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Tag: Welfare

  • FG resumes monthly welfare package for civil servants

    FG resumes monthly welfare package for civil servants

    The Federal Government has resumed the monthly welfare package for civil servants that was initially on hold.

    The announcement came as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, addressed ministry staff and unveiled a new fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses delivered under the Presidential Initiative on CNG.

    The welfare support, which had been on hold for a while, was brought back as part of efforts to motivate staff and improve working conditions.

    Edun noted that staff are central to implementing the country’s economic reforms and deserve adequate support to remain productive.

    He also explained that the CNG buses were introduced to make commuting easier for workers while promoting cleaner and cheaper energy.

    The initiative is part of the administration’s push for greener transport and better service delivery within government institutions.

    Also present at the event was the Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Ismaeel Ahmed, who said the deployment of the buses is aimed at encouraging sustainable practices in public offices and supporting local production chains.

    Earlier, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, urged staff to remain committed and disciplined as the ministry continues to navigate economic challenges and carry out reforms.

  • 2025: Oromoni pledges improved infrastructure, welfare in Warri South-West

    2025: Oromoni pledges improved infrastructure, welfare in Warri South-West

    Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni has pledged to improve on infrastructure and welfare of the people in year 2025.

    Hon. Oromoni gave the pledge on Monday, at Ogbe-Ijoh, during inspection of several key projects aimed at improving infrastructure and welfare in the Council area.

    The projects include a new police station, a multipurpose police officers’ mess, and an administrative staff quarters comprising 46 flats, all designed to enhance security and the welfare of police officers.

    Additionally, the Chairman inspected the Secretariat canteen and the Council’s official jetty, which are also under construction.

    This visit marks his first appearance at the council this year, ahead of his official resumption next Monday.

    A brief prayer session, led by Pastor Vincent Udume Odogbor, was held in the Chairman’s office, dedicating the administrative year to God and setting a hopeful tone for 2025.

    In an interview with newsmen, Hon. Oromoni outlined his vision for the projects and the council’s broader goals.

    He emphasized the importance of these developments in aligning with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Meaningful Development Plan for Deltans.

    “These projects are very dear to me, as they are integral to improving the lives of the people of Warri South-West. I believe our communities deserve to experience this monumental developmental drive,” he stated.

    Hon. Oromoni expressed optimism that the projects would be completed within his first year in office, resources permitting. “We also have other social welfare programmes planned for the benefit of a large number of our residents, and we hope to expand these initiatives in the new year by God’s grace,” he added.

    Head of Works Department, Engr. J.O. Akpodemrae, provided an update on the progress, assuring that all structures have undergone necessary civil engineering and building approvals.

    He reiterated the local government’s commitment to completing these projects promptly and to the highest standards.

    This comprehensive development plan underscores Warri South West’s commitment to fostering growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.

  • Tinubu directs dispatch delivery of citizens’ welfare

    Tinubu directs dispatch delivery of citizens’ welfare

    President Bola Tinubu has directed that policies that have impact on the welfare of Nigerians and the economy must be treated with urgency, diligence, and a strong sense of duty.

    The President gave the directive at a meeting with the Head of Service, The Body Of Permanent Secretaries, and some Directors-General of agencies on Thursday in Abuja.

    He admonished senior civil servants to rededicate themselves to duty and work with dispatch on matters of citizens welfare towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

    The President warned that ineffectiveness and unnecessary bureaucracy that delay interventions on the economy and programmes targeting vulnerable citizens would not be tolerated.

    He directed that a monthly briefing by the Head Of Service and submission of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports should be made to his office for review.

    The president added that quarterly interactive meetings between the President and The Body of Permanent Secretaries would now be scheduled.

    He also mandated the Head Of Service and the Body Of Permanent Secretaries to consistently measure progress in actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

    “Before the next meeting, I want to see progress in the civil service. I have been sending people to check the level of work that gets done.

    ”Service to the nation is extremely important. We are to change the narrative on Nigeria. You and I can change the perception about Africa, not just Nigeria.

