General
Osinbajo Tasks Military to Partner Private Sector on Research, Innovation
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Vice President, Mr Yemi Osinbajo, has advised the Nigerian Armed Forces to partner with the private sector on research and innovation.
Mr Osinbajo gave this charge at the weekend during the combined passing out parade for cadets of 64 Regular Course (Army, Navy, Air Force) 65 Regular Course (Navy and Air Force) and Short Service Course 44 (Army) where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Vice President said crimes in the world have taken new turns and security operatives have to always be a step ahead of criminals, especially terrorists.
He said last week’s bombing in a London tube suggest that tutorials for making the explosive devices used are available on the internet.
“How can the military get ahead of the curve on communications in the age of the fast, cheap and available communication for all?” he asked, pointing out that, “We must also answer the question of how to defeat the ideologies that promote mindless killings and anarchy.”
He further said the swift evolution in suicide bombings is a perfect illustration of the nature of the threats that nations face today, unpredictable, asymmetric, constantly adapting to changing conditions, driven by a compulsive need to inflict maximum damage with minimal effort.
According to him, “This is therefore the question we ought to be asking ourselves: Are our Armed Forces evolving with a similar speed and urgency, are they adapting with a similar nimbleness? How do we evolve rules of engagement in asymmetric warfare situations? Should we be redefining the borders of the Geneva Convention in the light of military engagements with armed militant combatants? Can we observe the same human rights rules where suicide bombers and persons determined to die and take with them as many innocent lives as possible are the enemy we must confront? What are the borders of the right to privacy and freedom of expression on the internet? What is the responsibility of Nations of the world in policing the internet which has become a virtual training ground for much good and as much evil?”
Mr Osinbajo said, “But just as important as these issues around conflict are the issues around how the military can in the process of innovating or thinking through use science and technology to add real value to the society and nation it has sworn to defend.”
“Let me speak briefly about the relationship between the military and scientific innovation, and how both have historically shaped and influenced each other.
“Centuries ago, inventions like the wheel, and gunpowder, forever changed the nature of war. National armies wasted little time taking advantage of these innovations in the endless battle to gain an edge over existing and emerging enemies.
“In a similar manner, the military has also spearheaded technology and practices that civilians have latched on to, to alter human civilization as we know it. The one that comes to mind most readily is the Internet, originating from the 1960s Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) Project of the United States Department of Defense.
“Five decades on, the Internet has turned out to be perhaps the most definitive invention in the history of mankind, creating unprecedented social, economic and political opportunity. The American military has also been credited with the invention of GPS- Global Positioning System (GPS) now so common that every smartphone and cars use it to ascertain location.
“But this network of satellites was originally set up by the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1970s. President Ronald Reagan ordered GPS to be made available to civilians once it was completed, while President Bill Clinton later declared that the highest quality GPS signal should be available as well.
“How about RADAR? (an acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging,) this system uses radio waves to find speed, altitude, range, and direction of moving objects such as planes, ground vehicles, missiles, etc. Radar was developed before World War II for military purposes.
“Today, it’s used for a variety of purposes, both military and civilian, including air traffic control and weather forecasting. Inadvertently, it was discovered that microwaves transmitted from radar equipment during WWII could also cook food, which led to the post-war creation of the microwave oven.
“The use of Unmanned Aerial devices or drones today for surveillance, photography (and in Rwanda), the delivery of blood to rural medical facilities originated from the development of the devices by the military in the early 20th Century.
“The world I have just described is the one that today’s cadets are graduating into. Placed side-by-side with this contemporary context, the Cold War Era into which your predecessors – today’s Generals and Commanding Officers – graduated, almost feels like a model of orderliness and predictability.
“At this point let me say that I am pleased to note that the NDA has been positioning itself as a hub for innovation. I am already aware of inventions such as an Automated Pop-Up Target System, a Multi-Purpose Combat Mobile Robot, and a Perimeter Surveillance Robot, which the NDA has showcased at various science and technology exhibitions in the recent past. This is laudable and I urge you to sustain the culture.
“I would also like to urge you to collaborate more extensively with the private sector, for research and innovation. All around the country technology hubs are springing up that are attracting our Nigeria’s brightest talent, and breaking new technological ground. I am convinced that the military should make its presence felt in this area,” the Vice President said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of another $1.4 million linked to embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Olayinka Faji in his ruling on Thursday agreed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the sum was proceeds of unlawful activities and must be forfeited to the federal government.
