Author: Dodo Elias Denen

  • Nigerian Navy Hands over 287 Bags Of Foreign Parboiled Rice To The Nigerian Custom Service

    Nigerian Navy Hands over 287 Bags Of Foreign Parboiled Rice To The Nigerian Custom Service


    The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has intercepted and handed over 287 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as part of efforts to curb smuggling along the Badagry–Porto Novo creek and its surrounding areas.

    In a statement released by Navy Captain BO Omotayo, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, the seizures were made in separate operations on March 4, March 8, and March 19, 2025. The intensified patrols and quick response efforts led to the confiscation of the contraband within the Base’s area of operation.

    Following standard procedures, 71 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice were handed over to the NCS Seme Area Command on March 25, while another 216 bags were transferred to the NCS Western Marine Command.

    The operation aligns with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and enhance economic stability. The Base reaffirmed its commitment to combating smuggling and other illegal activities while strengthening collaboration with security agencies and local communities.

  • Rear Admiral Orederu Takes Over Leadership of Naval Dockyard Limited to Rear Admiral Shehu

    Rear Admiral Orederu Takes Over Leadership of Naval Dockyard Limited to Rear Admiral Shehu

    Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu yesterday assumed office as the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL) after taking over from his predecessor, Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu.

    At the handover ceremony, Orederu, who had completed his 21-month tenure as Admiral Superintendent? expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

    While acknowledging the support of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Orederu said: “I thank God for His grace, for good health, strength, and for helping us to have a very successful tour of duty for the past 21 months at the Naval Dockyard.

    “Deep gratitude goes to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for his support throughout my tenure. He was there to encourage and motivate us, and we are so grateful for the opportunity he gave us to be able to achieve all that we were able to achieve.”

    Highlighting key achievements during his tenure, including the construction of Seaward Defence Boats Four and Five, he said it marked the first time two ships were built simultaneously at the dockyard.

    “We have taken these ships to the stage of hull formation, and my successor will take it from there and complete the project,” he said.

    Orederu also noted the revival of the galvanising and electroplating workshops, which had been inactive for over 20 years, and the establishment of the Naval Dockyard Gallery, a museum that preserves artefacts, past projects, and records of the dockyard’s history.

    “For the first time in the history of the Naval Dockyard Gallery, we have been able to create a kind of museum where we house artefacts, past projects, ongoing projects, and everything the yard has done in the past, including records of those who have served here meritoriously,” he explained.

    “Now, anybody who comes into the yard, in just five to ten minutes, will be able to see the capacity, capability, and competencies of Naval Dockyard Limited,” he added.

    Orederu also initiated the Vice Admiral Oghalla Multipurpose Complex, a facility that will include a senior rates’ mess, a restaurant, a supermarket, a salon, and apartments, which he expressed confidence that his successor would complete.

    On business operations, he noted that the dockyard successfully docked multiple ships, including a 130-metre vessel, marking a historic achievement, adding that the dockyard’s reputation had grown significantly.

    “Now, the dockyard has a good name, a good reputation, and we have our pride of place among docking and ship repair facilities—not just in Nigeria or West Africa, but in the entire African continent,” he said.

    Orederu also highlighted the dockyard’s first international contract, which involved refurbishing six ships for the Benin Republic Navy, including the first ship, BNS Penjari, which has been delivered and is operational, while two more are undergoing refurbishment.

    In his words of advice to his successor, he said: “You have the man, and you have the machine, but when you look after the man behind the machine, the machine will always work.

    “So we have been having that conversation, and I know that the incoming Admiral Superintendent is a good, competent, seasoned marine engineer and naval architect.

    “My advice is for him to look after the officers, motivate and encourage them, and everything will go accordingly, and you will get the results that you need.”

    After the handing and taking over, Rear Admiral Shehu thanked the CNS for appointing him to oversee the NDL, pledging to continue to project the NDL as a key player in shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair in Nigeria and across Africa.

    He said: “I thank the CNS for the repose of confidence in appointing me as the new Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard. I also thank my immediate predecessor for the wonderful foundation he has laid, and I assure you that I will build further on his legacy.”

