By; Sani Aliyu, Zaria.
Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria in Kaduna State has apprehended one Friday Udo Friday for impersonating the Army and extortion money from unsuspecting public in the name of recruitment.
Speaking to New Nigerian in his office, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Depot, Captain Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said Udo confessed to collecting a mobile phone set and money amounting to N15.000 from one Enobong with a promise to get him recruited to be a member of the 73 Regular Recruits Intake of the Depot.
He said during investigations, it was discovered that Udoh has been deceiving members of the public disguising as a military personnel. He explained that some military kits were also discovered in his possession.
Udo Friday who hails from Ibibio Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State claimed to be a professional driver.
He has been handed over to the Zaria Area Command of the Nigerian Police for further investigations.
Depot Nigerian Army Apprehends Impostor By; Sani Aliyu, Zaria
EU worried over polio outbreak
The European Union on Tuesday expressed concern over the latest outbreak of wild polio virus in Nigeria.
The Kaduna State Government recently recorded 10 cases of wild polio virus in Birnin Gwari, Ikara, Igabi, Kubau and Zaria Local Government Areas of the state.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Dr David Macrae, raised the concern at a forum with reporters in Abuja on the operations of the EU in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Macrae who expressed the union’s determination to support the immunisation process in Northern Nigeria, to curb the spread of the disease, noted the need for access to portable water in the affected areas.
The envoy said the EU in collaboration with UNICEF had spent 30 million Euro (about six billion naira) on maternal health services in the Northern states of the federation.
He explained that the union had supported the Federal Government’s fight against corruption to the tune of 35 million Euro through the National Planning Commission.
Macrae said that the union in collaboration with the World Bank was financing a project known as Improved Public Finance Management in nine states in Nigeria at a cost of 10 million Euro per state.
He listed the states as Anambra, Cross River, Kano, Yobe, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Edo.
The envoy said that the body also supported the Federal Government’s amnesty programme to the tune 200 millon Euro.
Tambuwal: The Gentleman Speaker @ 47
By IMAM IMAM
Right Honorable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, is 47 today. To his country men and women however, it is not attaining the milestone that is of much concern to them, rather, it is the direction which the amiable lawmaker from Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency is leading the country that has continued to elicit positive reactions from people across all walks of life.
Since his election to the exalted position of the Number 4 citizen of Nigeria, Tambuwal has continued to thrill Nigerians with his innovative approach to leadership and lawmaking. Within the period of the coming of the present dispensation in 2011, Tambuwal has demonstrated some of the best known attributes of leadership regarding issues that affect the nation directly.
A lawyer by profession, a politician by popular will, an accomplished leader by popular choice, a legislator by trust, Tambuwal has shown enough political dexterity to make him one of the most respected political figures in Nigeria today. His meteoric rise in the legal profession and politics has reaffirmed his position as a master tactician in disciplines built on the philosophy of self respect, fair play, hard work and the spirit of give and take.
Nigerians need no soothsayer to admit that their dear country is in a period when challenges of nationhood, political self-doubt and intense security tests have temporarily become the defining features of life. However, civilisation remains a work in progress in Nigeria as the Seventh House of Representatives tries to provide that critical balance that sustains a meaningful presidential democracy and holds up hope for a new Nigeria. No one encapsulates that hope than Tambuwal.
As argued by some scholars, the basic challenges of leaders reflect two fundamental, enduring aspects of leadership. First is the humanity of leaders in revealing their hopes and fears, traits and instincts. Second, is the unchanging agenda of leadership, in all times and places, as revealed in the setting of goals, plans, purpose and strategies, and working through with other people to actualise their vision in a world that is often uncertain, recalcitrant and sometimes perilous.
To appreciate the legislative footing of the Seventh House in its attempt to fill the void created by the challenges of leadership confronting Nigeria, one needs to revisit its inaugural agenda. I will recall here the kernel of the legislative blueprint which was unveiled June 28, 2011 and remains a study in specific prescriptions. It traversed constitution amendment, revival and diversification of the economy, employment generation, strengthening national security, curbing corruption, tackling general infrastructural decay, improving health system and the educational system.
