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Nigeria At 61: Armed Forces Confers Gallantry Honour On Late Col. Abu Ali 23 Others

Published

3 years ago

October 4, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The serving officers honoured were: Brigadier Generals Mohammed Babayo, Musa Ibrahim, Commodore Patrick Effah, Lieutenant Colonels VK Tagwoi, GB Osiobrni, Major MA Narogo, Lieutenant Commander D Adeola and Flight Lieutenants AA Dairo and AK Galadaci.
Other recipients of the award in the Non- Commissioned Officers’ cadre were: Master Warrant Officers Olusegun FK, Shuaibu Y, Staff Sergeants ALiyu Umar, Emmanuel Managa, Sergeants Sadiq Pada, Bawa Samaila, Adamu Waziri and Leading Seaman Obende OJ. Others include: Lance Corporal Walshak R, Seaman Muhammed M, Private Oparah Chiguzie and Air Craftman Aderable AS.

The Defence Minister assured the current AFN leadership of a sustained support in the provision of adequate logistics and equipment to aid the military in restoring lasting peace in the nation.

He used the opportunity to convey the appreciation of the president to the AFN for showcasing what he described as a colourful military parade during the Independence Day Anniversary Celebration at the Eagle Square.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, showered encomium on late Lt Col Abu Ali and other awardees for their gallantry, dedication and professionalism.
According to the CDS, the Armed Forces Independence dinner, afforded the service, the opportunity to celebrate and honour some of our personnel who have distinguished themselves during the conduct of operation and excelled in various fields.

These few personnel, the Defence Chief said have worked tirelessly in ensuring that the Nigerian military remain very effective in the discharge of its duties.
Gen Irabor also posited that the gathering was a clear demonstration of the reinvigorated cooperation and jointness being experienced in the AFN.

He averred that the military is proud of its roles and efforts in the Nigeria project, which it has raised to the occasion to confront security challenges with tremendous sacrifices in answering the clarion call.

In his words, “indeed, at no time in our nation’s history have members of the Armed Forces been so engaged as it relates to addressing the current myriad of security challenges in our dear country that threatened the very foundation of our unity, security and wellbeing.” the CDS added.

The CDS restated the commitment of members of the armed forces in upholding the territorial integrity of the nation as the service will continue to support civil authority and ensuring a secured and prosperous Nigeria.

He commended the wives and husbands of military personnel for supporting it’s various operations from the home front.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha who was the Guest of Honour gave a goodwill message at the event, also thank the AFN for defending the nation.

Highlights of the ceremony, were the observation of one minute silence in memory and honour of fallen heroes, who have paid the supreme sacrifices in the line of duty and the presentation of certificates of honour to the recipients.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Musa Istifanus, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo and Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, former Minister of Interior, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) and former COAS, Lt Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) were among the personalities that graced the event.

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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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