In a grand display of recognition and honor, the Nigerian Navy recently adorned a group of exceptional officers, including Commodore A.N UMARU, during a ceremonial decoration held at the NNS QUORRA.
The ceremony, presided over by the Flag Officer Commanding Navtrac, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, was a momentous occasion celebrating the exemplary dedication and service of distinguished officers within the Navy.
Among the officers adorned with their new ranks was Commodore A.N UMARU, whose elevation to the prestigious rank of Commodore was met with resounding applause and commendation. “The ceremony today serves as a testament to the commitment and hard work of our esteemed officers,” Rear Admiral Nwatu expressed during the event.
Commodore A.N UMARU, speaking on behalf of the decorated officers, conveyed deep gratitude for the recognition and emphasized their collective commitment to service and dedication to the Nigerian Navy. “We are humbled by this acknowledgment and are inspired to continue our unwavering service to our nation,” Commodore AN UMARU shared during the ceremony.
Rear Admiral Nwatu, acknowledging the significance of the occasion, highlighted the importance of recognizing the relentless efforts and sacrifices made by these officers in upholding the Navy’s values and contributing to the nation’s security.
The event marked a notable milestone in the careers of these decorated officers, reflecting not only personal achievements but also their pledge to fortify the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring national security.
Category: International News
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Naval Recognition Ceremony At NNS QUORRA Acknowledges Exceptional Officers
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Nigerian Navy Foils Illegal Migration Attempt Aboard Tanker Vessel
The vigilant efforts of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft’s patrol team, led by Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander Operation AWATSE, led to the successful interception and apprehension of three stowaways attempting illegal migration aboard the Tanker Vessel FRONT Altiers.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, 27th December 2023, at Lagos road stead, was a testament to the team’s proactive measures based on credible intelligence. The team executed a thorough search, meticulously uncovering the stowaways concealed within the vessel’s rudder compartment, thwarting their perilous attempt to embark on a hazardous journey to Europe.The individuals identified as Ebuka Daniel (29 years old, Enugu state), Samuel Abraham (32 years old, Edo State), and Christian Happy (32 years old, Delta state) were discovered to have gained access to the vessel with the aid of fishermen, having paid fees of twenty thousand naira and five thousand naira, respectively.
The swift and decisive actions of the patrol team not only prevented the stowaways from risking their lives in treacherous conditions but also averted potential security risks associated with unauthorized access to maritime vessels. Subsequently, the individuals have been disembarked and handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for necessary legal procedures.This incident underscores the critical role played by the Nigerian Navy in maritime security, highlighting their commitment to upholding the rule of law. It showcases the unwavering dedication and vigilance of the naval forces, demonstrating Vice Admiral EI Ogalla’s leadership as Chief of the Naval Staff.
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Smile Communications Launches “Spot Snap & Share” Campaign For Engaging Online Experience
Smile Communications, a renowned telecommunications provider, has unveiled a captivating online engagement initiative titled “Spot Snap and Share,” inviting participants to embark on an exciting visual journey across Smile’s various locations in Nigeria.
The campaign seeks to foster community engagement and fun while encouraging participants to explore Smile shops across designated locations in Nigeria. Participants are encouraged to capture the essence of these locations by taking snapshots of Smile shops and sharing their experiences on social media platforms for a chance to win instant rewards.
**How It Works:**
Participants are invited to spot any Smile shop within the specified locations where Smile operates across Nigeria.
Once a Smile shop is spotted, participants are encouraged to capture a picture of the shop, showcasing its unique features or surroundings.
The captured moment should then be shared on their social media profiles, tagging Smile on any of the company’s official social media platforms to be eligible for rewards.**Instant Rewards:**
The first accurate picture of any Smile outlet across the specified locations during the campaign period will receive an instant reward of 5GB of data. The process is streamlined and automated, ensuring a swift and enjoyable experience for all participants.**Campaign Period:**
The “Spot Snap and Share” campaign is currently ongoing and will continue until the 31st of December 2023.**Let the Fun Begin:**
Smile Communications warmly invites everyone to join in the excitement and partake in this visual journey across their various locations in Nigeria. The campaign aims not only to create a sense of camaraderie but also to provide a fun and interactive experience for participants.For more information about the “Spot Snap and Share” engagement, individuals are encouraged to visit www.smile.com.ng or contact customer care on 07020444444.
Smile Communications remains dedicated to fostering interactive engagements while offering rewarding experiences to its esteemed customers and participants alike.
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Governor Akeredolu Was A Library Of Ideas And Patriotism – Gov. Otu
Governor Bassey Otu says the death of the former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, is a great loss as he was a library of ideas and patriotism.
Otu speaking on the death of former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Thursday in Calabar, said, “the passing on of Governor Akerdolu is a great loss for our country as he was a library of ideas, patriotism and equity.