According to Speaker Tambuwal, in his inaugural speech titled ‘Time To Remake Nigeria,’ ”Over the next four years, the House of Representatives will pursue an aggressive legislative agenda to reposition itself as a key branch of government able and determined to deliver on the key elements of governance. We make to state and with great assurance that the legislature has come of age. It is a new day, a new House of Representatives and we are prepared to meet and surpass the expectations of the people to represent their best interest.”
Perhaps I needn’t add that in a move that verged on statesmanship and humility uncustomary to previous sessions, Speaker Tambuwal graciously conceded that the House accepted responsibility for failures and unconscionable gaps in meeting its brief. “We will be responsive, transparent and accountable in all we do. My period of service as the Speaker of this hallowed chamber will restore the House of Representatives as an institution where the will of the people is done,” he told Nigerians.
Almost two years on, the Lower Chamber has kept faith with this agenda. It’s people-oriented footing bears this out. The Seventh House has been at the fore-front of defining important national issues for public discourse.
American business executive and author, Jack Welch, once argued that today’s hierarchical structure gives the leader in organisation, or appropriately, chief executive officer (CEO), control over strategy, organization and information by creating an organization with its ‘face towards the CEO and its ass towards the customer.’ The system described by Welch may be right in business and to some extent some governmental institutions, but what we have seen in the House of Representatives under Tambuwal is an institution with its face firmly fixed towards the people. Tambuwal has used his considerable experience towards the development making the legislature a people-oriented entity that elevates participatory lawmaking to an art.
As he celebrates his birthday today, it is not just the intriguing narrative of how he was elected Speaker of the House that should resonate with political scientists. That experience should also serve as a reminder of the many profound achievements we could record if we rise above the inhibiting considerations of tribe and religion.
At 47, Tambuwal’s youth points to a future of hope and possibilities. Besides, his apparent willingness not to be encumbered by the political exigencies or double-speak that had stunted our progress is quite inspiring. For him, what matters is the nation’s interest. Call that an unyielding idealism and you won’t be entirely wrong.
Born in Tambuwal town into the royal family of Waziri Tabuwal, young Aminu attended Tambuwal Primary School, and Government Teachers’ College, Dogon-Daji also in Sokoto State where he obtained the Teachers Grade 11 Certificate in 1984.
He then proceeded to Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, where he studied Law, graduating with an LLB (Hons) degree in 1991. He did his one year compulsory legal studies at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, obtained BL and was called to the Bar in 1992.
Besides studying for law degree, the Speaker has attended several courses abroad, among which are the Telecoms Regulatory Master Class–Bath UK, 2004; Lawmaking for the Communications Sectors –BMIT, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2004; Regulating a Competitive Industry-UK, Brussels, 2005; Tulane University – International Legislative Drafting, 2005; Stanford Graduate School of Business – Influence and Negotiation in 2008, among many others.
He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2003 on the platform of the opposition All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). Since then, he had served as Minority Leader and Deputy Chief Whip of the House. He was the Leader of the Nigerian Delegation to Africa, Caribbean, Pacific and European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly and had served as the Regional Representative of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
He was a member of the National Executive Committee, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), member, International Bar Association, Alumnus, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard, USA, Alumnus, Stanford Graduate School of Business, USA, Alumnus Tulane University, USA and a recipient of the Honourary Doctor of Law Degree from the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.
No doubt, Tambuwal’s candor, nationalistic outlook, ability to make fair and inclusive decisions, maturity and desire to interact freely and affectionately with all members in the House in a professional context, has today earned him the confidence of his colleagues and all Nigerians alike.
To this great man of ideas, I say a happy birthday.
*Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Speaker Tambuwal
Toddlers and brushing teeth
By Jason Ladock
A toddler can be sometimes difficult. It is a phase where your young child is beginning to be aware of what he likes to do and understanding some things on his own level. You should be able to handle a toddler by understanding him and having the patience to deal with him. One of the common difficulties a toddler may give you is when it’s time for brushing his teeth. It takes some convincing to do it your way, but maybe it’s about time you try to do it his way by giving into some compromises that may be helpful.