    While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he however expressed confidence in his ability to lead the dockyard, adding that “If there are no challenges, there won’t be leadership, and the essence of leadership is to find ways to surmount the challenges.

    “I assure you and the CNS that we will bring everything to bear to surmount whatever challenges come before us in the course of trying to drive the dockyard towards the vision of the CNS”.

  • Fidelity Bank Equips Entrepreneurs for Global Trade Success with EMP 18

    Fidelity Bank Equips Entrepreneurs for Global Trade Success with EMP 18

    Fidelity Bank Plc, has once again highlighted the importance of promoting non-oil exports as it recently hosted the 18th edition of its dedicated capacity development training tagged Export Management Programme (EMP 18). The programme, which was held recently in Lagos provided a platform for entrepreneurs interested in exploring global trade opportunities to scale and acquire relevant expertise.

    Hosted in partnership with the Lagos Business School (LBS), the 5-day intensive program focused on equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to explore international market opportunities and strengthen their capacity to thrive in the export sector.

    “At Fidelity Bank, our strategy to enhance non-oil exports is guided by the significant opportunities it offers to our customers and the national economy. This is why we offer a comprehensive suite of financial, advisory, and market-access solutions for businesses aiming to engage in international trade.

    “Our market-access initiative, EMP, launched in 2016, has trained over 1,600 entrepreneurs. Today, we completed the 18th cohort with high-caliber participants and a 150% oversubscription. This indicates a promising future for Nigeria’s non-oil exports,” explained Isaiah Ndukwe, Divisional Head of Export and Agriculture at Fidelity Bank Plc.

    Facilitated by key industry experts in the exports space, EMP 18 took participants through several sessions focused on critical areas in global trade such as Export Finance Instruments, Export Documentation, Accessibility of Export Markets, amongst others.

    A key feature of the training was a facility tour of one of Nigeria’s busiest Export Processing Terminals (EPT) located in Ikorodu, Lagos state. The full-day visit, which was anchored by officials of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), gave participants a first-hand feel of the necessary procedure and requirements for securing regulatory approval for exporting from Nigeria.

    One of the program participants, Patrick Ulayi Awu-Patricks, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alliance & Frontier Limited, commended Fidelity Bank for its leadership in deploying capacity-building initiatives in the non-oil exports sector. In a discussion with journalists, he stated that EMP 18 provided invaluable exposure to the opportunities in the export business noting that, “There are lots of non-oil exports opportunities and entrepreneurs must be able to identify and capitalize on these to be able to play effectively in the international trade space. This course has given me insights into the power of data which is essential for strategic decision-making.”

    Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 8.5 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

    The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Awards; the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023; and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. It was also recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023 and the Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

  • Afenifere Calls On President Tinubu To Declare State of Emergency On Southwest Insecurity

    Afenifere Calls On President Tinubu To Declare State of Emergency On Southwest Insecurity

    Amid rising cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in the southwest region, particularly in Ondo State, the president of the Afenifere National Youth Council, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, calling for immediate and decisive action to address the crisis.

    Ojajuni, a kidnapping survivor, shared his harrowing experience of being held hostage for twelve days in the forest, suffering gunshot wounds without medical attention, food, or clean water. His personal ordeal, he said, reflects the widespread terror gripping the region, where criminals have taken over forests and major highways, particularly the Lagos-Abuja expressway, turning them into ransom negotiation zones.

    In his appeal, Ojajuni urged President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in the southwest and take immediate military action to combat the menace. He outlined nine key demands, including a full-scale military operation to flush out kidnappers from forests, strengthening border security to curb the infiltration of criminal elements, and empowering local security outfits, including Amotekun, with resources and authority.

    Other demands include scrutinizing ransom payment channels, especially Bureau de Change operators suspected of laundering ransom money, enhanced security surveillance in Lagos and Ondo States targeting abandoned buildings that may serve as kidnappers’ hideouts, and youth involvement in security efforts, including mandatory town hall meetings for political office holders to engage with local communities.

    Ojajuni also called for stronger collaboration among southwest governors to create a unified security strategy, a southwest youth security summit, as intelligence suggests some locals and tech-savvy individuals aid kidnappers by tracking victims’ mobile devices, and immediate intervention by the Lagos State Governor to convene a southwest governors’ forum meeting focused on security and youth engagement.