    ”We might not get it 100 per cent right, but if we are focused, I think we can totally change and reshape the trajectory of our country in the right direction,’’ he said.

    Tinubu urged public servants to always think and work with a generational understanding of their role in shaping national history.

    He said he recognised that as the engine room of the government, their actions would affect more than 200 million people in the country and abroad.

    “Let us make our children’s dreams come true. Why are we slowing that down? It is not just shameful. It is unacceptable. We made a pledge to bring our people out of poverty.

    ”You should not increase their vulnerability. Help Nigerians to get out of these problems, do not compound the tough situation with unacceptable delays,’’ the President said.

    The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, had earlier briefed Tinubu on the performance of the service in relation to previously established KPIs across multiple assessment streams.

  • IGP reiterates commitment to improving Police Officers’ welfare

    IGP reiterates commitment to improving Police Officers’ welfare

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has reiterated his commitment and concern toward improving the welfare of police officers for effective service delivery.

    Baba made the assertions, while inaugurating the Ultra Modern Police Station and Barrack in Ado-Awaye, Iseyin Local Government area of Oyo State. on Friday evening.

    Newsmen reports that the police station consists of male and female cells, change rooms, rest rooms and other offices, while the barrack consist of six flats of two bed rooms each.

    The IGP, represented by DIG Johnson Kokumo, in charge of South-West, said that improved welfare packages for the ranks and files of officers would no doubt impact positively on their service delivery to the public.

    Baba said that inauguration of the Police Station and Barrack was one of his welfare packages to see that police officers were able to work and reside in a conducive atmosphere.

    “When the working environment is conducive and place of habitation is equally conducive, it will impact positively on service delivery of officers.

    “When there is improved service delivery in the discharge of our statutory duties and responsibilities, definitely members of the public will be our friends.

    “What I am trying to do is to rewrite the narration of mutual trust between the police and the public and to truly see members of the public as friends of the police and police true friend of the public,” he said.

    The IGP, however, called on the public to cooperate and synergise with the police in order to positively impact on the current community policing.

    According to him, it is an active participation of members of the public in providing adequate security for lives and property of where they reside.

    “I hope with this modern edifice, there will be better service delivery.

    “I promise not to relent on my oars at improving the welfare of officers and I urge the officers to reciprocate the gesture,” Baba said.

    Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Adebowale Williams, described Ado-Awaye Town as a pre-historic Western settlement famous for its civilisation and resourcefulness which predates the early 18th century.

    Williams said the priority and concern of the IGP in the protection of lives and property of the public necessitated the construction of the Police Station and Barrack in Ado-Awaye.

    He said that it was in consideration of its large expanse of land and diverse population and enveloped by a long stretch of forest areas and reserves.

    Williams assured the IGP of the command’s improved commitments toward effective implementation of crimes fighting strategies, in accordance with standard best practices and improved service delivery to people of the state.

    He said the command had recorded a lot of successes in recoveries of arms and ammunition, vehicles, arrest of high profile kidnap suspects, foiled bank robberies, among others.

    “I would like to specially appreciate the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, for his kind considerations in prioritisng welfare incentives, not just to the Oyo State Police Command, but to the entirety of the Force” he said.

    Williams further thanked the IGP for including the command among the beneficiaries of Health and Insurance Policies, upkeep for families of deceased officers, provisions of tactical equipment to include but not limited to Gears, Trucks and Armament and Training amongst others.

    He appreciated other sister security agencies, religious leaders and traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their partnership and influence in ridding the state off undesirable criminal elements.

    Dignitaries present at the inauguration included, the Alado of Ado-Awaye, Oba Ademola Olugbele; Alawaye of Awaye, Oba Amidu Okunola, among others.

  • Reps seek better welfare package for Nigerian Journalists

    Reps seek better welfare package for Nigerian Journalists

    Some members of the House of Representatives have called for a better welfare package and improved opportunities for Nigerian Journalists.

    The lawmakers made the call at the award ceremony organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps on Sunday in Abuja.

    They expressed regrets over the manner in which journalists were treated in Nigeria despite the importance of their work to the country.