Let your toddler choose his toothbrush and toothpaste. The choice usually boils down to his favorite cartoon characters. So, get two of these and have him choose which he likes best. As for the toothpaste, you may also get 2 samples and have your toddler taste them and let him make the final decision which paste you are likely to buy for him. But, make sure that the toothpaste you choose is the ones safe for toddlers to use with low fluoride to protect his teeth.
Be the best example. Brush teeth together with your toddler as he may imitate what you do. Teach your toddler to put toothpaste on his brush and the proper way to brush the teeth. Then, make sure to face the mirror to show both your teeth to let him know how clean they are. Make it a fun time with your toddler too.
You can also make use of a special tooth brushing kit for kids. It can be a colored box filled with colored toothbrushes which your toddler can choose one at a time to motivate him to brush his teeth. Included also are some colored mini-books with pictures showing how to brush teeth which you can use to show your toddler. You can also include a toy with teeth showing and you can set the example of brushing the toy’s teeth or have your toddler do it himself so he would practice it on himself later on. If you really have difficulty in making your toddler brush his teeth, you may need to check for some problems regarding his teeth and gums.
They may be sensitive to the toothpaste or the toothbrush. Perhaps you can check with your pediatric dentist for proper advice. Also, for some quick fix to solve this problem, you can wipe your toddler’s teeth with a clean wet soft wash cloth, you can use a finger brush that you can brush the teeth with and you can use some flavorless tooth paste just in case your toddler doesn’t like the taste of tooth paste. When your toddler makes the effort to brush his teeth, show some praise by rewarding him. Maybe you can reward him some special snacks or an extra time to play. Try to talk to your toddler in his own level of understanding, that if he doesn’t take care of his teeth, he would be toothless forever; he wouldn’t be able to eat his favorite foods, or show a picture of how he would look like with dirty teeth; at least he would understand on his own way why it is important to brush his teeth.
Keeping your kids healthy this school year
By Jonathan Pitts
With various viruses like Swine Flu on the loose, the thought of sending our children to school has become painful. How can we expose them to the dangers that this world carries. But, we can’t keep them at home forever either. To deal with this problem, we have to come to some compromise and find ways to keep the children safe yet in full capability to enjoy themselves.
. Give them healthy food. When you are a child, you don’t really understand the benefits that certain foods have and the dangers that other food inhibit. This is where the parenting part comes in. To ensure that your child avoids being unhealthy, as a parent you must ensure that he eats well. By eating well, it does not mean feeding your child everything and anything. There must be some sort of nutritional evaluation done. There should be a proper balance of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins and dairy with stress on the fruits and vegetables. This will keep kids active and away from the obesity and lethargy.
Put them in some activity. Watching TV after school or playing video games does not count as an activity for the child to indulge in. For a child to be healthy, he or she must have an adequate amount of exercise. The kind of exercise they indulge in will obviously be different from the kind we as adults do. When you are young, exercise can be fun. Exercise comes in the form of sports, treks, days at the beach, and a lot more. Enroll your child in dance classes or basketball camps.
Drink water. Make your children carry a bottle of water where ever they go regardless of whether it looks cool or not. It is very important to be hydrated at all times, especially at a tender age. This will allow the child to be refreshed and energized, mostly during hot days when the sun is scorching. To avoid any sort of harmful contact with the sun, make sure that they apply an adequate amount of sunscreen with a moderate SPF count.
Encourage cleanliness. Whether it is monitoring their sneezing habits or how many times they wash their hands in a day, ensure your child to understand the importance of hygiene. With Swine Flu rampant, it should be a wakeup call for all parents to make sure that their children wash their hands after they play, sneeze, when they come home and basically at any given chance. Teach them to use toilet seat covers and toilet paper.
