Inquirer Publishers Magazine

02/06/2023

Celebrated Ghanaian writer Ama Ata Aidoo has died at the age of 81.

Nigerian author Lola Shoneyin pays tribute to her: "We're all still mourning... She wrote about women, she taught many of us to not be afraid to show our strength."

🎧 https://bbc.in/42xhBCV

24/05/2023

Top Nigerian Politicians arriving in Abuja for the Swearing -in ceremonies of the President and the Vice-president.
They are:Sen.Prince Gbolahan Dada in blue attire, Senator Yayi, in white Agbada, Senator Mrs Olujimi, Senator

13/03/2023

26/07/2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPOINTS BIU AS AG. CORPS MARSHAL...

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI HAS APPOINTED DAUDA ALI BIU AS THE ACTING CORPS MARSHAL OF THE FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC).

THIS IS CONTAINED IN A STATEMENT BY THE CORPS PUBLIC EDUCATION OFFICER (CPEO) ASSISTANT CORPS MARSHAL (ACM) BISI KAZEEM ON MONDAY IN ABUJA.
DAUDA BIU UNTIL HIS APPOINTMENT ON SUNDAY JULY 24, WAS THE DEPUTY CORPS MARSHAL, DCM FINANCE AND ACCOUNT AT THE FRSC HEADQUARTERS.
HE JOINED THE FRSC PRECISELY IN 1988 AND HAS HAD A FRUITFUL CAREER WORKING ACROSS SEVERAL FORMATIONS.
HE HOLDS A MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) FROM AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY AND WAS THE ASSISTANT CORPS MARSHAL (ACM) FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS IN 2014 BEFORE BECOMING THE DCM IN 2016.
HE IS A MEMBER OF DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL BODIES BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY INCLUDING TRANSPORT RESEARCH BOARD USA, FINANCIAL REPORTING COUNCIL OF NIGERIA AS WELL AS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE...

13/05/2022

DEFENCE MINISTER
UNVEILS NEW NATIONAL MILITARY STRATEGY TO STOP BANDITS.

From Frank Akinola in Lagos.
The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has reiterated government's recognition of the important role that technology plays in combating asymmetric threats.

General Magashi stated this as special guest at the opening ceremony of the Defence retreat in Asaba Delta State with the theme; "Shaping the Armed Forces of Nigeria for current and future security challenges"

He identified the huge inroads by the Nigerian Army in cyber and forensic areas, the deployment of the Falcon Eye infrastructure by the Nigerian Navy and the acquisition of unmanned aerial systems by the Nigerian Air Force as some of the proves of government's investments in upgrading the capabilities of the Nigerian Military.

The Defence Minister added that some of the Technological breakthroughs are enhancing situational awareness for troops and better operational security in the country.

While appreciating the Chief of Defence Staff General Leo Irabor for the initiative in putting the Defence retreat together tagged Asaba 2022 charged the participants to take maximum advantage of the platform to identify possible areas that require tinkering to meat the present day security challenges.

Going forward, before the Special guest unveiled the new National Military Strategy alongside other dignitaries including the Governor of Delta state Senator Arthur Okowa, he also challenged the retreatants to carefully examine statutory documents and policies that guide the establishment and development of the Armed Forces to ensure that they meet current realities.

In their separate remarks Governor Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and the Chief of Defence Staff thanked the Special guest for his presence at the retreat despite his tight schedules.
They justified the retreat for its appropriate timing and described it as a right step in the right direction especially now.

07/05/2022

OLOTA COMMISSIONS CHRISTIAN MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER.

Today, 16th April 2022, His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege Ph.D, MCIPR, MPRII, FHEA(Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode) commissioned a health facility built in loving memory of Donald Douglas Baughman(Missionary Martyr) and the late Olota of Otta, His Majesty, Oba Timothy Talabi Dada, today, 16th April 2022 at West Africa Christian Mission, Sango Otta, Ogun State.

