Connect with us

Headlines

Our operations are critical to preserve national peace, security– Navy 

Gloria Odion 
The Nigerian Navy has said its operations which span across the stretch of the nation’s space is critical and strategic to preserve national security.
According to the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base Badagry, Capt Leyeh Omotayo, its officers and men are also on standby to respond to any situation affecting movements of goods and citizens within designated ECOWAS space.
Omotayo, who was speaking when he received a delegation of the leadership of the ECOWAS Subregion Media Group who paid him a courtesy visit, explained that the job of the NN does not entertain any form of laxity nor compromise to crush acts of economic criminalities on Nigerian territorial waters.
The FOB CO ,who was represented during the visit on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 by the Base Staff Officer, S. Yakubu ,said the criticality of the NN to the maintenance of peace and security within the nation and the ECOWAS sub region is further emphasized by what is known as the ‘Strategic Directive’.
This philosophy , he further maintained, temanates from the Office of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and designed as a quick response to quell developments that are detrimental to the peace and security of the nation.
One of the major credits to the FOB Badagry was a recent curtailment of attempted trespass by the Republic of Benin Navy into Nigerian territory; believed to have been speedily responded to under the CNS SD as part of the NN Internal Security assignment.
Speaking about various forms of economic criminalities within its territory stretching across the borders, Yakubu explained that most smuggling activities are planned on land before they are executed at the creeks, while some of the smuggled items are also routed through the creeks and rivers; and vice versa.
“We conduct operations in the waters and on land in the area of internal security; be it that of sovereign aggression, economic criminality or social uprising.
“We start from the brown waters and our men often go there to conduct operation before they go to sea.”
He said that the Base has regularly helped in making seizures both of customs and narcotic goods such as rice and cannabis sativa at the creeks which they later hand over to the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, respectively.
Yakubu further explained that of recent, the Base rescued three young
Nigerian ladies that were  trafficked out of Lagos and the victims were handed over to the Western Naval Command for onward handover to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
“On collaboration, we work with all other government security agencies on this axis and respond to request for enhanced counter action to arrest any security situation”, Yakubu said.
This is even as the Base leadership pledged to partner with ECOWAS  Sub-Region Media Group, while urging members of the group and the media generally to give greater attention to editorials designed to sensitize and provide a new positive  orientation to the Nigerian youths bracket that criminality is a misnomer.
“The CO who was to receive you personally have to rush out for an important assignment and he asked me to tell you that the Base will partner with you for the ease and success of your task as media practitioners.
“We regard the role of both the media and NN as an important national duty and we are are willing to collaborate with you.
“The job of the NN is also a very sensitive one and the media  should recognize it for what it is and desist from sensational and negative reports that are capable of creating distrust and or peddling inaccuracies.
” We thank you for your visit and look forward to working with you.”
Yakubu lamented that the media has unfortunately helped criminally minded youths and individual groups with the propagation of their negative actions, by promoting gains of notorious criminal activities.
“For instance, insurgents in  the north and elsewhere use the media to propagate their heinous crimes, others watching will be tempted to believe that criminality pays.
” The media should be circumspect on what to promote in its news, especially regarding any form of  criminalities, political, religious, social or economic.
” This is the only way to dissuade the younger ones from believing that crimes are gainful or normal, it is a misnomer”, he said.
President of the ESMG, Mr. Ovi Manuel Kuponu who shortly before the visit became indisposed and was represented by Mr. Eguono Odjegba, emphasized the importance of availing journalists firsthand information about developments to forestall misrepresentations and imbalances in their news reportage.
He noted that the group acknowledge Navy’s critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards ensuring that the public stays well informed about the vital work the Nigerian Navy is doing in maintaining national security and combating illegal activities along the country’s sub regional routes, roads and waterways inclusive; in addition to responding to other internal security issues.
The representative of the CO presented a plague to the group as a commemoration of the courtesy visit.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

