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20 years: You’ve done the nation proud, CSO tells NSCDC
A civil society organisation, Save Nigeria Movement says has commended the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over the last 20 years of its existence saying the nation was proud of the contribution the corps has made in security operations.
The CSO with the mandate of engaging proactively with government agencies in the areas of good governance and policy reforms, also passed a vote of confidence on leadership of the corps.
The NSCDC which is tasked with safeguarding national assets, coordinating intelligence gathering and sharing with sister security agencies and performing other counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism operations towards serving civilian lives has over the years become a household name because of the professionalism of officers and men of the Corps
In a press release duly signed by its Convener Rev. Solomon Semaka and made available to journalists in Abuja, the group revealed that it has done some due diligence on the reforms of the security outfit and is confident that the Corps has performed beyond the expectations of Nigerians.
According to the release, “as watchdogs of the society, we have a sacred duty to hold government agencies accountable for their policies and operations especially where they are fail to meet the expectations of Nigerians. It is our duty to call them to order when they go below expectations and when they’re performing brilliantly, we must not shy away from commending and encouraging them. The NSCDC has consistently done well as an emerging security outfit with a unique mandate which it has pursued with passion and dedication over the last 20 years.
“Before the establishment of NSCDC, Nigeria faced an array of security threats against public assets including sabotage and vandalisation of electrical installations, oil pipelines, railway tracks, stealing from government hospitals, schools and offices as well as the expropriation of natural resources amongst others. It was in order to stem the tide of continuous theft and sabotage of national assets that the Federal Government established the NSCDC as a formidable para-military agency to help tackle this challenge. We are delighted to inform Nigerians that most of these crimes have now become a thing of the past as the NSCDC had other security agencies have collaboratively deployed their collective intelligence and competence in tackling these crimes”
The rights group hailed the leadership of the Corps and particularly expressed confidence in the current NSCDC Commandant General (CG) NSCDC, Dr. Audi Abubakar and all the 36 Commands including the FCT for upholding a high level of professionalism and effective civil engagement.
“The NSCDC has continued to win accolades and recognition all over the world for the professional conduct of its officers and men. The recognition of the European Union and other Election Observer groups shows that the NSCDC is corrupt free, professional in the discharge of its mandate and result oriented. The NSCDC has maintained strict discipline and periodic trainings over the years to ensure compliance with international best practices, conventions and protocols regarding civil relations. Indeed the NSCDC is Nigeria’s flagship security agency and we urge it always to continue to deliver quality service to Nigerians”, the statement added.
The CSO revealed that the NSCDC has demonstrated competence by the deployment of digital surveillance gadgets and technology towards curbing vandalism, theft and illegal mining of natural resources across the country as well as other laudable initiatives that have drastically tackled crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism and sundry crimes.
“The NSCDC especially under its current leadership has achieved milestones that has changed the face of the agency. The digital surveillance system deployed by the NSCDC has continued to outsmart criminals, rendering their enterprises useless. To have covered the entire country with its web of surveillance high-tech is commendable. In no distant time, real-time surveillance of the entire country can be made possible through this pioneering work of the NSCDC in collaboration with other sister security agencies.
“It is also on record that the NSCDC has pioneered the Safe School Initiative in response to the incessant cases of kidnapping and abduction of school children that became very rampant because of widespread insecurity especially in the northern part of the country. This initiative has, since its inception, drastically reduced the incidence of school abductions as it has deterred criminal elements who once exploited the porous nature of most schools especially in the rural areas for their criminal enterprise. We must therefore, support the NSCDC especially by providing critical intelligence to enable them respond proactively to threats.
Save Nigeria
“The establishment of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) has been a breathe of real fresh air. This units has functioned effectively, leading to high profile successes including the thwarting of kidnapping attempts and other criminal operations across the country. This elite squad has galvanised intelligence sharing to another level. This is what Nigeria needs to fight terror and insecurity headlong.