Sleep well. The best medicine is adequate amount of sleep. Children need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep. This will allow them to function to their maximum throughout the day. A healthy immune system depends on how much good sleep a child gets. Avoid stressing the child out because this will also affect his sleeping habits and in turn will affect the overall health of the child. By following these simple tips, you can help your child to have a healthy school year ahead. He or she will be able to enjoy all the things a childhood has to offer without constantly falling sick.
…as Iwuanyanwu eyes BOT chair
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, member PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), said yesterday that the chairmanship position of the party‘s BoT should be reserved for the South East.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja of his intention to contest the position, Iwuanyanwu said that the PDP zoning principle made the provision for the zone to occupy the position.
He said that he was one of the founding members of the party, who contributed to its growth, adding that as multi-ethnic nation the zoning principle should be adhered to for the development of the party.
Iwuanyanwu said the principle of zoning which was called national character in the constitution should not be dropped as there might be problems.
“In our party we believe in zoning, on Nov. 16, the South East members of this party met in Enugu and party leaders from the zone were all there.
“At that meeting they debated and said that by the party‘s principle of zoning, the position of the party‘s BoT chairman should come to South East.”
He noted that the party‘s BoT Secretary was from north, the President from the South South while the South East had yet to have any key position in the party.
He said that he was the most qualified person for the party‘s BoT chairman haven used his resources and laboured for the party in the past.
“I feel I am the best qualified to take up this job, others are qualified too but I think I should be the best choice of the party.
“I have spent all my wealth on the party and on the people. Before I joined politics I was a rich man.
“ But In the process of my political career, I became poorer than I was unlike some people who came to politics and became rich.
“I have not built any house and I have not bought any. Everything I had I got, I had them before I joined politics.
“ I had two aircraft but today I have none but am still fighting for the youth and the poor people of this country,’’ Iwuanyanwu said.
He urged the people of the South East and Igbos generally to continue to speak with one voice to ensure they got the PDP BoT chairmanship post.
He, however, said that the job of the PDP BoT was not for everybody but a person who lived in Nigeria and understood the youth.
He further said that it was not a job for urban politicians who never went home except during festive periods and therefore did not understand the plight of their people.
Iwuanyanwu added that a man with straight records who could call party members to order when necessary was needed for the post and urged the party‘s leadership to look for one with such records.
He promised to support the party, the president and the legislature if he was given the opportunity to serve as the PDP BoT chairman.
He also called for the continued support of the media, youths and South South traders, whom, he said, had supported him through the years to ensure the actualisation of his ambition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 20 persons had so far indicated interest to contest the PDP BoT chairmanship post which election had been fixed for Jan. 8, 2013.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was the party‘s BoT chairman had resigned his appointment on April 12, to attend to personal issues.
Google Maps back on iPhone after Apple software fiasco
Google has released its Maps app for the iPhone, in the wake of complaints about Apple’s software.
Apple controversially replaced the search giant’s mapping service with its own when it released its latest handset, the iPhone 5.
The move was widely criticised after numerous mistakes were found in Apple Maps’s search results.
Google’s app introduces functions previously restricted to Android devices.
One analyst said it would prove popular, but added that Nokia still posed a challenge.
The Finnish company recently launched its own free maps app for the iPhone.
When Apple announced in June that it was launching its own maps app – using licensed data and its own software – developers cheered.
But soon after it launched in September, the complaints began.
The UK’s historic town Stratford-upon-Avon was missing, a farm in Dublin had been labelled as an airport and Hong Kong’s Queen’s Pier boat terminal was in the wrong location.
Satellite images were sometimes blurry or only showed cloud cover, and the much-vaunted Flyover facility had created surreal views of landmarks including the Brooklyn Bridge and Hoover Dam.
Facing growing criticism, Apple boss Tim Cook penned an apology acknowledging users’ frustration.
It did not seem to dampen early iPhones sales, but the affair was linked to the high-profile ousting of iOS software chief Scott Forstall, who had reportedly refused to sign the apology himself.
Mr Cook recently acknowledged that the firm had “screwed up”, but promised Apple had a “huge plan” to improve the app.
