U.S. Donates Eleven Vehicles to NDLEA, Boosts Nigeria’s Counter-Narcotic Efforts

                                                                       

U.S. Donates Eleven Vehicles to NDLEA, Boosts Nigeria’s Counter-Narcotic Efforts

Lagos– As part of continuing support from the United States to the government and people of Nigeria, the U.S. donated eleven pick-up trucks and transport vans today to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The vehicles are the latest U.S. donation to the NDLEA to assist counter-narcotics efforts.

“The United States will continue to support the NDLEA and the country of Nigeria to combat the proliferation of drug trafficking and drug abuse. This is a responsibility we share as democratic nations,” said U.S. Consul General Francis John Bray, who handed over the vehicles to the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah in Lagos.

R-L: U.S. Consul General Francis John Bray; Chairman/Chief Executive, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah; with the Director General of NDLEA Roli Bode-George; during the donation of eleven (11) pick-up trucks and transport vans to the NDLEA by the U.S. Consulate in Lagos. Photo by U.S. Consulate General Lagos.

Since the establishment of the NDLEA in 1990, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has partnered with the NDLEA and has increased U.S. bilateral assistance for combatting narcotics trafficking in Nigeria. 

In the past four years, the United States has provided more than US$10 million in training and equipment to the NDLEA.

The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with the U.S. Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM) and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, has sponsored over 100 training courses since 2013 for the NDLEA, and trained 1,580 students.  The agency has received training in intelligence, evidence collection, management skills, tactical skills, and instructor training.

In taking possession of the pick-up trucks and transport vans, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah expressed optimism that the vehicles will help the anti-narcotics agency in its fight against drug trafficking.

“It is on account of the mentorship and support that we get from the U.S. that we have been able to record some of our successes,” said NDLEA Chairman Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah.

Everglad’s Jesu joba hits airspace

Everglad’s Jesu joba hits airspace  
 By PRISCA SAM-DURU

 Upcoming gospel music artiste, Dr Nkiruka Ferdinand-Mbah a.k.a, EverGlad’s singles are already hitting the music air space with soul enriching tunes. Everglad The PHD holder from the prestigious University of Lagos, who is currently working towards the release of her début album, already has three great singles; Jesu Joba which was launched on the internet on the 23rd of January, Chinecherem ( high life), and Obi Uto exciting gospel music lovers.

The music videos of the three singles have also been shot and are being downloaded from You Tube. Explaining why she abandoned philosophy for music, the writer and composer who sings in major Nigerian languages said “ All my life I’ve been singing. I discovered while studying Philosophy that arts and creativity are fused in Philosophy, that’s why its easy for me. I’ve been into music professionally for 2 years now and I’ve been working on an album and have 16 tracks already. I do hip hop, R & B, Afro , Highlife, inspirational and pure gospel but all are gospel songs. “I sing because I know how far I’ve gone with God. I have passed through conditions that I would have died but I was revived singing. So many of my works reflect all those experiences. Also, I use music to inspire people, advise and address issues bothering the country.”  

Race for 2016 The Nigeria Prize for Lit begins

Race for 2016 The Nigeria Prize for Lit begins
 By PRISCA SAM-DURU 

For Nigerian writers resident all over the world, April 27 marked the beginning of the race for who becomes the next winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, following the submission of the 173 entries received for the 2016 edition of the prize, to the panel of judges. This marks the beginning of another circle of the four-year rotation of the prize among the four literary genres – prose, poetry, drama and children’s literature. This year focuses on prose fiction. Considered Africa’s most prestigious literary award sponsored by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, $100,000 will be up for grabs in perhaps the fiercest genre in the prize history. During a ceremony held at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja, the entries were handed over to the panel of judges by the Chairman of the Advisory Board for literature, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo. 

•Prof Izevbaye (third left) receiving the entries from Prof Banjo 
(third right), with them are the members of panel of judges and 
advisory board at the handover ceremony in Lagos. 

