Friday, 9 May 2014
Boko Haram blows bridge linking Cameroun
Barely three days after the massacre of over 200, Boko Haram destroyed the link bridge between Gamboru-Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State and Cameroon.
The Defence Headquarters however said last night that it was a partial
destruction of the bridge by the sect members to slow down the pursuit of their fleeing members.
A military source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The affected bridge is a vital one connecting Nigeria with Cameroon. The fleeing sect members destroyed the bridge in anger to frustrate troops from pursuing them.
“The way they destroyed the bridge, only light vehicles can manage to pass. The damage will not allow armoured vehicles to pass through. The target is to halt! the movement of troops across the border.
“This development has confirmed intelligence report that the insurgents have a well-established base in Cameroon.”
The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said: “The bridge was partially destroyed to slow down troops pursuing them and frustrate their operation.” Gamboru is a strategic town vital to the counter-attacks against the insurgents.
Boko Haram in January 2013 took control of more than eight strategic Local Government Areas in northern Borno, including Gamboru- Ngala. Others were Marte, Mobbar, Gubio, Guzamala, Abadam, Kukawa, and Kala-Balge local government areas.
But troops succeeded in regaining the control of the local governments.
There were concerns last night that the seizure of Gamboru by Boko Haram might be an attempt to take over Northern Borno afresh.
Culled from The Nation
Joint Nigeria-Namibia refinery to offer
employment to youths — Envoy
Abuja – Namibian High Commissioner to
Nigeria, Amb. Peingeondjabi Shipoh, said on
Friday the joint Nigeria-Namibia refinery will
offer employment opportunities to the teeming
youth of both countries.
Shipoh said in Abuja that the refinery was an
outcome of an agreement signed during
President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Namibia
in March.
The envoy said that the project which would be
sited in Namibia would be private-sector
driven.
“When President Goodluck Jonathan visited
Namibia in March we intended signing 13
(agreements) but because of the short notice,
we could only sign 11.
“There is an agreement to establish a joint
refinery. Namibia has availed the land in the
port of Walvis Bay and this agreement
stipulates that the private sector champions the
project.
“My duty is to consult the private sector in
Namibia and Nigeria assisted by the Namibia-
Nigeria Chamber of Commerce or the umbrella
chamber of commerce industry of Nigeria and
the Nigerian High Commissioner in Windhoek.
“How to access the private sector that may be
interested in this project in Namibia. This has
been on the table for over 20 years.
“Namibia has no refinery, it imports everything
that we need as far as petroleum products are
concerned. Therefore this project is very
important to the livelihood of Namibians.
The high commissioner said that the project
which would cost about US$10 billion would be
given the necessary support by the two
governments.
The envoy emphasised the need to ensure
value addition by training the youth of both
countries that would constitute the workforce.
He explained that the refinery would enhance
the economies of both countries and their
regions.
“It all depends how thick the pockets of the
business people are. When it comes to refinery,
it’s not a cheap project depending on the
capacity of that refinery.
“We are talking about U.S. $7 billion to U.S.
$10 billion.
“Since the Namibian government is keen to see
this refinery taking off some instruments are
also ready to assist such an investor.
“The most important thing for the Namibian
government is, we would like to create jobs with
this project; there is our solution in terms of
alleviating poverty.
“The youth, they are graduating and they don’t
have fixed jobs; this is the opportunity.
“We all know that a refinery of that magnitude
needs skilled people.
“So, it is for us also to be ready to start training
now so that if it is in two or three or four years
the refinery is ready the corresponding work
force should be ready.
“Whether they come from Nigeria or Namibia,
the support of the government is guaranteed.”
Shipoh said that Namibia had discovered oil
adding that “oil might not be far away”.
According to him, facilities and opportunities
were available to investors under the
agreement signed on oil and gas.
“Promising exploration zones are open for
exploration by international companies,” he
added.
He said other the agreements signed were in
the areas of mineral exploration, agriculture,
education and health.
The envoy said the agreements would facilitate
the transfer of Nigerian professionals in the
health and education sectors for a specific
period to Namibia.
The envoy pointed out that the Joint
Commission of Cooperation (JCC) shared by
both countries would ensure the review and
implementation of agreements between both
countries.