“Worthy of mention as an achievement of the Corps over the last 20 years is the interventions of the NSCDC and other sister security agencies in the Niger Delta region which has minimize crude oil theft and the vandalisation of critical oil and gas installations in the region in line with Mr. President’s economic recovery plan. the statement added.
The CSO also hailed the current leadership of the NSCDC for “the establishment of a Special Female Arms Squad by the NSCDC. The success recorded by these brave women has shown that women have what it takes and given the right training, motivation and opportunities, can contribute to nation building. By this singular act, the NSCDC has joined the list of very few security agencies who have prioritised women and give them opportunities to achieve their full potential.
While passing a meritorious vote of confidence on the NSCDC over the past 20 years, the CSO adviced the leadership to prioritize and maintain “the prompt payment of salaries and timely promotion as well as training courses for personnel, the establishment of training commands across the country, office accommodation and residential quarters to maintain output and productivity of personel.
This in no small measure, will motivate the officers to dedicate themselves to duty and it’ll be a great disservice for us as a CSO not to acknowledge and promote excellence and professionalism in return. Rev Semaka added.
- … Endorses Solar Drive, Sets Sights on 2030 Energy Targets
- …Urges Journalists to Support, Not Sabotage Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition
In a renewed push for sustainable national development, civil society organizations have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s shift to renewable energy, commending the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) for its commitment to powering underserved communities through clean energy solutions.
Under the umbrella of the CSOs Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), stakeholders held a press briefing in Abuja themed “Powering Nigeria’s Future: Advocating for a National Shift Toward Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development.”
Speaking at the event, CBIAMEC Chairman, Ambassador Splendour Agbonkpolor, emphasized that renewable energy holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity, job creation, and climate resilience. He described Nigeria’s energy access gap, where over 85 million citizens still lack electricity as a national emergency that demands bold, innovative, and inclusive solutions.
“We are here today not just to speak truth to power, but to align with power that works for the people. Renewable energy is not just a technology; it’s a tool for justice, equity, and human dignity.”Agbonkpolor said.
The committee particularly commended FG for its strategic initiatives aimed at deploying 4 megawatts of renewable energy in all 36 states and the FCT, as well as a separate plan to deliver 5 megawatts to every local government in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
“These projects are not only ambitious, they are necessary. They represent a real chance to lift communities out of darkness, boost local economies, and bring Nigeria closer to its renewable energy target of 30% by 2030.” Agbonkpolor noted.
The committee also addressed the ongoing ₦10 billion in the 2025 approved budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa. While acknowledging growing media interest and public scrutiny of the initiative, CBIAMEC clarified that its position is not one of opposition but of constructive engagement.
“We had a fruitful interface with the Director General of ECN where detailed clarifications were provided on procurement procedures, project scope, and transparency mechanisms. The Commission assured us that all steps are being taken in line with the Public Procurement Act, including competitive bidding and regular performance audits.” Agbonkpolor added.
The group pledged to serve as an independent watchdog, monitoring the implementation to ensure the solar intervention truly benefits the people and delivers value for every kobo spent. “We will be vigilant, objective, and fact-driven in our oversight role.”
Meanwhile the Committee also raised concerns over what it described as “media trials” that could derail public trust and investment in renewable energy projects. It urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information, and avoid sensationalism that may hinder national progress.
“We are not calling for silence, we are calling for responsibility. The media has a powerful role to play in this transition, not as saboteurs, but as storytellers of change and partners in development.” he restated.
The briefing concluded with a five-point call to action, encouraging households to explore solar home systems, innovators to invest in green technology, communities to support mini-grid projects, policymakers to prioritize renewable energy in national planning, and the media to amplify success stories in the sector.
- …Sets the stage for a future of more possibilities
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially marked the incredible milestone of its 80th anniversary on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Celebrated as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank was founded on May 2nd, 1945, as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited; an institution that has now evolved from a single-branch operation aimed at empowering indigenous Nigerians into a formidable force that continues to blaze the trail in Nigeria’s banking and financial industry.
