Metro
NSCDC Lauds Rivers Govt for Donating 14 Gun Boats, Renews Commitment to Anti-Vandalism War
The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has thanked the Rivers State Governor, Barr Nyesom Wike for his resolve to improve the security of lives and property of citizens through empowerment of security agencies to deliver on their assigned mandates.
Dr Audi congratulated all the security agencies in Rivers State who received the gunboats and commended the government for donating 14 gunboats to fortify security in the state, reiterating that this gesture will go along way in fighting criminality especially act of sabotage in the oil industry which has taken its toll on the socio economic development of the Niger Delta Region.
He continued that, as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, the gunboats could not have come at a better time than now that NSCDC has renewed it’s onslaught against vandals, oil thieves and illegal oil bunkerers who are mostly armed with heavy weaponry against security agencies.
The CG stated that the support given by the state governor to the Corps has boosted the morale of the Anti Vandal Squad of the Rivers State Command and spurred them into more actionable operations for greater success. He affirmed that the Corps would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that vandals and other economic saboteurs are wiped out completely from the oil sector.
The Corps helmsman charged the Rivers State Commandant, Abu Abdu Tambuwal and all officers and men of the Command to make judicious use of the gunboat in achieving better results in the protection of government assets and infrastructure and to equally maintain it in such a way that the State government will be interested in doing more for the Corps.
Briefing his officers and men at the State Command after the Commissioning of 14 Ballistic Gun Boats donated by the Government of Rivers State in order to improve the security of the State, the Commandant, Abu Abdu Tambuwal vowed to sniff out all those involved in Crude oil theft, illegal dealings in Petroleum products and vandalism of oil pipelines in Rivers State and charged the personnel to be unwavering in this new resolve.
Commandant Tambuwal who was conspicuously present alongside other Service Commanders at the occasion to receive the gunboat on behalf of the Corps thanked His Excellency, Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for remembering the Corps and assured that the State Governor’s magnanimity would further strengthen the war against Oil pipeline Vandalism in the State.
Tambuwal further said the NSCDC as the lead agency in Safeguarding of all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure would continue to work relentlessly to rid the State of economic saboteurs, stressing that the Rivers State Command under his watch had arrested 11 Suspects in connection with illegal dealings in Petroleum products, the Command also impounded 8 Trucks and 3 Cars within his one month assumption of Office.
He reiterated that every suspects arrested would be prosecuted according to the extant laws, urging the good people of the State to collaborate with the NSCDC by giving credible Intelligence that would help to nip in the bud all operators of illegal refineries and economic saboteurs in Rivers State.
SIGNED:
DCC OLUSOLA ODUMOSU
DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS
NSCDC NHQ, ABUJA.
In pursuance of its goal to affect humanity, foremost not-for-profit health organization, Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) has held its 2026 Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony geared towards spotlighting the values of sustained purpose, service, compassion, sacrifice, and discipline.
The ceremony, held in Lagos on Saturday 25th April 2026, brought together a remarkable corps of volunteers whose quiet, consistent efforts have shaped lives in ways statistics often fail to capture. It also created the perfect space for reflection while boldly charting the path forward for the sickle cell NGO founded by nonprofit leader, Toyin Adesola in 2008.
During the event, a 10million naira crowdfunding campaign tagged #1kforSickle to encourage Nigerians to give a minimum of ₦1,000 to support the organization’s effort was launched. Also, 11 award categories were presented to capture the impact of individuals from various spheres of influence who have supported SAMI over the years. These include haematologists, medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, IT experts, media executives, and emerging young professionals in different sectors.
The event had 4 top speakers including polymath and Founder of Immerse Coaching Company, Debola Deji Kurunmi; clinical psychologist, Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje; leadership expert, Director Oluwatoyin Banjo; and co-founder of 9ijakids, Mrs. Titi Adewusi, to forge the awareness of a greater responsibility for impact to the sickle cell community and humanity at large.
Delivering one of the most compelling sessions of the Retreat, Debola Deji-Kurunmi challenged the volunteers to rethink their personal growth as a fundamental aspect of their influence to SAMI, family, and community. Deploying the five empires of self-leadership, she emphasized the need for self-mastery, self-direction, self-drive, self-influence, and self-expansion. “It is when you lead yourself well that you can serve others better and advance the mission” she asserted.
Noting that “SAMI is moving forward from being a founder-led NGO to a legacy-led institution”, the highly sought corporate trainer fondly called DDK, encouraged the volunteers to move from consumer mindset to creator mindset, bring forward their original ideas, make more suggestions, and become more solution-oriented.
From a psychological standpoint, Mr. Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje brought a refreshing depth to the conversation, focusing on the inner life of a volunteer. His session provided a vital reminder that emotional balance, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment are hallmarks of a successful life.
He addressed the emotional impact as well as the toll that social media could play on mental health, advocating for self-awareness and introspection as critical components for mental resilience and sustainable impact. He highlighted that a state of positive mental health will encompass “emotional, psychological, and social well-being that focuses on how we feel, how we function, and the knowledge that we are separate from our problems.”
Speaking to the heart of volunteering, Mrs. Titi Adewusi delivered a powerful message focused on Why Team Spirit Matters to Building Trust and Credibility for a Nonprofit. Drawing largely from real stories, she challenged the volunteers to see their opportunities to serve the SAMI mission not only when they show up physically but in everything. Her insights served as a rallying call for volunteers, even as she officially launched the #1kforSickle crowdfunding campaign.
In a stirring address on leadership and influence, Director Toyin Banjo underscored the responsibility that comes with the privilege of leading within volunteer ecosystems. She centered her discussion on the 8 Pillars of M.O.B.I.L.I.Z.E. which are the principles of “motivate with meaning, orient and onboard, build belonging, invest in them, lead by example, inspire through impact, zoom in on zeal, and empower and entrust.” Her remarks provided a unique perspective into volunteering and urged leadership of the nonprofit to renew their commitment to continually pour into the development of its most valuable human resource team.
The Communication Officer of the health nonprofit, Abayomi Oyelami noted that the SAMI Volunteer Retreat & Awards Ceremony was to “honour the passion, sacrifice, and invisible work shaping lives in the sickle cell community, as well as to be a space for growth, learning, and renewed purpose.”
He indicated that Nigerians who wish to donate to the ongoing #1kforSickle campaign can donate via: A/c name: SAMI 500 by 1M Campaign, GTB – 0208883097 or use the online channels found on the official promotional materials.
The SAMI Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony drew to a close with a collective call for volunteers to awaken to a higher order of service, where compassion and goodwill is matched with skill and excellence.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