According to the press statement by
Emmanuel Ogbeche, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor “As a governor and an accomplished legal intellectual, he championed equity, fairness and justice not just for the various sub-nationals that make up our great country, but for every Nigerian.“As saddened as I am and my administration, we take solace in the fact that Governor Akeredolu lived a life of impact, advocacy for the common good and has left a legacy of exemplary conduct and democratic ideals for all to emulate.
“I am also sadden at the death of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’Abba.
“He will be remembered for his courage and commitment to the deals of democracy and representative governance.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the both deceased and the Governments and peoples of Ondo and Kano States, respectively.”
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NCS Promotes Shuaibu, Ejibunu, 2,207 Other Senior Officers
The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has confirmed the appointment of two Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs) and the promotion of 2,209 Senior Officers, marking a significant development in the service.The 58th regular meeting held at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, chaired by the Honorable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, finalized these decisions.
ACG Florence Nano Ogar-Modey and ACG Queen Ogubudu have been appointed as substantive members of the NCS Management Team following the board’s confirmation of their appointments.
The comprehensive promotion list covers both General Duty (GD) and Support Staff (SS) personnel, recognizing exceptional performance in the 2023 promotion exercise. The promotions span various ranks, including Inspector of Customs (IC) to Customs Comptroller (CC), with special recognitions for fourteen officers for their outstanding achievements in their respective roles.
Among the newly promoted Comptrollers are AB Shuaibu, TM Daniyan, F Fajana, N Isyaku, MV Umana, AC Nwobi, F Abdulqadir, HK Ejibunu, FM Ojiofor, IN Aliyu, MD Malah, EO Oshoba, JK Oladeji, E Luka, AP Daruaku, FM Ojeifor, IN Nwokorie, EJ Harrison, and others.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed and promoted officers. He emphasized the pivotal role they play in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and combating smuggling, vital aspects contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic prosperity.
Expressing gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Finance for expediting the 2023 promotion cycle, the CGC pledged to maintain this momentum in future exercises. These advancements align with his vision to strengthen leadership, recognize merit, and inspire personnel for continued success.
As the nation prepares for the festive season, the CGC conveyed warm Christmas and New Year wishes, acknowledging the historic success achieved in the recent promotions within the Nigeria Customs Service.
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Smile Communications’ “12 Days of Christmas” Bringing Festive Savings on Connectivity
Smile Communications, a renowned name in the world of high-speed and reliable internet connectivity, is all set to make this festive season even brighter with its “12 Days of Christmas” a part of the SmileSurpises promo campaign. This exciting initiative is designed to further bring holiday cheer and affordability to internet users, allowing more people to acquire Smile devices and connect seamlessly.
Running from 14th to 26th of December, Smile’s “12 Days of Christmas” offers a unique and limited-time opportunity to score fantastic deals on Smile’s signature devices. As a special part of the ongoing SmileSurprises promotion, these exclusive offers are an exciting addition to the already vibrant holiday season.
*Flash Sales on SMiFi and* *Routers*
The “12 Days of Christmas” invites everyone to enjoy incredible savings. During this period, Smile is offering SMiFi for just N9,900 (original price N16,500) and Routers for only N19,900 (original price N26,500). These are unbeatable prices on devices that provide fast and dependable internet access and all devices come with 25GB and 35GB data respectively, making them the perfect gifts for yourself or your loved ones during the holidays.
Whether you’re working from home, connecting with family and friends, or simply enjoying your favorite online content, Smile Communications is making sure that this festive season is marked by uninterrupted and affordable connectivity.
Connecting People, Spreading Joy
Smile Communications has always been committed to delivering superior internet experiences to its customers, and the “12 Days of Christmas” campaign is a testament to that commitment. It’s not just about offering unbeatable prices; it’s about connecting people, spreading joy, and making the holiday season even more memorable.So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to upgrade your internet setup or if you want to gift someone the gift of seamless connectivity, the “12 Days of Christmas” campaign by Smile Communications is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Don’t let the holiday season pass by without taking advantage of these extraordinary offers. Join Smile Communications in celebrating the joy of Christmas with savings that make sense for your budget.
The “12 Days of Christmas” campaign tis Smile’s way of enhancing the festive season and ensuring that more people can experience the benefits of seamless connectivity.
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Nigerian Maritime Authorities Showcase Unprecedented Collaboration Through Joint Search, Rescue Simulation Exercise
In a monumental step towards bolstering maritime safety and bolstering public confidence in sea travel, a pioneering joint search and rescue simulation exercise was conducted today at the waterfront on 14 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos. This historic collaboration involved the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), National Inland Waterways (NIWA), and key maritime stakeholders.Led by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the exercise exemplified an unparalleled level of coordination aimed at curbing maritime accidents, especially during the festive season. The event drew luminaries from the maritime sector, with the Special Guest of Honor, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Honourable Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stressing the significance of seamless cooperation among organizations and communities.
