Author: Dodo Elias Denen

  • U.S. Congressional Delegation Pays Official Visit To Western Naval Command Headquarters

    U.S. Congressional Delegation Pays Official Visit To Western Naval Command Headquarters

    On 28 August 2025, a delegation from the United States Congress, led by the U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Rick Swart, visited the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command (WNC) in Apapa, Lagos. The delegation included Representative Austin Scott (Team Leader), Representative Jimmy Panetta, and Representative Salud Carbajal. The purpose of the visit was to explore avenues for enhancing future security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.

    While introducing the delegation to the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC WNC), Mr. Swart emphasized that the visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in security matters, particularly in support of the Nigerian Navy’s achievements in maritime security operations.

    In his response, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen acknowledged the long-standing and strategic relationship between Nigeria and the United States, which has endured for several decades. He highlighted the significant benefits the Nigerian Navy derives from this cooperation, particularly regarding efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, Rear Admiral Oamen conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral IE Ogalla AM, for the continued support of the United States to the Nigerian Navy. He further expressed hopes for the sustainability of this mutually beneficial partnership.

    Following the courtesy call, the delegation proceeded under the guidance of the Fleet Commander West, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Muhammad – Katsina to visit the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) Centre and NNS KADA.

  • Fidelity Bank Plc Champions Africa’s Export Growth at FNITCC Atlanta 2025

    Fidelity Bank Plc Champions Africa’s Export Growth at FNITCC Atlanta 2025

    Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced plans to convene a high-level panel of seasoned experts to chart a strategic roadmap for promoting African exports in global markets.

    The panel session, titled “Laying the Tracks: Strengthening the Institutional Infrastructure for Africa’s Trade Promotion,” is scheduled for Day 2 of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC)—Saturday, September 20, 2025—at the Omni Atlanta Hotel, Centennial Park, Georgia, USA.

    Confirmed speakers include Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council; Shaquana Teasley — Founder & CEO, Agate Solutions (U.S.); Titus Olowokere, Executive Director of the US-Nigeria Business Council; Affie Braimoh, Founder of Sac Fruits and former Commissioner of Industry, Trade & Cooperatives, Edo State; and Sebastine Osita, CEO of GIG Logistic Technologies Ltd.

    Isaiah Ndukwe, Divisional Head of Export and Agriculture at Fidelity Bank Plc, stated, “As Nigeria’s leading financial institution in the non-oil export sector, Fidelity Bank Plc is driving sustainable growth and delivering measurable impact across Africa’s trade corridors. Through tailored financial solutions, market access platforms such as FNITCC, and capacity-building initiatives like our Export Management Programme, we are reinforcing our strategic role in strengthening the export ecosystem and empowering businesses to thrive globally.”

    He added, “The upcoming panel session at FNITCC is a timely intervention to address the institutional gaps that hinder Africa’s full participation in global trade. For us at Fidelity Bank, strengthening our trade infrastructure is more than an economic imperative—it’s a continental priority.”

    Hosted in collaboration with AFRICON—the leading global forum for African innovators and change leaders—FNITCC Atlanta is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 20, 2025. The event is expected to attract over 3,000 participants, including investors, trade agencies, exporters, and diaspora professionals. It is expected to facilitate trade and investment transactions exceeding US$500 million.

    In addition to panel discussions focused on enhancing African exports in international markets, FNITCC Atlanta will offer a variety of seminars and panels featuring prominent figures such as Mustafa Chike-Obi, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc; Aishah Ahmad, Global Finance Leader and former Deputy Governor (Financial System Stability), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Abba Bello, Managing Director of Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM); and Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sunbeth Global Concepts Nigeria Ltd.

    Further highlights include dedicated deal rooms, an exhibition showcasing African products and services across agriculture, extractive industries, fashion, creative sectors, and professional services; as well as targeted matchmaking sessions connecting US buyers, investors, and partners.

    Interested participants are encouraged to register for the conference at www.fidelitybank.ng/fnitcc .

    Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

  • Silent Heroes Awards Founder Commends FG on Stella Din-Jacob’s Appointment as NTA News Director

    Silent Heroes Awards Founder Commends FG on Stella Din-Jacob’s Appointment as NTA News Director

    Founder of the Nigeria’s Silent Heroes Awards Initiative (SHA), Mr. Odita Sunday, has applauded the Federal Government of Nigeria for the recent appointment of Stella Din-Jacob, a seasoned broadcaster as the Executive Director, News, of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Mr. Sunday described Din-Jacob as a seasoned broadcaster, consummate media manager, and a shining example of excellence in Nigeria’s journalism landscape. He noted that her appointment is not only well deserved but also a testament to her decades of professionalism, hard work, and integrity in the industry.

