Nation

Reps Set Up Probe Of FG’s Arms Purchase Since 2011

Published

5 years ago

February 12, 2021

The House of Representatives has set up an inquiry into the quality and quantity of arms and ammunition purchased for security agencies in the country for the last 10 years.

The House announced the probe, at the inauguration of an ad-hoc committee mandated “to review the purchase, use and control of arms, ammunition and related hardware by military, paramilitary and other law enforcement agencies”, held at the National Assembly complex, yesterday.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Olaide Akinremi, claimed that “Nigeria spent an estimated sum of $47.387million in arms importation by 2019”.

“The committee shall proceed to investigate the quality and quantity of arms and ammunition purchased in the last 10 years by a clear inquest into the relevant tools and equipment, as well as ammunition as to whether evidence exists or not”.

It would be recalled that the House last year, December 8, through a motion, resolved to mandate the committee to carry out the findings.

According to him, “the motion is pursuant to the National Assembly power of oversight in line with the provisions of Section 4, 58, 59, 88 and 100 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended”.

Speaking further, he said, “The inaugural meeting is primarily set to create an awareness of the originating definition of the substantive fundamental principle of the hearing. Therefore, the committee has commenced its legislative process of evidence gathering towards accomplishing this legislative assignment. It is to through evidence gathered that the committee would be able to deliver on this all-important national assignment that will guarantee security, economic growth, and national development”.

The legislator said there is a need for efficiency in the management of the economy of all nations, and procurement, for which arms and ammunition form a substantial proportion, amounts to 12 per cent of global GDP in 2018.

He pointed out that the percentage for Africa stood at 13.5, while Nigeria’s was 14.25 per cent.

“Arguably, the International Trade Centre ranks Nigeria 4th in Africa, and 52 in the world in arms importation,” he said.

At the inauguration, which was attended by representatives of the heads of the concerned security outfits, according to him, was “to create awareness of the originating definitions of the substantive fundamental principles of the hearing”.

Akinremi said the committee has commenced its legislative process of evidence, as he urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the committee.

“As a way forward, the committee shall require your utmost, timely and kind cooperation for the purpose of completeness. It shall be mandatory for chief executives, heads of concerned institutions to attend to all inquiries, written or oral, and physically present at all sessions of the committee hearings such that will assist our work, and form the basis for our subsequent interactions with you,” he said.

Nation

AELN Holds Annual Dinner, Awards,Investiture Ceremony In Style

Published

56 minutes ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria(AELN) has successfully held its 2025 annual dinner, awards and investiture ceremony, with a call on participants and Nigerians to work towards protecting the environment at all times.

The colourful ceremony, which took place at Lisborne La-Palm Royal Resort in Port Harcourt, attracted the crème de la crème of the society, with the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Chinyere Igwe, leading the pack, as the chairman of the occasion.

Among those inducted and honoured with Fellow Green Advocate of Nigeria(FGAN) Awards included gospel music maestro, and the Prince of the Niger Delta, Mr Asu Ekiye; Chief Chinyere Igwe; a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Blessing Eddie Amadi; Hon Justice Mark Chuku; Justice C. K.Dappa-Addo; Engr(Dr) Kenechukwu Kingsley Nwangwu; Dr Andrew A.Igwe; and Dr Afiwere Bright Osamudiamen, among others.

While Barrister Kibuebu Joseph Francis; Mr Chima Williams; Barrister Peterson Osiobe; Dr(Mrs) Glory Peterside; Barrister Henry N. Amadi; His Worship Epelle Emmanuel Sonny(Esq); His Worship Chinagorom Mgbamoka(Esq); and Barrister Atoma Ngozika Aina, were honoured with Chartered Green Advocate of Nigeria(CGAN) Awards, Mr Ebini Abraham Tamuno; Barrister Iniobong Udo Uko; Fatima Zahara’U Shehu; Mercy Sandra Hirse Damian; Enukpere Abraham Amodu; Mr Innocent Offili; Mr Abiye Anthony Abo; and Mr Enakireru Eric Omo; among others were inducted as Members Green Advocate of Nigeria(MGAN).

Those inducted as Associate Green Advocate of Nigeria(AGAN) awardees included Mr Promise Billion Aguma; Esosa Gift Wilfred; Iwobo Ifeoma; Amarachi Ruth Nwabueze; Amadi Ugochukwu Chike; and Mr Noble Uzochukwu Anozie; among others.

The event equally featured a debate competition between members of the Environment Club in the University of Port Harcourt and the Rivers State University, and also the launching of the association’s Environmental Project Trust Fund, with the awardees promising to handsomely support the project.

Guest Speaker at the occasion and Director of ICT, Rivers State University, Prof Sunny Orike, did justice to the dinner lecture, titled, “Sustainable Horizons: The Role of Artificial Intelligence In Environmental Protection”, with the participants coming to the inevitable conclusion that Artificial Intelligence would never take over the work of human beings, despite the overwhelming positive strides it is making in the rapidly evolving world.

The lecturer, however, explored the environmental costs and negative impacts of AI, highlighting its high energy consumption with the attendant emission of high volume of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Prof Orike noted that the use of AI in the United States of America, for instance, is different from its use in Nigeria and other developing countries.

The National President of the association, Prof Samuel C. Dike, said in his welcome address that the ceremony was not just a celebration but a testament to commitment, excellence, and a shared vision for a greener, safer, and more sustainable Nigeria.

