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NAF airstrikes hit terrorists’ hideouts in N/East, N/West

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The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the Northeast and Operation Hadarin Daji in Northwest has destroyed several terrorists enclaves in recent operations across the theatres.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

Gabkwet said the operations were coordinated in collaboration with the land component and other security agencies within the operational theatres.

He said the troops had ensured that terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in the two regions did not constitute significant security threats to innocent citizens within the regions.

In the North East, Gabkwet said the precision air strikes by the Air Component of OPHK on Nov. 3, led to the elimination of several terrorists at their meeting point near Degbawa, a reclusive location within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

He said the air strikes were called for after intelligence revealed the sighting of some key terrorists’ figures and their foot soldiers arriving the location for a probable meeting.

According to him, their gathering in large number raised concerns, thus necessitating the need for an air interdiction on the location with devastating outcome for the terrorists.

“An assessment of the location after the strike revealed several terrorists were indeed eliminated.

“According to several sources, the particular location was carefully chosen by the terrorists to evade being easily detected, especially by NAF aircraft.

“The outcome of the strike, however, proved the terrorists wrong as their nefarious plans to meet were detected, thus leading to the success of the air strike.

“The sources also noted that this strike was a major setback for the terrorists who have, of late, been at the receiving end of the air and land components of OPHK,” he said.

NAF spokesman said that there were also strong indications that the terrorists were responsible for the recent attack on some locals in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe on Oct. 31.

He said the terrorists had planned to meet to review the attack as well as plan the next line of attack on innocent civilians and other vulnerable targets.

In the North West, Gabkwet said the Air Component of OPHD has on Nov. 1, conducted series of successful airstrikes in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, targeting the hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Babaru.

According to him, Babaru has been implicated in numerous acts of terrorism and banditry across Kankara and adjacent LGAs in Katsina State.

He said that the said Badaru was involved in the massacre of over 100 residents of Gidan Gari and Yarmai-Yadiya villages in Bakori Local Government Area on Feb. 2.

According to him, the airstrikes destroyed Babaru’s hideout and eliminated several terrorists, though there was no confirmation if Babaru was among those neutralised.

Gabkwet said the air strikes were also carried out at the enclave of terrorist kingpin known as Mai Solar in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.

According to him, the air strikes took out clusters of enclaves used as hideouts by the kingpin and his cohorts at the location.

“It was a successful strike as few survivors were observed fleeing the scene of the strike. There is no confirmation if Mai Solar was among the terrorists eliminated,” he said.

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LG elections in Akwa-Ibom to hold October 26

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By Dennis Udoma, Uyo

Baring any slightest change from now, Akwa Ibom State Government announced it’s readiness to conduct local government election on October 26.

Governor Umo Eno announced this yesterday in Uyo at a stakeholders meeting organized by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).

The Governor, who spoke through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong presented the election plan to representatives of political parties and other stakeholders.

According to the Governor, “This event is a precursor to all of the electoral activities that will ultimately culminate to 2024 local government elections.

“We are all aware that the governor assumed office May 29 last year and because of the shortness of time between May and December he was not able to conduct the local government elections which is why we have caretaker committees manning the local governments.

“I know how he has pressurized the AKISIEC to have the local government elections. Nothing stops us from having the elections this year because Akwa Ibom State and His Excellency do not want to be counted among those running caretaker committees”.

Eno assured that elected council chairman will be sworn in on December 7 in compliance with the electoral plan of the state.

The timetable he said, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between July 22nd and August 26th 2024 while commencement of campaigns is on August 26 among other activities.

Chairman of AKISIEC, Aniedi Ikoiwak assured political parties of adequate security and a free and fair elections.

Ikoiwak said, “Given the critical importance of human and material security during elections, the Commission will take very practical measures to ensure there is adequate security before, during and after this year’s elections”.

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Again, two media outfits honour Aerofield Homes boss, Armstrong with award of excellence

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Two media platforms, Business Times newspapers and Bravins Magazine published by Edo Legacy Foundation have both in a separate event honoured the Chief Executive Officer of Aerofield Homes, Lagos, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde for his outstanding contribution to the development of the nation.

While Bravins Magazine, at a programme held on Thursday at H3 Event Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta presented Akintunde with the Most Outstanding Entrepreneur Award, Business Times newspapers, on Friday at an event held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos awarded the property merchant the Best Luxury Home Builders of the year.

All of these honours are coming few weeks after the popular real estate firm in partnership with Odu’a Investment performed the groundbreaking of the construction of the luxurious apartment being built within Ikeja Business District, Lagos State.

