Ex-COAS recommends new strategies to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges following years of violent attacks

Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has put forward a set of recommendations aimed at tackling the country’s ongoing security problems, years after his tenure saw widespread incidents of violence and instability. Buratai made the proposals on Monday in Abuja, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to end insecurity.

According to Buratai, addressing insecurity requires more than just military action. He emphasised that community engagement, intelligence gathering, and collaboration between security agencies must be strengthened if Nigeria is to achieve lasting peace. “Security is not only about boots on the ground; it involves cooperation among all stakeholders,” Buratai stated.

The call for new solutions comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist activities across several states. During Buratai’s time as army chief from July 2015 to January 2021, the country experienced persistent attacks in the North-East by Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as rising cases of armed banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions. The situation remains dire in many communities despite changes in military leadership.

Buratai advised that government should invest more in technology-driven security operations and prioritise youth empowerment programmes to tackle the root causes of unrest. He also urged for regular training and better welfare packages for security personnel to improve morale and operational effectiveness.

While some critics have questioned the effectiveness of military-led approaches under previous administrations, Buratai maintained that multi-sectoral collaboration is key. “We must involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups if we want real progress,” he said. There was no immediate response from government officials regarding his recommendations.

Security experts say that implementing such reforms could help restore stability in affected regions. However, many Nigerians remain sceptical about whether these proposals will translate into real action on ground.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887900-buratai-nigerias-former-army-chief-under-whom-insecurity-persisted-proposes-solutions.html

Comfort Life Mission founder in Lagos recounts early struggles, calls for empathy as ministry faces mounting criticism

Prophet Odekunle Epaphras, founder and General Overseer of Comfort Life Mission International, has appealed to his critics not to judge him without understanding the challenges he faced on his path to success. Speaking in Lagos on Saturday during an interview with journalists, Odekunle addressed recent criticisms from some religious leaders and members of the public regarding his ministry’s rapid growth.

Odekunle, who leads the Lagos-based church, said his achievements are a result of years of perseverance, spiritual training, and mentorship under different Christian leaders. He recounted that he gave his life to Christ at age 13 and actively participated in church activities, including prayer teams and fasting programmes. According to him, these formative experiences shaped his commitment to ministry.

The cleric explained that his journey was marked by periods of financial hardship and extended waiting for what he described as God’s appointed time. He noted that before establishing Comfort Life Mission International, he served under several prominent ministers and completed Bible school to strengthen his spiritual foundation. “People see where I am today but they do not know what I passed through,” Odekunle said during the media interaction.

Odekunle’s comments come as some religious leaders have questioned his methods and the rapid expansion of his congregation. The founder maintained that criticism is not new in ministry but urged the public to show understanding and avoid rushing to conclusions without knowledge of a person’s background. He emphasised that every success story is built on years of unseen sacrifices and divine guidance.

The Comfort Life Mission International overseer reaffirmed his commitment to serve faithfully despite opposition. He encouraged young believers facing similar trials not to be discouraged by negative voices but to remain steadfast in their faith journey. As reactions continue from different quarters, stakeholders in Lagos’ Christian community say they expect further dialogue among church leaders over standards for ministry growth.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/dont-judge-me-without-knowing-my-story-prophet-odekunle-tells-critics/

LSETF says over 20,000 small businesses received funding as agency marks decade of job creation in South-West state

Lagos State Government has announced the disbursement of more than ₦15 billion to over 20,000 small and medium-scale businesses across the state through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), leading to the creation of more than 320,000 direct and indirect jobs within the last ten years. The disclosure was made on Monday in Ikeja by the Executive Secretary of LSETF, Feyisayo Alayande, during a media parley where she presented the agency’s ten-year impact report.

Alayande stated that LSETF, established in 2016 to tackle unemployment and foster entrepreneurship in Lagos, has become a vital instrument for economic empowerment. She highlighted that access to finance, skills development initiatives, market opportunities and technology support provided by the fund have enabled thousands of residents and enterprises to thrive despite Nigeria’s challenging business environment.

According to Alayande, LSETF interventions have also helped safeguard more than 173,000 jobs that were at risk of being lost due to economic headwinds. Over 82,000 small businesses have benefited from capacity-building programmes organised by the fund during its decade of operation. She said: “Our focus remains on empowering Lagosians with resources and knowledge needed for sustainable livelihoods.”

She explained that since inception, LSETF has focused on inclusive growth by targeting young people and women-owned enterprises among its beneficiaries. The agency’s support covers various sectors including trading, manufacturing, hospitality and creative industries. Alayande noted that partnerships with local and international development partners have strengthened the fund’s impact across Lagos’ five administrative divisions.

While presenting the impact report, Alayande affirmed that LSETF would continue scaling up interventions in job creation and enterprise support as Lagos State aims to further reduce unemployment rates in South-West Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding the agency’s reported achievements.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/lagos-creates-320000-jobs-backs-20000-businesses-with-%e2%82%a615b/