    Rep. Magaji Aliyu, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Power, said everything possible must be done to ensure that journalists are committed to job.

    He commended the corps for always ensuring that lawmakers do the right thing both at plenary and committee levels.

    Aliyu expressed delight at the milestone achieved by the 9th House, adding it was made possible by the leadership quality of the speaker.

    Also speaking, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, said the corps had given stability to the image of the National Assembly.

    He said that journalists were not getting what they deserved, adding that   more should be done to take care of their welfare.

    “I appreciate the corps for the stability they have given to the image of the National Assembly. It has not been like this before,“he said.

    He said the confidence level had grown from where it was to where it is at the moment.

    Kalu attributed the feat to not because of only what the House did  but also because of how the media had showcased what the House was doing to the Nigerian people.

    “People are beginning to understand that this fulcrum of democracy is actually playing a vital role in the advancement for our democracy,” he said.

  • Mr Latin returns unopposed as TAMPAN National President, promises improved welfare

    Mr Latin returns unopposed as TAMPAN National President, promises improved welfare

    Legendary Actor, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as “Mr Latin” has returned unopposed as National President for the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).

    Amusan in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday, promised to work tirelessly in advancing the association and further improve on actors’ welfare.

    He said health insurance scheme and cooperative for members would also be priotised.

    ” This is another opportunity to serve my people, this will be done selflessly just as before.

    ” TAMPAN has made great improvement over the years due to the cooperation of all members of the association, I appreciate everyone for this.

    ” I call for more unity and cooperation so that TAMPAN can attain an enviable height.

    ” I promise to work more in advancing the association in creating health insurance scheme for members and further improve on welfare,” he said.

    Amusan who had run a four-year tenure initially, said some other executives who were also returned unopposed were: Odunlade Adekola as Director, Motion Pictures; Sola Kosoko-Abina as National Auditor and Toyosi Adesanya as Director, Social Welfare.

    According to him, Rose Odika was elected as Deputy President and Mudashir Olabiyi as Secretary General.
    He said the election which was conducted recently in Oyo state could be described as free, fair and credible, though it was a competitive one for some other offices.

    Newsmen recalls that the elections were conducted on Dec. 3, during TAMPAN’s National delegates convention held in Oyo state.

  • TNG Deal Breakers: A symphony of insurance welfare principles and the Balance Sheet

    TNG Deal Breakers: A symphony of insurance welfare principles and the Balance Sheet

    Not many Nigerians are aware that insurance operate a model of business that combines social welfare principles with strict business profit and loss features. Insurance claims may at times be honoured on the basis of emotions and empathy towards the insured who suffered a loss of assets. Many Nigerians have received payments from insurers not based on the strict conditions and terms of the policy but on the purely human basis that this claimant needed to be lifted and helped, even supplanting processes to ensure that the policyholder gets a benefit for, at least, taking insurance.

    Although insurers are heavily taxed for things they ought not to pay considering the components and nature of their earnings, still they are able to enable discretionary obligations to their customers. Factually, if insurers were to investigate the actual causes of losses for which they pay billions annually, over 30% of such claims would not be paid on account of their not meeting the business conditions for underwriting.  Yet they pay! They may contest claims only when there is an obvious attempt to defraud the underwriter. Insurance relies on the principle of the proximate cause of the incident and not the exact cause.

    In very ideal cases, insurers and other suppliers of insurance products bond into a lasting relationship with the insured such that a mutual understanding exists which precludes any foul play between them. And this is the foundation upon which insurance thrives –– Trust and Utmost Good Faith. Perhaps, it is this part of the insurance principle that many would want to take advantage of and sometimes expect that insurance is provided for free. Insurance is also an intangible service where a physical product is not traded and the value is universally predetermined and bargained by both supplier and buyer. Thus, to connect people to insurance services, an ecosystem is developed where the purchase is system-driven. This is the system found in developed economies where insurance is ringed to economic and social activities. In Nigeria and most African countries, the value insurance creates is not well perceived by the larger population. And government regulations in this regard are mostly private-sector induced but only get a stamp of approval. African governments appear to distance themselves from the legislation which have their seal of approval.

