Nigerian military reacts to video released by Boko Haram leader

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue with its operations against insurgents in the North-East in spite of the purported remorse demonstrated by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, in an online video.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sect leader, Abubakar Shekau, had released an online video clip in Arabic and Hausa languages on Thursday showing remorse and asking for forgiveness.

According to the DHQ spokesman, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin, had advised the public to discountenance the online video clip.

“The DHQ wishes to state emphatically that not minding the contents of the video clips, the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to fight in order to consolidate the successes recorded so far.

“The said video clip should, therefore, be discountenanced as it could be another ploy or antics of the terrorists to keep our innocent citizens off their current security alertness to maximise casualties if attacked.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are now determined more than ever before to end this ugly trend.

“The DHQ is also reassuring citizens that all captives under the coffer of the insurgents would regain their freedom with the ongoing military’s final offensive against the terrorists.’’

Abubakar said the CDS commended all officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices, determination and courage to complete the task against the terrorists.

The statement also advised the public not to be carried away by the video clips but to be extra vigilant and security conscious at all times during the Easter celebrations and beyond. (NAN)


Premium Times

Video - Nigeria raises interest rates

In response to a steep surge in inflation in January, Nigeria's Central Bank raised the policy rate to 12% from 11%. It also tweaked other elements of monetary policy, by increasing the Cash Reserve Ratio, to 22.5% from 20%. The decision comes just four months after the Monetary Policy Committee slashed the CRR to inject liquidity into the system. The expected outcomes, however, have not materialized.

John Obi Mikel appointed captain for Nigeria Super Eagles

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has been appointed Nigeria captain by coach Samson Siasia.

Mikel, 28, replaces CSKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa and Siasia informed both players about his decision on Wednesday night, telling ESPN FC that he decided to hand the armband to the team's longest serving player.

"Mikel is the oldest serving player in the team and it is the right thing for him to have the armband," Musa told ESPN FC. "This is just to correct what was done in the past.

"The most important thing for us right now is to concentrate on the two games in front of us and make sure that we beat Egypt and qualify for the [African] Nations Cup."


ESPN

Alex Iwobi released from hospital - Will play for Nigeria against Egypt on Friday

Alex Iwobi has been discharged from hospital and is ready to make his competitive debut for Nigeria.

The Super Eagles host Egypt on Friday in their African Cup of Nations qualifier and there had been fears Iwobi - hospitalised with food poisoning - would be unavailable.

But the Arsenal star dismissed those suggestions, tweeting: "Had the maddest food poisoning but I am good now and feeling ready for the Egyptian match."

Iwobi has been at the centre of a tussle between England and Nigeria recently, with the former trying to tempt him to play for them rather than the country of his birth.

The 19-year-old represented England at various youth levels before playing two friendlies for Nigeria's senior team.

But after his rise to prominence at Arsenal this season, the FA made one last attempt persuade him to return.

Iwobi, however, rejected their advances and is now set to seal his status as a Nigeria international by facing Egypt on Friday.


Mirror

Related story: Video - Nigeria and England fight over football player Alex Iwobi

South Korea to train Nigeria on $8.56 e-Government project

The South Korean global agency is investing $8.56 million for the implementation of capacity building programme for e-Government in Nigeria.

Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, is currently leading a 14-man delegation to the10- day High Level Capacity Building for e-Government in Nigeria Benchmarking Invitational Program.

The Invitational Program, designed for senior government officials was put together by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The collaboration with the Korean Government is expected to enhance Nigeria’s capability for efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance, with its attendant benefits trickling down to the masses.

The project has three components :Establishing an e- Government Master Plan (ii)Capacity Development Programme (CDP) and (iii) Establishing an e- Government Training Center in Nigeria.

 According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Victor Oluwadamilare, the Minister stated that the project is geared towards ensuring that Nigeria makes the best use of the opportunity of e- Government to increase the nation’s capability for efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance.

This, he averred, is in tandem with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari,in his desire to turn around the fortunes of the country in laying a new and enduring foundation for a better future for the masses of our people.

The Minister, urged participants at the event to take a full advantage of the Korean Government’s gesture in taking new initiatives that will impact the way Nigerians are governed and propel the country to greatness that will give the needed impetus to the Change Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The participants include the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Permanent Secretaries, National Assembly members and others.


Vanguard