He said the JCC is expected to meet in Namibia
in June or July. (NAN)
Culled from Vanguard
employment to youths — Envoy
Abuja – Namibian High Commissioner to
Nigeria, Amb. Peingeondjabi Shipoh, said on
Friday the joint Nigeria-Namibia refinery will
offer employment opportunities to the teeming
youth of both countries.
Shipoh said in Abuja that the refinery was an
outcome of an agreement signed during
President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Namibia
in March.
The envoy said that the project which would be
sited in Namibia would be private-sector
driven.
“When President Goodluck Jonathan visited
Namibia in March we intended signing 13
(agreements) but because of the short notice,
we could only sign 11.
“There is an agreement to establish a joint
refinery. Namibia has availed the land in the
port of Walvis Bay and this agreement
stipulates that the private sector champions the
project.
“My duty is to consult the private sector in
Namibia and Nigeria assisted by the Namibia-
Nigeria Chamber of Commerce or the umbrella
chamber of commerce industry of Nigeria and
the Nigerian High Commissioner in Windhoek.
“How to access the private sector that may be
interested in this project in Namibia. This has
been on the table for over 20 years.
“Namibia has no refinery, it imports everything
that we need as far as petroleum products are
concerned. Therefore this project is very
important to the livelihood of Namibians.
The high commissioner said that the project
which would cost about US$10 billion would be
given the necessary support by the two
governments.
The envoy emphasised the need to ensure
value addition by training the youth of both
countries that would constitute the workforce.
He explained that the refinery would enhance
the economies of both countries and their
regions.
“It all depends how thick the pockets of the
business people are. When it comes to refinery,
it’s not a cheap project depending on the
capacity of that refinery.
“We are talking about U.S. $7 billion to U.S.
$10 billion.
“Since the Namibian government is keen to see
this refinery taking off some instruments are
also ready to assist such an investor.
“The most important thing for the Namibian
government is, we would like to create jobs with
this project; there is our solution in terms of
alleviating poverty.
“The youth, they are graduating and they don’t
have fixed jobs; this is the opportunity.
“We all know that a refinery of that magnitude
needs skilled people.
“So, it is for us also to be ready to start training
now so that if it is in two or three or four years
the refinery is ready the corresponding work
force should be ready.
“Whether they come from Nigeria or Namibia,
the support of the government is guaranteed.”
Shipoh said that Namibia had discovered oil
adding that “oil might not be far away”.
According to him, facilities and opportunities
were available to investors under the
agreement signed on oil and gas.
“Promising exploration zones are open for
exploration by international companies,” he
added.
He said other the agreements signed were in
the areas of mineral exploration, agriculture,
education and health.
The envoy said the agreements would facilitate
the transfer of Nigerian professionals in the
health and education sectors for a specific
period to Namibia.
The envoy pointed out that the Joint
Commission of Cooperation (JCC) shared by
both countries would ensure the review and
implementation of agreements between both
countries.
He said the JCC is expected to meet in Namibia
in June or July. (NAN)
Culled from Vanguard
U S MARINE CORPS TRAINS NIGERIA SOLDIERS IN AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE
The U.S Marine Corps Africa, on Friday
completed a three-week training for 100
Nigerian soldiers in amphibious and riverine
warfare.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
the training which started on April 17, and
ended on Thursday was conducted at the
Amphibious Training School (ATS), Calabar.
The soldiers were trained on fire team
formation, use of micro terrain, preparation for
combat, mission planning, shooting position,
casualty evacuation, among others.
Speaking at the grand finale, Brig.-Gen. Enang
Ukagu, Commander of ATS, said the objective of
the training was to equip ATS personnel with
basic concept of amphibious and riverine
operations.
He said that the exercise provided the officers
with high level military intelligence and
knowledge of combating sea piracy and other
forms of illegalities in riverine areas.
“The objective of the training has been
achieved and the soldiers are now combat
ready to engage in any warfare with the enemy
in riverine areas.
“The U.S Marine Corps Africa has added value
to the capacity building of the Nigerian Army,
especially in amphibious and riverine
operations.
“I must commend the graduating soldiers for
having gone through the three weeks intensive
and rigorous training; may your efforts never be
in vain,’’ he said.
Ukagu thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.
Kenneth Minimah, for the training, saying he did
not only approve it but provided funds for the
exercise.
Minimah, who was represented by Maj.-Gen.