Through its counsel, Mrs Bilkisu Bahari-Bala, the EFCC told the court that the sum of $1,426,175.14 was found in the account of Donatone Limited at Titan Trust Bank (Account No. 2000000500) and that investigations confirmed the money was linked to fraudulent activities.
An affidavit deposed by an EFCC investigator, Mr David Jayeoba, revealed that intelligence reports led to the discovery of funds concealed in Donatone Limited’s account.
According to Mr Jayeoba, the investigation uncovered a scheme involving Mr Emefiele and his associates, including Donatone Limited directors, Mr Uzeobo Anthony and Mr Adebanjo Olurotimi, who allegedly helped hide and disguise the proceeds of the illicit activities.
In documents put before the court, Mr Jaiyeoba also disclosed “that investigation revealed that Uzeobo Anthony and Adebanjo Olurotimi men are some of the brains behind the fraudulent concealment of funds reasonably suspected to have been proceeds of unlawful activities of the erstwhile Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
“That both men were procured by Emefiele and used to conceal, retain and disguise funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
“That both men used Donatone Ltd to collect bribes and gratification on behalf of Emefiele to get approval for accessing Forex.”
Recall that Justice Faji had previously issued an interim forfeiture order on May 30, 2024, before ruling on the permanent forfeiture of the funds.
In November 2024, the same court in Lagos ordered the forfeiture of the sum of $2.045 million, seven choice landed properties and share certificates linked to the former CBN Governor.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghen has decried injustice after the Senate suspended her for six months over her dispute with the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate President, to whom she alleged sexual harassment, announced the suspension of the Senator from Kogi Central Senatorial District on Thursday.
“That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium,” he said.
Business Post reports that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied audience after the announcement. She was later led out of the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms.
However, before she left, she declared that “this injustice would not be sustained.”
According to Mr Akpabio, the recommendations of her suspension were based on the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
Some of the senators pleaded that the suspension be shortened to three months but the majority of the senate voted for the initial decision.
The lawmakers ruled that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if she tenders a written apology.
“For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing the tenure of the suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before her reconsideration by the Nigerian Senate,” Mr Akpabio said at the Red Chamber on Thursday.
The decision has led to reactions from many quarters who lamented that the male-dominated legislative organ is flexing its issues rather than tackling the matter properly.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, has said the authority was taking steps to reposition the Nigerian ports to improve its competitive strategy to stay ahead of its rival ports.
He noted that this is as the country is determined to ensure that the Nigerian ports take advantage of the intra-African trade that is expected to increase with the coming into operation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mr Dantsoho disclosed this in his presentation at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Maritime and Logistics event in Lagos, noting that intra-African trade will significantly increase with the collapse of trade barriers across Africa.
The NPA boss said it is therefore imperative that the Nigerian ports reposition to be competitive in order not to lose its gateway traffic to the ports.
“Our vision is to be the maritime logistics hub for sustainable port services in Africa.
“Given the fact that port cost is a significant component of freight cost, which ultimately affects the prices of goods in the market, this speaks to the imperativeness for our ports to be competitive and efficient. This requires strategic collaboration of every player in the port system for this to be actualized,” he said.
He explained that port competitiveness is driven mainly by institutions, infrastructure and macroeconomics, saying strong institutions provide the regulatory and governance framework necessary for stable and predictable business operations, while infrastructure is a cornerstone of port competitiveness, influencing both operational efficiency and long-term strategic viability.
“The quality of infrastructure affects transport costs, trade efficiency, and overall competitiveness. Investments in inland terminals, logistic zones, and rail networks can expand a port’s influence beyond its traditional hinterland and bring about efficiency that makes the port competitive,” he said.
Similarly, the NPA MD, noted that the macroeconomic environment of a country is intricately linked to its ports’ performance and competitiveness, saying factors such as inflation, exchange rates, and economic stability influence trade flows and investments.
Mr Dantsoho expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, for his support to every step the authority is taking to reposition the Nigerian ports.
He also disclosed that the Lekki Deep Seaport has been a game changer, saying with the commencement of its operation, NPA’s cargo and vessel traffic has gained traction along with the growth of transshipment traffic.
He affirmed that the country has a few new Deep seaport projects underway, including in Badagry, Ibom, and Calabar, saying with the right and skilled manpower deployed to these new ports, Nigerian ports will certainly be competitive
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