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  • Unity Bank to Boost Savings Culture with New App as MD Tasks Students at World Savings Day

    Unity Bank to Boost Savings Culture with New App as MD Tasks Students at World Savings Day

    In a drive to foster financial literacy and cultivate a culture of savings among young Nigerians, Unity Bank Plc has unveiled plans to introduce a new app tailored for children and teenagers. The announcement was made during a World Savings Day training session at Emerald Fields School in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of the Bank’s nationwide campaign to commemorate the global event.

    The World Savings Day initiative, championed in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bankers’ Committee, and Junior Achievement Nigeria, aims to deepen financial inclusion by equipping students with essential money management skills. Unity Bank hosted simultaneous training sessions across 16 secondary schools nationwide, focusing on building a generation of financially responsible youths.

    Speaking at the Calabar event, Unity Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, represented by Chief Compliance Officer, Mrs. Patricia Ahunanya, emphasized the importance of instilling good financial habits early. Highlighting the soon-to-be-launched app, Mrs. Somefun stated that the digital platform would empower students to set financial goals, understand compound interest, and manage their money wisely.

    “Financial literacy lays the foundation for a secure future. By teaching students to differentiate between needs and wants, budget effectively, and practice delayed gratification, we enable them to take control of their financial journeys. The new app will serve as a practical tool to reinforce these lessons and encourage young Nigerians to embrace a culture of savings,” she explained.

    During the training, Unity Bank’s representatives engaged students in interactive sessions covering topics such as earning, budgeting, spending wisely, and understanding the principles of borrowing and saving. The hands-on approach encouraged participants to set financial goals and adopt habits that promote long-term stability.

    World Savings Day, observed annually on October 31, highlights the importance of savings and financial awareness worldwide. This year’s celebration saw Unity Bank aligning with the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy, leveraging the occasion to inspire young Nigerians to embrace financial literacy and responsible money management practices.

    Unity Bank’s upcoming app for children and teenagers is expected to enhance its efforts by offering an engaging platform to set savings goals, monitor progress, and build healthy financial habits. The initiative underscores the Bank’s commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    By promoting savings and financial literacy through innovative solutions, Unity Bank reinforces its dedication to shaping a financially literate generation, contributing to the overall economic growth and stability of Nigeria.

  • NIGERIAN NAVY: FOB Badagry Navy Rescues Seven Victims of Human Trafficking

    NIGERIAN NAVY: FOB Badagry Navy Rescues Seven Victims of Human Trafficking

    The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has rescued seven young women suspected to be victims of human trafficking in two separate operations. The interceptions occurred at the Marina Jetty in Badagry on November 12 and 13, 2024, during routine patrols conducted by the Base’s Quick Response Team (QRT).

    In the first operation, three young women aged 18 to 20 were found on a fibre boat headed for Panshi Owode. The victims disclosed during interrogation that they had no knowledge of their destination but had been instructed to call a contact number upon arrival at Panshin. They were allegedly being trafficked to the Republic of Benin and Togo under the guise of seeking a better life.

    A similar operation on November 13 uncovered four more women aged 21 to 24, traveling from Mile 2 to Panshi Jetty. Like the earlier group, these women were also unaware of their destination and were reportedly being trafficked to the Republic of Benin and Senegal.

    All seven victims were placed in the custody of the Base for safety before being handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on November 15, 2024. This transfer aligns with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.

    The Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain Bitebobo Augustus Amakiri, highlighted the Base’s commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring maritime security. He noted that since July 2024, the Base has rescued and handed over 47 young women to NAPTIP and the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.

    “These sustained efforts reflect the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment, in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-6,” said Captain Amakiri.

    NAPTIP’s Zonal Office in Ikeja, Lagos, will lead further investigations to identify the trafficking networks involved and ensure the victims receive necessary support and rehabilitation.

    This latest success demonstrates the effectiveness of the Navy’s collaboration with relevant agencies in tackling human trafficking and promoting maritime safety within Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

  • INDUCTION OF 243 RECCE BATTALION NIGERIAN ARMY INTO JTF SW OP AWATSE AND LAUNCH OF OP WATER GUARD II IN BADAGRY

    INDUCTION OF 243 RECCE BATTALION NIGERIAN ARMY INTO JTF SW OP AWATSE AND LAUNCH OF OP WATER GUARD II IN BADAGRY


    The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Task Force Commander Joint Task Force South West OP AWATSE; Rear Admiral MB Hassan on Tuesday 15 October 2024 inducted 243 Recce Battalion Nigerian Army into the JTF SW OP AWATSE and launched Operation WATERGUARD II. The event was held at 243 Recce Battalion Parade ground, Ibereko, Badagry.

    While delivering his remarks, the FOC WEST stated that the aim of incorporating 243 Recce Battalion into the JTF SW OP AWATSE was to enhance operational capability to address challenges of smuggling and other related illegal activities along Badagry axis. He further stated that the inclusion of the Nigerian Army will add more impetus on land to what the operation has been doing in the maritime space and the littoral of Badagry general area. The launch of Operation WATERGUARD II was conceptualised to boost the efforts of the troops for joint action in Badagry in curtailing smuggling and other criminal activities.

    In attendance of the event was the Chief Staff Officer 81 Division Nigerian Army, Brig Gen Agbi who ably represented the GOC 81 Division, Comd NNS BEECROFT, Cdre RT Oladejo, COO WEST, Cdre AO Ojebode, Comd NAB, Cdre SO Ega. Others are Unit Commanders and representatives of DSS, NPF, NSCDC, FRSC Badagry Division.
    Relevant pictures attached, Sir.

