Thursday, 19 November 2020

German Technical Advisory Group constructs 0.53km road at Peace Keeping Centre

 



By Sani Idris

The German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG), has constructed a 0.53 kilometre road project within the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji, Kaduna.

The GTAG representative, Lt-Col. Nes Glieman, at the handing over of the road project to MLAILPKC on Wednesday, said the project was part of a Nigeria-Germany partnership aimed, at enhancing infrastructural development of the Nigerian Army.

Glieman added that the project was also part of the collaboration between the two countries to enhance equipment and technical support to the Nigerian military, to further improve its operational efficiency.

“GTAD has spent over 20 million euros on projects for the Nigerian army and this road project is our last project for 2020, we have stayed and worked for four years, we look forward to future engagements”, Glieman said.

Earlier, in his speech, the commandant of the MLAILPKC, Maj-Gen. James Ataguba, said adequate infrastructure was one of the prerequisites for the Centre to attain United Nations Training Recognition (TR) and accreditation of courses.

He added that the road project, completed within a three-week span, leads from the main gate to other parts of the Centre and had transformed the looks of the institution.

“This could not have come at a better time as it would contribute immensely to the necessary infrastructural requirement in attaining further TR and accreditation of the Centre’s courses.

“This will also facilitate the Centre’s quest to attain its rightful place among the comity of Centres of Excellence”, Ataguba said.

He noted that the intervention of the Chief of Army Staff, and partners of the Centre, had also contributed to the facelift given to the Centre based on the vision of the COAS, to ensure projects embarked upon were directed at providing a conducive working and training environment for staff and participants of MLAILPKC.

He noted that the GTAG had also contributed immensely to the facelift the Centre with the provision to the Centre Mobile Medical Care Units and Mobile Trauma Care Units, while also helping the Centre to build capacity on them.

“The numerous contributions of the GTAG, also included the redesigning and remodeling of the Centre’s MRS and also equipping it with state-of-the-art medical equipment, to make it a world class facility.

“Believing that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, the GTAG also constructed a rotunda befitting of the Centre for the relaxation of both staff and participants of the Centre”, Ataguba said.

He thanked the GTAG for their laudable contributions and assured the Group and the German government that their contributions would be put to judicious use and maintained.

He also appreciated the COAS for his untiring efforts at meeting the various needs of the Centre, under his initiatives of transforming  the Army.

“The COAS’ intervention has given the Centre the wherewithal to seek relevant support and sponsorship from the international peacekeeping community”, Ataguba said. (NAN)

=======

Edited by Mouktar Adamu


Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, 14 November 2020

CDS inuagurates ICT, sports facilities at Armed Forces college

 


Inuaguration


By Mohammed Tijjani


The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, on Friday inuagurated an Information Communication Technology (ICT) server room at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, provided to improve training and research in the college.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the CDS also inuagurate a central TV system, sport complex, gym, swimming pool and accommodation in the Officers Mess.


Olonisakin pointed out that the facilities were provided to enhance the welfare of staff and students as well as quality instruction to students.


He said that the projects were testament to increasing recognition of the importance of quality living and working environment in boosting the morale of personnel.


“The completion of these projects will thus improve the learning experience and facilitate training towards producing well rounded personnel for the Armed forces.


“The newly installed IT infrastructure will significantly improve research effort in the college and also expose staff and students to the array of information available online in line with best global practices.


“Similarly, the completion of the sports complex, swimming pool and gymnasium will enable staff, students and other residents of the Cantonment to exercise regularly to keep fit with attendant positive impact on their physical and mental well-being and productivity.


“The new officers mess accommodation extension will enhance efforts towards provision of quality transit accommodation in Jaji,” he said.


Olonisakin called for innovative and realistic approach to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities and other infrastructures in the institution.


He said that the College has been playing a pivotal role in the actualization of the collective vision of the military in the training of personnel to effectively respond to all operational commitments.


He maintained that over the years, the reach of the college in training personnel from selected ministries, departments and agencies, as well as officers from sister and other friendly countries have presented the need for a conducive environment for learning.


“One of the ways to achieve this is through the provision of requisite infrastructure for learning and well being for both staff and students.”


Olonisakin commended the college leadership for the initiative and quality of work which according to him, attests to their integrity and commitment towards providing a conducive working environment.


Earlier, the Commandant of the college, AVM Abubakar Liman explained that since its inception in 1976, the AFCSC has progressively grown through the efforts of past leaderships and staff to what it is today.


He said the aim of the infrastructural boost is to enhance the quality of training in the college.


Liman said in the months ahead, the college will work with appropriate authorities to re-align its activities towards ensuring that the training outputs meet the ever changing operational realities.


NAN report that the Chief of Defence Staff was accompanied by serving and retired senior military officers.



