FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY 

Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,  Neda Imasuen has called for the establishment of state police as a solution to the increasing insecurity in Nigeria. 

Imasuen stated this in response to growing concerns about attacks on farmers, particularly by groups of purported hunters from the northern part of the country.

The senator made the remark during an empowerment programme  organised in Benin yesterday, where 100 farmers from the seven local government areas of Edo South were provided with   cashew nuts, coconuts and vegetables like Okra and ‘Ewedu’ seedlings. 

The programme also aimed to equip local farmers with skills to improve their productivity and support sustainable agriculture.

Imasuen underscored the growing threat posed by armed groups, particularly in the southern part of the country, where the influx of individuals from other regions has raised alarm about their true intentions.

 He questioned whether these individuals were indeed Nigerians, suggesting that not all may be citizens, which has exacerbated fear and tension in local communities.

“These people say they are hunters, but can there be more hunters than the southerners? I don’t think so. For you to leave your region and come deep into the southern forests and claim to be hunting is highly questionable.

 “What do they do with the game they hunt? I don’t see a market where they sell their exploits. It is confusing to me.” he said.

Drawing attention to the inadequacy of the current policing structure, Imasuen proposed that state-level policing could address these issues more effectively.

 He argued that with the vast size of Nigeria and the limitations of the Nigeria Police Force, state and even local governments should have their own police  to ensure the safety of their communities.

“Other countries have local governments with their own police force. We have seen same in the western part of Nigeria with the Amotekun Security Network, where trained vigilantes are working effectively to protect their communities. 

 “State police would help us secure our homes, streets and forests. As it stands, the Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and cannot cover every nook and cranny of the country,” he emphasised 

The lawmaker acknowledged that state policing comes with both advantages and challenges, but insisted that the benefits far outweigh the risks. He also highlighted the efforts of the Edo State government in reconstituting local vigilante forces to bolster security.

Turning to the theme of self-sufficiency, the senator emphasised the importance of agriculture as a means of alleviating poverty and reducing reliance on external food sources. 

He challenged the beneficiaries of the training to take their responsibilities seriously and use the empowerment opportunities to contribute to the nation’s food security.

“A nation that cannot feed itself is in distress. We need to shift our mind-set and think about what we can do to help our country grow. A feeding nation starts with individual efforts. If we can produce what we eat locally, we will reduce the strain on our markets and contribute to the economy.”

The empowerment programme also included lectures on agribusiness. 

Iretiolu Odi, an agribusiness development consultant, spoke on the importance of strategic planning in agriculture, stressing the need for farmers to conduct SWOT analysis (assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) to ensure the profitability of their ventures. 

Adekunle Azeez, an expert in agricultural distribution, provided insights into the proper care and growth of seedlings to ensure their maturity.

One of the beneficiaries, Idemudia Osagie expressed  gratitude for being selected to participate in the programme and vowed to make the most of the opportunity.

From SAMSON ALFA, Minna 

Niger State government has reassured citizens that the recently imposed curfew on motorcycles and tricycles was not intended to punish law abiding citizens..

A statement signed by the Special Adviser on Print Media to Governor Umar Bago, Aisha Wakaso said the measure was taken to address the growing insecurity that is affecting parts of the state capital.

Wakaso explained that Governor  Bago understands the challenges faced by  citizens as a result of the ban on  commercial trycles and motorcycles. “This  is a temporary measure which  may pose difficulties to hardworking Nigelites”.

The special  adviser said though  the safety of lives and property remains the topmost priority of this administration, it should not be viewed as a means to cause discomfort to their welfare.

“Over the past six days, we have witnessed disturbing incidents of violence, with several lives lost to attacks by miscreants operating within Minna”.

Wakaso disclosed that these groups are made up of young boys between the ages of 13 and 22, who have exploited the ease of movement provided by motorcycles and tricycles to commit crimes across various parts of Minna and evade arrest.

