Personality in Focus
2023 NAOSNP National Security Conference: Panelists Proffer Solutions to Arms Proliferation, Call for Synergy
By Eric Elezuo
The main hall of the Civic Centre in Lagos was a beehive of activities as stakeholders, experts, security practitioners and the general public gathered to proffer solutions to an age long challenge of proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
The event was the 2023 edition of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers’ (NAOSNP) National Security Conference with the theme Uptick of Lethal Weapons As a Threat: Arm-full, Harm-full in New Dispensation under the chairmanship of the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) IGP Solomon Arase (Retd).
The cynosure of the high profile event was the showcasing of a panel session of highly rated society security professionals comprising the Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) Lt. Col AY Ngulde; Assistant Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Zone F, South West, Chika Njoku; Force Publice Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Commandant, Lagos State Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Alfadarai; Director, Public Affairs, West African Examination Council (WAEC) National Office, Ms Moyosola Adesina; Managing Director, Safety Signatures, Dr. Cynthia Gregg; Head of Enforcement, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Kayode Odunuga, and Head of Security, Leadway Assurance, Mr Ufot.
Moderating the panel discussions, the Editor of the Boss Newspaper and Public Relations Officer of NAOSNP, Mr. Eric Elezuo, took the discussants on a round robin journey of proffering assessment of the security situation of the country, with special emphasis on the proliferation and use of light weapons in the perpetuation of crimes and criminality by non state actors.
Lt. Col. Ngulde, who set the ball rolling identified non cooperation from the members of the public to enhance the security agencies’ efforts in ending criminality occasioned by prevalent of illegal weapons in the public space. He called on the public, especially the media to rise to the occasion, join hands with the security agencies, who are already on top of their game, to curb the menace.
In his remarks, Commandant Alfadarai lauded the efforts of NAOSNP in leading the way to ending insecurity. He enumerated the achievements of his agency in arresting the activities of the criminals as it regards the protection of national assets and infrastructure.
Security expert, Cynthia Gregg, identified the inordinate ambition of certain individuals to intimidate and dominate their fellow man as one of the reasons for the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Nigerian Civil space, thereby resulting in insecurity and unsafe habitation.
She also advised the security agencies to up their games in manning the borders, which according to her, have become so porous that anything and anyone can go in and out with little or no restrictions.
In his assessment, Adejobi, who stood in for the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun as the special guest of honour, went down memory lane to expose the activities of the members of the underworld. He called on diverse security operators to harness their energies as one indivisible unit to fight the scourge. He frowned at the idea of the agencies acting without synergy, noting that criminals are attacking and killing everyone irrespective of the agency they belong to, using the recent Imo attack as a case study where soldiers, policemen and NSCDC officials were slaughtered.
Adejobi also called on residents and community leaders to be vigilant in the area of security stating that individuals can arrest offenders where necessary, according to the Criminal Code, in section 12. He warned however, that arresting offenders by civilians should be with discretion since they don’t bear arms, and that mobbing and beating up of suspects is not part of ‘arresting’.
He added that anyone, who wishes to possess fire arms must have them licenced by the appropriate authority.
“The law empowers military personnel, and law enforcement agencies to carry arms. It’s however frightening to see many individuals possessing firearms without being licensed by the authority.
“In Nigeria, everybody wants to posses firearm for one reason or the other which is the basis of the current problem we have now,” he said.
He further informed that dane guns, as used by hunters in villages across the country, ought to be licensed, but because they are seen as part of culture, law agencies do not arrest the owners, stressing that such guns still need to be licensed.
Adejobi raised the alarm, saying that most light weapons are not imported, but fabricated within the Nigerian space by locals just as unfavorable landscape has remained a prohibiting factor in tracking offenders, most of whom domicile in the interior parts of the communities.
Speaking from the perspective of conducting exams, Ms Adesina, recounted how exams, which involves five West African countries could have been stalled by activities of criminal elements in whose hands light weapons and arms are rested. She lamented that the activities of criminals place extra task of re-setting exams each time they attack men and materials of the exam body.
In his contribution, LASTMA’s Odunuga lamented that the spread of light arms is the reason behind ‘one chance’ incidents frequently experienced on the highway. He advised commuters to always board their bases at the right garages and bus stops where a certain element of security is guaranteed.
All the panel members agreed that the issue the curbing of proliferation of arms and light weapons is a collective responsibility involving all the security agencies, the media and the general public. They concluded that everyone should operate on the policy of ‘see something, say something’.
Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.
In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.
One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.
Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.
Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.
He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.
“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.
The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.
As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.
Personality in Focus
UBA Appoints Henrietta Ugboh Independent Non-Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from Group Board
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.
UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”
Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).
Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”
The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.
During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.
On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.
Personality in Focus
Tinubu Hails FirstBank’s Immediately Past CEO, Adeduntan on Exceptional Service
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the bank holds a splendid Sendforth party on his behalf for a meritorious service.
The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads in full:
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.
In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.
President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.
These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.
President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.
President Tinubu wishes Dr Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavours.