    Affordable Social Insurance

    The majority of our population is unaware that claims can be made on victims of hit-and-run accidents and other third-party victims of road accidents. The legal system also is not robust enough to encourage lawyers to specialize in these cases due to funding issues to prosecute such cases.

    Aside from the settlement of claims on regular insurance contracts based on the existing business relationship between the insurer and the policyholder and or other intermediaries, public insurance programs exist that provide financial protection against many kinds of economic risks. Disability, Income loss due to ill health, old age or unemployment are some forms of social insurance that provide insurance against economic risks. It may be provided publicly or through subsidizing of private insurance. Public auto insurance, health, unemployment and social security are social insurance programs. Mainly they target the underserved ad disadvantaged population.  

    The mandatory insurances are basically third-party liabilities which are subsidized with grants for insurance development. Even at the low price and subsidy level, there is no significant uptake of the motor third party, building under construction insurance, public building insurance, and health insurance.

    The federal government legislated that these insurances listed are mandatory. Therefore, the premium pricing is subsidized so that it can be affordable. The private insurance entities participate because it is envisaged to be a pool of critical mass of the population with all concerned paying their fair share to provide protection for the greater part of the population. Due to the low awareness of the economic necessity of the programs and the government’s unwillingness to pursue vigorous enforcement, these essential programs have failed or partially succeeded in some instances.

    Pricing Issues

    Though insurance practitioners approach their customers with the utmost consideration, the balance sheet items that translate to profit and loss are part of the equation. The fact that most underwriters have not invested in mandatory social insurance programs is a function of price. The prices are not market-driven because they are regulated by the government. For instance at N5,000 third-party motor insurance with a limitless death claim, it will be suicidal for any insurer to invest in driving sales marketing without government support. After commissions, tax, levies and claims, it is not certain if any insurer can post a profit on Third party auto insurance on a standalone basis.

    The first place to start is to review the prices upwards to enable active private insurance participation. Then the government should make a tangible subsidy input to make it sustainable. If the roads are well maintained and tolled, then a sizable amount for government support would be realized while the government pays its contribution to a dedicated pool for motor accident disability insurance.

    A New CSR Window: How insurance can mobilize for social insurance   

    Motor insurance is the oldest compulsory insurance in Nigeria. If government strengthens its institutions, no vehicle can possibly be on the road without insurance. Generally, transport accident insurance itself is mandatory on account of the lives of passengers conveyed. For all types of compulsory insurance, the industry should go outside the domain and choose credible and influential people as committee members to oversee funds for the various mandatory insurance.

    The insurance regulatory agency annually appropriates 20% of its income for the security and insurance development Funds while insurers are meant to keep a certain percentage levy on the gross motor income for defined compensation to victims of road accidents. For more efficient results, the security and insurance development fund may be further split into the types of mandatory insurance with the constitution of these committees for each.  These compulsory insurance board memberships will become the pivot to drive the implementation of the programs. They would be composed of people whose statements are newsy and can achieve the highest impact in believability. Additional qualifications should be people whose statements can influence government action and policy implementation.

    Out of these mandatory board committees, private insurers in partnership with the government can launch specific awareness campaigns on the various regulated insurance with an overall target on the direct beneficiaries. As a boost, every beneficiary of the security fund would be published to drive home the fact that real people are being impacted by insurance.  The numbers and verifiable statistics are essential to achieve trust.  

    Motor Messages & Third Party Liability

    A vital dataset missing in FRSC road transport accident reports is the number of insured vehicles that were involved in the incidents collated. The road safety commission is an important stakeholder that should be encouraged to deepen its reports. With such reports, digital auto platforms with integrated claims management systems can help identify insurers of the affected vehicles with the aim of initiating claims on behalf of victims’ families or injured passengers.

    Road transport statistics obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics confirm this pattern of reporting by FRSC. A total number of 5,263 vehicles were involved in 3,282 road traffic accidents for Q2 2022. This number was further disaggregated to fatal, serious and minor accident categories. This report did not indicate if the vehicles were insured or not. The obligations of the FRSC to road accident victims in regard to insurance go further than the report indicates.

