General
ROLAC, FOICN Train Permanent Secretaries, Directors on FOI
By Destiny Ugorji
No fewer than 40 Permanent Secretaries and Directors in Anambra and Adamawa States have been trained on the provisions and application of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.
Lead Consultant to the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme of the British Council on FOI and Chairman, Board of Governors, Freedom of Information Coalition Nigeria (FOICN), Dr Walter Duru, informed newsmen on Monday that the training was very successful.
According to him, “the training was supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption-ROLAC programme, funded by the European Union, but managed by the British Council. The training was delivered by the Freedom of Information Coalition, Nigeria, in partnership with the Freedom of Information Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.
“It was aimed at enhancing the capacity of the gatekeepers, namely- Permanent Secretaries and Directors in Anambra and Adamawa States.
“The same training will be extended to Kano and the Federal Capital territory. The idea is to ensure that they are on the same page with the Information and FOI Desk Officers in the states, who were earlier trained.
“The training became necessary, following feedback from the earlier trained public servants, who opined that their bosses are also trained on the provisions and applications of the FOI, with a view to making their work easy. This will make them also understand the provisions, their duties and obligations under the FOI Act, as well as the recognized exemptions.”
Mr Duru, who is also the Executive Director of the Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption -MIIVOC was the lead resource person at the training. Ayode Longe of the Media Rights Agenda, who doubles as Secretary of the Board of FOI Coalition was also a Resource Person, according to Duru.
He argued that the Freedom of Information Act has the capability to open up government at all levels for effective citizens’ participation, if vigorously implemented, describing it as a veritable tool for effective anti-corruption war in Nigeria.
Adding his voice, ROLAC Anti-Corruption Manager, Mr Emmanuel Uche described ROLAC’s intervention in FOI as one of the numerous steps towards entrenching transparency and accountability in public service in Nigeria.
According to him, “effective implementation of the FOI Act in Nigeria will help bring about good governance. Corruption strives where secrecy is a culture. The FOI Act, when properly implemented at all levels, will enable the citizens hold the government accountable and reduce corruption in the country. The training targets both the state and non-state actors in our focal states of Anambra, Adamawa, Kano, Lagos and of course, Federal Capital Territory.”
Mr Uche pledged ROLAC’s continued support to initiatives that will promote good governance and entrench transparency in Nigeria.
Also speaking, ROLAC’s Programme Officer, Dala Pwanakei expressed satisfaction with the quality of participation and delivery during the sessions, even as he reiterated the need for Nigerians to take advantage of the FOI Act to hold the government accountable.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