In his Royal Remarks, Kabiyesi applauded the leadership of West Africa Christian Mission for the laudable project and for dedicating the edifice in memory of the past Olota of Otta, His Majesty, Oba Timothy Talabi Dada who during his lifetime took the giant strides of accommodating the mission on the large portion of land which they have successfully used to propagate the Gospel of God in the entire West Africa.

On this note, the good people of Otta and her environs especially residents of Iloye, Sango Otta will have the opportunity of accessing the health services at a very affordable/no cost.

Other dignitaries at the Opening ceremony were; Former Senator and the Son of the late Olota of Otta, Sen. (Prince) Gbolahan Dada, High Chief Olarenwaju Bashorun (Seriki of Otta, Awori Kingdom), High Chief Bamigboye Osunlabu(Ekerin of Otta, Awori Kingdom), Prince Adediran Dada and others.

20/03/2022

MINISTER OF DEFENCE ENDS OPERATIONAL VISIT TO PAKISTAN .

From Frank Akinola in Lagos

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi(rtd) had concluded a five-day working visit to Pakistan on an assuring note for enhanced bilateral Military Cooperations in aid of counter- terrorism operations in Nigeria.

General Magashi who had audience withthe Pakistani Prime Minister Imrankhan and his Pakistani Counterpart
had a busy schedules during his working tours.

Parts of the Nigerian Minister of Defence official engagements in Pakistan included tours of the Military base, Institutions and the Defence Industrial soft and hardwares capabilities of the host Country.

This was with a view to exploring new areas of possible patronage and exchange to grow the Nigerian Military productive capabilities and capacity towads curtailing threats to the nation's Internal peace and security.

The Nigeria's Defence Minister's official tour of Pakistan had further reinforced hope for a quick delivery of tangible supports in the areas of exchange of technological transfer to Nigeria.

The Infantry General Magashi who had closed doors session with his host Pakistani Prime Minister and top Military hierarchies jointly reviewed the bilateral Cooperations between Nigeria and Pakistan Spanning decades and assured them of the favourable disposition and the political will of the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces , President Muhammadu Buhari to sustaining the trajectory.

The Pakistan Prime Minister Imrankhan thanked the visiting Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Magashi for the historic visit.

While recalling the telephone conversation with the Nigerian President ,Muhammadu Buhari he Said Pakistan is looking forward to hosting him at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Pakistani Prime Minister highlighted his country's long- standing services to promoting peace in Africa under the auspices of the UN Peacekee

09/03/2022

HOW LIBERIAN CIVIL WAR WAS STARTED BY POLITICIANS.

In the 1970s, Charles Ghankay Taylor was an undergraduate Studying Economics in the United States.
He had persistently heckled President William Tolberts government such that in December 1979, President Tolbert invited him to come home and see how governance was being carried out in Liberia.
While home, he connived with Master Sargeant Samuel Doe and his 17 non- commissioned to topple the government of President William Tolbert and appointed himself as the head of General Services Agency,which was responsible for all government,s purchases
Three years later, in 1983, Taylor had embezzled 922,000 Dollars belonging to the LIBERIAN Government and was on the run, when attempt were made to arrest him based on a formal complaint from the LIBERIAN government to the American that Taylor had stolen public funds.
Source-Dynamics of African Politics And International Conspiracy. Page 82
Author- Frank Akinola.. Available online on Amazon books, and hard copy at NIGERIA DEFENCE ACADEMY , UNILAG, cc DEFENCE COLLEGE BOOKSHOPS.

04/03/2022

MINISTER OF DEFENCE ASSURES ON FG'S COMMITMENT TO MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX .

From Frank Akinola in Lagos

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) is wooing friendly Countries to support the Nigerian Armed Forces efforts to develop the Defence productive Sector..

The Defence Minister stated this in a message to the Nigerian Armed Forces Special Day at the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna State.

General Magashi who was represented by the Special Advicer Technical, Major Gen Ahmed Tijani Jibrin (rtd) harped on the need for transfer of technology by the technologically advanced countries which by so doing will be a Force Multiplier for the Nation's Military to galvanise the production of the Defence needs.

While appreciating the quality representation of the Nigerian Armed Forces at the International Trade Fair by the Nigerian Defence College, NDA , the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON and the Command Engineering Depot CED, he said the ongoing efforts to establish a Military Industrial Complex MIC is well on course.