Speaking during the presentation of the award on Thursday, publisher of Bravins Magazine, Ambassador Engr. Pedro Omo-Aghahowa revealed that the ceremony is meant to celebrate fastest growing brands in Africa as well as top brands that have seen the biggest rise in purchasing consideration, most especially within the real estate companies in Africa, adding that Aerofield Homes came top among its contemporaries.

Omo-Aghahowa said, “The Award is a special recognition for top-line business growth for both emerging and established brands, showcasing a wide range of brands that have accelerated their Consumer appeal and awareness in 2024 under review and under this review, Aerofield Homes Limited towers above others and therefore deserves the award”.

Proudly receiving the awards, Mr Akintunde expressed his excitement and joy as he dedicated the awards to the company’s reputable customers.

The Iperu born All Progressives Congress stalwart appreciated the organisers of the two events for deeming it fit to recognise his efforts in providing shelter for Nigerians at home and abroad.

Akintunde said that the awards would definitely spur him to remain committed to pursuing excellence and complementing the various efforts of the government in cutting down on the housing deficit in the country.

He has therefore dedicated the award to the customers of Aerofield Homes, assuring them of more commitments and transparency in business dealings.

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Deep Blue project as catalyst to Nigeria’s maritime development

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By Kumuyi Oluwafemi

Activities in the seas and oceans have continued to become a source of concern for the global community, as it serves as a veritable source of economic development and wealth creation, owing to the numerous resources embedded therein, thereby necessitating the need to ensure the sustainable use of these resources for nature and humanity.

Undoubtedly, the seas and oceans caters for over 80 percent of trade universally, which has been proven by researchers in the field of maritime studies; hence, the need for conscious efforts by humankind to preserve them for posterity.

Stakeholders across the globe are maki ng deliberate efforts to ensure the sustainable use and harnessing of opportunities in the se as and the oceans for the use and benefits of nature and humanity.

Furthermore, research has it that resources in oceans, with an increasing interest in economic capabilities with their contribution to the global economy will double from US$1,5 trillion in 2010 to US$3 trillion by the year 2030. Upon this premise, various governments and corporate entities worldwide are making intentional efforts to utilise the investments derivable from t he oceans including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, bioprospecting, seabed mining, oil and gas, renewable energy and shipping, all culminating into the Blue Economy concept.

The Blue Economy concept has reached the height of global acceptability, as it has continued to take the centre stage in global discourse, which also aligns with the United Nations Sustain able Development Goals (UNSDGs), aimed at tackling poverty, hunger, amongst others as list ed in the 17 Goals.

Ultimately, the maritime sector has huge roles to play in the actualisation of the UNSDGs, as the Blue Economy mantra remains a beacon of hope to the world at large, as the oceans have remained a driver for economic development, job creation and wealth creation. It aims to utilise sustainable use of ocean resources for development opportunities in the Exclusive Econ omic Zones of coastal nations globally. Researchers have described the blue economy concept as the approach of actualising long-term prosperity by a region or a country towards the citizens’ overall well-being and humanity in general.

Meanwhile, these ecosystems face several challenges ranging from over exploitation of its resources, human activities, among other issues threatening the sustainable use of the resources embedded in the seas and the oceans.

This does not exclude discussions on climate change issues, which is also a growing concern for many organisation; including the Internation al Maritime Organisation (IMO), and its member states to grapple with to harness the full potentials of the Blue Economy. All these have led to the drafting of integrated strategies and frameworks that will help fulfil a continental, regional and national prosperity, and wealth creation regime through the sustainable uses of the seas and the oceans. Aware of the massive opportunities in the Nigeria seas and oceans and the need to ensure a diversified economy, the Nigerian Federal Government adopted a multipronged approach to utilizing the resources in the region, known as the Integrated National Security and Waterway s Protection Infrastructure Project, also known as the Deep Blue Project.

The aim of this Deep Blue Project is to secure the Nigeria’s territorial waters from all forms of illegalities rangin g from piracy, Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, overfishing, among others, with the overall goal of promoting increased shipping activities, while also encouraging investor s’ participation, thereby bringing in Foreign Direct Investments (FDis) to the country. Interestingly, Nigeria has a vast coastline of about 853 kilometres, in addition to about 3,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways, which shows the enormous resources the country h as; hence the need to preserve the oceans for economic development.

Therefore, the conc ept of the Deep Blue Project is to ensure that a holistic approach is taken into consideration t o prevent all forms of illegalities on the Nigerian territorial waters. Enforcement, regional cooperation, the building of a swift response capability and robust maritime domain awareness, among other issues form part of the initiatives of the Deep Blue Project, which has continued to yield results, as Nigeria has exited global piracy list, with ongoing discussions to exclude Ni geria from War Risk Insurance countries.

