Connect with us

NEWS

Strong And Innovative Think Thank Panacea To National Development — Buratai

Published

on

Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), has canvassed for strong and innovative think thank as a panacea to Nigeria Development.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Tukur Buratai Research Centre, TBRC, at the weekend in Keffi, Nasarawa State, the former Chief of Army Staff said TBRC will fill the vacuum in the area of research and policy development, especially in the areas of security and defence, peace, conflict management, climate change, leadership and development.
Buratai explains that his passion for human capital development was borne out of his genuine desire to give back to the system and contribute his own quota.
“One may want to know why a retired General cum diplomat will decide to collaborate with a university to set up a think-tank like TBRC. Since this a straight question, I will respond with an answer that is precise and straight to the point. It was W.H Auden who said that “We are here on Earth to do good to others. What others are here for, I don’t know.” My simple philosophy about life is to continue to live a life of value by improving on the system that we have, and as someone coming from the military, I reckoned that the best way for me and my associates to add value to our society and make our country better and stronger is through a think-tank like TBRC.
“Let me make it categorically clear to us that one of the factors that helped the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries is strong and innovative think-tanks.
As far back as 1831, the Duke of Wellington set up the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies with the aim of helping policymakers navigate through complex policy problems.
Then the London Fabian Society which got established in 1884, home to Sydney and Beatrice Webbs, who later founded the London School of Economics. In 1919, scholars like Lionel Curtis of Oxford University spearheaded the establishment of a think-tank to explore international problems and advocate policy solutions.
“After that, we saw the emergence of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 1916, which in 1927, merged with two other institutions to form the widely acclaimed Brookings Institution. I believe that there exists a gap in our polity that “TBRC as a think-tank can fill through research and policy development especially in the areas of security and defence, peace, conflict management, climate change, leadership and development.” He said.
To Buratai development in every sector of our national should not be left alone for the government.
He says all hands must be on deck if we are to achieve the Eldorado we crave for.
“We need development in every sector of our national life, and this is something that should not be left for the government alone to do. As I have said in so many fora, there can be no real development without security and peace, and in the same vein, there must be economic opportunities, equity and justice for security and peace to exist which in turn serves as the foundation or pillars of development.
“TBRC will devote attention to the interplay between these critical factors taking cognisance of our environment and its peculiarities with a view to coming up with policies that can help the government. Our objective is geared towards a more secured and better Nigeria for all Nigerians.
“Increased productivity, improved socioeconomic well-being, increased income, infrastructure development, job creation, and improved quality of local produce for both domestic and international markets remain the hallmarks of a well-thought-out research initiative and development agenda by a prosperous nation led by a visionary/corrupt-free leader.
The anticipated benefits of a functional research and development program include training people with the necessary capacity to conduct economic tasks with an appreciable degree of skill, hence achieving maximum production. These capacities include equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully harness and exploit the potentials found in their surroundings.
Nigeria’s current situation demonstrates that it is a populous nation with a plethora of potentials but insufficient capabilities to transfer these potentials into socioeconomic reforms.
“Evidence abounds in nations throughout the world that house research centres dedicated to developing necessary initiatives and or strategies that will aid in mitigating development issues and maximizing environmental potential. While a few of nations have achieved significant milestones and or breakthroughs in this area, many others are still struggling to find their footing in terms of designing mechanisms by which their potentials can be fully realized.
“Research entails an in-depth investigation of an object or situation with the goal of promoting development and progress. It is a process that involves the collection of reliable and usable information and data on the subject of the research, as well as the analysis of the data acquired in order to reach a legitimate conclusion. Thus, the primary purpose of research is to uncover answers to important questions targeted at resolving societal problems.
To Buratai, Leadership is a characteristic, nor a title. Leadership is about encouraging others to live the organization’s vision, mission, and values.
“I must say that research and well-informed policy frameworks are indispensables to those in the positions of leadership. We leave in a globalized world and things now move with breakneck speed.
“The world of today is no longer an environment that responds to those who have military might or have numerical strength; it also doesn’t give a damn if a country has an armada of natural resources like the one we have in Nigeria. “Sometimes, I picture those in positions of leadership as sailors of a ship cruising on the ocean, supposedly taking their people to the Promised Land.
“Today’s world simply responds and obeys those who are well informed and those who have fool-proofed policies.
“This is why research centres and think tanks like TBRC are critical to the success of every leader. There is no gainsaying the fact that leadership without well-informed and foolproofed policies will lack clear vision and direction. This is the major cause of setbacks in most African nations.” He said.

BIG STORY

MOHBAD: Police Grill Sam Larry, Lagos CP To Address Press

Published

on

The Lagos State Police Command has deepened its probe of Balogun Eletu popularly known as Sam Larry, over the ongoing investigation into circumstances leading to the death of late Singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad.

Recall that Sam Larry was detained by the police on Thursday night after he honoured the police invitation, and has since been grilled by police investigators over his disagreements with the late musician.