He said the tripartite Collaborative efforts of the Government, the Military Defence Industries and Research Institutions are geared towards the production of Defence needs.

The Defence Minister said the Trade Fair had proved very useful and successful for providing the needed platform for the Armed Forces to showcase to the global Community some of her indigenous Defence products and research capabilities.

The climax of the ceremony marking the special day of the Nigerian Armed Forces at the Trade Fair was the exciting moment had by the Local and international dignitaries touring the Defence products exhibited by the trio of the NDA, DICON and CED.

Mohammad Abdulkadri
Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media and Publicity.

27/02/2022

PRESIDENTIAL THINK TANK DISTANCES ITSELF FROM PURPORTED INVITATION TO ATTEND FAKE SUMMIT

The Chairman Presidential Think Tank Committee on Defence and Security, PTTDS, Maj Gen Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd) has described as fake a purported National Summit on Protection of Nigeria's Critical Infrastructure, Monuments and business Asset Scheduled to hold on Monday1st and Tuesday 2nd February, 2022 at Nicon Hilton Hotel Abuja.

General Jibril stated this in a statement reacting to the fake invitation in circulation on the Committee's Letter headed paper and forged signature of the PTTDS Chairman by a fraud Star suspected to be one Dr Alfred Chaikor.

He said such spurious and baseless Invitation does not reflect the intention nor the thinking of the members of the Presidential Think Tank Committee on Defence and Security and therefore urged all stakeholders to disregard it.

It stated further that the PTTDS will accordingly communicate genuine date for the Summit at the appropriate time, pointing out that it stands postponed for now.
The Chairman however confirmed that the security operatives are on the trail of the convener of the mischievous Summit and will soon be appriended to face the wrath of the law.
Signed-
Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd)
Chairman PTTDS.

16/02/2022

MINISTER OF DEFENCE SEEKS GREATER TIES WITH FRANCE TO END INSECURITY.

From Frank Akinola in Lagos.

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) is seeking renewal of the existing bilateral Military agreements between Nigeria and France to reflect real-time security related needs of the two Countries.

General Magashi stated this when the Ambassador of France to Nigeria Emmanuelle Blatmann paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.

He said Nigeria and France are strategic partners and pointing out that the partnerships need to be rejigged to take it to higher levels of operability and deliverabilities.
The Defence Minister therefore welcomed a more proactive intelligence gathering mechanism and technological support to drive new information sharing regime in aid of the Military Campaigns in the country.

The general went further to ask for technological transfer to galvanise the nation's Military productive capabilities in the sector.
The Ambassador of France to Nigeria Emmanuelle Blatmann who was accompanied on the visit by the Defence Attache, Embassy of France in Nigeria, Colonel Guillaume Dujon thanked the Defence Minister for the audience aimed at strengthening the existing bilateral agreements between the two Countries.

While requesting for technical interface between the two parties to examine critical areas of mutual benefits in the proposed rebirth of Memorandum of Understanding, she gave assurances that her Country will reinforce efforts to end terrorism in Nigeria and Piracy in Gulf of Guinea.
The Ambassador commistrated with the Nigerian Armed Forces over those who paid the supreme price inline of duty defending the Nation's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Mohammad Abdulkadri Special Assistant Media and Publicity to the Minister of Defence .

11/02/2022

NIGERIA CAN'T AFFORD TO BE LEFT BEHIND IN CYBERSPACE DEFENCE. --Defence Minister.

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi, (rtd) has restated the Federal government's commitment to the promotion of Cybernetics in National Defence and Security imperatives.

General Magashi stated this when the Management Team of the Defence Space Administration,DSA led by its new Chief of Defence Space Administration, Rear Admiral Nnamdi Anthony Muogilim visited the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House Abuja on Courtesy call.

He said the Nation's Cyberspace is sacrosanct, sinquanom and Strategic to National defence and development which must be defended against internal and external infractions.

The Defence Minister therefore tasked DSA to shore up Defence against modern threats by the Non- State actors which he said are technology driven and advancing geometrically in sophistications and complexity.