    Zonal profiling shows that the highest number of fatal accidents happened in zones with the least insurance penetration with the exception of South West which came a distant second after North Central for the highest number of accidents. What this picture presents is a trend which should give the government an inkling of where the greatest attention is needed if accident insurance and motor insurance are to be enabled for the protection of citizens. Commercial vehicles record the highest number of accidents, which is a compelling reason to amend and enforce stricter social insurance programs.

    Therefore, what should be mandatory alongside auto insurance is accident insurance. It is not sufficient to offer a third party with a focus on asset liability. Instead, the emphasis should be on death and injury to passengers. And pricing would then reflect this.  The same should also apply to mandatory insurance.

    For the kind of awareness that can stick, insurers in collaboration with National Insurance Commission can buy, and brand Federal Road Safety Corps vehicles on the highways and build presence and perception on the roads.

    The branding will include a peculiar uniform for highway patrol teams. Alongside clear messaging on patrol vehicles, many people will see what benefits insurance brings. Emergency situations and the activity of special marshals will help create the impression that passersby and witnesses can spread with word of mouth.

    Other Mandatory Insurances

    Public buildings and Buildings under construction insurance are essentially third-party liability policies meant to compensate ordinary people. However, poor implementation and indifference by the government since 2003 have made it unworkable. The same subtle approach to sensitization may also be used here. Penalties for non-compliance should be a part requirement for approval by State and Federal governments. In addition, building associations, and institutes such Nigeria Institute of Building should only certify members who obtain annually renewable professional indemnity cover.

  • We’ll ease difficult conditions under which Judges work – Buhari

    We’ll ease difficult conditions under which Judges work – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari says the degenerate welfare and working conditions of the nation’s judiciary, are serious and will be treated as such.

    He said this would be done despite the dire state of the country’s economy “currently battling insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges,” aggravated by the COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.

    Buhari stated this when he hosted the chairman and representatives of the Body of Benchers, a body of legal practitioners of “the highest distinction in the legal profession” in the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

    According to the president, a democratic government like the one he leads, “standing on a tripod comprising the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, cannot stand where one of its three pillars, the Judiciary is not properly nurtured, maintained and sustained to deliver on its very pivotal constitutional duties.”

    He, therefore, promised to act quickly on the report of the committee he set up on his own back in 2018 to review the welfare and working conditions of the judiciary.

    “Let me assure you that the issues would be given due and urgent attention within the resources available to government,” he said.

    The President congratulates the Body of Benchers on the successful completion of the “Benchers’ complex at Jabi,” a building described as impressive that would house the body and provide conference facilities and accepted their invitation to personally commission the structure.

    In his presentation, the chairman of the Body of Benchers, Wale Olanipekun, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, described the condition under which judges, especially the Justices of the Supreme Court work as pathetic, appalling and below the minimum standards that are required:

    He said: “We want to plead with you. We need to bail out the Judiciary. The situation is bad. Let us sympathise with the Judiciary. I know you to have respect, feelings for the Judiciary.

    “You have sympathy, empathy and consideration. The Body of Benchers as elders of the legal profession makes these recommendations to Your Excellency, with a plea that they should be attended to urgently.”

    In his introductory remarks, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, made a case for collaboration of the Executive and the Judicial arms, to “open the books to enable both sides see the depth of the decay and know how far to go in putting in place the necessary remedial measures.”

  • Army dismisses report of disquiet among troops over poor equipment, welfare

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed an online report on purported disquiet among its personnel over unpaid emoluments, and poor working conditions among others.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Wednesday described the report as phantom and failed attempt at institutional blackmail.

    Nwachukwu said that the weighty nature of the claims demanded some clarification for the sake of well-meaning Nigerians.

    According to him, it is on record that officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army under the leadership of Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, like never before, have witnessed exceptional positive changes in the moral and physical components of the force.

    He said the Nigerian army had never had it so good, given the quantum of combat and logistics equipment that had been injected into the theatres of operations.