Posted by at No comments:
Location: Jaji, Nigeria

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

National Security Adviser trains stakeholders on violent extremism prevention

By Mohammed Tijjani


 The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Monday commenced a 3-day training of stakeholders on the prevention of violent extremism in the country.

The training, which opened in Kaduna, is being attended by 37 participants drawn from police training institutions, the media, Nigeria Correctional Service, Civil Defence, DSS, NDLEA and National Human Right Commission.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants are expected to focus on human rights law and practice in the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE).

The ONSA said that the training was in line with its mandate to build the capacity of its partners in responding to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

The participants are expected to review the PVE human rights sensitive training manual and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and security agencies in respecting human rights, to prevent violent extremism.

The workshop would also enhance the capacity of participants to adapt the manual in their various training institutions, as well as mainstream and institutionalise the PVE Human Rights Sensitive training manual.

It would also focus on different aspects of human rights including human rights and prevention of PVE in crime investigation, arrest and detention.

Others include, “Human rights and the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in Use of Force and Firearms in Law Enforcement.

“Human Rights, women’s right and the PVE in Law enforcement; Human rights and the PVE in the Treatment of Juveniles.

“Human Rights and the PVE in Investigating police violations and overview of violent extremism and the prevention.”

NAN reports that the training is being supported by the United Nations Development Programme.


Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, 5 November 2020

NSCD Commandant-General calls for more cooperation to prevent conflicts

 Workshop


By Mohammed Tijjani/ Sani Idris



The Commandant-General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCD), Abdullahi Mohammadu, has called for sincere cooperation between security agencies and civil populace to prevent conflicts in the country.


Mohammadu made the call in Kaduna on Wednesday at a 2-day workshop organized by the NSCDC and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) and conflict prevention for communities and security providers.


The training workshop was also in collaboration with the Kaduna State Peace Commission, funded by the Norwegian Government.


Mohammadu who was represented by Assistant Commandant General Zone B, Danladi Mugadi, also urged communities to fish out crisis merchants in their midst for appropriate punishment.


He said it was important to have sincere cooperation to “bridge the torn fabric of trust between security agencies and the civilian population”.


The NSCDC chief also called for greater synergy between security agencies to ensure successful prevention of conflicts.


“We must change our attitudes to work and collaborate more instead of fighting for supremacy and survival.


“We must see ourselves as a complete system where the action of one component affects the other towards goals attainment.


“In peace and conflicts resolution, no single organization is superior to others as both have some jurisdictional powers, in effect, no single organization can do it alone.”


The official appealed for effective collaboration between peace institutions and other stakeholders to encourage community networking system and family policing strategy.


“Law enforcement agencies and peace initiative

institutions should be adequately funded and

strengthened by government to provide the much

needed intelligence and responses, instead of relying

on foreign and international donor Agencies”, he added.


The Commandant-General disclosed that the NSCDC has been working to engender support from the population to ensure effective policing at the grassroots.


“Furthermore, the Corps as a grass root security agency

with a mandate to settle disputes from willing members

of the public is committed to “walking the talk” in terms of encouraging Early Warning through intelligence

gathering and public engagements.


“We are intensifying efforts as we evolve a human centric policing strategy,” ‘he added.


According to him, conflicts are flourishing because of the inability of the society to bring the merchants of destruction to book.


He also identified the absence of good governance, mistrust, inter-communal violence and organized crime, as precursors of conflicts which must be tackled through collective action.


Earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman, Kaduna State Peace Commission, Ms Pricilla Ankut, said the workshop was a  precursor to the formal launching of the Conflict Early Warning Early Response System (CEWERS), the commission had developed with the support of the UNDP.


According to her, the workshop was designed to build the capacity of relevant stakeholders in peacemaking,

peace-building, conflict mitigation and prevention.


“Over the years, the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KAPECOM) has organized similar and other capacity building workshops to empower peace workers in undertaking peace works, mediation and negotiation across the state.”


She noted that early warning and response to potential conflicts makes mitigation easier and more effective in

limiting conflicts.


Ankut thanked the UNDP, the Norwegian government and the NSCD for the collaboration.


“With development partners such as the UNDP, the design and operationalization of the CEWERS that will assist in achieving this preventive objective has given us a flip for which we are grateful”, she said.


Also, the Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security Unit of UNDP, Matthew Alao, said the training was critical, as there would be no development without peace in any society.


Alao who was represented by Elia Von-Rotz, said the training was important as it sought to advance an integrated approach to conflict prevention, through early identification and reporting of conflict situations.


“It is a known fact that conflict is inevitable in every society, in our daily interactions, conflicts are bound to happen, however, if they turn violent, outcomes are always destructive, thereby hindering national development.”


He noted that the UNDP had worked with Kaduna State Government and provided support for the establishment of the peace commission and the ICT-based Early Warning and Early response system.


“The essence of this collaboration is to deepen the peace process which is a core aspect of the SDG 16, to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” Alao added.


Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, 4 November 2020

Buratai pledges improved welfare, training for Army personnel

Training


By Mohammed Tijjani


The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, on Tuesday, pledged more welfare and training for Army personnel to tackle security challenges in the country.


Buratai also pledged to provide necessary support for the Army to excel in sporting competitions.


The Army Chief made the pledge in a message to the opening of the Directorate of Army Physical Training Officers Conference, holding at the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria, Kaduna State.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buratai was represented by Corps Commander Infantry, Maj.-Gen. Stevenson-Olugbenga Olabanji.

The conference, which will end on Nov. 4, has as its theme: “Repositioning the NAPT Corps through Elective Training and Sports Excellence.”


He stressed that his main vision was to ensure that the Army becomes professionally responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

 

“Consequently, operational, administrative and logistics strategies were evolved to refocus on fighting against insurgency and other security threats nationwide,” he said.


On the conference, Buratai expressed optimism that it would assist the PT Corps to take its pride of place in providing requisite support to the Nigerian Army, for combat efficiency and excellence in sports.


Buratai stressed that time has come for the Nigerian Army to return to the heights it occupied in sports excellence.


“Sequel to these, I have devoted a lot of resources for infrastructural and human capacity development,

in addition to the training of our sportsmen and their participation for various national and international sports and military games.


“I have followed events in the PT Corps in the last one year. I have observed the diligence with which the personnel of this Corps have carried out the onerous tasks of keeping the NA fit for combat efficiency.


“I am not also unmindful of the recent achievements of our sportsmen in various sporting events, as outlined by the Director Physical Training (Army) in his welcome address.


“Consequently, the twin issues of fitness training and drive for sports excellence have led to mark achievements both by the NA and the individual sportsmen.


“This has reinforced the age long belief that training is at the heart of professionalism.


“It was in view of the foregoing, that I feel obliged, to be part of the efforts by the PT Corps to review its present state, in relation to the existing fitness  and combat challenges the NA has, with the aim to reposition itself,” he said.


Buratai appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued and invaluable support to the Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.


“Therefore, I wish to pledge the commitment and unalloyed loyalty of officers and soldiers of the NA to the President and the defence of our democracy,” he added.


Earlier, the Director, Army Physical Training, Maj.-Gen. Wilson Ali, said they were working on introducing para sports into their sporting programme.


“This is with the view to constructively encourage and engage personnel who have sustained one form of disability or the other in the course of their career.”


He also said that efforts were on to provide facilities for archery, cycling and shooting, to mentor available talents  to global excellence.NAN


 ======




tijjani.mohammad

See author's posts

    Related Stories:


    Posted by at No comments:

    Monday, 2 November 2020

    National Youth Day: Foundation tasks Nigeria youths on value of freedom

     In commemoration of the national youth day, the Arewa Youth Trust Foundation has tasked Nigerian youths to Judiciously use and value the freedom they have towards the development of the nation.

    The Team Lead of the foundation, Amb. Fahad Chikaji made the call in a statement to newsmen on Monday in Kaduna.

    Chikaji said Nigerian youths must always think before they act as it was also necessary they find adult mentor.

    He emphasised that they must learn not to be followers by establishing legitimate pace and set of values on their own, being humble and maintaining emotional stability to achieve a set objective.

    “The simple but effective processes of thought will help you avoid making critical mistakes that could cost you your freedom, education or your life,’’ he said.

    According to him, National Youth day should be used to reflect, take stock and chart a new youth action plan that would tackle the issues confronting Nigeria’s teeming youth population.

    “A responsible adult knows what is best for his well-being, as such must avoid being part of the crowd.

    “It is popular to be haughty or arrogant; such attitudes tend to prevent an individual from developing healthy relationships.

    Chikaji added that there were many deep cultural, social and spiritual values that could benefit Nigerians but were left untapped and ignored.

    He, however, recommended that simple and basic set of values for youth such as life, education and freedom if placed high and considered in decisions making would positively affect the choices they make.

    “If you value your life; education and freedom, you will think twice about drinking and driving, threatening a teacher which will get you expelled and will avoid criminal behavior that will lead to incarceration thereby restricting freedom”, he said.

    He, therefore, called on the youths to obey and respect their parents, saying that their happiness and good prayers affected positively towards achieving success life.

    “Be respectful to your superiors and strangers, If a person offends you and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures but simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick.

    “If you find that he did not intend any offense; come out frankly and confess yourself in the wrong when you struck him, acknowledge it like a man and say you didn’t mean to,’’ he said.

    Chikaji also advised the youths to be disciplined, hard-working and committed with a spoon desired to succeed.

    “If there is no aim in life you can’t achieve anything; be good, follow your heart, think about impact, care about time, understand the big picture, follow the data and be open.

    “As the future generation, we must rise up and work hard to excel in order to achieve greatness in life,’’ Chikaji said.(NAN)

    Posted by at No comments: