry of Interior, especially for the fact that it supervises critical Paramilitary Agencies in Nigeria.

“We acknowledge and recognize the good works of the Ministry you are leading and the agencies under you have been doing in securing the country.

“I took over the office three weeks ago and I know immediately that your ministry is one of the most critical I must engage and brief on our activities. Our aim is to prepare senior officers for operational and strategic leadership in their various agencies of government.

“At the moment, we have three officers selected from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, out of the over 200 participants selected from 16 countries participating in Course 30,” Rear Admiral Bashir noted.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaibu Belgore intimated the delegation of the ministry’s cooperation in achieving its aims and objectives.

Others at the event include, Air Vice Marshal BLP Keenam, Brig. General EF Oyinlola, Commander CF Umar, Lt. Commander LY Maitama, Sub. Lt. SA Shuwa, directors in the ministry, representatives of the paramilitary agencies in the ministry amongst others.