This simulation showcased the joint capabilities of various agencies such as LASAMBUS, LASEMA, Marine Police, and Lagos State Fire Service. Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, Flag Officer, Commanding Western Naval Command, highlighted the overarching goal of promoting water-friendly alternatives to alleviate road traffic.The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, expressed utmost satisfaction with the success of the exercise, outlining plans for deployment in key areas across Lagos’ inland waters. These deployments aim to expedite responses to accidents and enhance economic activities in the region.
In a gesture of gratitude, Commodore Oguntuga acknowledged the contributions of key personalities, including Mr. Oluwadamila Emmanuel, GM LASWA, and Mr. Ibrahim Famuyiwa, Head of Operations LASWA, in ensuring the success of the event. This display of collaboration underscores a shared commitment to readiness, response, and recovery in confronting maritime challenges.The success of this joint endeavor reflects the unwavering commitment of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain, essential for sustained economic prosperity.
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Polaris Bank’s Christmas Save & Win Draw To Reward 100 Nigerians
As the holiday season approaches, Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail bank, is gearing up to spread joy with its Christmas Save and Win draw for its esteemed customers.
The highly anticipated draw, slated to take place at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, will be broadcast live across all of the bank’s social media platforms. Winners will be selected and rewarded instantly, promising an added touch of festive cheer.
In a previous draw held in September, 50 winners emerged in a transparent selection witnessed by lottery officials and relevant regulatory bodies. Building on that success, Polaris Bank has announced that a total of 100 lucky Nigerians will secure a cash prize of N10,000 each in this special Christmas draw.
For individuals eager to participate and stand a chance to win, the bank outlined four ways to engage in the ongoing Polaris Save & Win promo:
1. Open a Polaris Savings Account: Download VULTe on iOS from the App Store, dial USSD *833*0# on your phone, or log into the Polaris Bank savings portal.
2. Grow and Maintain Account Balance: Deposit and maintain a minimum of N10,000 for 30 days or sustain a balance of N10,000 for three consecutive months to qualify for the monthly and quarterly draws, respectively.
3. Account Reactivation: Reactivate dormant accounts without visiting the bank by dialing *833*30#.
4. Stay Updated: Follow Polaris Bank’s social media handles @polarisbankltd or visit their website for the latest updates on the promotion.
Polaris Bank’s recognition as Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) in the Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards underscores its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
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France, Nigeria Gear Up For Restitution of $150M Abacha Loot — ED CISLAC
The recent announcement by France to return $150 million looted by former Nigerian head of State, Sani Abacha, signifies a pivotal moment for both countries in upholding asset recovery laws and ensuring transparency in the restitution process.
France’s commitment to returning the looted funds was made public during the launch of the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) Action Series, organized by the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR). The funds are part of the approximately $500 million tied to money laundering from Abacha’s corruption, located in various accounts worldwide, including in France, Jersey, and the UK.
Questions now arise regarding the negotiation timeline between France and Nigeria, the selection of projects financed by the returned funds, and the involvement of civil society organizations in the restitution process.
France’s recent legal framework for asset restitution, established through Law No 2021-1031 and circular No 6379/SG, emphasizes transparency, accountability, and clear guidelines for the return process. In contrast, Nigeria has a history of asset return, having retrieved over $4 billion from various jurisdictions but has faced challenges in transparently managing these funds.
The Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 in Nigeria assigns roles and responsibilities for the management of recovered assets, allowing civil society to monitor its implementation, a significant step towards transparency.
The upcoming restitution presents an opportunity for both France and Nigeria to adhere to their legal frameworks, ensuring a transparent and accountable return process that includes civil society participation. France’s adherence could set a precedent for other destination countries, while Nigeria could demonstrate its commitment to transparent asset management.
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NNS Beecroft Patrol Team Foils Stowaway Attempt, Extracts 14 Individuals From Motor Tanker At Lagos Roadstead
In a proactive display of maritime security vigilance, the patrol team of Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft executed a successful interception and extraction operation, removing 14 stowaways from the Motor Tanker UOG CONSTANTINE at Lagos Roadstead on Friday, 15th December 2023.Commander NNS Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, unveiled that prompt action was initiated based on intelligence received from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment. Tactical teams swiftly boarded the vessel and detected movements within the rudder compartment.
Among the apprehended stowaways, two had previously been arrested for a similar offense just a month ago, highlighting the persistent nature of such illicit activities. The decisive actions of the patrol team averted potentially life-threatening conditions for the individuals confined within the vessel’s compartment, underscoring the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maritime safety.The arrested individuals, hailing from various states across Nigeria, were promptly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in adherence to established protocols for further necessary action.
The incident further emphasizes the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering dedication to its constitutional role under the leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, the Chief of the Naval staff. This resolute stance reinforces their commitment to ensuring a secure maritime environment conducive to the nation’s economic prosperity.