According to her,  government in a bid to disrupt these activities  imposed the curfew, even though we understand that this will affect movement and commercial activities, it is a necessary sacrifice to restore sanity and protect the lives of our people.

“We have also observed a disturbing trend among these groups, many of them wear dreadlocks in front while the back of their head is shaved. This style has increasingly become associated with members of these disruptive groups.

“Security agencies have been advised to closely monitor individuals with this distinct look. It is not a blanket criminalisation of a hairstyle, but a preventive measure informed by intelligence and ongoing trends, with a view to dismantle the formation and spread of these emerging groups before they become deeply entrenched.”

In a diplomatic engagement aimed at bolstering international cooperation, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, welcomed a high-level delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday.

The delegation, led by the Prime Minister of the Goražde Region, Mr. Edin Ćulov, was received at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja.

The visit, as confirmed by Matawalle’s media aide Ahmad Dan-Wudil, marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties with global partners who share its commitment to security and sustainable development.

Representatives from Rain Integrated Nigeria Ltd, headed by Alhaji Alhassan, were also present at the meeting, underscoring the involvement of private sector stakeholders in driving international cooperation.

During the engagement, Dr. Matawalle conveyed the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for international partnerships that enhance Nigeria’s defence infrastructure and contribute to peace and stability on a regional and global scale.

“Nigeria remains open to strategic collaborations that fortify our national security and promote lasting peace,” the Minister stated, highlighting the government’s intent to foster meaningful alliances with like-minded nations.

By Anthony Ochela, Abuja 

Africa Centre is forging a strategic partnership with the National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC, in a landmark collaboration to co-create meaningful cultural programmes, exhibitions and artistic exchanges that honour Africa’s rich heritage and strengthen its global cultural influence. 

At the heart of this partnership is the development of Origins, NCAC’s visionary digital storytelling and heritage platform.

While Origins is designed to connect Africa with its global descendants through history, memory and creativity — creating a living archive of African identity and imagination, the Africa Centre will be a foundation partner for the initiative. 

A statement by  the Head of Media, NCAC, Dr Dennis Olofu, said this collaboration reflects The Africa Centre’s strategic theme of The Global African, which amplifies the voices, contributions and lived experiences of people of African descent around the world. 

It said through Origins and other joint initiatives, both organisations will build platforms and experiences that celebrate Africa’s past, present and future — rooted in pride, powered by community and inspired by possibility. 

The statement quoted the CEO of The Africa Centre, Olu Alake,  as saying “This partnership represents a powerful manifestation of how arts and culture bring people and institutions together to take huge steps forward in connecting Africa with its diaspora through shared stories and cultural expression.

 “We are thrilled to work with NCAC on Origins and other projects that honour our collective past, while inspiring new generations to shape Africa’s global future.” 

On his part, the Director-General of NCAC, Obi Asika,  added: “Our collaboration with The Africa Centre reflects NCAC’s ongoing commitment to use culture as a bridge — not only between African nations, but between the continent and its descendants around the world.

“Origins will serve as a digital gateway to our heritage and we are excited to build this with a partner that shares our vision and values.” 

Chair of The Africa Centre, Professor Oba Nsugbe SAN,  said “The Africa Centre has always been at the heart of innovative ways of connecting the Global African Diaspora. 

“This exciting partnership with Africa’s largest arts and culture agency under  Asika’s leadership provides  our organisations with a unique opportunity to  elevate our shared heritage and foster closer ties amongst people of African descent.” 

In the coming months, The Africa Centre and NCAC will unveil a series of joint initiatives focused on the elevation of African creativity through intellectual development, digital innovation and facilitating global connections, especially for youth engagement.  

Located in London, The Africa Centre is a pioneering cultural institution committed to promoting African and diaspora narratives through the arts, education and innovation. 

Established in 1964, The Africa Centre celebrates African excellence in arts and culture, thought leadership, innovation and community development.  

The National Council for Arts and Culture is Nigeria’s leading cultural agency, dedicated to preserving and promoting the nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage at home and abroad.