He further explained that the gathering was designed to appreciate and celebrate exceptional individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to environmental advocacy, development, and progressive environmental governance, saying, their contributions continue to shape national conversations, influence responsible policies and inspire a new generation of environmental defenders.

He revealed that the inductees were thoroughly trained as “they submitted themselves to our rigorous training as Associate,Member, Chartered and Fellow Green Advocates of Nigeria.”

He said the association is today proud and confident to invest them with various categories of honours and titles, because they have been tried, tested, and proven worthy, having scaled through “our intensive sessions and scintillating lectures delivered by highly respected environmental experts, stressing that the inductees have been empowered to add AGAN, MGAN, CGAN and FGAN titles as suffix to their names.

He said the inductees were joining a distinguished community committed to advancing environmental law, policy and advocacy, and, therefore, urged Nigerians to renew their collective resolve to protect the environment, deepen their advocacy, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainable development.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the association, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama(SAN), said the topic of the dinner lecture, “Sustainable Horizons: The Role of Artificial Intelligence In Environmental Protection,” captures the spirit of the rapidly evolving world, one where technological advancement and environmental stewardship must work hand in hand.

According to him, Artificial Intelligence presents unprecedented opportunities to strengthen regulation, enhance compliance, improve monitoring, and empower decision-making across all sectors that impact the environment.

Chief Gadzama noted that as an association at the forefront of environmental governance, AELN’s commitment to exploring this intersection could not be more timely or more essential, and commended the AELN’s leadership for sustaining the annual tradition of reflection, recognition and professional enrichment.

“Let us continue to champion a Nigeria where environmental protection is not merely a legal obligation but a shared national priority powered by knowledge, technology, and visionary leadership,” he pleaded.

Nation

Information, Communications Ministry Moves To Partner Global Foundation

Published

56 minutes ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications has expressed its readiness to partner with the Hosanna Global Foundation in promoting the foundation’s programmes and objectives.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Hosanna Global Foundation to the ministry on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the ministry’s conference hall. Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Honor Sirawoo, the Head of Department, Publications, Dr. Christian Nelson Davies, assured the foundation of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate in amplifying its activities through the state’s media platforms.

According to the Permanent Secretary, “What you seek is collaboration with the ministry, and it shall be granted. This ministry oversees all the media houses in the state, and in addition, we now have a functional website that can be leveraged to convey your message to a wider audience.”

Earlier in his remarks, the President of Hosanna Global Foundation, Mr. Doole Nwinaka Wifa, explained that the purpose of the visit was to solicit the ministry’s support in advancing the foundation’s mandate of advocating for the less privileged in society. He noted that the foundation has been in existence since 2023, with a focus on community-based youth empowerment and support for vulnerable groups.

“We have come to seek the partnership of the ministry to help us reach a wider audience and enhance coverage in addressing the needs of the less privileged,” Wifa said.

He further commended the Permanent Secretary for his commitment to humanitarian development and societal growth, describing him as a role model who has served with distinction at the grassroots, state, and federal levels.

In recognition of his contributions, the foundation presented the Permanent Secretary with an Award for Excellence, Commitment, and Dedication, and also conferred on him the status of Patron of the foundation.

Also present at the meeting were Heads of Departments from various units of the ministry.

Ogan and Adah are Information and Public Relations Officers, Publications Department, Ministry of Information and Communications.

By Gloria Sotonye-Ogan / Adah Onyekachi

Nation

Monarch Assures Firm Of Operational Success

Published

57 minutes ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Oha I of Owaza Community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Obioma Nworgu, has assured Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) of a peaceful and successful operational environment in the State under his leadership.

The monarch gave the assurance over the weekend during activities marking his 69th birthday celebration, held at his palace in Owaza.

The event attracted prominent sons and daughters of the community, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, including the management of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and other major operators within the OML II operational base in Abia and Rivers states.

Speaking at the occasion, the visibly elated paramount ruler said that since his divine enthronement several decades ago, Owaza Kingdom has enjoyed sustained peace, growth, and development. He noted that the community has consistently supported oil and gas companies operating in the area to ensure optimal production and profitability.

Eze Nworgu particularly commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited for its strong community engagement, describing the company’s welfare initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes as commendable.

According to him, the company has demonstrated commitment to host communities by providing employment opportunities to youths from oil-producing areas in Abia State, thereby keeping them gainfully engaged and discouraging involvement in criminal activities.

He further praised the management of PINL for the regular payment of stipends to traditional rulers and community representatives, a practice he said distinguishes the company from some other international oil companies operating in the region.

The monarch assured PINL that as long as he remains on the throne, he will continue to ensure a conducive environment for the company to succeed in its operational duties in Abia State.

“As long as I am on this throne, I will ensure that Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited succeeds in Abia State,” he said.

In a related development, Eze Nworgu conferred a traditional chieftaincy title on the Executive Director in charge of Projects at Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Chief Osahon Okunbo, appointing him a Chief of the community and a member of the Owaza Divisional Council of Chiefs. Chief Okunbo was represented at the ceremony by Dr. Akpos Meseh, the company’s General Manager in charge of Community and Stakeholders Relations.

The monarch also expressed appreciation to the company for its scholarship schemes for youths and the prompt payment of salaries and stipends to community representatives.

“This palace is a symbol of our rich cultural heritage and tradition. May it be a place of unity, peace, and prosperity for our people, and a beacon of hope for future generations,” Eze Nworgu said.

Other personalities honoured with traditional titles at the event included Chief Agumba and Chief Collins Nnam.