Bamidele Ologundudu, Director of Training,
Army Headquarters, Abuja, said the Nigerian
Army under his leadership was making
tremendous effort in addressing security
challenges in the country.
He said that the collaborative training was
designed to equip the soldiers to tackle those
challenges.
“Over the past decades, a few challenges
facing the nation have been a threat to oil
exploration and economic activities in the Niger
Delta area.
“This is as a result of the activities of criminals,
and some misguided elements,’’ he said.
Minimah said that the success of deployment
of soldiers to curtail insecurity in the area was
dependent on effective training of personnel.
The leader of the U.S Marine, Capt. Peter
Kennedy, commended the Nigerian Army for
their discipline and hard work.
Kennedy said he looked forward to more
training partnership between the U.S Marine
and the Nigerian Army.
A cross section of soldiers who participated in
the exercise, lauded the exercise, saying that
the knowledge they gained would help them in
combating illegalities in riverine area. (NAN).
Culled from Vanguard
The U.S Marine Corps Africa, on Friday
completed a three-week training for 100
Nigerian soldiers in amphibious and riverine
warfare.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
the training which started on April 17, and
ended on Thursday was conducted at the
Amphibious Training School (ATS), Calabar.
The soldiers were trained on fire team
formation, use of micro terrain, preparation for
combat, mission planning, shooting position,
casualty evacuation, among others.
Speaking at the grand finale, Brig.-Gen. Enang
Ukagu, Commander of ATS, said the objective of
the training was to equip ATS personnel with
basic concept of amphibious and riverine
operations.
He said that the exercise provided the officers
with high level military intelligence and
knowledge of combating sea piracy and other
forms of illegalities in riverine areas.
“The objective of the training has been
achieved and the soldiers are now combat
ready to engage in any warfare with the enemy
in riverine areas.
“The U.S Marine Corps Africa has added value
to the capacity building of the Nigerian Army,
especially in amphibious and riverine
operations.
“I must commend the graduating soldiers for
having gone through the three weeks intensive
and rigorous training; may your efforts never be
in vain,’’ he said.
Ukagu thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.
Kenneth Minimah, for the training, saying he did
not only approve it but provided funds for the
exercise.
Minimah, who was represented by Maj.-Gen.
Bamidele Ologundudu, Director of Training,
Army Headquarters, Abuja, said the Nigerian
Army under his leadership was making
tremendous effort in addressing security
challenges in the country.
He said that the collaborative training was
designed to equip the soldiers to tackle those
challenges.
“Over the past decades, a few challenges
facing the nation have been a threat to oil
exploration and economic activities in the Niger
Delta area.
“This is as a result of the activities of criminals,
and some misguided elements,’’ he said.
Minimah said that the success of deployment
of soldiers to curtail insecurity in the area was
dependent on effective training of personnel.
The leader of the U.S Marine, Capt. Peter
Kennedy, commended the Nigerian Army for
their discipline and hard work.
Kennedy said he looked forward to more
training partnership between the U.S Marine
and the Nigerian Army.
A cross section of soldiers who participated in
the exercise, lauded the exercise, saying that
the knowledge they gained would help them in
combating illegalities in riverine area. (NAN).
Culled from Vanguard
ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP WILL BE CONCLUDED ON SUNDAY MAKE YOUR PREDICTIONS
15:00 Cardiff City ? - ? Chelsea
15:00 Fulham ? - ? Crystal Palace
15:00 Hull City ? - ? Everton
15:00 Liverpool ? - ? Newcastle United
15:00 Manchester City ? - ? West Ham United
15:00 Norwich City ? - ? Arsenal
15:00 Southampton ? - ? Manchester United
15:00 Sunderland ? - ? Swansea City
15:00 Tottenham Hotspur ? - ? Aston Villa
15:00 West Bromwich Albion ? - ? Stoke City
15:00 Cardiff City ? - ? Chelsea
15:00 Fulham ? - ? Crystal Palace
15:00 Hull City ? - ? Everton
15:00 Liverpool ? - ? Newcastle United
15:00 Manchester City ? - ? West Ham United
15:00 Norwich City ? - ? Arsenal
15:00 Southampton ? - ? Manchester United
15:00 Sunderland ? - ? Swansea City
15:00 Tottenham Hotspur ? - ? Aston Villa
15:00 West Bromwich Albion ? - ? Stoke City
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