Nation
‘Education, Powerful Tool For Equipping Visionary Leaders’
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Deltasafe, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah has emphasised that education remains a powerful tool for equipping visionary leaders, and must be looked at critically.
He made this known, while declaring open the maiden edition of the Chairperson, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 6 Division Chapter Inter – Command Secondary Schools Quiz, Debate and Essay Writing Competition, at Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya Badminton Court, Port Harcourt Barracks.
He reiterated that the theme for the competition, “Empowering Future Leaders Through Knowledge and Critical Thinking” was carefully selected, aimed at instilling the values of discipline, research and constructive argument skills that would equip the students for their future endeavours, giving the present reality of a fast-changing world, which demands the ability to think critically, analyse information and communicate effectively.
The GOC commended the efforts of the NAOWA, 6 Division Chapter under the leadership of Mrs Manfon Ejim Emekah for keying into the vision of the President, NAOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, among which is to promote academic excellence across Army Barracks nationwide.
He added that such programmes will go a long way in inspiring excellence among younger generations.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson, NAOWA, 6 Division Chapter, Mrs Manfon Ejim Emekah thanked the organisers and further said the theme of the competition was a reminder of the critical role education plays in shaping future generations.
She further stated that the contemporary world is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about the application of the knowledge acquired.
Thus, critical thinking and solving real-world problems is the benefit of such competition, which she maintained provides unique opportunities for the students to develop the requisite skills, that will prepare them adequately for future endeavours.
She commended the GOC for his unwavering support towards educational development in Command schools, adding that his leadership has been instrumental in creating the enabling environment for academic excellence to thrive in the Division.
She encouraged the competitors to embrace the challenge with confidence, determination, and most importantly spirit of healthy competition.
Earlier, the Acting Director, 6 Division Education Services, Lt Col Prince Agbai, while delivering his welcome address, stressed that the theme of the competition underscored the crucial role education plays in shaping future leaders, particularly in a rapidly evolving world, where knowledge is not just enough but the ability to reason, analyse , communicate and relay information effectively remains critical.
The competition he said, has created a platform for the students to develop their skills, nurture teamwork, intellectual excellence and leadership qualities. He called on the contestants to approach the event with enthusiasm, sportsmanship and a determination to excel.
The event had goodwill messages delivered by dignitaries. The Chairperson, OB Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr (Mrs) Seinye Lulu-Briggs, who was represented commended the initiative and said it was a welcome development. She added that the role of education in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders cannot be overemphasised, restating the commitment of her Foundation in supporting learning.
This she maintained, is the only way to honour the selfless sacrifices of our fallen heroes, whose wards are in various Barracks under 6 Division. She urged the contestants to seize the opportunity to learn and compete, stressing that winning is important but the real victory lies in the knowledge gained.
She declared scholarship awards to each member of the three winning teams to further their education in any Nigerian public university of their choice.Relatedly, President, Victor Tulutu Briggs Foundation, Hon. (Dr) Victor Briggs, while supporting the initiative, donated the sum of Three Million (3,000,000.00) Naira at the event.
He had also undertaken to partner with NAOWA in providing some scholarships to the students that are doing perfectly well in the different schools. Similarly, Honorable Sokari Goodboy Sokari who was represented by Mr Warmann Onisokumen Easter felicitated with the organisers and the contestants.
He said as a leader, he believes that education is the bedrock of the society, as such he encouraged the students to embrace the opportunity in showcasing their talents and learn from each other.
The quiz, debate and essay writing competition which was organised in honour of the Chairperson, NAOWA, 6 Division Chapter, had four Command Secondary Schools under 6 Division, participating.
They include, Command Science Secondary School, Eta-Etinan, Akwa Ibom State, Command Science Secondary School, Ebedebiri, Bayelsa State, Command Secondary School, Mbiri, Delta State and Command Science Secondary School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Senate yesterday approved the bills for the establishment of Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences and College of Education, Bende at its plenary session.
The two bills sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon . Benjamin Kalu came to the Senate for concurrence after the approvals from the House of Representatives.
The Deputy Leader of the Senate, Sen. Lola Ashiru in the absence of the Majority Leader presented the recommendations of the Lower Chamber for consideration and Concurrence .
