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Nigeria Determined Never to Return to War – Akume (Photos)
Commits to Global Peace Dialogue in Italy, says Akumeecretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has said Nigerians remain resolute in their determination never to relive the horrors of war, stressing that the Federal Government is deepening efforts to promote peace, religious tolerance and national cohesion across the country.
Akume spoke in Abuja while receiving the Country Representative of the Community of Saint Egidio in Nigeria, Prof. Jan De Volder, who visited him alongside the Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iscopo Foti, and other officials.
The visit was to formally invite the SGF to participate in an international peace gathering scheduled to hold in Italy in October, where world religious and political leaders will discuss strategies for fostering peaceful coexistence and bridging religious divides.
Speaking during the meeting, Akume highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to peacebuilding through inclusive governance and national unity, noting that despite occasional security challenges, Nigeria has continued to make progress in strengthening social harmony and combating insurgency.
“Since the civil war, Nigerians have made up their minds never to experience war again. While we may have frictions arising from our differences, we are collectively working towards peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and national unity,” Akume said.
The SGF acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of the country but maintained that sustained government interventions had significantly weakened terrorist and insurgent groups.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working round the clock with all stakeholders to end the barbaric killings and attacks on our citizens. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is also driving economic recovery and ensuring that every segment of the population is carried along in the nation’s development process,” he added.
Akume expressed appreciation to the Community of Saint Egidio for its global commitment to peace, humanitarian service and spiritual growth, and welcomed opportunities for collaboration with international partners in advancing peace and development.
Earlier, Prof. De Volder said the Community of Saint Egidio, which has operated globally for 53 years and in Nigeria for 26 years, was founded on the principles of Prayer, Poor and Peace, describing the organisation as a bridge-builder among communities and a champion of support for vulnerable populations.
He commended Nigeria’s resilience and said his personal experience of the country differed significantly from the negative narratives often portrayed on social media and in international news reports.
According to him, the forthcoming gathering in Italy will bring together leaders from different faiths and political backgrounds to explore practical ways of fostering peace and mutual understanding in an increasingly divided world.
De Volder expressed hope that Senator Akume would attend the event alongside other religious and political leaders from Nigeria, noting that the country’s experiences in managing diversity and promoting coexistence would enrich discussions at the global forum.
The SGF accepted the invitation and pledged his participation in the October event, while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships aimed at promoting peace, stability and sustainable development.
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President Tinubu approves salary increases for armed forces personnel
Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will have a 50 percent increase, while Private to Staff Sergeant will have an 80 percent increase.
President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 percent for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President(Information and Strategy), disclosed this on Tuesday, emphasising that about 250,000 personnel are to benefit from the new deal.
According to the statement, under the new arrangement, which becomes effective from September 1, officers above the rank of colonel will enjoy a 30 percent salary increase.
This applies to Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals.
Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will have a 50 percent increase, while Private to Staff Sergeant will have an 80 percent increase.
The pay package will increase the yearly salary bill for the country’s armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.
President Tinubu has always praised the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces as they confront the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in some parts of the country.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.
“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.
“ I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation”.
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FG establishes safe schools dept to protect students
The ministry is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies to strengthen protection around schools.
The Federal Ministry of Education has established a full-fledged Safe Schools Department to provide strategic leadership, coordination and oversight of school safety programmes nationwide.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this when he appeared before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative.
Alausa said that the new department would provide stronger institutional leadership and coordination for school safety programmes nationwide.
According to him, the department replaces the former Safe Schools Unit and would be responsible for strategic leadership, coordination and oversight of school safety initiatives across Nigeria.
He explained that the ministry would coordinate the Safe Schools Initiative through a unified national framework designed to improve implementation, accountability and monitoring across the country’s 774 local government areas.
He disclosed that the ministry is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies to strengthen protection around schools.
News
Education Minister Orders Dismissal of Students Found Guilty of Kidnapping
The move is part of efforts to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative, following recent isolated cases involving students outside campuses.
The Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, has ordered the dismissal of any student found culpable of kidnapping in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Tunji Alausa, gave the directive during a meeting with the Governing Council of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja.
He directed Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts to strengthen internal intelligence and work closely with the DSS and other security agencies to safeguard campuses.
He said that the move is part of efforts to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative, following recent isolated cases involving students outside campuses.
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