The initiative comprises a Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C41) Operation Centre operated by trained military and civilian personnel.

The training includes physical techniques, in addition to technology, to tackle maritime crimes in the nation’s territorial waters. The centre domiciled with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA in Lagos, consists of a maritime intelligence system that will ensure data authenticity while creating a reliable global maritime picture to understand the “Patterns of life” of vessels and reveal risk indicators. The system, programmed to detect criminal activities, als o gives early warnings on emerging threats on activities on the Nigerian waters, thereby ena bling prompt action to prepare and dispatch undercover and military vessels to take decisive action.

The project involves personnel from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Air Force, Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Services and officers of NMASA.

Aside from the C4i operational c entre, the deep blue project also involves purchasing special mission vessels and armoured vehicles, operated by trained personnel to allow for effective manning of the Nigerian mariti me domain.

The land assets include 16 armoured vehicles for coastal patrol and 600 specially trained tro ops for interdiction, known as Maritime Security Unit (MSU). The sea assets include 2 Special Mission Vessels and 17 Fast Interceptor Boats.

The air assets comprise two Special Missio n Aircraft for surveillance of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); three Special Mi ssion Helicopters for search and rescue operations; and four Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

To give credence to the Deep Blue Project, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in 2019 sign ed into law the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offenses (SPOMO) Act, aimed at enhancing the regime of prosecution of offenders. Since this Act came into law, it has enhanced prosecution of about 30 persons, punished for various offences.

‘The signing into law of this Act gives a force to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 and the Convention on Suppression of Unlawful Acts against naviga tion safety (SUA), 1988.

Being the first of its kind in the West and Central African Sub-Region, the lawsuit addresses the international requirement for separate legislation for tackling piracy and other related maritime offences in the Nigerian waters and by extension, the Gulf of Guinea.

As part of efforts to bolster the opportunities in the Nigerian maritime sector, in August 202 3, the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR accorded a “special status” to the maritime sector by creating a Ministry of Marine an d Blue Economy; a move that stakeholders have described as a step in the right direction.

The Ministry has continued to provide direction for the sector in order to harness the resource s in the oceans.

Suffice to state that Nigeria’s exit from piracy list has received several commendation from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and stakeholders in the global maritime commun ity; this can be alluded to the synergetic approach NIMASA has put in place in order to reap t he benefits of the Deep Blue Project.

To underscore the importance of the maritime sector to economic development, Dr. Dayo Mo bereola, the Director General of NMASA during a meeting with top Management staff of the Agency emphasised the need to align the Agency’s objectives to presidential priorities without losing sight of the Agency’s core functions.

These areas include; to Develop and implement National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, Enhance Maritime Safety, Security and Compliance to global acceptable standards, Promote Indigenous Participation in the maritime sector in line with Cabotage Act, and Sustain Zero Incident Report for Nigeria in the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy.

All these require collaboration, which will lead to information gathering and sharing, with the Deep Blue initiative playing a pivotal role in the actualisation of the aforementioned priorities.

During the Operation Maritime Capability Demonstration, held in Lagos, Mober eola, while addressing the media, gave the assurance that the Agency is committed to the sustainability of t he project.

He said, “This project has earned Nigeria International recognition by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and we have been taken off from the piracy list. The aim is to continue to sustain it, and we will continue to encourage the personnel of the Deep Blue Project to keep it up, while we on our own side would continue to support you as much as possi ble. Please, do not reduce your efforts, as we count on you to make the maritime space mor e secure. The President of Nigeria is counting on you, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Adegboyega Oyetola is also in support of this project.”

It is therefore apt to state that the Deep Blue Project has put Nigeria on the global pedestal, and has helped to reduce piracy activities on the nation’s waterways and by extension, the G ulf of Guinea, as NMASA Management has consistently reiterated zero tolerance to illegalities on our waters.

The author of this piece wishes to emphasize the need for the Federal Government to investing Research and Development in order to optimise the benefits in the sector. It is no gainsay ing that the maritime sector if well utilized can contribute massively to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of Nigeria. Stakeholders, on their part, have a part to play, as the government should continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Conclusively, the cliché “potential” commonly used to describe the opportunities in the secto r should be made a reality, so that the Blue Economy rationale will not become mere theoretical or rhetoric; rather, the government should adopt a practical approach, by engaging the professionals in the industry, whilst also walking the talk. There is still a lot to do in achieving arobust maritime sector in Nigeria. With all these in place, Dr. Mobereola stands the chance to write his name in Gold, and posterity will be kind to him, as he makes efforts to calibrate the Nigerian maritime sector towards economic growth and development.

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