GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Uzodimma underscores importance of collaboration between government and security institutions

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has underscored the importance of collaboration between government and security agencies in the country, commending in particular, the Nigerian Army for her contributions to national unity and security.

Uzodimma gave the commendation on Thursday when he received participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College who were on a five day study tour of Imo State at the Government House in Owerri.

Represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Barr. Jerry Egemba, the Governor reiterated the importance of collaboration between government and security institutions, and thanked the College for choosing Imo State for her study this year.

He urged participants of Course 33 from the to apply the knowledge gained during their tour to Imo State towards their professional development and for national good.

“I’m aware that you stand strategically at the centre of not just the unity of Nigeria but the defence architecture of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We have felt your impact, not just with your visit to Imo today, but with the impact in the peace and security Imo enjoys today,” Uzodimma said.

Earlier, the team leader of the College’s study tour to the State, Brig.-Gen. Kabiru Sidi said the aim of the exercise was to study the dynamics of the various States of the country.

Sidi said for the 2024 Course 33, the College chose five States – Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Plateau, Imo, and Sokoto – for the study tour.

He said the theme for the 2024 Course is “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria.”

The team leader noted that the National Defence College serves as the premier training institution for the Nigerian Armed Forces, focusing on strategy and policy formulation.

His words: “Each team is sent out to different States with a topic to research on. At the end, they file reports back to the headquarters and as well make recommendations to State governments for implementation.”

Sidi described the Nigeria Defence College as a “strategic level training institution and the final level of training that any person will receive in their career.”

“It is the apex institution in the Nigerian Armed Forces, and therefore, nothing is left unturned because it teaches strategy and policy making.

“It also sharpens the analytical skills of participants so that at the end of the day, when they depart the College, they will become assets to every nation that they come from,” he further explained.

The National Defence College is the apex military training institution in Nigeria, established in 1992 to train senior military and other security officers.

Its main objectives include analysing the socio-economic and political environment’s impact on national security and development as well as preparing officers for strategic-level responsibilities.

Various papers were presented during the visit.

Egemba who spoke on “The Geography, History and Culture of Imo State,” emphasised that Governor Uzodimma holds the security institution in high esteem, the reason Imo State was selected out of the five States of the federation, for the study tour.

Another resource person and Commander 34 Field Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brigadier General Usman Lawal who spoke on “The Challenges Militating Against Strengthening institutions in the Contemporary Security Environment and Measures Taken To Address Them.”

Lawal drew attention to issues such as inadequate manpower, insufficient training, limited funding, and bureaucratic hurdles as some of the significant obstacles that ought to be dealt with.

Dissecting the topic, “The Effect, Impact and Challenges of Institutional Reforms in the State,” the Commissioner for Homeland Security, and Vigilant Affairs, Hon. Modestus Osakwe recommended the establishment of a crime forecast centre, the creation of a South East Security Agency, and the adoption of advanced security technologies to combat crime effectively in the South East.

For the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E- Government, Dr Chimezie Amadi, whose paper was on “Citizens Participation and Engagement in Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Security and Developmental in imo State,” he highlighted several people-oriented policies introduced by the State government under Governor Uzodimma aimed at rebuilding public trust.

Sidi who lauded the hospitality spirit of Imo State thanked Governor Uzodimma for always providing the College with a condusive atmosphere to meet and brainstorm.

He appplauded the resource persons and described their papers as enriching and educative. The resource persons were, thereafter, presented with plaques and books as a momento for their participation.

Sidi appealed to the Governor to always keep the State’s door open for the College anytime the members come calling.

The report of the participants, comprising 31 senior officers from both military, police, paramilitary and civil service sectors in Nigeria and abroad, at the end of the day, will be used for possible implementation of the critical decisions reached in the State under focus.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
November 8, 2024.

PHOTO: Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Imo State (centre), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brig Gen Joseph Ogbonna (rtd) (4th right), Commissioner for Tourism and Creative Arts, Barr.Jerry Egemba (3rd right) and members of Course 33 participants of Nigeria Defence College at the Government House Owerri… Thursday.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES TRAILBLAZING JOURNALIST AND FORMER NDDC CHAIRMAN ONYEMA UGOCHUKWU @80TH BIRTHDAY

President Bola Tinubu extends heartfelt congratulations to Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, a veteran journalist, and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as he celebrates his 80th birthday on November 9, 2024.

In a message signed by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) President Tinubu highlights Ugochukwu’s illustrious life and career, which spanned several pivotal moments in Nigeria’s history, serving as a profound source of inspiration for the younger generation.

It notes that Ugochukwu’s journey began during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), where he bravely fought alongside the Biafran forces, driven by his deep convictions.

Following the war, he returned to continue his university education. He graduated with distinction.

His professional career began in 1973 as an economic research assistant at the Central Bank of Nigeria. Two years later, seeking new challenges, he transitioned to journalism at the Daily Times of Nigeria, where he pioneered business journalism and ascended to roles including Business Editor, Daily Newspaper Editor, and Executive Director.

As a Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the founding Chairman of NDDC, Ugochukwu demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his country. He even ran for the governorship of Abia State, showcasing his dedication to public service. However, he failed in the bid.

Today, Ugochukwu is celebrated as an elder statesman and a distinguished recipient of the national honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger. His life exemplifies remarkable diligence, resilience, altruism, and humility.

President Tinubu rejoices with Ugochukwu as he joins the esteemed ranks of Nigeria’s octogenarians. The President prays for his continued health and longevity, hoping the nation can continue to benefit from his wisdom and rich perspectives for many more years.

The head of Australian intelligence has warned that an “emerging axis” formed by Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran poses a serious threat to Western nations.

Andrew Shearer, Director-General of the Australian Office of National Intelligence, argued that the impact of this alliance has been underestimated.

“The massive provision by China of dual-use assistance to Putin, and economic support and diplomatic support is keeping Putin’s army in the field in Ukraine, killing innocent Ukrainians just as surely as if they were providing artillery ammunition and missiles,” he said at a press conference held in Canberra.

“We have to do a better job of disrupting these burgeoning networks.This is a profoundly troubling strategic development and we are all grappling to catch up with it and put in place effective measures, but I think this is one of the strategic challenges of our time,” he added.

This warning comes as Ukraine launched strikes on North Korean troops earlier this week.

According to multiple intelligence agencies, Pyongyang has deployed 12,000 troops, with a quarter already fighting in the Kursk region.