National
Arewa Forum calls for establishment of Military Endowment Fund
The Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF), has called for the establishment of the Nigerian Military Endowment Fund.
The forum, in a statement signed by its co-founders, Alhaji Bello Usman and Dr Victor Bobai, in Kaduna on Tuesday, said that the move was to give back to the military personnel for the selfless service to humanity.
According to the forum, the initiative would serve as an appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of the nation’s military personnel, for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country.
The statement pointed out that the Nigerian military has faced numerous challenges in recent times, including insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
It added that despite these challenges, the military personnel have continued to serve with dedication and bravery.
“It is our belief that a more comprehensive approach to supporting our military personnel is necessary to ensure their well-being and enhance their effectiveness,” it said.
The statement said that the endowment fund, if established, would serve as a sustainable funding mechanism for the Nigerian military’s social needs and general well-being.
It equally argued that the fund would foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among stakeholders towards the welfare of military personnel.
On the benefits, the forum argued that the fund would enhance the morale of the military personnel, and improve the welfare and well-being of their families.
“The fund will also demonstrate appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of our military personnel and contribution to national security and stability.
“We appeal to Nigerian governors, members of the National Assembly, multinational companies, financial institutions, and the aviation industry to contribute generously to the Nigerian Military Endowment Fund.
“Your support will significantly enhance the lives of our military personnel and their families.
“The ACCF believes that the Nigerian Military Endowment Fund will serve as a testament to our nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions of our military personnel.
“We urge all stakeholders to join us in this noble initiative and contribute generously to the endowment fund,” the statement said.
The statement also urged wealthy entrepreneurs, politicians and public office holders to ensure that the military, who were having sleepless nights to keep Nigerians safe, were adequately supported.
It particularly quoted the ACCF National Coordinator, Bobai, as “urging Nigerians to encourage and boost troop’s morale by showing appreciation for their sacrifices and service to the nation.”
It further stressed the need to provide emotional support and offer counselling services and mental health resources to help soldiers cope with trauma.
The statement appealed to relevant stakeholders to donate to the military welfare funds, volunteer with military organisations, advocate for improved military welfare support military operations
“Nigerians should also foster community engagement, build relationships between the military and local communities to promote trust and cooperation, and promote patriotism.
“We should also provide essential resources by donating food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to support soldiers in the field.
“Stay informed and educated by staying up-to-date on military operations and challenges to better understand how to support them effectively.
“Remember, every small action counts, and collective support can make a significant difference in boosting the military’s efforts to achieve peace and development in Nigeria,” it said.
It further said: “A nation’s strength is not only measured by its military might, but also by the support and morale of its people.
“Let us stand together in supporting our brave men and women in uniform, and boost their morale as they work tirelessly to protect and defend our great nation.
“Join the ACCF in calling for support for our military – together, we can make a difference.” (NAN
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
National
Nigeria Advocates for Collaborative Border Control Efforts with Sahel and West African Nations
Nigeria is seeking enhanced collaboration with Sahelian and West African nations to facilitate effective information and data sharing for improved border control measures.
During a press briefing on Tuesday at the Border Security Summit in London, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized the necessity for regional cooperation.
“There is a critical need for countries within the Sahel and West African subregions to collaborate more effectively for better international partnerships and information dissemination,” he stated.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the importance of proactive strategies to not only address ongoing issues but to prevent future occurrences. “The major takeaway from this summit is the emphasis on proactivity rather than mere reaction, as nations increasingly aim to criminalize irregular migration.”
He described the summit as a significant opportunity for border control ministers to collaborate in safeguarding their nations’ borders.
The minister pointed out that organized immigration crimes are not confined to individual countries but are a collective issue requiring shared solutions. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to combating border-related crimes through the implementation of effective strategies.
“Nigeria has developed a comprehensive border control solution, recognizing that we are not just a transit point. Our systems have been automated with numerous measures introduced to secure our borders and eradicate irregular migration,” he affirmed.
“We cannot afford to lose the battle before it begins, and we are confident that, through this summit, we can present a united front to effectively tackle this challenge,” Tunji-Ojo assured.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing its immigration policies and collaborating with global partners to combat transnational crimes, including human trafficking, smuggling, and document fraud.
According to NAN, the summit convened over 30 world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, to address significant issues related to border control and organized immigration crime (OIC). The event served as a platform for international cooperation on migration policies, security threats, and strategies to counter illegal immigration activities. (NAN)
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.