    Describing the escalating crisis as a war against innocent Nigerians, Ojajuni warned that without urgent intervention, no one is safe. Farmers are abandoning their lands, and travelers live in fear, as criminals operate unchecked.

    “Today, it is Ojajuni; tomorrow, it could be anyone,” he wrote, urging President Tinubu to act swiftly to restore security and peace in the southwest.

    The open letter signals growing frustration among citizens and community leaders, demanding decisive federal action to protect lives and livelihoods.

  • Nigerian Army Dismissed Allegations of Invasion of EKEDC Substation In Badagry

    Nigerian Army Dismissed Allegations of Invasion of EKEDC Substation In Badagry

    The Nigerian Army (NA) has dismissed allegations made by the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors (ANED) regarding an alleged invasion of the EKO Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry by soldiers. The claims were made during an interview with Arise Television on March 18, 2025, by ANED’s Chief Executive Officer, a report the Army has described as misleading and inaccurate.

    In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, the NA clarified that the incident in question took place within Topo Barracks and not at EKEDC’s facility.

    According to the statement, the Badagry community, including the barracks, had been experiencing a prolonged power outage for over a month despite repeated assurances from EKEDC. Power was eventually restored at about 12:30 AM on March 14, 2025, but a subsequent power surge triggered a fire outbreak at an EKEDC-managed facility within the barracks, causing panic among residents.

    Soldiers on duty immediately worked with EKEDC’s technical personnel, who were granted access to the barracks at about 1:00 AM to resolve the issue. The team successfully addressed the fault and left the barracks around 2:30 AM.

    While a misunderstanding did occur between a soldier and an EKEDC staff member during the process, the Army emphasized that it was swiftly and amicably resolved. The statement stressed that at no time did soldiers invade the EKEDC substation in Badagry, nor was any staff member abducted or detained.

    Furthermore, the Army condemned the footage aired by Arise TV during the interview, noting that it was unrelated to the incident and featured troops that were not personnel of the Nigerian Army. This, the statement said, created a misleading narrative suggesting a confrontation between the NA and EKEDC.

    To ensure transparency, the Commanding Officer of the unit has constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the fire outbreak and ascertain its exact cause. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights and maintaining a cordial relationship with its host communities and stakeholders.

    As a responsible national institution, the Nigerian Army stated that it remains dedicated to protecting Nigerian citizens and will not condone any misconduct against law-abiding individuals carrying out their legitimate duties.

  • CISLAC Urges National Assembly to Reject State of Emergency in Rivers

    CISLAC Urges National Assembly to Reject State of Emergency in Rivers

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the National Assembly to reject any move to impose a State of Emergency in Rivers State, warning that such an action would be unconstitutional, politically motivated, and an abuse of executive power.

    In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of taking sides in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers. The organization alleged that instead of maintaining neutrality, the President has consistently aligned with former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, enabling him to wield undue influence over the state’s governance.

    “The President’s actions have emboldened political godfatherism and undermined democratic governance, allowing a single individual who is no longer in state government to cripple governance in Rivers,” Rafsanjani stated.

    CISLAC argued that a State of Emergency can only be declared under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in cases of widespread insecurity, a breakdown of law and order, or a failure of government institutions—none of which, it said, apply to the current situation in Rivers State.

    “Schools, hospitals, markets, and government institutions continue to function normally. There has been no outbreak of violence, nor has the governor requested such an extreme measure,” the statement read.

    The organization warned that the move appeared to be an attempt to unseat a duly elected governor under the guise of restoring order. It accused the President of failing to call Wike to order while attempting to undermine a democratically elected government, describing it as a dangerous precedent.

    “Today, it is Rivers State; tomorrow, it could be any other state where the President’s allies seek to impose their will,” CISLAC cautioned.

    CISLAC called on the National Assembly to reject any such proposal, urging lawmakers to defend democratic values rather than succumb to political pressure. It reminded them that a two-thirds majority is required to approve a State of Emergency and urged them to prioritize national stability over partisan interests.