Also present were other members of the Advisory Board, Emeritus Prof. Ben Elugbe and Prof Jerry Agada. This years panel of judges is led by Prof. Dan Izevbaye, a professor of English Language, at Bowen University, Iwo. Other members of the panel are Asabe Usman Kabir, Professor of Oral and African literatures at Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto and Isidore Diala, a Professor of African literature at Imo State University, Owerri who is also first winner of the award for literary Criticism. The international Consultant is Professor Kojo Senanu, Professor of English at the University of Legon. The NLNG’ s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Mr. Tony Okonedo, said his company has been vindicated in instituting the 12 years old prize to add a measure of excellence to Nigerian life. “Over the last 12 years, we’ve made no mistake in awarding the prize on the basis of excellence, as excellence and integrity have been the watchword for the prize. With the 173 entries received, we have a robust and thorough competition.” He said. Okonedo commended the Advisory Board for its steadfastness and support, adding, “The board has been a rock of support for the prize.” He also praised the panel of judges for being men and woman of integrity, honour and excellence for helping to extend the frontiers of the written word. Emeritus Professor Banjo commended the commitment of Nigeria’s foremost gas company, NLNG, to the prize and for blazing the trail that other companies have followed in instituting prizes for literature in country. He re-emphasised the guiding principles of the prize to be excellence, which he said would not be compromised. The Emeritus Professor pointed out that except for one or two years – 2009 and 2015 – when the prize was not awarded, because of poor entries, the prize has had worthy winners. Banjo still unhappy with last year’s no-winner verdict on children’s literature category, said, “Children’s literature appears to be the weakest link.” 

Pushing boundaries on African modernism via design

Pushing boundaries on African modernism via design

 By Prisca Sam-Duru 

THIS indeed, is an era of taking everything to the next level. Redefinition of existing products, services and of course organisations have never been this trendy and Nigerian architects, seeking to lead the pack are emerging with artistic designs that are innovative in all ramifications. Showcasing themselves under the name, African Alliance for New Design, AAND, three dynamic architects; Principal Architect at Studio Imagine Simply Architecture, Si.SA, Seun Oduwole; Creative Director at MOE+ Art Architecture, Papa Omotayo and award-winning amateur photographer and author, Tosin Oshinowo; are a neoteric collective of designers seeking to establish a fresh wave of African Modernism. As part of activities mapped out for Open House Lagos, a three day architecture festival, which showcases the outstanding architecture of the city, the trio held a one week design exhibition which opened on Sunday May 1, at A WhiteSpace, Ikoyi Lagos. Displayed were works that promote the AAND’s philosophy of African Modernism. It defines the architectural narrative for Africa with the view to describing a position and creating a clear direction for the development of a clear language and vehicle for transformation through good design. Portraying this philosophy were designs made with local fabrics known as ankara. Also, some household furniture made with these fabrics are designed in the form of ladies’ shoes and other accessories. To say that the exhibition showcased the height of creativity will amount to an understatement. The practices’ style of Architecture is Afro-Modernism creating simplicity through massing of form.

 

Psychological impact

 The exhibition was birthed out of a desire to define a new narrative where architecture goes beyond mere building and function, to investigation of the social and psychological impact of architecture on the environment. With the aim of exploring and promoting the value of good design, the exhibition featured a selection of built and design works from cmD+A,MOE+Art Architecture and SI.SA, three exciting design led practices. AAND aims to drive this initiative by informing society on the time tested role of architects as protectors of the built environment and visualisers of the future. It seeks to create dialogue and improve communication between professionals, students and the public on the importance of good design. 

Tosin, the Principal Architect at cmDesign Atelier(cmD+A) said the Alliance was here to bring and create awareness about the growth of creativity within the profession that is not fully being acknowledged in the wider public realm in Nigeria. 

For Papa Omotayo, a RIBA graduate of the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, UK said he desires to work with strong focus on context, culture and nature creating architecture that tries to give a little meaning to the everyday beyond the realms of form, function and even technology.