While congratulating the Chief of Defence Space Administration Rear Admiral Muogilim on his well deserved appointment he charged the management of the DSA to be ahead of the adversaries by fortifying the National Cyberspace

He assured the DSA of the support of the Ministry of Defence under his watch and restated the need to strengthen inter - agencies collaboration and cooperation necessary to grow Cyberspace sector.

The Chief of Defence Space Administration Rear Admiral Nnamdi Anthony Muogilim thanked the Minister of Defence for his mentorship in providing strategic direction to emplace DSA that is capable of safeguarding National Cyberspace.

He outlined the new thinkings of the DSA management to grow National Cyberspace in partnership with Strategic Stakeholders in the sector with 60% Civilian Staff and 40% Military Personnel in his Area of Responsibility AoR.
The Chief of Defence Space Administration who was former Director of Communication and Information Technologies Naval Headquarters and former Deputy Director Space Ope

07/02/2022

DEFENCE MINISTER TASKS THE MILITARY ON LOYALTY AND COMMITMENT TO DUTY

The Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has assured Officers, Soldiers and their families that their welfare will continue to receive the deserved attention as a matter of top priority.

General Magashi stated this in his speech as a special guest of honour at the Army Headquarters Garrison's end of the year 2021 West African Social Activities, WASA, held at AHQ Garrison Parade Ground Abuja.

He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Nigerian Army under the watch of the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya in defending the Sovereignty and integrity of the nation along with other Services.

While appraising and applauding the successes recorded by the service in the outgone year 2021 in the areas of construction of new barracks and renovation of the old ones, he acknowledged the impressive performance of the Fighting Forces and those who paid the supreme price to keep the country safe and united.
The Defence Minister thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for the unflinching support to the Nigerian Army and other Services which crystalised and catalysed into improved capabilities in demystifying the adversaries.

The Commander Army Headquarters Garrison Maj Gen S Dahiru thanked the Special Guest of Honour for gracing the ceremony and thanked the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya for providing the logistics and the enablements to host the 2021 West African Social Activities.
The ceremony attended by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Yahaya, Principal Staff Officers from Defence and AHQ as well as the National President, Nigerian Army Officers wives Association, NAOWA, Mrs Salamatu Yahaya and the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chendo Yamusa featured visit to Stands, Tog - of War and lightening of camp fire by the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd).
Signed-
Mohammad Abdulkadri

06/02/2022

SHUN UNVERIFIED STORIES CAPABLE OF UNDERMINING NATIONAL SECURITY --Defence Minister.

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) is advocating a new media road map to support Military Campaigns to end insecurity across the country.

General Magashi stated this during a courtesy call by the Leadership of the Kano State Youth Social Media Team at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters Abuja.

He stressed the strategic importance of the role of the Media in National defence communicationand urged them to be patriotic in reporting security matters.

He added that as major stakeholders in building a peacefully virile nation they should also shun unverified stories and sensationalism capable of undermining National security.

While explaining the need for the youth to equip themselves educationally, he promised to give scholarship to the Chairman of the team to further his education at any university of his choice.

The Chairman Kano State Youth Social Media Team, Comrade Sagir Ibrahim Gadanya who bagged Scholarship to further his education thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the right leadership to end insecurity in parts of the Country.

He assured the Defence Minister that their Media Platform will continue to maintain the right dispositions towards projecting the Military Campaigns to end banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in the country.

While appreciating the Minister for the audience granted to the Five - man delegation, he thanked him for ,, 2022

04/02/2022

PRESS STATEMENT
04 / 02 / 22
RECOGNITION - MINISTER OF DEFENCE LAUDS CDS AWARD FOR MEDIA AIDE, OTHERS RECIPIENTS .......SAYS IT'S WELL DESERVED

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has formally received the Chief of Defence Staff Award given to his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri.

This according to General Magashi is in recognition of Abdulkadri's patriotic service to the nation within the National Security Sector then as famous erstwhile Nigerian Television Authority Defence Correspondent and even now as Defence image maker.

