News

Fight against terrorism: Army recruits 6,315 soldiers

Published

7 months ago

October 22, 2023

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The Nigerian Army has recruited a new set of 6,315 soldiers into the force as part of efforts to shore up its manpower and confront the security challenges confronting the country.

At the passing-out parade of the recruits of 85th Regular Intake from the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria in Kaduna State, on Saturday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, said the recruits will complement the manpower needs of the Nigerian military with competent and combatant-ready young soldiers.

He reminded them that they are joining the Armed Forces at a time when the country is facing a plethora of security challenges that deserved their patriotic support.

The Army chief therefore urged them to uphold the values of loyalty, discipline, and selfless service, adding that a lot is expected from them.

The COAS is also assuring Nigerians that the military will not rest on its oars until the country is safe from the threats of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of the country.

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Their passing-out parade from the Nigerian Army Depot marks the beginning of their military career.

The highlight of the parade is the presentation of banners to the champion battalion and awards to deserving recruits.

Nigeria like many countries in the West African subregion is facing numerous security challenges occasioned by activities of Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, secessionists, and other criminal elements.

However, the optimism here is that the recruitment of over six thousand new soldiers into the force will impact positively in the ongoing military operations across the country.

JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima to pay toll at airport gates

Published

9 hours ago

May 14, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima will now pay the required toll whenever they use the gates at airports.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation, announced this to journalists after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting chaired by Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

Keyamo said he presented two memos which were approved by the council.

Details later…

READ Tinubu departs for France to ‘attend Financial Pact Summit’

News

Tinubu suspends 0.5% cybersecurity levy

Published

9 hours ago

May 14, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has suspended the 0.5 percent cybersecurity levy after criticism and protest trailed the announcement.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, announced the suspension.

Idris said Tinubu directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the implementation and review the modalities for its implementation.

Details later…

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News

Minister to sue Niger speaker over plans to ‘marry off’ 100 girls, says it’s ‘totally unacceptable’

Published

16 hours ago

May 14, 2024

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Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, has petitioned the inspector-general of police (IGP) and sought a court injunction to halt the marriage of 100 girls in Niger state.

Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, speaker of the Niger state house of assembly, announced last week that he would sponsor the wedding of 100 girls, some of whom were orphaned by insurgency, as part of his Maringa constituency project.

He said he had procured materials for the event scheduled for May 24, and promised to pay dowries for the bridegrooms.

Following the outcry that trailed the announcement, the speaker explained that he was only financing the wedding — not forcing the girls into marriage.

However, Kennedy-Ohanenye said the plan is unacceptable, and that the future of the girls should be a priority.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, the minister said a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the issue will be carried out.

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She said the ministry will take responsibility for the girls’ education and vocational training.

“I want to let the honorable speaker of house in Niger state know that this is totally unacceptable by Federal Minister Of Women Affairs and by the government,” Kennedy-Ohanenye said.

“Because there is something called the Child’s Right Act and I said it from the onset, that is no more business as usual.

“These children must be considered, their future must be considered, the future of the children to come out of their marriage must be considered.

“So I have gone to court. I have written him a letter and written a petition to the IG of police.

“And I have filed for injunction to stop him from whatever he is planning to do on the 24th, until a thorough investigation is carried out on those girls, find out whether they gave their consent, their ages, find out the people marrying them.

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“As the speaker did not think about empowering these women or sending them to school or giving them some kind of training support financially.

“The women affairs have decided to take it up and we are going to educate the children.

“Those that do not want to go to school, we will train them in a skill, empower them with sustainable empowerment machines to enable that child build his or her life and make up her mind who and when to get married.

“If for any reason the speaker tries to do contrary to what I have just mentioned, there will be a serious legal battle between him and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.”

The minister added that based on the Child Rights Act, every child belongs to the state, hence the rights of every child will be protected from harm and violence.