    The organization also expressed concern over reports of similar plans for Kano and Osun states, warning that such actions could further destabilize the country. It argued that the government’s approach was already triggering protests in Rivers and could damage Nigeria’s international reputation, potentially leading to sanctions from the global community.

    CISLAC urged Nigerians to remain peaceful but resolute in resisting what it described as an undemocratic move. It also called on the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to oppose any effort to undermine constitutional governance.

    CISLAC further reminded President Tinubu of his responsibility to all Nigerians, cautioning that any attempt to suppress democracy would be met with resistance from civil society and the public.

    “Nigeria’s democracy is at stake, and history will judge those who choose personal ambition over the will of the people,” the statement concluded.

  • 20 New Millionaires Emerge From Fidelity Bank GAIM 6 Promo

    20 New Millionaires Emerge From Fidelity Bank GAIM 6 Promo

    Fidelity Bank Plc has announced 20 new millionaires at the 2nd and 3rd monthly draws of its Get Alert in Millions Season 6 (GAIM 6) promo held at the bank corporate head office in Lagos.

    The 20 lucky winners, randomly selected through an electronic draw across Lagos, North, Abuja, South-West, South-South, and South-East zones, will be rewarded with the sum of one million naira each.

    Speaking at the draws, the promo Chairperson and Executive Director for Lagos and South-West, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Ken Opara represented by the Regional Bank Head, Ikoyi, Chetachi Okechukwu, noted that the GAIM 6 promo was designed to reward customers’ loyalty, encourage a savings culture, and promote financial inclusion across the country.

    According to Opara, “Fidelity Bank is dedicated to the financial well-being of our customers and this commitment inspired the launch of the GAIM Promo, designed to cultivate a strong culture of savings.

    “Through this promo, customers have the chance to win substantial cash prizes up to N10 million by saving and transacting with their Fidelity Bank Savings accounts. In addition to the monetary rewards, winners will receive complimentary financial advisory services to secure and grow their wealth for the future.”

    The monthly draws was monitored by the representatives of relevant regulatory bodies, including the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC), Mrs. Aboluwade Margaret; and the Principal Legal Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Oyinkan Kusamotu.

    Since the campaign launched in November 2024, Fidelity Bank has disbursed N19.75 million to 869 customers across different categories. The GAIM 6 campaign, which will run until August 2025, is set to reward lucky customers with a total of N159 million.

    Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 8.5 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

    The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Awards; the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023; and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. It was also recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023 and the Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

  • United States Defense Attache To Nigeria Pays Courtesy Call On FOC West

    United States Defense Attache To Nigeria Pays Courtesy Call On FOC West

    On March 14, 2025, Rear Admiral M.G. Oamen, the Flag Officer Commanding West (FOC West), welcomed Colonel Tom Brooks, the newly appointed United States Defense Attaché (US DA) to Nigeria, at the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos.

    In his remarks, Colonel Brooks noted that his visit aimed to reinforce the ongoing military cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, particularly in the areas of combined exercises and training.

    He emphasized that the visit would help him assess where US assistance is needed and the types of support that would be most beneficial.

    In response, Rear Admiral Oamen extended a warm welcome to Colonel Brooks and encouraged him to identify areas where US support could enhance the Nigerian Navy’s (NN) training and capacity-building efforts.

    He highlighted that the Nigerian Navy is the largest in the Gulf of Guinea and is committed to ensuring security in the maritime environment to foster business prosperity.

    He also pointed out that the NN’s endeavors have significantly improved safety in Nigerian waters, leading to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) removing Nigeria from its piracy-prone area list.

    Following the courtesy visit, Colonel Brooks toured the Western Naval Command’s Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) Center and the RMAC Training School.

    Senior officers present during the courtesy visit included Rear Admiral Sulaiman Dantsoho Ibrahim (Chief Staff Officer West), Commodore Abdulrahman Mohammed (Command Operations Officer West), and Captain Tumi Adebola Ogunkoya (Command Technical Officer West).

  • Nigerian Armed Forces Graduates Senior And Mid-Level Officers In Entrepreneurship And Management

    Nigerian Armed Forces Graduates Senior And Mid-Level Officers In Entrepreneurship And Management

    The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, on Friday, 14 March 2025, held a graduation ceremony for participants of the Senior and Mid-Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course 13/2025.