The Bill for an Act to establish Federal College of Education, Bende in Abia State seeks to provide full-time courses, training in technology, applied sciences, commerce, social sciences, arts and humanities among others.
Kalu had in his lead debate stated that Bende has remained undivided since its creation in 1976, even though with the size of four local government areas as found in comparative federal constituencies.
“Despite its strategic location in Abia and sharing a border with Akwa Ibom, with a growing population and landmass, there is no tertiary institution in the Federal Constituency operated either by Federal or State Government. Bende deserves to have the presence of a tertiary institution to serve the education need of the teeming youthful population, especially now that the need for well-trained educationists has risen. This is accompanied by the need to fill the gaps created by both the consequences of brain drain and the lack of qualified educationists to provide quality training at all levels of education,” he said.
For the bill seeking the establishment of Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende, Abia State, he said when it becomes law, the university will be charged with the responsibility to, among other things, offer full-time training leading to the award of degrees in medical and health sciences.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi
South East Caucus of the Senate has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immorttalise late Professor Humphrey Nwosu considering his commitment to achieving a practical democracy for Nigerian.
The Senators visibly angered by the Senate’s rejection of the need to immortalise the late National Electoral umpire who stood for democracy through the turbulent 1993 elections stormed out of the Senate Chambers and spoke to the press .
The Chairman of the South East Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe ( Abia South), as he did in plenary on Wednesday, presented a motion for immortalisation of Humphrey Nwosu by naming the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) , after him , for laying the foundation in 1993 and conducting the freest and fairest Presidential election in the country .
The late Professor Nwosu was the National Chairman of the National Electoral Commission ( NEC) , now known as Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) , who through option A4, conducted the June 12, 19993 presidential election , adjudged to be the freest and fairest in the country.
Abaribe in the motion co – sponsored by 15 other Senators , said late Humphrey Nwosu deserved to be immortalised like other heroes of the June 12 , 1993 presidential election .
He also urged the Federal Government to honour the late former electoral umpire with post humous national honours .
But Abaribe’s request , seconded by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and supported by Senators from the South East including forner Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi ( Kebbi North) , was roundly rejected by other Senators who said the deceased deserved no immortalization .
Specifically , Senator Adams Oshiomhole ( Edo North) , in his contribution to the debate said the motion to him, was nothing but an attempt to manipulate and rewrite history.
“ Professor Humphrey Nwosu as NEC Chairman in 1993, failed to deliver on the June 12 , 1993 Presidential Election for lack of Courage
“ He who is not ready to die for something , will die for nothing
“ If he was afraid of the gun from announcing the election results and winner in 1993 , he cannot be rewarded now , more so, when many Nigerians died for what he inadvertently created “, he said .
Nneka Amaechi -Nnadi
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Nigerian Military is committed to facilitating sustainable food security in the country through the establishment of farms.
Musa said this in Abuja yesterday during the unveiling of the Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products Logo.
He noted that the agricultural sector played crucial role in guaranteeing food security which was requisite for sustainable national security.
He said that the adverse impact of climate change, environmental degradation and conflict across some parts of the country had continuously threatened food security with dire consequences on national security.
According to him, to address this, the Defence Headquarters in May 2023, conceptualised the Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products initiative.
“This is with the aim of keying into the federal government’s efforts at addressing food security challenges in the country.
“The initiative which aligns with the ‘People Centric’ policy thrust of my leadership concept is aimed at creating job opportunities and enhancing rural infrastructural development while significantly contributing to food security in the Country.
“Considering the extensive consultation, planning and preparation made by the committee thus far, I am optimistic that the Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products initiative will have a positive transformative impact on host communities while enhancing national security.
“With similar initiatives replicated across the country, I envision a future characterised by modernised farming techniques in which the agricultural sector significantly contributes to economic growth and national development.”
The CDS enjoined all members of the Armed Forces and the general public to embrace the initiative and maximise its associated gains.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his sterling leadership and relentless pursuit of national peace, security and economic prosperity.
He also appreciated the efforts of members of the committee who worked assiduously to actualise the initiative.
Earlier, the Chairman, Defence Farms Committee,
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