NIMASA,KAIPTC seek digital empowerment for women to enhance their participation in maritime industry 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
In furtherance to the global recognition for women empowerment as encapsulated in the  theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration,Give To Gain,  the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has forged an alliance with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Ghana to drive digital empowerment for women in West Africa maritime domain.
The initiative, which enjoyed the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Inter-Regional Coordination Centre (ICC), was consummated at the three- day  symposium titled “Digitalization and the Empowerment of Women in the Maritime Sector of West Africa: Opportunities, Challenges and Pathways.” held in Lagos on March 10th, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Director – General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, pledged the commitment of the agency  to transforming the nation’s maritime domain and the entire West African sub-region into a global benchmark for gender-inclusive digital excellence.
Represented by the Director of Finance and Administration, Chudi Offordile, Mobereola emphasized that the maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by automation, smart logistics, and data systems.
He noted that while digitalisation creates new opportunities for efficiency and growth, it also exposes persistent gaps in the participation of women in the maritime sector, making their empowerment a critical priority for the industry.
“Across the world, digitalization is reshaping how ships operate, how ports function, how cargo is tracked, and how maritime administrations regulate and deliver services.
“While Digitalisation creates new opportunities, it also exposes persistent gaps particularly in the participation of women in the maritime sector and that is why empowerment of women in this area is critical.
“Across West Africa, women remain significantly underrepresented in many
areas of maritime operations.
“These disparities are not merely statistics; they
represent untapped talent, unrealized potential, and lost opportunities for
inclusive growth which we must find ways to close-out., ” he said.
The NIMSAS DG described digitalization as the ultimate disruptor of traditional barriers that have historically limited female participation.
“Digitalization acts as the “great equalizer,” shifting the industry’s centre of gravity from physical strength to intellectual agility and technical precision.
“It dismantles traditional barriers through AI-driven simulations and e-learning, which enhance the knowledge economy and promote skill acquisition, thereby creating new pathways for career advancement.
“Today a young woman in rural West Africa town can now access the same training modules as anyone in any part of the more advanced world.
“The transformation we seek is not an endpoint, but a continuous voyage. Digitalization is the wind in our sails, but inclusive policy is the rudder that guides us.” he said.
Describing the Blue Economy as a frontier of limitless potential, Mobereola said the agency is not merely seeking representation for women as a matter of social justice but pursuing sectoral transformation as a matter of economic survival.
He said the symposium resonated with the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric toward actionable strategies that will enable women in West Africa lead the next maritime frontier.
In his remarks, the Deputy Commandant of the KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo,highlighted  the significant role women play in shaping the future of maritime security and governance, especially as digital technologies redefine operational landscapes.
He noted that digital transformation offers a unique chance to enhance maritime domain awareness and coordination.
“The Gulf of Guinea is a maritime domain of immense strategic importance, rich in resources, and a hub for international trade.
“However, it also faces complex security challenges including piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking.
“Digital transformation presents a unique opportunity to enhance maritime domain awareness, improve coordination, and strengthen response capabilities.
” It is imperative that women are not only included but empowered to lead and innovate within this evolving digital ecosystem, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for inclusive growth and security.
“Women’s participation in maritime affairs has historically been limited by socio-cultural and institutional barriers.
Yet, their involvement brings diverse perspectives and solutions vital for holistic maritime governance.
“Digital transformation can act as a catalyst to break these barriers by providing platforms for education, networking, and leadership development.
” It is encouraging to witness increasing numbers of women engaging in digital skills acquisition, policy formulation, and operational roles within maritime security institutions across the Gulf of Guinea, ” he said.
Ayorrogo said since 2021, the KAIPTC has dedicated a specialized department to women and youth issues in the peace and security domain, recognizing that diverse perspectives are vital for holistic maritime governance.
He, however, noted that despite the progress made, challenges such as access to technology and digital infrastructure and gender gaps still persist in STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and professional training.
He added that digital threats such as cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns also pose new risks that require specialized knowledge and vigilance.
To address these challenges, the KAIPTC deputy Commandant called for concerted efforts from governments, industry, academia, and civil society to create enabling environments where women can thrive as digital leaders and innovators in maritime security.
He expressed the commitment of KAIPTC  to supporting the transformation through research and capacity-building initiatives that integrate gender perspectives and digital competencies.
“Our training programs increasingly emphasize the intersection of technology, security, and gender inclusion, equipping women with the skills necessary to navigate and influence the digital maritime domain. Collaboration with regional and international partners is central to expanding these opportunities and fostering networks that amplify women’s voices and contributions.
“Governments in the Gulf of Guinea must prioritize regulatory reforms that facilitate women’s access to digital tools, protect against cyber vulnerabilities, and encourage their participation in decision-making processes. Such policies will not only enhance maritime security but also contribute to broader socio-economic development and peacebuilding efforts in the region.
“Private sector engagement is equally crucial. Technology companies, maritime operators, and financial institutions have a responsibility to invest in women-led digital innovations and entrepreneurship.
“Public-private partnerships can accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge technologies while ensuring they are accessible and relevant to women’s needs and aspirations within the maritime sector, ” he said.
The event drew a diverse range of women stakeholders, including senior officials from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), educational institutions, maritime journalists, and women leaders within the sector.
Continue Reading