    According to him, “Stella Din-Jacob has paid her dues in the media sector, demonstrating rare passion, resilience, and innovation. Her Appointment to the position of Executive Director, News, at NTA is a recognition of merit and capacity, and we are confident that she will bring her wealth of experience to bear in repositioning news delivery in the nation’s foremost broadcast outfit.”

    The Silent Heroes Awards Initiative—which celebrates men and women making selfless and often unheralded contributions to national development—maintains that Stella Din-Jacob represents the very values of silent heroism, service, and dedication that the project stands for.

    Mr. Sunday further congratulated the management of the Nigerian Television Authority and urged Din-Jacob to continue being a role model for young journalists, particularly women aspiring to leadership positions in the media industry.

  • Army Will Step Up Security Efforts in Katsina and Nationwide – COAS Assures

    Army Will Step Up Security Efforts in Katsina and Nationwide – COAS Assures

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured that the Nigerian Army under his leadership will step up operations to further secure Katsina State and the entire Nigerian space.

    According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the COAS gave the assurance during a visit to the Acting Governor, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe, at the Government House Katsina on when he visited to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the recent banditry attacks.

    Lieutenant General Oluyede emphasized that immediate and improved measures would be put in place to ensure such unfortunate incidents, which resulted in the loss of lives and property, do not reoccur.

    He appealed to the good people of Katsina to cooperate with security agencies in the collective effort to defeat bandits and make the Nigerian space safer for all citizens.

    In his response, the Acting Governor expressed appreciation for the COAS’ visit and assured of the continued support of the government and people of Katsina State to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in their duty of securing the state.

    He recalled the state government’s heavy investment in the security sector and pledged to sustain such investments in order to rid the state of all forms of criminality.

    Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe also lauded the efforts of Nigerian Army in mitigating security challenges in the state, noting with satisfaction their commitment to duty and timely response to distress calls. He further appreciated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to providing security for Katsina State and Nigeria at large.

    As part of his operational visit to Katsina State, under 8 Division/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the COAS was briefed by the Commander 17 Brigade, Brigadier General BO Omopariola, at Natsinta Barracks.

    The briefing provided insights into the Brigade’s operational activities, challenges, and projections aimed at enhancing security in the state. The Brigade Commander assured the COAS of the continued dedication of his troops to intensify operations to better secure the state.

    In his remarks, the COAS commended the Brigade for their efforts and urged them to make further sacrifices in securing the state and by extension, the nation. He assured them of enhanced logistics support to enable the troops carry out their tasks seamlessly.

    Continuing his three-day operational tour of the Katsina State, the COAS visited troops at the Forward Operating Base, Federal University Dutsinma.

    He urged them to remain steadfast in securing the institution and its environs while denying bandits freedom of action. General Oluyede also visited troops at the Forward Operating Base, Safana, where he charged the soldiers to intensify operations and deal decisively with bandits and other criminal elements within their area of responsibility.

    At the Forward Operating Base, Malumfashi, the COAS further reiterated his earlier directive for troops to go all out to clear bandits and rid the state of all forms of criminality.

    Lieutenant General Oluyede reassured troops of his commitment to improved welfare, while also providing the needed logistics support and operational platforms to enable them perform their duties effectively.

  • Customs Hands Over Seized Expired Pharmaceutical Products to NAFDAC in Lagos

    Customs Hands Over Seized Expired Pharmaceutical Products to NAFDAC in Lagos

    The Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over various expired pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), this was disclosed by Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu during a courtesy visit to the unit by the new NAFDAC Director in charge of enforcement and investigation, Dr. Martin Iluyomade (fsi)

    While addressing journalists at the FOU A headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, Shuaibu reaffirmed the service’s dedication to upholding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the NCS and NAFDAC.

    According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs
    Hussaini Abdullahi, he noted that the MoU marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against fake and counterfeit products.

    “What we are witnessing today is a follow up of the MoU,” he stated, “emphasizing the importance of collaboration among regulatory and security agencies to continuously thwart the smuggling and importation of these harmful consignments.”

    The Comptroller mentioned that a total of three trucks filled with various brands of expired pharmaceutical products were being handed over. These include items in sacks and cartons such as Hyergra, Royal Tablets 225, CSC Codine Syrup, Really Extral, Tramadol, Amlodipine, Milk Oil Flavour, and Firegra, among others. The wide range of these products poses serious risks to public health if not properly regulated.It was revealed that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the expired pharmaceuticals stood at ₦3,779,500,000.

    The Comptroller emphasized that the service remains committed to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications. “Expired products must be handled with utmost seriousness,” he warned, adding that “the potential risks to public health from expired or counterfeit products can not be understated.”

    He further assured the public that the service prioritizes the health and safety of Nigerians by preventing expired or counterfeit drugs from circulating in the market.The handover, he noted, is not a one-off event, as more products will be transferred to NAFDAC following the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

    He reiterated the importance of the continued collaboration between NCS and NAFDAC. “This collaborative effort sets a precedent for future actions aimed at ensuring that only safe and effective medications are available to the Nigerian population,” he concluded.