From bridging gaps in access to finance for underserved Nigerians to empowering businesses with insightful financial solutions and support, providing a platform for other industries to thrive and proactively delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of every Nigerian, Wema Bank has built a legacy of impact for 8 decades. With millions of customers and global presence via 150+ branches and the ALAT App, Wema Bank continues to set the pace in customer-centric innovation and impactful banking.
Extending heartfelt gratitude to the Bank’s stakeholders, Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank reiterated the Bank’s commitment to continue going above and beyond in service of its customers in the decades to come. According to him, “Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation. This is an 80-year-old bank that began to set the pace for indigenous businesses in the depths of colonial rule and has remained resolute in carrying on that mission since 1945, showing the world that ‘Nigerian-owned’ can last, and institutions can be agents of transformation in their own capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone”.
“I take this moment to express my sincerest gratitude to every person and institution that has played a part in Wema Bank’s success story. From our customers to shareholders, investors, partners to employees past and present, and every other stakeholder whose efforts run in the veins of this great Bank. We are Wema and I take this moment, on behalf of the Board and Management of the Bank, to reiterate our lifelong commitment to you. Wema Bank is built to last, Wema Bank is built for you and Wema Bank will never relent in delivering optimum value to you. It has been 80 years of impact, and as we look ahead to a future of limitless possibilities, our promise to you remains the same. We Are With You, All The Way!”, Oseni concluded.
Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary has taken the world by storm, with a major highlight being the Wema at 80 Gala Night scheduled to hold in Lagos at 6 p.m. on Friday May 2nd, 2025. Headlined by Afrobeats stars Davido and Wande Coal, Fuji legend Ayuba, vocal sensation Yinka Davies, 9ice and a star-studded lineup of celebrities, dignitaries and stakeholders; the night promises to be one for the books, convening 8 decades of generations in a glamorous ceremony themed ‘Timeless Elegance’.
Anyone can be a part of the Wema at 80 Gala Night by tuning in live at 7 p.m. to the Bank’s YouTube Channel as well as select national TV stations.
The Africa Trade Consortium, a premier platform for promoting intra-African trade, is set to host its 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” on May 14th, 2024, at the Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja. This annual event, organized by PR Times Africa Media Ltd, aims to boost trade relations within the continent and explore new business opportunities.
*Key Highlights of the Event:*
– *Date:* May 14th, 2024
– *Time:* 10:00 am
– *Venue:* Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja
– *Theme:* “Tea Break Edition”
– *Objective:* To promote intra-African trade, strengthen economic cooperation, and unlock new trade opportunities in the tea industry and related sectors.
*This Year’s Focus:*
The 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” will bring together top decision-makers, businessmen and women, and diplomats from diverse regions of the continent to discuss the tea industry as a business opportunity and explore related trade prospects. The event will also address key challenges facing trade within the continent, including trade barriers, border challenges, security, and weather-related issues.
*Quotes from the Organizers:*
“The Africa Trade Consortium is committed to fostering economic growth and development within the continent by promoting trade and investment,” said the Lead Consultant of PR Times Africa Media Ltd and Convener of the Africa Trade Consortium. “We believe that the tea industry has immense potential for growth and we look forward to exploring new trade opportunities with our partners from across Africa.”
*About the Africa Trade Consortium:*
The Africa Trade Consortium is a trade initiative launched in Abuja, Nigeria in 2022. Its primary objective is to promote trade between Nigeria and other African countries, fostering economic cooperation and collaboration among nations on the continent. The consortium brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including government, private enterprise, and civil society, to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
For more information, please visit (link unavailable) or call +234802422404.
CSOs Back Nigeria’s Clean Energy Push, Applaud ECN’s Commitment
Wema Bank Celebrates 80 Years of Impact