Brooklyn Bridge Apple’s early Flyover images of the Brooklyn Bridge were mocked on the Amazing iOS6 Maps blog
The firms are motivated in part by a desire to gather data automatically generated by handsets using their respective software, as well as users’ own feedback.
This allows them to fine-tune their services and improve the accuracy of features such as traffic status updates.
Android’s advantage
Features Google has introduced that were not available in its earlier iPhone app include:
Among the facilities Google’s iPhone app lacks that are present in its Android equivalent are indoor maps, the ability to download maps for offline viewing, and voice search.
However, over time, project manager Kai Hansen told the BBC that what was on one platform should be on the other.
“The goal is clearly to make it as unified and consistent an experience as possible,” he said.
Ground Truth
One area Apple’s own software still has an edge is its integration of Flyover which offers interactive photo-realistic views of selected cities using 3D-rendered graphics within its maps app.
Google offers a similar facility via Google Earth which is promoted in its main maps app, but involves switching into a separate program.
However, for many users the key feature will be the level of accuracy that Google offers.
Since 2008, the firm’s Ground Truth project has mashed together licensed data with information gathered by its own fleet of Street View cars and bicycles.
Google iPhone app screenshots Google’s app allows users to see details and reviews of businesses and view interior photos
The images and sensor data they collect are analysed by computers and humans to identify street signs, business names, road junctions and other key features. To date, more than five million miles (eight million km) of roads across 45 countries have been covered.
This information is supplemented by the public filing their own reports. iPhone users are encouraged to do likewise by shaking their handsets to activate a feedback function.
“Google Maps, as much as any other map application, lives from the data that we receive,” Mr Hansen explained.
“If a road is closed for the next six months, or a road was opened two days ago – these are things that somebody who lives next to the road immediately notices, but if you’re not in the area it becomes hard to know.
“The more we can give you the ability to let us know about things that are changing on the map, the more other users will benefit from that corrected information.”
He added that once operators verify these reports, changes can be made “within minutes, rather than hours”.
Google says the new iPhone app does not feature advertising – unlike some promoted results in its web browser map pages.
Suggestions for specific locations – such as restaurants or shops – are instead based on a user’s search history and other information gathered from their Google account.
Google will cover some of its costs by charging certain third-party developers who embed its maps in their products.
But for now, the biggest benefit is likely to be brand loyalty, helping to drive users to its main search engine, which is profitable.
That may change in the future.
Earlier this year, Google’s mapping chief Brian McClendon told the BBC that “local advertising is going to be a critical part of any mapping or local search experience” in the long term.
Apple is also seeking to improve its own data through user feedback, but risks having less to work with if iPhone users switch to another product.
There had been speculation Apple would reject Google’s app from its store for this reason.
But since iPhone sales are at the heart of Apple’s fortunes, it may have felt it had more to lose than gain by allowing rival Android handsets to offer a popular app it lacked.
‘Neutral’ Nokia
Google’s launch will also have consequences for Nokia, which recently launched its own Here Maps app on iOS.
The European firm’s location division is decades older than Google’s, and also has a strong reputation for accuracy.
However, the Here app has had a shaky start with many users complaining about problems with its interface – a consequence of it being written in the HTML5 web language rather than as a native app, specifically for the iOS system.
Nokia Here screenshots Nokia’s Here Maps app currently has been scored two-out-of-five by UK users of Apple’s App Store
Even so, one telecoms analyst said it would be premature to write the company out of the game.
“I’m not convinced Nokia as a brand for maps will become a big thing in the consumer consciousness, but what I think is going to happen is that more businesses are going to quietly do deals with it for maps,” said Ben Wood from CCS Insight.
“Because of the issues that Apple had, people have suddenly understood the importance of quality mapping and they may also say they don’t want to go to Google as all of the data then runs through the search firm, strengthening it as a competitor. Nokia is more of a neutral partner.
“Amazon has already done a deal with Nokia on its Kindle tablets, and I wouldn’t be surprised if RIM’s new Blackberry devices and Facebook follow.”
Lagos aquires branded Monopoly Board
Lagos State has recorded another first as it became the first African City State to have a branded Monopoly Board Game dedicated to it. The State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) who performed the official launch of the Game expressed the hope that the useful lessons of the game will impact the current generation of children in a much better way than those before them.
Governor Fashola who performed the official unveiling at the City Hall, Lagos expressed the hope that the Lagos Monopoly Board Game will help in reuniting families as children and their parents spend quality time together playing the Lagos version of the Monopoly Board Game.
The Governor said it is beyond imagination to say that Monopoly Board Game is a global brand which has been with Nigerians for over a generation despite the fact that its origin and landmarks are in faraway places like Kent, Parklane and Old Bond Street.
He added that despite this, the appeal of the game was very high as the players proudly became very happy millionaires or very sad bankrupts as they competed across the brightly coloured board in the journey of life from childhood to adulthood.
“As young children, the long hours on the board engaged our minds and hands and kept us out of mischief. It kept us indoors, because it was an indoor game, so our parents knew where we were”.
“For others, it sharpened additional skills and created business dreams that many were later to go and live in real life as business and property moguls. The community and chance cards were useful building blocks for young minds about developing a sense of responsibility and law and order. The punishment for driving badly, evading taxes and so on, shaped the values of my generation”
The Governor said the first African City version of the Monopoly Game Board is a version that replaces those faraway places with those destinations and local land marks that dot the cityscape in Lagos.
He added that places like Civic Centre, City Hall, MUSON Center, the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Tinubu Square, Freedom Park, BRT Bus Terminals, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Tin-can Island, Iddo Terminal and Oshodi Heritage Park are also included in the Lagos version.
“The community and chance cards have been modeled to our local circumstances to teach our people, especially our children about critical institutions like LASTMA, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Waterworks, Kirikiri Jail, LAWMA, National Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos State Drivers Institute, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service and 767 Emergency Number”.
He emphasized that in the bid to become Africa’s model mega city, the state will consider any old idea that it can remake to suit her needs as indeed she will embrace new ones.
While describing the Monopoly Board Game as one of such old idea made to suit Lagos, he added that the road to this day had so many co-travellers to whom the state owes a debt of gratitude.
He commended sponsors such as First Bank of Nigeria, Guarantee Trust Bank Plc, Ruff and Tumble, Nigerian Stock Exchange, First Securities Discount House, Terra Culture, MUSON Center, Mansard Insurance, Quintessence, Kings and Queens College, Lagos State University and Wheatbaker Hotel and also acknowledged the selflessness of the promoter of the City of Lagos edition of Monopoly, Mrs Opunimi Akinkugbe in ensuring the successful launch of the game.
Governor Fashola said despite the fact that Mrs Akinkugbe is not a native of Lagos, she has made Lagos her home as a proud member of the extremely diverse population whose aspirations find expression in Lagos as a result of the famous hospitality that encourages multi-ethnic human capital to be all that they can be.
PDP PRESSURES MARWA RETURN
From TINA PHINEAS, Yola
The Adamawa State governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), in the 2011 election Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) has said the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), has been mounting serious pressure on him to return to the party.
Marwa, who made the disclosure at a Press conference at the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) State Secretariat on the on-going rumors that he has dumped his party, maintained that the pressure by the PDP was becoming unbearable.
“I have been under tremendous pressure from both inside and outside to return to the ruling party”, he stressed.
The former Nigeria Ambassador to South Africa however reaffirmed his loyalty to his party the CPC, ”I remain a bonafide member of the Congress for Progressive Change and I have no plan to decamp for now”, he said.
When asked about the alleged decampment of some of his loyalists to the PDP, he replied that politics is not like the military, where subordinates only comply with orders from the superior officers.
“I cannot deny that, if some of them feel that they can actualize their ambition on the platform of the PDP; but majority of my supporters are in the CPC. That is the truth” Marwa said.
The former PDP presidential aspirant, appealed to CPC loyalists to continue to keep faith with the party as it is the only party standing firmly on the ground, and the party that identify with the poor in Nigeria.