  • Operation Safe Domain III Launched: Enhancing Maritime Security Collaboration Across ECOWAS Zone E

    Operation Safe Domain III Launched: Enhancing Maritime Security Collaboration Across ECOWAS Zone E


    In a groundbreaking ceremony, Operation Safe Domain III was officially launched on 5 August , 2024, at the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center (MMCC) Zone E conference center in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Themed ‘Protecting the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Maritime Security Collaboration’ This ambitious initiative aims to fortify the blue economy of ECOWAS Zone E through unprecedented maritime security collaboration.

    Commodore Aniedi Aniedu Ibok, Director of MMCC Zone E, set the tone for the operation, highlighting the pressing need for collective action against the multifaceted threats plaguing the region’s maritime domain. These include sea robbery, piracy, IUU fishing, and various forms of trafficking and smuggling, which have stifled economic growth.

    Operation Safe Domain III seeks to revolutionize maritime security by pooling resources, enhancing capacity, and fostering cooperation among member states and international partners. The operation’s objectives are threefold: to combat maritime crimes through equipment, training, and intelligence sharing; to promote information exchange and cooperation; and to create a secure environment for maritime commerce, thereby boosting trade and economic growth.

    Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla represented by the Flag officer commanding western naval command Rear Admiral MB Hassan highlighted the operation’s goal of enhancing maritime safety and security across the Gulf of Guinea.

    The Special Guest of Honour, Minister of National Defence Mr. Fortunet Alain Nouatin, represented by Brigadier General Sanni Bachabi, commended the collaborative efforts that made Operation Safe Domain III possible. He wished the participants success in achieving the exercise’s objectives.

    The event drew a distinguished gathering of VVIPs from the maritime sector: Ministers, Ambassadors, and CNS of participating countries. The ceremony culminated in a symbolic flag-off and group photographs, marking the beginning of a new era in maritime security cooperation.

    Operation Safe Domain III stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and a beacon of hope for a safer, more prosperous maritime future in ECOWAS Zone E.

  • NN Investigates Circumstances Surrounding The Untimely Death of Mr. Ifeanyi Richard Onumaegbu

    NN Investigates Circumstances Surrounding The Untimely Death of Mr. Ifeanyi Richard Onumaegbu

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) issued a press release on April 11, 2024, expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Mr. Ifeanyi Richard Onumaegbu and the troubling circumstances surrounding his demise. Mr. Onumaegbu was an esteemed member of the NN family, serving as a civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence attached to the Laboratory Department of the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital (NNRH) in Ojo, Lagos since 2009. He was described as a dedicated and commendable worker.

    On March 31, 2024, Mr. Onumaegbu was discovered lifeless in his office at NNRH. A preliminary investigation uncovered an altercation involving the deceased, a civilian lady, and some NN personnel at the Navy Town barracks on March 26, 2024, just days before his passing.

    In response, the NN has taken swift action by identifying and placing under close custody all suspected personnel and the civilian lady involved in the altercation preceding Mr. Onumaegbu’s death. Additionally, the NN has facilitated the transfer of the deceased’s body to a reputable government hospital in Lagos, as requested by the family, for a thorough autopsy.

    The NN assured the family of the deceased and the public that every necessary measure is being taken to ascertain the cause of Mr. Onumaegbu’s death. Furthermore, the NN emphasized its commitment to ensuring that anyone found responsible for his untimely demise will be prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws.

  • Customs At Idiroko Make Seizures of Ammunition, Cannabis Sativa, Other Contrabands Worth Over N557 Million

    Customs At Idiroko Make Seizures of Ammunition, Cannabis Sativa, Other Contrabands Worth Over N557 Million


    In a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities, the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a cache of life-threatening ammunition, harmful substances, and other prohibited items.

    The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Friday, March 15, 2024.

    According to Comptroller Shuaibu, the seizure occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, during an anti-smuggling operation along the border line. The Command’s operatives intercepted smuggled ammunition totaling 940 rounds of live ammunition, cleverly concealed within sacks of cassava flakes, locally known as garri.

    Detailing the operation, Comptroller Shuaibu revealed that the Command had been tracking the smuggled items for over two weeks, originating from the Republic of Benin, before they were eventually smuggled into the country. Despite the surveillance and security measures implemented by the smugglers, the Command’s superior security network facilitated the seizure of the items, although the suspects managed to evade arrest by abandoning the contraband.

    In addition to the ammunition seizure, the Command also confiscated 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa (Indian Hemp), 380 pieces of donkey skin, 304 bales of used clothes, and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products. These seizures were made at various strategic locations across Ogun State through the Command’s intelligence network and 24-hour patrol and anti-smuggling activities. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounted to N557,120,828.00.

    Comptroller Shuaibu reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties, highlighting its zero-casualty operations as a significant achievement. He warned recalcitrant smugglers of impending consequences, emphasizing that their days are numbered, and they will face the full wrath of the law.

    Furthermore, he appealed to patriotic Nigerians to collaborate with the Command in its fight against smuggling, stressing the grave threats posed by contraband to national security. Comptroller Shuaibu also provided an update on the Command’s revenue generation efforts, reporting a total revenue of N24,283,788 generated from January to date.

    In conclusion, Comptroller Shuaibu expressed gratitude to the Customs management team, gallant operatives, Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, sister agencies, stakeholders, and the press for their unwavering support and professionalism in enhancing the Command’s operations.

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