    The ceremony marked the successful completion of a rigorous four-to-five-week training programme designed to equip officers with the skills necessary to establish and manage businesses while in service and after retirement.

    The Commandant, Air Vice Marshal BR Mamman, in his address, described the graduation as a significant milestone in the careers of the participants.

    He commended their dedication and strategic thinking, emphasising that the training had prepared them to become engines of growth, creators of wealth, and drivers of innovation in a rapidly evolving world.

    AVM Mamman noted that the programme’s enhanced curriculum, including a visit to Songhai Farms in Porto Novo, Benin Republic, had broadened the participants’ knowledge in agriculture and business management.

    “You have been empowered to shape the future, turn visions into realities, and contribute to national development,” He added.

    The Commandant further disclosed that the Centre would collaborate with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to facilitate business registration for participants, ensuring a seamless transition into entrepreneurship.

    Also present at the ceremony was the Country Representative of EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation, Mrs Onari Duke, who congratulated the graduating officers and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained during the training to improve their personal and professional lives.

    “This training has equipped you with the tools to become not only successful entrepreneurs but also effective leaders who can drive positive change in your respective fields,” Duke remarked.

    She urged the participants to remain innovative, adaptable, and focused on empowering others as they step into new phases of their careers.

    The Director of Training, Brigadier General AO Olatunji, highlighted the course’s, stressing that it had been carefully designed to meet the evolving needs of officers transitioning into business and management.

    He commended the participants for adhering to the course’s code of conduct and expressed confidence that they were now better prepared to face the challenges of life after active service.

    The ceremony concluded with Air Vice Marshal Mamman formally conferring the awards on the graduating participants, charging them to lead with purpose, innovate with courage, and make a lasting impact on their organisations and the nation.

  • Unity Bank Hosts IWD Webinar, Commits to Accelerating Action Towards Gender Equality

    Unity Bank Hosts IWD Webinar, Commits to Accelerating Action Towards Gender Equality

    Unity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment with a series of high-impact initiatives designed to inspire action toward gender equality and sustainable development.

    The Bank hosted a webinar with the theme: “Unleashing Women’s Potential,” pivoted by the Unity Bank Women Network as it was marking this year’s International Women’s Day,

    Being one of the Bank’s thought leadership on self-reliance, opportunity and equity, the webinar featured influential female leaders, including Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, a Nigerian entrepreneur and media personality, and Oluwabusayo Adegoke, a certified life coach and Strategy Consultant, who shared perspectives on women’s leadership, financial inclusion, and breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. The event provided an opportunity for professionals, entrepreneurs, and young women to gain valuable insights into personal and professional development.

    The Bank also spotlighted women making significant contributions to their communities, particularly those driving change through education, mentorship, and financial empowerment. Among them were Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, a trailblazer empowering girls through technology; Tejumoluwa Olaobaju, an advocate leading the fight against period poverty in her community; and Chioma Ohakwe, a champion of inclusivity and women’s empowerment through targeted skill acquisition programmes for girls and women.

    Speaking on the Bank’s commitment to gender equity, Mrs. Particia Ahunanya, Unity Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer and Chair of Unity Bank Women’s Network, stated: “Our commitment to financial inclusion and gender equity has made Unity Bank remain in the vanguard of championing opportunities for empowering women across all sectors. This is in view of the realization that women are crucial drivers of economic growth and societal transformation. Through initiatives like the ‘Unleashing Women’s Potential’ webinar and our community spotlights, the Bank is focused on promoting more initiatives to drive impact among the female gender”.

    Unity Bank’s IWD 2025 initiatives align with its broader vision of supporting women in leadership, business, and entrepreneurship. Through gender-focused initiatives – particularly with products like the Yanga Account – the bank is committed to driving financial inclusion and empowering women to actively participate in economic and financial systems. By providing tailored financial solutions, Unity Bank aims to create equal opportunities for women to thrive, grow, and succeed.

    As the global conversation on gender equality continues to gain momentum, Unity Bank calls on stakeholders across industries to accelerate actions toward creating a more inclusive society without limitations.

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