Headlines

IWD: SIFAX distributes 500 food packs to Ijora community, empowers staff 

Geraldine Samuel, Senior Correspondent 
In a series of impactful activities spanning a school outreach, an employee empowerment webinar and a community food donation drive, SIFAX Group has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a multi-pronged initiative that touched the lives of hundreds of girls, women employees and vulnerable residents in Lagos.
One of the highlights of the celebration was an outreach programme to United Christian Secondary School, Apapa, Lagos, where over 500 girls received mentorship from senior female employees of the company.
 The session covered topics such as leadership, education, personal development and menstrual health awareness.
There was also a donation of textbooks to the school, menstrual pads, as well as perfumes to the students.
The speakers drew from personal career experiences to motivate the students, urging them to remain focused on their education and resist distractions.
 They emphasised that determination and discipline could open doors across any field — from business and law to medicine, technology and the creative industries.
Jesuyemisi Odeyemi, Company Secretary and Legal Head of SIFAX Group, charged the students to strive for excellence without reservation.
 “You are strong. You can do it, and you will. You will not only do it, but you will also do it well, you will do it better,” she told the girls.
Vanessa Uansohia, Head of Corporate Communications at Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), SIFAX Group’s aviation arm, also challenged the students to confront self-limiting beliefs.
 “The only person that is stopping you is yourself,” she said, encouraging the girls to pursue their ambitions with bold confidence.
As part of internal activities to mark the day, the company also organised an interactive webinar for female employees focused on strengthening communication and leadership capacity in the workplace.
Speaking on the topic, “Speaking: A Tool for Growth, Multiplication, and Career Progression,” Public Speaking Strategist, Joyce Daniels, urged participants to embrace public speaking as a catalyst for professional advancement, noting that confidence and conviction are the cornerstones of effective communication.
“If you will grow, multiply and have progression in your career, you will speak from a place of conviction,” she said, adding that impactful leaders distinguish themselves by their willingness to boldly articulate their ideas.
Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, described International Women’s Day as a moment to celebrate the social, economic and cultural achievements of women while renewing the call for gender equality.
“This year’s theme, Give to Gain, resonates deeply with our mission of inclusivity and empowerment.
” Every woman is a leader in her own right, and giving back creates growth opportunities for individuals, organisations and communities,” she said.
Extending its impact beyond the workplace, SIFAX Group also carried out a community outreach to Ijora where 500 bags of assorted food items were distributed to vulnerable households.
Each pack was assembled with essential household staples — rice, beans, vegetable oil, garri and salt, carefully curated to provide tangible relief to families within the community.
The distribution was conducted in collaboration with community leaders to ensure a transparent and orderly process.
Eniola-Jegede, who coordinated the outreach, noted that the initiative reflects the organisation’s culture of compassion and its determination to give back to the communities in which it operates.
She added that the exercise was also designed to amplify the message of International Women’s Day by encouraging women within the organisation to lead community interventions that uplift vulnerable groups.
Continue Reading

Headlines

IWD: Mobereola, NIMASA DG, celebrates women for their contributions to maritime industry 

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) , Dr Dayo Mobereola, has applauded the contributions of women to the development of the Nigerian Maritime industry.

In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day with the theme “Give to Gain”, Dr Mobereola celebrated the strength, expertise and invaluable contributions of women to the sector, emphasising that the industry has gained progress, innovation and sustainable growth through their efforts.

According to him “I celebrate your strength, expertise, and invaluable contributions to our maritime industry.

“The theme #GiveToGain reflects your daily impact. Through your professionalism, leadership, and resilience across sea-going, regulatory, technical, and administrative roles, you give excellence and our sector gains progress, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Mobereola further commended the dedication of women in the industry and reaffirmed his commitment to “a maritime industry where every woman is empowered to lead and thrive”.

International Women’s Day is a global observance that seeks to draw attention to challenges faced by women and the need to ensure gender equity.

This year’s theme “Give to Gain”, focuses on investing in women through resources, education, and mentorship to create a stronger, more equitable society, highlighting the fact that empowering women brings collective benefits; economies, communities, and workplaces all grow when women thrive.

Continue Reading

Trending