The aim of the exhibition he said, “Is to activate the generation of students in design and architecture to find a new language that expresses their own identity within the 21st century, to promote a new philosophy in design and to make sure that we define our own identity as Nigerians first and as Africans creatively. This is the same thing the music and Nollywood industries have done, now is time for the design industry.”

Throwing more light on the philosophy of the Alliance, Seun Oduwole a graduate of University of Nottingham, armed with an appetite for innovation and and idealistic approach to architecture explained that “Africa Modernism is a vehicle to change our environment for the better, to improve life conditions, socially and economically, culturally and politically, to enhance equal opportunities for everyone through successful built work, open spaces and infrastructure.”

The AAND exhibition was supported by Open House Lagos, The British Council and AWCA.

In order to continue their plans of adding value to the next generation of architects, the Alliance plans to hold a design workshop for students later in the year.

SAFFGLIA book sets leadership agenda for Africa

SAFFGLIA book sets leadership agenda for Africa 
 By Prisca SamDuru 

AT last, the much expected Inaugural Lecture of the Segun Adeleye Foundation For Good Leadership In Africa (SAFFGLIA) tagged Africa: The Tragedy of Wrong History as well as launch of the book ‘So Long Too Long Nigeria’ by Mr Segun Adeleye, held at the Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos. As expected, the occasion turned out as an opportunity for eminent Nigerians to retrospect on where past leaders have gone wrong, a situation that has brought untold hardship and insecurity upon the people. Honourable Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who was guest Lecturer said the theme of the lecture was of utmost importance to most Africans, especially the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. 


Minister who was represented by the Head of Lagos Operations, News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Joe Bankole noted that in considering the idea behind the event, the organisers  have provided a platform for a robust discussion on the subject of African leadership through their mission and vision. He said with the theme of the lecture, ‘Setting the Agenda for Good Leadership in Africa’, a discussion on “Setting agenda for good leadership in Africa will ultimately link good governance, which has been the bane of underdevelopment in the continent. The story of woes that have become commonplace in Africa in general and our dear country, Nigeria, in particular, especially in view of recent history, calls for sober reflection on the way forward. This state of affairs has created an image problem for Africa such that the rest of the global community feels obliged to stay away from the continent in terms of investment and other collaborative efforts.” In his review, Gabriel Akinadewo said that the book ‘So Long Too Long Nigeria’, a compilation of Adeleye’s  weekly columns when he was the Business Editor of Nigerian Compass, is a lamentation on the state of decay which has brought the country to this pitiable level. Written in simple prose, Adeleye not only criticised policies of government, but also proffered solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. His style of writing educates, entertains, informs, investigates and moulds opinion.” Responding, Adeleye noted that, “If we reflect on the major discourse in our country for so long too long now, it’s about corruption- the EFCC arraigning people almost every day for stealing millions or billions of naira. A lot of people had stolen so much in the name of taking their share of the national cake, such that the young ones coming up can no longer think straight of how to be successful, but waiting for their turn.”

SAFFGLIA books sets leadership agenda for Africa

SAFFGLIA book sets leadership agenda for Africa
By Prisca SamDuru 

AT last, the much expected Inaugural Lecture of the Segun Adeleye Foundation For Good Leadership In Africa (SAFFGLIA) tagged Africa: The Tragedy of Wrong History as well as launch of the book ‘So Long Too Long Nigeria’ by Mr Segun Adeleye, held at the Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos. As expected, the occasion turned out as an opportunity for eminent Nigerians to retrospect on where past leaders have gone wrong, a situation that has brought untold hardship and insecurity upon the people. Honourable Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who was guest Lecturer said the theme of the lecture was of utmost importance to most Africans, especially the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. The Minister who was represented by the Head of Lagos Operations, News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Joe Bankole noted that in considering the idea behind the event, the organisers  have provided a platform for a robust discussion on the subject of African leadership through their mission and vision.