He advised Nigerians to continue to exercise hope and faith in the CPC, which he believed would deliver the country from its present situation.
The Former Military Administrator of Lagos and Borno State called on Nigerians to co-operate with law enforcement agents as a means of solving the lingering insecurity problem in the country.
I-G, Dangote, others bag CRAN AWRADS
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, chairman Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko, his Delta State counterpart, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba and twenty others have been honoured with the distinguished award of the Crime Reporters Association (CRAN) for effective policing and support towards the security of lives and property.
Other recipients of the award which is bestowed on security officers and private individuals, who have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavour, include the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Mr. Tunde Ogunshakin, the Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom, HRM. Oba Momodu Ashafa, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele nd chairman Mosan- Okunola Local governnet Council, Hon. Abdulrasheed Abiodun Mafe and the Ajagungbade of Ibeju- Lekki land, high chief Samsondeen Ogunkoya.
Also honoured at the event which took place at the multipurpose hall of Radio Lagos / Eko FM, Lagos, were the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Area “A” command, Lagos, Mr. Edgal Imohinmi, his Area “B” counterpart, Mr. Muhammed Ari Ali, DPOs of Ojo, Ebute- Ero, Trade Fair divisions, SP. Mukaila Yusuf, SP. John Otahumele and SP. Robinson Eregare respectively and the Officer in charge of the Special Anti- Robbery Squad, Lagos Command, SP. Abbah Kyari and the Chief Security Officer of Governor Babtunde Fashola, SP. Adeshina Lawal amongst others
In his welcome address at the occasion, president of the association, Comrade Chris Oji said the recipients were honoured for their exceptional performance in their various fields of endeavour and contributions to the development of the country.
Informing that the Inspector General of Police, Mr. MD Abubakar was honoured with Star Award in Police Transformation, Oji noted that the Nigeria Police Force is no doubt been enjoying an unprecedented revival and great transformation since Abubakar assumed office as the 16th indigenous IGP.
On why Aliko Dangote was honoured by the association, the CRAN president explained that Dangote tagged as the richest Nigerian has help in great deal in reducing crime and criminality in the country by being the highest private employer of labour in the country through the employment of both graduates and under graduates who could have invariably become criminals.
According to him, the honour was meant to spur the awardees into doing more and not to relent in their efforts, just as he called on other Nigerians to emulate the gesture of the recipients and compliment the efforts of the federal government at ensuring the safety of lives and property and transform the country.
He also commended the efforts of the police and other security agencies in combating crime in the country, while appealing to all and sundry not to leave the issue of security in the hands of the security agencies alone.
The CRAN president called on traditional rulers to join hands in the fight against t crime in the country, stressing that they have the responsibility of monitoring the activities of the people in their domain and give security intelligence report on the activities of criminals to law enforcement agents.
While presenting his lecture titled “Rising Up to the Rising Security Challenges in Nigeria”, president of Society of Security Practitioners of Nigeria (SSPN), Mr. Davidson Akhimien, posited that the security situation in the country will improve if government improves the living standard and infrastructure.
Noting that the security breaches in the country in enormous, the security expert maintained that they can be surmounted if both the private and public security practitioners, political class and bureaucrats as well as the citizens play their roles.
Akhimien, the Managing Director of KingDavids Security Services urged government to focus on judicial reform for quick dispensation of justice, appointment of people into position of authority be base on merit, training and re-training of security personnel on the modern method of fighting crime, introduction of security courses into the curriculum of higher institutions and withdrawal of police escorts from those who are undeserving of them.
Present at the event were the Inspector General of Police represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 command, Mr. Maman Tsafe, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, repsented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Major Tunde Panox (Rtd), founder of Crime Control, chief Kingsley Osakwe, Managing Director of Halogen Security Company Limited, Mr. Wale Olaoye, Commandant Nigeria Security and Civil Defenec Corp, Lagos Command, Deputy Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone “A” Lagos and host of other egg heads in the security industry.