Nigeria Seeks Swift Delivery of Turkish Attack Helicopters and Navy Vessels.

Nigeria Seeks Swift Delivery of Turkish Attack Helicopters and Navy Vessels.

In a significant move to bolster Nigeria's defense capabilities, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, have embarked on a visit to Turkey with the primary objective of expediting the delivery of T-129 ATAK helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force.

The Nigerian Air Force has been anticipating the arrival of these helicopters, with the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, announcing that two of the six units of T-129 ATAK helicopters, procured by the Federal Government from the Turkish Aerospace Industry, are slated for delivery in the coming weeks. The remaining four helicopters are expected to be in Nigeria before the end of the second quarter of 2024.

During their visit, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, held discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Lt. Gen. Yasar Guler (retd.), focusing on critical bilateral relations and defense cooperation between the two countries.

The Turkish defence minister pledged full support to Nigeria, promising to provide the necessary backing from the Turkish military and defense companies to expedite the fight against terrorism and other criminal challenges in Nigeria.

Badaru and Abubakar also visited selected Turkish companies, including Turkish Aerospace Industries, MKE, Aselsan, and Roketsan, with an eye on collaboration. These firms are renowned globally for their production of quality defense and military equipment. The Minister of Defence advocated for increased synergy between these companies and Nigeria, emphasizing the transfer of defense technology to Nigeria.

In addition to enhancing air defense capabilities, Nigeria's naval power is set to receive a boost with the forthcoming arrival of naval vessels. The Nigerian Navy had previously contracted Dearsan Shipyard, Turkey, for the construction of two units of 76m HE OPV. The keel ceremony for these vessels took place on September 16, 2022, signifying the commencement of their construction. The recent launching ceremony was conducted on October 26, 2023, at the Dearsan Shipyard, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.

The installation of the vessel is expected to be completed between January and May 2024, with plans for harbor acceptance tests in July and August 2024. The delivery of the ship is anticipated in August or September 2024. Furthermore, the second 76m HE OPVP 204 is expected to have its launching ceremony in February 2024 at the Dearsan Shipyard, Turkey.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, expressed the significance of these naval vessels, emphasizing that they would complement efforts to combat oil theft and other maritime challenges. 

Oyebanji approves N136m car loan for 358 workers.

Oyebanji approves N136m car loan for 358 workers.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the disbursement of N136.26m as a car loan to 368 civil servants in the state.

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode, said amounts ranging from N80,000 to N1.5 million would be disbursed to the beneficiaries of the loan scheme depending on their grade levels.

Oyebode said that the governor also approved the injection of N200m to recapitalise the loan scheme.

The commissioner, in a statement in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, reiterated the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to workers’ welfare.

 Ekiti govt approves car loans for 280 workers

He said, “The governor, in addition, approved payment of N174.39m outstanding deductions from salaries to cooperative societies, Federal Mortgage Bank and others.”

Highlighting details of the disbursement of the car loan, Oyebode said, “Twenty-two benefiting officers on grade levels 02-06 would get N80,000 each while 180 beneficiaries on Grade Levels 07-10 would receive N250,000 each.

 “One hundred and fifty workers on Grade Levels 12-14 would be given N500,000 each; 13 personnel on Grade Levels 15-17 would get N750,000 each and the three beneficiaries on consolidated salary would take home N1.5m each.”

While noting that the government in December 2022 disbursed N130.7m car loans, the commissioner said the Oyebanji administration would continue to prioritise workers’ welfare.

Stay out of politics, Diri tells Bayelsa monarchs.

Stay out of politics, Diri tells Bayelsa monarchs.

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has advised traditional rulers in the state to stay out of partisan politics.

He said they were free to host and pray for any politician but they should not take sides.

Diri spoke at the palace of the Ibedaowei (traditional ruler) of Kolokuma Kingdom, King Mozi Agara, in Kaiama, headquarters of the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area as he rounded off his re-election campaign in constituency 1 of the area ahead of the November 11 governorship poll.

Recall that the state government had on October 18, 2023, announced the suspension of the traditional ruler of the Opokuma kingdom, King Boutua Aranka, “due to a reported case of falsehood and a misrepresentation of the chieftaincy laws of the state.”

The government also constituted a seven-member panel to investigate the allegations brought against the monarch.

At the weekend event, Diri was conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Olotu Kpekpe 1” (the one and only champion) while his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was conferred with the title “Kuro Okpo 1” (Strong one) of Kolokuma/Opokuma.

Diri, a son of the local government area, thanked the royal fathers for the honour bestowed on him and his deputy and assured them that they would be worthy ambassadors of the kingdom.

He said, “We are not in Kolokuma/Opokuma to campaign. We came to greet our people and spend time with them.

“We thank you for your support over the years and we promise not to let you down. We are also confident that you will continue to support us.

“For our traditional rulers, I have been saying that the traditional institution must not be involved in politics. You can receive and pray for anybody but you should not go beyond that. Traditional rulers should not be partisan.”

The governor also spoke at rallies in Odi, Kaiama and his community, Sampou, where he inaugurated the Government Technical College and completed internal roads

Lagos begins demolition of Ikoyi structures near drainage.

Lagos begins demolition of Ikoyi structures near drainage.

The Lagos State Government will today (Monday) begin the removal of perimeter fences within two metres of drainage channels on the Norman Williams, Awolowo and Ribadu roads in the Ikoyi area of the state.