    Nwachukwu said that the calibre of such logistics and equipment, as well as new welfare packages introduced by the leadership of the army, had evidently turned the tide against the complex array of threats facing the nation.

    “More also, aside prompt payment of salaries and operational allowances, welfare flights have been inaugurated, which significantly reduced the burden of troops travelling in and out of the theatres to see their loved ones.

    “This is also in addition to huge commitment on the medical needs of wounded-in-action officers and soldiers and the barracks communities.

    “Scholarships are also being awarded to children of officers and soldiers killed in action in the on-going operations.

    “It is worthy of note that across all army barracks, there are deliberate efforts at providing conducive working and living conditions for troops and their families.

    “These interventions in the form of massive barracks construction and renovation works, with visible footprints are bringing succour to army personnel nationwide,” he said.

    Nwachukwu accused the medium of attempt to woo unsuspecting members of the public with “ bigotry bargains, laced heavily with evil intent” by giving ethnic and religious coloration to army activities.

    He said the Nigerian army had remained a symbol of national unity, adding that it could not afford to be divided along ethnic or religious lines.

    According to him, the army under the current leadership has remained resolute in carrying out its constitutional role and will vigorously continue to implement welfare programmes for the benefit of all personnel.

    “Troops deployed in ongoing operational engagements are putting in their best for the nation and should be encouraged, rather than plotting disaffection among them.

    “All personnel are urged to remain steadfast and not be swayed by the antics of unpatriotic elements, who for selfish gains want to plunge the nation into chaos,” he said.