He said with the theme of the lecture, ‘Setting the Agenda for Good Leadership in Africa’, a discussion on “Setting agenda for good leadership in Africa will ultimately link good governance, which has been the bane of underdevelopment in the continent. The story of woes that have become commonplace in Africa in general and our dear country, Nigeria, in particular, especially in view of recent history, calls for sober reflection on the way forward. This state of affairs has created an image problem for Africa such that the rest of the global community feels obliged to stay away from the continent in terms of investment and other collaborative efforts.” In his review, Gabriel Akinadewo said that the book ‘So Long Too Long Nigeria’, a compilation of Adeleye’s  weekly columns when he was the Business Editor of Nigerian Compass, is a lamentation on the state of decay which has brought the country to this pitiable level. Written in simple prose, Adeleye not only criticised policies of government, but also proffered solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. His style of writing educates, entertains, informs, investigates and moulds opinion.” Responding, Adeleye noted that, “If we reflect on the major discourse in our country for so long too long now, it’s about corruption- the EFCC arraigning people almost every day for stealing millions or billions of naira. A lot of people had stolen so much in the name of taking their share of the national cake, such that the young ones coming up can no longer think straight of how to be successful, but waiting for their turn.”

Buhari too slow to ignite change -Clergy

Buhari too slow to ignite change -Clergy

by Prisca Sam-Duru

Founder and President of Bible Believing Mission Incorporation, Aba, Abia State, Pastor Kingsley Innocent has said that against the expectations of Nigerians that things will turn out well with the Buhari led administration, the President is too slow to ignite change.

Pastor Innocent who spoke in Aba said that, “At this moment, our president is rather too slow in igniting and effecting the kind of change that Nigerians want rather things are getting worse by the day. I urge the federal government to sit up as quickly as possible to ensure that this change is realized. Our nation is hungry for the change, this was the reason we voted for him. We expected much more than what we are getting. This administration is too slow. Nigeria is a nation that needs immediate change and our president should sit up and do everything within his reach to show up a sign that we are expecting a change in its reality. We have heard of the verbal change which goes beyond it. We want to see the president turn the nation around. It is a difficult task but it is possible and achievable. The change that we so desired, should be given to us immediately because justice delayed is justice denied. We need this change as soon as possible because as it stands now, while we are hoping for the change, things are getting worst, Nigerians are getting poorer, hunger is getting hold of the people, everything is collapsing.”

I know that our president has a plan, it is high time that he left the planning room for the acting room and that is what we need now. This change is achievable, I believe in it and I trust in it and am hopeful that it will be ours?

Our president is loosing popularity, Nigerians are gradually becoming disappointed. Majority of Nigerians are not happy and we should not blame them for this because we have been through this suffering and smiling for a very long time and Nigerians are tired of it. We had thought and believed that six months in office, some things would have turned positively right, though some of us are still hopeful, many Nigerians are not very happy with the president and the way he handles matter.”

Pastor Innocent who called for prayers to save the country from total collapse, said, “Our nation is at a trial period and every Nigerian should pray to God for divine intervention. Nigeria has lived and survived through prayers. Prayer is the only weapon that we have as Nigerians to call upon God and He will step into the matter of our nation and bring solutions to problems facing the country.”

US Consul-General tasks Nigerian journalists on objective reporting

US Consul-General tasks Nigerian journalists on objective reporting

by Prisca Sam-Duru

The United States of America Consular General in Nigeria, Mr. John Bray, yesterday, tasked  Nigerian journalists on the need to to ensure press freedom and Internet neutrality through objective reporting of information in the country.

Bray, made the call yesterday during a programme held to mark the 2016 World Press Freedom Day at the US Consulate in Lagos in collaboration with the Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ. 

The Consul General who challenged Nigerian journalists to persist in the use of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act passed in 201, said, "Since I arrived in Lagos six months ago, I have been reading and listening to news reports and commentaries written by some of you and your colleagues. It is a pleasure meeting you and I trust there will be many more encounters in the next few years. You are well positioned to give a voice to the voiceless by echoing the concerns of the people to government and the private sector and by shedding light on the actions and in actions of the government and the private sector. You contribute to transparency, accountability, and good governance. Keep up the good work and probe deeper to strengthen your democracy. 