    Receiving the consignments on behalf of the Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Martin Iluyomade (fsi), a representative of the agency, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its unwavering commitment to the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both agencies.

    He lauded the ongoing collaboration, describing it as a “healthy and strategic partnership” and pledged that NAFDAC would redouble its efforts in the fight against the smuggling of counterfeit and fake pharmaceutical products.

  • Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command Visits Executive Governor of Cross River State

    Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command Visits Executive Governor of Cross River State

    The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral KC Ezete, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Bassey Edet Otu, at the Governor’s Office on Tuesday 26 August 2025.

    The FOC was accompanied by a delegation of officers including the Chief Staff Officer Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral DM Ndanusa; the Command Operations Officer, Commodore CE Oji; the Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, Commodore A. Oride; and other principal staff officers of the Command.

    During the visit, the Flag Officer Eastern Naval Command, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Navy. He particularly appreciated the Governor for granting the Navy the opportunity to conduct a survey of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port and for supporting the deployment of a security houseboat in the Bakassi area. He also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of the Naval Staff for the State Government’s continued collaboration with the Navy.

    In his response, Governor Otu warmly welcomed the FOC and his team, commending the Nigerian Navy for its significant role in maintaining maritime security in the state. He acknowledged the Navy’s strong surveillance presence and its contribution to tackling insecurity challenges in the region.

    The Governor further praised the Chief of the Naval staff for his good works , the professionalism of naval personnel and assured the Navy of the State Government’s continuous support and cooperation.

  • COAS Highlights Key Role of Data Management in Boosting Operational Efficiency

    COAS Highlights Key Role of Data Management in Boosting Operational Efficiency

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has stressed the critical role of effective record keeping and data management in enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening strategic decision-making and ensuring accountability within the Nigerian Army.

    According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the COAS, who was represented by the Deputy Director General, Nigerian Army Future Heritage and Future Centre (Army), Major General Philip Eromosele, made the assertion at the opening ceremony of the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary Data Management and Record Keeping Seminar 2025, held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.

    He noted that the seminar reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to advancing modern approaches to data management and record-keeping.

    General Oluyede explained that accurate data management and efficient record keeping were vital tools for monitoring progress, identifying gaps and effectively addressing emerging security challenges.

    He emphasized the adoption of high standards, particularly in data storage and document security at all levels, as key to driving efficiency across the Nigerian Army.

    Reaffirming the Army’s unalloyed commitment to its constitutional mandate, General Oluyede assured that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in safeguarding the security and unity of Nigeria.

    He further pledged the Nigerian Army’s unflinching loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic and to the President and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In his welcome address, the Military Secretary (Army), Major General Everest Okoro, highlighted that the seminar was to promote excellence in data management and record-keeping practices, in line with global best practices and evolving technological trends.

    He also expressed profound appreciation to the COAS for his exceptional leadership and visionary guidance in steering the Department toward its objectives.

    The seminar with the theme “Effective Data Management and Record Keeping: A Key Element in Ensuring a Professional Nigerian Army in a Digital Era” is expected to last for 3 days.

  • Fidelity Bank Empowers School Owners with Eduthrive Conference

    Fidelity Bank Empowers School Owners with Eduthrive Conference

    Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to convene key stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector for Eduthrive, an inspiring two-day conference designed to equip school owners with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the upcoming academic session.

    Themed “Positioning Your School for Growth,” the event will take place from August 28 to 29, 2025, at the Fidelity SME Hub, 22 Lanre Awolokun Street, Gbagada Phase 2, Lagos. It will feature panel discussions, stakeholder engagement sessions, and networking opportunities, including participation from the Lagos Office of Education Quality Assurance. The program is tailored to support sustainable growth and operational excellence in the education sector.

    According to Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, “Running a profitable educational institution today requires a blend of academic expertise and smart entrepreneurial skills. From keeping pace with evolving standards to upgrading facilities and paying competitive salaries, the financial demands on school administrators are significant.

    “For many, the difference between surviving and thriving lies in having the right support. That’s what makes Fidelity Bank’s offerings for the education sector unique—we continuously curate products and services that empower school administrators and stakeholders across the education value chain.”

    The Eduthrive Conference is the latest in Fidelity Bank’s series of impactful initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education in Nigeria. Earlier this year, the bank launched the Lighting Young Minds initiative, donating solar-powered school bags to pupils in public primary schools. This intervention, hailed as a game changer, enables children to study safely at night without relying on candles or kerosene lamps.

    In addition, Fidelity Bank has hosted education-focused webinars with themes such as, “Strengthening Child Education through Parent-Teacher Partnerships” in 2024 and “Maintaining Education Standards Amidst Current Economic Realities” in September 2024.