  • Insecurity: Prioritise troops’ welfare – Gov. Okowa urges military

    Insecurity: Prioritise troops’ welfare – Gov. Okowa urges military

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has called on Nigerian military authorities to prioritise the welfare of officers and men of the armed forces to motivate them in the fight against insurgency, violent crimes in the country.
    The governor made the call on Monday at the 2022 Defence Retreat “Asaba 2022” with the theme “Shaping the Armed Forces of Nigeria for Current and Future Security Challenges” held in Asaba.
    He said that the armed forces might possess sophisticated weapons but that without a motivation, they would not achieve desired result.
    “As we try to evolve ways in tackling multifaceted security challenges in our nation, another matter requiring priority attention is the welfare of our soldiers at the front lines.
    “It is my considered view that we can have all the sophisticated weaponry and excellent logistics but without motivated and satisfied personnel all our efforts will come to naught.
    “It is, therefore, imperative that we place premium on their welfare so that they will discharge their duties with utmost pride and enthusiasm.
    “In the same vein, honouring soldiers who died in the battlefront is the most powerful message we can send about serving our country sacrificially.
    “It has the potential to ignite the fire of patriotism in our people and become an inspiration for many others to want to wear the uniform with pride and assurance,” Okowa said.
    He lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, for his outstanding military accomplishments, describing him as “a great patriot who has made us proud in various ways through his faithful stewardship in the Nigerian Army’’.
    “My dear General, I must say that your exemplary military career sends a very powerful message that hard work, dedication, patience, and loyalty are invaluable ingredients of success.
    “It is my prayer that your career will end in a blaze of glory”.
    The governor acknowledged and appreciated the unwavering support of the various services of the Nigerian Armed Forces towards the maintenance of peace and security in Delta State.
    According to him, Delta state has enjoyed peace since its almost seven years in office, which has enabled us to implement our policies and programmes in entrepreneurship development, infrastructural renewal and education.
    “We owe a world of gratitude to the armed forces, which in synergy with other security agencies, have worked to create the enabling environment for growth and development.
    “This retreat is very imperative because it will always be expected of the armed forces to review their operational strategies, perceive trends, evaluate information, and consider strategy in view of emerging security threats.
    “The current security challenges in the country are multifaceted, but I have no doubt in the capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces to overcome them.
    “The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to demonstrate uncommon patriotism, dedication, sacrifice, courage, and commitment toward ensuring a safe and secure nation for us all,” he stated.
    Okowa urged the Nigerian military to intensify its civil-military relations to enhance information gathering from the communities.
    “In addition to developing a technologically-driven security architecture for the country, the armed forces should make it a priority to pro – actively engage and partner with our communities.
    “In spite of the difficult circumstances in which they work, and the operational hazards associated with fighting insurgency, I dare say the Armed Forces have maintained a commendable civil-military relationship.
    “It is my view that deepening this relationship will procure victory faster because national security is a shared responsibility, and it is incumbent on the military hierarchy to, as much as possible, integrate communities in their plans and operational strategies.
    “As we have seen in other countries where insurgency has been contained, the locals are invaluable when it comes to intelligence gathering and logistical support.
    “It is counter-productive and certainly does not augur well for the war on terror where there is distrust and suspicion between the people and the military, as has sometimes been the case.
    “The asymmetrical nature of the war demands deliberate and sustained efforts to cultivate and sustain the friendship, cooperation, support, and loyalty of the people.
    “They also need assurances that their identity and safety as informants will not be compromised.”
    He called on Nigerians to continue to pray for men of the armed forces in the frontline and commiserated with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Nigerian Army and the families of Master Warrant Officer Audu Linus and his partner, Private Gloria Mathew who were gruesomely murdered earlier this month in Imo.
    On his part, the Special Guest of Honour and Minister of Defence, retired Major-Gen. Bashir Magashi, in his remarks said that the retreat was necessary to review the operations of the military and tailor them to meet the country’s security challenges.
    He said the Federal Government had invested heavily on military equipment, adding that there were still a lot to be done in spite of the successes recorded so far.
    The minister urged the officers to review the armed forces laws to ensure that they were in tandem with prevailing realities.
    “The Ministry of Defence will continue to provide administrative support and place premium on defence procurements.
    “We look forward to deliberations that will produce implementable solutions to the myriads of security challenges facing the nation,” Magashi said.
    Earlier, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Irabor, in his address of welcome, said that the four-day brainstorming event by top echelon of serving and retired military officers would help to reshape the military towards fighting future security challenges.
    He said that the ultimate desire of everyone at this crucial time in our national history was to rid the country of the menace being faced in the country and to sustain public confidence in the military.
    “On assumption of duty as the Chief of Defence Staff, I realised the urgent need to consolidate on the achievements of my predecessors and reinvigorate our desire to defend the territorial integrity of our nation with new ideas while strengthening cohesion within the Armed Forces and cooperation with other security agencies.
    “I therefore, needed to work within a philosophy that would “Foster a Professional Armed Forces capable of effectively meeting its constitutional imperatives.
    “Delightfully, the Services keyed into this leadership philosophy and together we have continued to achieve tremendous progress.
    “Undeterred by the prevailing security challenges across several regions of the country, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has continued to evolve creative ways of strengthening our potentials.
    “It was identified that we need to give definite and unambiguous direction to the development of our doctrines that will enable us operate seamlessly and effectively.
    “Hence, the National Military Strategy was developed to provide a platform upon which our joint and respective Services doctrines will stand,” Irabor said.
    He said that the implementation of these strategies would not achieve the much desired goals if we do not open a less theoretical means of forging ahead.
    “Thus, the need to share our practical experiences and address thorny issues that bother the Defence Headquarters and the three Services, in our quest to meet the constitutional roles for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
    “The Defence retreat is thus designed to be very engaging and interactive (with no-holds-barred), in line with my desire for decision making to be a collective approach of active participation.
    “This retreat, therefore, seeks to not only concentrate on the current security issues, but to begin to plan and strategically pivot on how to fight the ‘Future Wars’.
    “I am also quite conscious of the third objective of this Retreat, which is to boost cohesion, mutual respect and the spirit of togetherness/collectiveness in our noble profession, as battles and wars become more of joint operations,’’ he said.
    Irabor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his sterling support to the armed forces and pledged the unalloyed loyalty and total commitment to ensure that security of lives and property that would endear the prosperity of the Nigerian citizenry was provided.
    The defence retreat was attended by Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Sen. Ali Ndume; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Adamu and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladayo Amao, among others.
    Highpoint of the event was the inauguration of the National Military Strategy.