The Minister made the remarks in his office at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House Abuja.
He said the award is well deserved considering the professional pedigree and accomplishments of the recipient to the National territorial defence in the Media sector.

While applauding the initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor for recognising and rewarding excellence in service to the nation, he said such plaudits for Defence Correspondents will boost Military- Media synergy in the on-going campaigns to clear the doubts of the adversaries threatening the peace of the nation.
The Defence Minister therefore charged his spokesperson and other beneficiaries of the CDS awards to continue to deploy their armoury of experiences and expertise in adding values to the current dymistification of the enemies of the Nigerian State using the instrumentality of the Media space in national defence aspirations.
The Director Medical overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence Dr Olajide Johnson, Director Press, Victoria Agba -Attah and other personal aides of the Minister including the Principal General Staff Officer, Brigadier General Mohammed Habib Baba Manu, Special Adviser Technical Major General Ahmed Tijani Jibrin (rtd) the Military Assistant to HMOD Lt Colonel MB Yahaya and the ADC Lt Colonel NA Abubakar were also on hand to celebrate one

02/02/2022

SHUN UNVERIFIED STORIES CAPABLE OF UNDERMINING NATIONAL SECURITY --Defence Minister.

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) is advocating a new media road map to support Military Campaigns to end insecurity across the country.

General Magashi stated this during a courtesy call by the Leadership of the Kano State Youth Social Media Team at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters Abuja.

He stressed the strategic importance of the role of the Media in National defence communicationand urged them to be patriotic in reporting security matters.

He added that as major stakeholders in building a peacefully virile nation they should also shun unverified stories and sensationalism capable of undermining National security.

While explaining the need for the youth to equip themselves educationally, he promised to give scholarship to the Chairman of the team to further his education at any university of his choice.

The Chairman Kano State Youth Social Media Team, Comrade Sagir Ibrahim Gadanya who bagged Scholarship to further his education thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the right leadership to end insecurity in parts of the Country.

He assured the Defence Minister that their Media Platform will continue to maintain the right dispositions towards projecting the Military Campaigns to end banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in the country.

While appreciating the Minister for the audience granted to the Five - man delegation, he thanked him for ,, 2022

15/01/2022

GIVE SUPPORT TO FAMILIES OF LATE SECURITY PERSONNEL--
DEFENCE MINISTER URGES NIGERIANS.

-From Frank Akinola in Lagos

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has urged Nigerians to support the families of slained soldiers who paid the supreme price for the survival of the nation.

Maj Gen Magashi made the appeal against the backdrop of the successful grandfinale of the 2022 Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and wreaths laying ceremony held at the National Arcade Abuja.

He said all Nigerians are critical stakeholders in maintaining a well mobilised professionally responsible and responsive Military that is capable of safeguarding the natiion's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the right leadership in securing the country against external and internal aggressions, he said a buy-in by all Nigerians by aiding and speaking good about their military will be a force Multiplier for the Fighting Forces to win the battles and not losing the war.

The Defence Minister who had his third shot at laying the wreath at the feet of the unknown soldier since his assumption of duty in August 2019 appealed to Nigerians to complement government's efforts at making the families of the slained heroes comfortable to cushion the agonising experiences of the death of their bread winners.

He assured the surviving heroes of wars that President Muhammadu Buhari is deploying strong political will and unwavering support towards rewarding their sacrifices for the survival of the nation.

General Magashi commended the Chief of Defence Staff General Leo Irabor and Service Chiefs for sustaining the Military Culture of "No Surrender No Retreat" until total victory is achieved in national defence at this critical times of fighting insecurity.
General Magashi urged the troops to remain highly professional and to go after the criminal elements to achieve the end state of attai

13/01/2022

NIGERIA SIGNS M O U WITH JAPAN TO END INSECURITY IN THE COUNTRY

From Frank Akinola in Lagos.

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) is opening up new areas of mutual Military bilateral Cooperation between Nigeria and Japan to get the country's buy-in to mitigate the current insecurity facing the country.

This was at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters Abuja during a courtesy call by the Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi.

