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CDS hosts Senegalese Defence Institute Participants

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2022

…Says AFN Operations guided by extant Laws
Joel Ajayi

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor has reaffirmed that the operations and activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have been guided by extant laws, rules of engagements and standard operating procedures.

The CDS made this known on Tuesday in a Abuja during the visit of the participants of Promotion Staff Course 4 of the Institute of Defence, Senegal to Defence Headquarters, (DHQ) Abuja who are on a study tour to Nigeria.

According to a statement from Director Defence Information Major General Jimmy Akpor, the CDS who was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation, Rear Admiral Adeseye Ayobanjo, said the Nigerian Military was created through appropriate constitutional provisions, as such its operations and activities were guided by extant laws as well as regional and global regulations.

Gen Irabor further explained that the AFN as an instrument of the law, would continue to leverage on the same laws in conducting its operations towards securing the Nation’s territory as well as the lives and property of Nigerians and foreign nationals.

The Defence Chief commended the leadership of the Senegalese Defence Institute for visiting Nigeria.

He said beside boosting the existing bilateral and diplomatic relations, the visit would afford the two countries the opportunity to capitalized on their commonalities to further foster the defence collaborations between the armed forces of both countries, particularly in combating transnational security threats occasioned by global terrorism.

Gen Irabor showered encomium on both Nigeria and Senegalese militaries for their contributions towards peace support operations in Africa.

Earlier in his remarks, the Head of the Senegalese delegation, Colonel C Gueye, thanked the CDS for the warm reception.
Col Gueye who is also the Director, Institute of Defence, Senegal said the purpose of the visit was to enable the participants gain firsthand knowledge of the organization and roles of the AFN.

According to him, the Institution’s mission is to build the capacity of staff officers in the areas of crisis management and maintenance of global peace.

The Senegalese delegation, which comprises three members of directing staff and 26 students are expected to visit other military establishments, institutions and formations during their stay in Nigeria.

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FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs.

He made this disclosure in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Mr Olawande said over 50% of the population below the age of 30 have a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

“Our youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, they face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities.

The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges. With the rise of e-commerce, digital payments and remote work”. “Our youths can assess global markets, skills training and job opportunities like never before,” he added.

According to the Minister, challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria must be addressed.
He explained that to overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC.

This, he disclosed is alongside partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

The Honourable Minister who hinted that the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth stated: ” We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability”

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development.

The Minister who observed that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government. He opined that the country has the most intelligent youths in the world.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

.She also added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she concluded.

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