Many, many years ago, I studied journalism at Northwestern University. And I believe that today the fundamentals of practicing journalism remain the same but the platform for delivery of news has changed significantly due to ever changing technology. With smart phone devices in our pockets, we can, in real time, access vital information. And this is good for the global village especially when natural or man-made crisis erupt. The international community is quickly sensitized and is able to respond immediately. For example, as you may recall, during the Ebola Virus crisis in Lagos and Port Harcourt, the Nigerian Government and international health organizations responded immediately. And you and your colleagues were keeping citizens informed about prevention and treatment, which contributed to the concerted effort to contain the spread and stop the virus."

"Today, you’ll be discussing the freedom of the press, the Freedom of Information Act, and the neutrality of the Internet. These are important topics that your peers across the world contend with. President Obama on May 17, 2010, signed the Freedom of the Press Act named in honor of former Wall Street reporter Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan, four months after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. Through this law, the United States Government is reaffirming that freedom of the press is an essential part of a democratic process. 

We do not only defend a free press with vigor in the United States but we also monitor other governments how they operate when it comes to a free press.  Each year, the State Department gathers information and reports how press freedom is operating as part of our human rights assessment. The report is disseminated to governments, the news media, and civil society. Countries that condone the oppression of the press are exposed in the human rights report, which helps them to take steps to uphold the freedom of the press. In our public and private engagement we defend and reinforce a free press.
For a democracy to thrive there has to be transparency and accountability and a free press and civil society shoulder the burden of holding governments responsible for their action or inaction. In the United States, we passed the Freedom of Information Act in July 1966, which went into effect the following year. Since then, there have been numerous amendments to strengthen the law. The FOIA is supported from the highest level of our government. And government agencies have a responsibility to respond to FOIA requests from the public within a reasonable time frame. In January 2009, in a memorandum for the heads of executive departments and agencies, President Obama said, “In our democracy, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which encourages accountability through transparency, is the most prominent expression of a profound national commitment to ensuring an open Government. At the heart of that commitment is the idea that accountability is in the interest of the Government and the citizenry alike.”
Countries that have adopted a FOIA understand its value in a democratic society and the citizens are more informed. I am aware that you and your colleagues have been trying hard to make use of the FOIA that Nigeria adopted in 2011. I encourage you to persist until the law is enforced, including pressing hard for amendment to strengthen the law.

  Freedom of information is also closely linked to free and neutral Internet policy, which the United States advocates strongly. The advent of the Internet has changed the way we live, study, and work. The ever changing technology has also produced unimaginable global opportunities. We have seen unprecedented innovation and growth driven by online activities. Education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and good governance are accelerated by access to the Internet.
Your profession has been profoundly impacted by Social Media. Today, we see every major broadcast and print media amplifying mainstream platforms via social media. Bloggers have carved a niche and have gained respect in contributing significantly to global discourse on major issues.
Overall technological innovation which drives social media has had a significant impact on globalization and democracy. And in general, the principle of Internet neutrality affirms that start-ups have the same opportunity to access the Internet as established businesses. As well as academics and university students have the same level of access to the Internet as teachers and students in the elementary and secondary schools. No one should unfairly slow down access to the Internet to make way for advertisers with more money. This is why we believe the Internet has broadened democratic principles.
On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission in the United States voted in favor of a strong net neutrality rule to keep the Internet open and free. Internet Neutrality was supported by millions of Americans across the country who worked together to make their voices and wishes heard loud and clear. I urge you to join millions around the world who advocate passionately for Internet neutrality.
In closing, I want to offer a bit of advice. Protect a free press and a neutral Internet in your country. The Nigerian people will rely on you to offer them objective information on major issues that impact the country. Today, your profession is by far better positioned to make significant contributions on behalf of the voiceless compared to the early years of democracy in your country."