General Magashi said Nigeria will provide all necessary requirements to fastback the emergence of a Win -win mutually beneficial Memorandum of Understanding, MoU that will be a Force Multiplier to end insecurity in Nigeria.

He said both countries should tap into new diplomatic openings to rejig the existing cooperation especially in the areas of technological innovations and transfer.
The Defence Minister thanked the Envoy for the visit and called on him to initiate the template for the proposed MoU that will meet national aspirations to end insecurity in the Country.

The Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi who was escorted on the Courtesy call by the Defence Attache to Nigeria Uchiumi Kazuaki told the Minister that Japan has developed a better approach for peace and stability in Africa and Nigeria is the Focal Point of interest for the implementation plans.

Mr Kazuyoshi said the proposed MoU will strengthen continous security information exchange , training and more reconstruction assistance in the Northeast that will surpass the 14 Million dollars last year.

Nigeria- Japan diplomatic ties dates back to1960 and above 60 years which Japanese Ambassador described as circle of life and post sixty years of bilateral Cooperations between the two Countries is regarded as a new phase of reborn.

Mohammad Abdulkadri Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media and Publicity.

12/01/2022

IN THE SPIRIT OF "VOLUNTARY PRINCIPLES", MINISTER OF DEFENCE
HARPS ON RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION.


From Frank Akinola - Lagos

The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has declared Nigeria's support for the County Working Group (ICWG).

This is with a view to joining the Voluntary Principles Association ( VPA) towards working to improve Security and Human Rights performance among nations.

General Magashi made this commitment at a meeting with the 7- man delegation of the Group , made up of Representatives of Britain, Canada and Australia, held at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House Abuja.

He expressed satisfaction with the Multi - Stakeholders approach being adopted to improve Human Rights Performance within the public and private Security Sectors.

The Defence Minister promised a collaborative efforts with the other relevant Ministries in a wide variety of activities relating to Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights advocacy and training.

In their separate remarks Assistant High Commissioner, Canada, Kevin Tokar, British High Commissioner Catriona Laing and Australian High Commissioner Jonathan Ball appreciated the Minister of Defence for his enthusiasm to join and participate in the Voluntary Principles to protect human rights and security.

They disclosed that ten Countries including Nigeria have been initiated into Voluntary Principles Association (VPA) that are doing well in carrying out the core Mandates of the group.

The Canadian Assistant High Commissioner Mr Toker who led the delegation seized the opportunity of the meeting to invite the Minister of Defence to participate in the forthcoming Plenary of the Voluntary Principles Association in Canada by March this year.

It is on record that Nigeria is Strenghtening Security Governance environment to mainstream the protection and promotion of human rights within the National Security architecture of the Country

Mohammad Abdul

08/01/2022

VETERANS ASSURED OF ADEQUATE WELFARE
SOON -Defence Minister.

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has advised the leadership of the Coalition of Concerned Vetarans against staging further protest to press home their demands for payments of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) and other allowances.

General Magashi stated this while addressing the Leadership of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans at a meeting held at his instance at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House Abuja.

He said protest is not the best option and the solution to their grievances with the government especially at this period in time when the mood of the nation does not call for such action.

While assuring them of President Muhammadu Buhari's continous commitment towards mitigating their plights, he said the recommendations by the various Committees he set up to look into their demands have undergone several exhaustive stages that will culminate into Implimentions as applicable .

The Defence Minister who is also a member of the retired Veteran Generals warned against fueling chaotic situation capable of sending wrong signals to the International Communities and called for enduring patience pointing out that their agitations are not beyond amicable resolutions .
Earlier, the Team Leader of the Six- man delegation of the leadership of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans, Commodore MF Daniel (rtd) had itemised the agitations of members that led to the January 5th peaceful protest in Abuja and other parts to include non payment of the arrears of Minimum wage and the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA).
Other demands according to retired Commodore Daniel include Salary disparities and Non capturing of some
Civil War Veterans on the pay roll.
While justifying the recent protest against the backdrop of the lost of some members to lack of access to Medications and affordability to pick up medical bills, he appealed to the government to expedite action