    These initiatives reflect the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting educational institutions through financing, capacity development, branding, and digital platforms.

    “The Eduthrive event presents an opportunity to unpack Fidelity Bank’s tailored solutions for the education sector—solutions that address real challenges and unlock growth potential,” added Ede.

    For more information and registration, visit https://bit.ly/Back-to-SchoolReadiness2025

    Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

  • NHO and IHO Conduct Training and Technical Visit to the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria

    NHO and IHO Conduct Training and Technical Visit to the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria

    The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC) delegation, in company of the Director Hydrography, Rear Admiral GE Kwetishe, was warmly received by the Director General of International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION), Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Rtd).

    The IHO delegation comprised Capt Henri Dolou (Rtd) and Lt Cdr Gabin Sogorb, who also serves as the Capacity Building Coordinator of the EAtHC.

    In his remarks, the Director Hydrography provided an overview of the objectives of the IHO delegation’s visit to Nigeria, underscoring the overarching goal of establishing a Regional Hydrographic Center of Excellence in the country. He emphasized that such a visit would be incomplete without the team engaging with IMION, given its central role in maritime knowledge and strategy development as a Think Tank chamber for the Maritime Stakeholders local and international.

    The visiting IHO Team explained that the exercise forms part of a suitability assessment for establishing a Hydrographic Centre of Excellence for the English-speaking part of the West Africa, which is positively postponed for the slot.

    Lt Cdr Gabin noted the need to train hydrographers, Oceanographers and Cartographers in the region. He also said that outside the West African region only Egypt has such an institute to train individuals in that field of study.

    On his part, the Director General of IMION expressed delight at receiving the IHO team.

    He highlighted IMION’s mandate as a strategic think-tank and research institute aimed at allied stakeholders among the Blue Economy Sector of Nigeria, the Gulf of Guinea nations and the world. He mentioned that IMION is saddled with the responsibility to conduct research in support of Nigeria’s Blue Economy and sustainable ocean governance in which hydrographic factors are key.

    He further commended the efforts of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department (NNHD) in advancing hydrographic development in the country. Additionally, he noted IMION’s readiness to establish strategic collaborations with French maritime institutes, as well as with other international institutions of excellence.

    The visit of the IHO Team further reinforces Nigeria’s position as a key player in regional hydrography and represents another milestone in the country’s quest for greater involvement in global hydrographic initiatives. The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and facility tour of the Institute.

  • Apapa Command Nets ₦161bn in 3 Weeks on B’Odogwu Platform, Comptroller Olomu Assures More Gains

    Apapa Command Nets ₦161bn in 3 Weeks on B’Odogwu Platform, Comptroller Olomu Assures More Gains

    Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu has given reassurances that the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu will pick up and surpass user expectations soon and announced a collection of ₦161,258,483,474.63 within three weeks

    According to a statement signed by SC JT AYAGBALO, Public Relations Officer Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Olomu who following series of intense stakeholders engagement championed by the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, said there are prospects of improvement in the B’Odogwu system

    While commending stakeholders for their patience and understanding with the NCS particular those in Apapa Command, the Area Controller disclosed that between August 1 and 22, 2025 the command collected ₦161, 258,483,474.63( one hundred and sixty one billion, four hundred and eighty three thousand, seven hundred and seventy four naira, sixty three kobo) using the B’Odogwu system

    He expressed optimism in the capability of the B’Odogwu platform facilitating more trade than previous ICT systems hitherto deployed by the NCS and that the stakeholders’ patience will not be in vain. He stated further that the dedicated ICT department of the service has been working round the clock to achieve a permanent solution to the impasse.

    Describing Apapa Command as a critical and strategic area for the realisation of the NCS goals, Comptroller Olomu said the CGC has initiated and sustained dialogue with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council with a view to ameliorate the effects of recent downtime experienced in the course of their transactions.

    The stakeholders’ engagements have also cascaded to the command level with the Zonal Coordinator, Charles Orbih physically present at Apapa Command to address the concerns of importers, licensed customs agents and freight forwarding companies.

    “I am pleased with the maturity, patience, understanding and support we have received from our stakeholders in the past and most recent times. Their confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service ability to overcome and resolve all network glitches is not misplaced. It further underscores our shared values as patriotic Nigerians who want to see our homegrown ICT initiative thrive”.

    “Let me restate that the CGC is deeply concerned and persistently overseeing the solution process while interfacing with sister government agencies like the Nigerian Shippers Council to mediate the process of demurrage waivers with terminal operators and shipping companies”.

    “Beyond the usual Monday to Friday work, I have directed our officers to work extra hours and weekends to fasten the process of clearing the backlog of undone jobs and reduce delays associated with conventional closing periods” Comptroller Olomu said.

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