The state’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, in a statement on Sunday, said the exercise comes after the expiration of the grace period given to the property owners in the affected areas.

According to the statement, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, was at Norman Williams Street on Sunday to see the level of compliance.

“It is discouraging to see that just a few homeowners have complied while a larger percentage have not made any move regarding the matter,” Wahab was quoted to have said during the visit.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, who was with the minister, condemned the recalcitrant attitude of the homeowners

PDP loses National Woman Leader, Effah-Attoe.

PDP loses National Woman Leader, Effah-Attoe.

The Peoples Democratic Party has announced the death of its National Woman Leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe.

Effah-Attoe, a member of the PDP National Working Committee, according to the family, died on Sunday after a brief illness.

PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Sunday, described Effah-Attoe’s death as a huge blow to the nation.

The statement read in part “Prof. Effah-Attoe was very brilliant, towering and magnificent in all spheres, but yet lived an exceptionally humble, pleasant, sociable, gracious, compassionate and loving life. She touched lives in many positive ways and made pivotal contributions towards the growth and development of our Nation.

“She was a dedicated teacher, politician, author, and fearless mobilizer who always stood for the truth; fought for justice, equity, and fairness and gave her energy, passion, and resources in the pursuit of the rights of women in Nigeria.

“Over the years, as Commissioner for Education and later Commissioner for Information and Culture in Cross River State, member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, member of Governing Board of several Cross River State and Federal Government Agencies and Programmes; a University Professor and one of the most decorated scholars in Nigeria, she distinguished herself as an amazon with extraordinary intellectual capacity for leadership and national service.

“As the National Woman Leader of our great Party, she brought an uncommon intellectual aptitude into Party administration, especially in mobilizing women for greater participation in politics and governance.

“The PDP will always remember her tireless contributions alongside other PDP leaders in the effort to rebrand and strengthen our great Party in the build-up to the 2023 general elections in line with the mission to rescue, rebuild, and redirect our nation from misrule.”

Ologunagba who said Effah-Attoe’s death has left a huge vacuum in the PDP, added that they take solace in the fact that she lived a devout Christian life, triumphed in her chosen path, and left indelible marks in the service of the Nation and humanity.

Gbajabiamila chides critics, says president’s team not driven by money politics.

Gbajabiamila chides critics, says president’s team not driven by money politics.

The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila on Sunday, October 29, chided critics peddling rumours that he would be sacked by the Commander-in-Chief

He said the rumours were a figment of imagination by the peddlers, adding that President Tinubu’s team is not driven by money politics.

In  his verified Twitter handle, Gbajabiamila said he is focussed Chief of Staff, whose attention cannot be distracted by rumours mongers.”

The statement read: “The government’s commitment to its objectives remains resolute, and it is clear that they intend to persevere through challenges or distractions that may arise.

“There have been rumblings in political circles, with some labeling the Chief of Staff as an obstruction to progress, and speculating about potential removal.

 However, the Chief of Staff remains unfazed by the rumors and took to Twitter to set the record straight.

“In a recent tweet, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the “renewed hope agenda” and its promise to deliver good governance to the Nigerian people. He emphasized that this agenda is not driven by personal gain or politics motivated by financial interests. The focus is unwavering, and no amount of propaganda will sway it.

“The Chief of Staff stated that the government has a critical assignment to fulfill, and the objectives will not be derailed by baseless accusations from unverifiable sources. He reassured Nigerians that the President and his dedicated team will stay on course and deliver without being distracted.

“In his message, he stressed that it is not the time to be sidetracked or allow divisive tactics to interfere with the noble aim. The government remains committed to its mission, and they will continue to work diligently towards achieving their goals.

“While the rumors of the Chief of Staff’s potential removal may persist, his tweet serves as a clear statement of resolve from within the administration. “The government’s focus is on the “renewed hope agenda” and the promise of good governance for the people of Nigeria, unwavering and undeterred by external noise.

“The government’s commitment to its objectives remains resolute, and it is clear that they intend to persevere through challenges or distractions that may arise.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Visits Nigeria, Holds Bilateral Meeting with President Tinubu.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Visits Nigeria, Holds Bilateral Meeting with President Tinubu.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Abuja on Sunday afternoon, October 29, for a significant visit to Nigeria. This marks his first visit to the nation since assuming office in December 2021, and it carries substantial diplomatic and economic significance.

The distinguished visitor touched down at the Villa at 03:40 pm (local time) and was warmly received. His visit is not limited to the capital, as Scholz has plans to engage with business leaders in Lagos on Monday, October 30, highlighting the potential for increased economic cooperation between the two nations.

The roots of this visit extend back to the 18th G20 Summit held in India, where Chancellor Scholz had an opportunity to meet with President Tinubu. During this summit, Scholz conveyed his keen interest in visiting Nigeria. In his remarks, the German Chancellor acknowledged the business-friendly reforms implemented by President Tinubu's administration, citing them as a catalyst for further economic collaboration.

"We acknowledge the business-friendly reforms you have put in place," Scholz stated. "I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives."

The visit is seen as a step towards strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation between Germany and Nigeria. With a focus on business-friendly reforms and enhanced economic ties, both nations anticipate the visit will yield positive outcomes for their respective economies and foster collaboration on various fronts.