It was gathered that the suspect who is currently detained at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters and was yet to hire the services of a lawyer over the incident as of Saturday, is very much likely to remain in police custody until next week Monday.

According to The Punch, a security source under anonymity also revealed that police officers arrested Sam Larry at the Murtala Muhammed Airport on Thursday night following his arrival from Kenya.

“Sam Larry was arrested by policemen at the Murtala Muhammed airport last night (Thursday) after he arrived from Kenya, and he was immediately driven to the Lagos Command Headquarters in Ikeja for questioning,” the source noted.

Speaking with our correspondent in an exclusive interview, Friday night, the Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin revealed that the outcome of the police investigation would determine the decision to be taken on Sam Larry.

The police spokesman further noted that he could not reveal details of the controversial socialite’s statement to the police, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa will address the press about the development soon.

Hundeyin revealed, “Sam Larry is still with us. But I’m not talking about our plans yet because he’s still under investigation, hence the outcome of our investigation will determine the lifeline of our next move.

“I’m not disclosing the content of his statement yet; the Commissioner of Police will address the press over the development soon, and when the CP addresses the press, I’d be able to talk about our investigation so far.”

SP Benjamin Hundeyin, earlier Thursday, had revealed that Sam Larry was held in police custody, and was assisting with an ongoing investigation.

The police had earlier invited Sam Larry and singer, Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley for questioning over Mohbad’s demise.

The police, last week, also confirmed that pathologists have concluded the autopsy conducted on Mohbad, while the police await the result.

“Autopsy has been concluded. Awaiting results”, Hundeyin confirmed.

This development followed the exhumation of Mohbad by a combined team of the Nigeria Police Force and health officials.

The police had also arrested the nurse who reportedly injected the deceased singer prior to his demise on Tuesday, September 12.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Italian Bags 24 Years Jail Term For Beating Physically Challenged Nigerian To Death

Published

on

Filippo Ferlazzo, the Italian who beat Italy-based Nigerian man Alika Ogorchukwu to death in July 2022, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.

The 39-year-old Nigerian who was beaten to death in the Italian city of Civitanova Marche in the Marche Region in the Province of Macerata has finally received justice.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), made the announcement in a statement signed by NIDCOM spokesperson Gabriel Odu on Thursday.

Dabiri-Erewa who expressed satisfaction over the justice meted out to Ferlazzo commended the Nigerian Mission in Rome for following through with the case and other cases involving Nigerians.

“I am glad that this case finally got justice. Like I always say, there has to be consequences for actions”.

The NIDCOM boss also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain law-abiding, excel in what they do, and never forget home by giving back to their homeland.

She also exhorted Nigerians living abroad to uphold the law, be the best at what they do, and never forget their roots by supporting their home country.

According to the Italian police, Ogorchukwu was assaulted while strolling in broad daylight, after the Nigerian asked Ferlazzo’s fiancée to buy him a handkerchief.

With the use of Ogorchukwu’s crutches, the attacker battered the victim to death in front of multiple witnesses, some of whom made videos on their smartphones.

On July 30, 2022, Ferlazzo was detained and arrested on charges of having murdered Ogorchukwu and having stolen Ogorchukwu’s phone.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Lagos Government Implements Total Ban On Street Trading, Hawking To Improve Safety And Sanitation

Published

on

In a bid to create a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment, the Lagos State government, under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, has implemented a comprehensive ban on street trading, hawking, and related illegal activities.

This landmark decision aims to address the rising concerns over public safety, traffic congestion, and the preservation of vital infrastructure.

Led by the dynamic Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the state government has assigned the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (commonly known as KAI) with the responsibility of ensuring strict compliance with the newly enforced environmental sanitation laws.

One of the primary reasons driving this ban is the need to curb the nefarious activities of hawkers who have increasingly resorted to disguising themselves as vendors while preying on unsuspecting motorists. These incidents of theft and robbery have not only threatened the safety of commuters but have also contributed to the disruption of traffic flow on major highways and streets.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, with its T.H.E.M.E Plus Agenda, is exhibiting a zero-tolerance approach towards street trading, hawking, and other illicit practices. By intensifying efforts to enforce these regulations, the government aims to foster a more conducive and orderly business environment while addressing the concerns of the general public.

The ban extends to the construction of illegal structures on drainage systems, as they pose significant risks to the local water management infrastructure. Additionally, the prohibition encompasses the display of wares on walkways, a practice that not only obstructs pedestrian movement but also contributes to unsightly and cluttered public spaces.

Citizens and traders are urged to cooperate fully with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, adhering to the newly implemented regulations in order to promote a more organized and hygienic society. The government’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of its residents remains resolute, and these measures signify a significant step towards achieving that goal.

As the Lagos State government takes proactive steps towards creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable urban environment, the hope is that this ban will not only elevate the quality of life for all residents but also serve as a model for other regions to follow suit.

Continue Reading

Most Popular